The group traveled at a steady pace and arrived at Iwagakure Village four days later.
Upon their arrival, representatives from Iwagakure Village invited them to the Tsuchikage's office building.
This was Yan's first time visiting Iwagakure Village, and its unique architecture immediately caught his attention.
Among the Five Great Ninja Villages, differences in environment had led to distinct customs and architectural styles, and Iwagakure Village was no exception.
The buildings stood tall, resembling the spires of Western castles from his previous life.
By the time of *Boruto*, Iwagakure Village's architecture had become almost unbearable to look at.
They had used powerful Earth Release techniques to fuse all the village's buildings together, then covered them with even more Earth Release.
From a distance, the entire village looked like one giant, dirt-colored mushroom.
By that time, Konohagakure, Kumogakure Village, and even the relatively weaker Kirigakure Village had already started developing into modern cities.
But Iwagakure Village?
The more they developed, the stranger their village became.
As for Sunagakure Village…
Its unique geography meant there wasn't much room for change.
Even if they wanted to, they simply couldn't afford it.
They barely had enough money to train their ninja—who the hell had time to worry about how the buildings looked?
Living in a vast desert, constantly battered by sandstorms, even attempting renovations was a struggle.
"Your village has quite a unique style," Yan commented.
The Iwagakure representative leading them smiled and replied,
"If you're interested, Lord Yan, you're welcome to take a stroll around and enjoy the sights of our village."
"I'll pass. Let's go see the Tsuchikage first."
Iwagakure's buildings were interesting at first, but the novelty wore off quickly. Besides, compared to Konohagakure and Kumogakure Village…
Iwagakure wasn't nearly as prosperous.
To put it bluntly, there wasn't much worth exploring.
If Yan wanted to admire scenery, he could just go back to the Land of Fire or visit the Land of Thunder.
If he wanted to shop, only Konohagakure or Kumogakure Village would do.
Iwagakure fell far behind in those aspects.
There was no point in wandering around, especially since Oonoki was already waiting at the Tsuchikage's office.
Making him wait while they went sightseeing would be rude.
Just like the rest of the village, the Tsuchikage's office building was plain and unadorned.
Stone, stone, and more stone—it was hard to find any other material in its construction.
"Yan, it's been a long time."
The escorting guards remained outside the Tsuchikage's office, including Itachi and Shisui.
Yan met with Oonoki alone—he didn't need any guards with him.
"It has been a few years. I feel like… hmm."
Yan glanced at Oonoki, who looked even older and more frail than before.
He hesitated, then swallowed his words.
He was tempted to say, "It's been years, Oonoki, and somehow you've gotten even shorter."
But he figured that might make Oonoki lose his temper.
"The Tsuchikage is still as energetic as ever."
"Cough cough, I can't compare to you young folks. Have a seat."
After Yan sat down, the Tsuchikage's secretary brought over freshly brewed tea and then quietly left the office, closing the door behind them.
Taking a couple of sips, Oonoki carefully observed Yan's now-matured face and let out a silent sigh.
Konoha really is a breeding ground for geniuses, generation after generation. As for Iwagakure… it's just sad to even talk about.
Even now, Oonoki still couldn't find a suitable successor, which just went to show how rare talented ninjas were in Iwagakure.
"Yan, I originally didn't want to get involved in this mess, nor did I want to mediate. But the Daimyo of the Land of Grass kept lobbying at the Daimyo's residence, which eventually led to this meeting."
Oonoki started by making his stance clear.
Iwagakure had no interest in handling this kind of troublesome affair.
But the Land of Grass's Daimyo was relentless, and after convincing the Land of Earth's Daimyo to get involved, Oonoki had no choice but to step in as a mediator between Konoha and Kusagakure.
"I know. Otherwise, I wouldn't be here."
Yan replied nonchalantly.
"Iwagakure and Konoha are both among the Five Great Ninja Villages. As leaders among the villages, we shouldn't let things like this drag us down. So, there won't be a next time, right?"
"What do you mean?"
Are you threatening me?
Oonoki narrowed his eyes, and the atmosphere in the office grew tense. But Yan didn't bother to act polite either.
You say your hands are tied, but what about my position?
As one of the Five Great Ninja Villages, does Iwagakure really think it has the right to step in as a mediator?
Do you think you have the authority to tell Konoha how to handle its affairs?
"Exactly what it sounds like. To put it bluntly, if I didn't find these clowns annoying, Konoha wouldn't even bother dealing with them."
"If you think I'm threatening you, then yes, take it as a threat!!!"
What, do you want to fight first?
Do you think I'm the Third Hokage or something?
"Yan, you should know that we both represent our villages. Every word and action could stir up trouble or even lead to war. Some things shouldn't be said carelessly."
Oonoki tried to act indifferent, but his face had already darkened.
Because Yan wasn't giving him the slightest bit of respect. And this was just the start—who knew how the actual negotiations would go?
Judging from Yan's attitude and tone, he was clearly here to teach Kusagakure a lesson.
If Konoha wanted to punish Kusagakure, Oonoki had no objections.
But doing it on Iwagakure's turf? That was a slap in the face—to both him and his village.
"Think whatever you want."
Leaning back, Yan casually waved his hand, completely at ease.
"If I'm sitting here as Konoha's representative, then every word I say and every action I take represents all of Konoha!!!"
"Oonoki, times have changed."
Like hell I need you to remind me that times have changed!
Oonoki's face turned livid with anger. He could see it now—
Yan had come looking for trouble with Kusagakure and didn't mind making Iwagakure uncomfortable while he was at it.
Since Iwagakure Village agreed to be the mediator, what was originally just a small conflict between Konohagakure and Kusagakure Village has now escalated to a dispute between two major ninja villages.
"If you're unhappy about it, you can threaten me with war. Or you can try to keep me here.
Just like how you gathered ten thousand ninjas and dragged the Third Raikage to death."
If you want to fight, I'm all for it. If it's war, bring it on.
I, Uchiha Yan, am sitting right here!
Those words were harsh!
As for what happens next, that's for Oonoki to decide.
If you break the rules first, then take the loss and let it go.
If you want to keep pushing, then go ahead—who's afraid? Worst case, we just fight.
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