It was already late autumn, but in the coastal areas, while there was a slight chill in the air, the overall climate remained relatively warm.
In the sky, a few seagulls could occasionally be seen soaring, and eagles leaped across the horizon.
Along the eastern coast of the Land of Fire, the creaking of small boats could often be heard, and occasionally, the rumbling of larger ships docking.
At the harbor, a noisy commotion broke out.
"What do you mean, all the ships to Kirigakure are gone?"
"Not gone, but Kirigakure is currently under strict lockdown. Ships transporting supplies can't get in. If you're not in a hurry, you can wait until the lockdown is lifted."
"But we're in a hurry now."
Jiraiya was visibly anxious, his urgency practically oozing from his expression.
He and Kakashi had been traveling at full speed, managing to reach the border of the Land of Fire from Konoha in just two days. However, even with that, time was still tight.
They had to reach Kirigakure within three days, communicate with the Fourth Mizukage, request Kirigakure's assistance, and then send the results back to Konoha via messenger hawk.
Tsunade's request was for Kirigakure to hold off Kumogakure's forces, while Konoha would face Sunagakure and Iwagakure alone. Although the pressure would still be immense, it would significantly slow down the advance of Sunagakure and Iwagakure, dragging the war into a prolonged conflict.
Once the war became a prolonged one, Konoha's years of accumulated resources and preparation would allow them to outlast Sunagakure and Iwagakure, who would eventually be unable to sustain the war's toll.
This was the foundation of the strongest Ninja Village in the world. With the most favorable climate, the most fertile land, and the richest concentration of Ninja Clans, even if half of Konoha were destroyed, it would still surpass Sunagakure and Iwagakure.
"Is there really no way? We can pay more, any amount."
Jiraiya was truly desperate now. If there was no other option, he and Kakashi would have to run across the ocean.
However, doing so came with significant risks. The vast ocean offered no landmarks, and without precise navigation, they could easily get lost.
Additionally, there were numerous potential dangers on the open sea, like large, fast, and highly aggressive or venomous sea creatures. In such a situation, they would inevitably need to use Chakra, and running out of Chakra in the middle of the ocean would be disastrous.
Moreover, the unpredictability of the sea, such as sudden weather changes and rough waves, could also pose serious threats to them.
Even after hearing Jiraiya's offer to pay more, the man shook his head. "It's not about the money. Some ships tried to go to Kirigakure for extra pay, but they were sunk by Ninjutsu before they could even get close. Compared to money, life is more important, old man."
"Damn it, is there really no way?"
Hearing this, Jiraiya grew even more anxious. His moral standards wouldn't allow him to kill someone and steal their ship.
'It seems we would have to run.
"Kakashi, get ready, we..."
"You two seem in quite a hurry to get to Kirigakure. What's your purpose?"
"Jiraiya of the Sannin, and Hatake Kakashi, son of the White Fang!"
A low, sultry female voice rang out from behind Jiraiya and Kakashi.
The two turned around, and Jiraiya's anxious eyes lit up slightly as he quickly scanned the group behind them.
The one who had spoken was a voluptuous woman wearing a blue strapless dress with a white belt around her waist. She had long, wavy auburn hair and emerald green eyes. Her striking figure was perhaps only surpassed by Tsunade among the women Jiraiya had met.
Behind her were two men. One had blue hair, a single eye, and a stern, rigid expression. The other also had blue hair but wore black-framed glasses and had a shy demeanor.
Jiraiya's momentary distraction didn't last long. He quickly regained his composure when he noticed the Kirigakure forehead protectors they wore and the strange weapon strapped to the blue-haired young man's back… the Twinsword, Hiramekarei.
He also recognized the one-eyed man. Konoha had once issued a bounty for him because the eye he covered was the only Byakugan the Hyuga Clan had lost on the battlefield.
'A member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen and a long-renowned Kirigakure Ninja, both following this woman.'
Jiraiya's eyes narrowed, and his usual jovial demeanor disappeared, replaced by a serious expression. "We are here under the orders of the Godaime Hokage to discuss a potential alliance with Kirigakure."
"An alliance?"
Terumi Mei, Ao, and Chojuro were all startled. After a moment of thought, they understood Konoha's intentions.
Although Kirigakure had been isolated for years, they still had ways of gathering intelligence. They were well aware of Konoha's current predicament. Konoha was struggling and now seeking allies.
Mei's lips curled into a seductive smile as she spoke in a sultry voice.
"How can you be so sure Kirigakure will agree to an alliance with Konoha? During the Third Ninja World War, Konoha caused us great suffering."
Jiraiya wasn't swayed by Mei's alluring demeanor. While he was a known womanizer, he knew when to prioritize.
"War doesn't have a single victim. In war, everyone suffers. Both Konoha and Kirigakure have endured great pain. To prevent such suffering from happening again, Konoha wishes to cooperate with Kirigakure."
"Similarly, Konoha will offer Kirigakure sufficient sincerity."
Jiraiya's attitude was earnest. A member of the Sannin, showing such respect to someone like Mei, who had little reputation in the Ninja World, made her lose any desire to toy with him.
More importantly, Konoha's plea for help was also an opportunity for Kirigakure. Whether they accepted Konoha's offer of cooperation or joined the other three great villages in attacking Konoha, both options were highly beneficial for the village.
As for the final outcome, it would depend on whether Konoha's sincerity could move Kirigakure.
"In that case, why don't the two of you board our ship and accompany us to Kirigakure?"
Mei extended the invitation to the two. The expressions of the two behind her shifted slightly, but they said nothing.
Although Jiraiya was one of the Sannin and incredibly powerful, Mei, despite her lack of fame, was no weakling.
Even if these two harbored ill intentions, the three of them had no reason to be afraid.
"In that case, thank you very much, beautiful lady."
Jiraiya's expression relaxed somewhat, and he continued to ask: "I haven't asked for your name yet?"
"Terumi Mei!"