My Techniques are a bit off

Afternoon, Konohagakure, Ninja Apartment.

"Are you moving out?" Temari asked, looking surprised at Link standing in the doorway of his nearly empty apartment.

"Do you need something?" Link asked, turning his head. He had already sold the apartment. Being the youngest and most talented special jonin of Konoha, selling the place was surprisingly easy. After listing it, it took barely over a week to sell it for 20% above market price.

He hadn't realized before how competitive Konoha's real estate market was. The process of selling and renting a new place had taught him one thing: living in Konoha wasn't easy.

"By the way, the negotiations ended yesterday, right? Why are you still in our village?" he asked, suddenly recalling this detail and tilting his head in curiosity.

The peace talks between Sunagakure and Konoha had been relatively straightforward. Sunagakure had lost nearly everything, so whatever Konoha demanded, they had no choice but to agree. With all their top brass, including the Kazekage, captured, they had no leverage.

The negotiations dragged on for over a week mainly due to internal disputes within Konoha about the terms of the new alliance.

To Link's surprise, many of the jonin—especially those with more militant views—demanded that Konoha exploit the situation to its full extent. Meetings turned into chaotic debates in the Hokage's office. Even the two elder advisors had clashing opinions. Koharu Utatane firmly opposed any measures to support Sunagakure or delay reparations, arguing it would make Konoha look weak. Meanwhile, Homura Mitokado agreed with delaying reparations but wanted the Kazekage to stay in the Land of Fire to help develop gold mines.

That's when Link learned the Kazekage's "disappearance" was due to him being forced into hard labor.

Danzo, on the other hand, proposed an extreme plan: execute the prisoners, invade the Land of Wind, and annex the Land of Rivers while Sunagakure was vulnerable.

The Land of Rivers had always been a buffer between the two great nations. With Sunagakure's military power effectively decimated, it seemed ripe for the taking. However, this move could trigger war with nearby nations like the Land of Rain and the Land of Grass.

The Third Hokage firmly opposed this idea, but the debates dragged on endlessly until the Land of Fire intervened, demanding the immediate release of the Kazekage.

The negotiations wrapped up quickly after that, signaling the daimyo's support for the Third Hokage's more moderate approach. By yesterday afternoon, the Land of Wind delegation, along with the Kazekage, had already left Konoha.

So why was Temari, the Kazekage's daughter, still here?

"According to the new treaty," Temari said, folding her arms, "Kankuro, Gaara, and I are to remain in Konoha."

A concession of the jinchūriki, huh?

Link quickly understood the treaty's implications.

"And then?" he asked.

Keeping enemy jinchūriki in Konoha was a condition Danzo and the two advisors had strongly advocated for. The Third Hokage had reluctantly agreed, knowing it was a logical precaution—especially given Konoha's own jinchūriki was free to wander.

The downside, of course, was that this would likely attract the Akatsuki.

"You still haven't answered my question," Temari said, recalling her conversation with Baki-sensei.

…

"The decline of our village is inevitable. A new era is on the horizon—whether it's one of war or peace, we'll likely become subordinates to Konoha."

"Don't be saddened. Our harsh environment ensures no one will ever truly conquer us."

"Temari, that boy's abilities are of strategic importance. With his talent, he may even become a Hokage someday."

"You must try to influence him. At the very least, ensure he remains friendly to our village like the Third Hokage."

…

"Yes, I'm moving," Link said, placing the spare key inside the apartment before closing the door. Moving had been ridiculously easy for him—he'd simply waited for a dark night, then sent out all 113 of his shadow clones to pack and transport everything to his new place in one trip.

"Congratulations," Temari said with a bright smile, her hands behind her back.

"Thanks." Link turned and started walking away. His new place was already set up by his clones, and he couldn't wait to test out the new training room. He had no time for small talk.

"Hey!" Temari called out, hurrying to catch up. "As a gift, how about I treat you to dinner?"

"I already have plans," Link replied, speeding up and vanishing with a body flicker technique.

"Hmph."

Temari stomped her foot, annoyed, but then smiled mischievously.

…

Evening, Yakiniku Q.

"Congrats, boss!"

"Congrats!"

Iris and Ami cheered, raising their drinks, while Sasuke smiled and Sakura nodded in agreement.

Link clinked glasses with them and took a sip, casting a wary glance at the table where Shikamaru and the others sat.

Typically, after moving, you'd invite friends over for a meal. However, since he had too many acquaintances, he decided to host the celebration at Yakiniku Q. He had braced himself for the expense, given that the sale of his old apartment had left him with a good chunk of savings.

But he hadn't accounted for Chōji. Or the fact that his fellow jonin weren't holding back at all.

Kurenai Yuhi was already on her third bottle of sake.

Despite her refined demeanor, her favorite drinks turned out to be sake and vodka. The prices at Yakiniku Q's bar weren't cheap, and Link could practically hear his wallet screaming.

Catching him looking her way, Kurenai smiled warmly, her cheeks flushed, and raised her glass for a toast before downing it in one go.

"Building connections requires sacrifices," Link told himself, resigned to the expense.

"Maybe I should be nicer to Temari next time. She's probably a rich girl anyway."

~~~

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