They're promoting the "Konoha threat" theory, and spouting nonsense about the Hidden

Chapter 128 A Second Blossom: A General History of the Ninja World & the Grand Ceremony of Reign Tai

"Hozuki Crescent possesses the piercing gaze of an eagle and the menacing look of a wolf, a heart seemingly loyal yet treacherous. He enjoys the Emperor's favor but colludes with those within the palace. He is called a naval official, but in reality a naval thief. He will surely bring disaster in the future! Please boil him alive to appease the world!"

Shui Dufu pounded his head on the ground, resounding as he enumerated the various crimes of Gui Deng Xin Yue.

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone present stopped what they were doing and looked at Kusaka Masato with schadenfreude.

As soon as Shui Dufu started playing his tune, everyone present knew what he was up to, since they had seen this kind of scene far too often at the castle tower.

However, this time is different from the past. The target is not only the ministers present, but also Kirigakure.

Or rather, the main target of Mizuto Fumi was actually Hozuki Shingetsu, the de facto ruler of Kirigakure and the "adopted son" of the daimyo, while Kusaka Masato was the one who was affected.

Despite Shui Du Fu's boastful claim that he would cook Hozuki Shingetsu alive, everyone present knew that killing him was practically impossible, given that he was the de facto ruler of Kirigakure.

Even if the daimyo had such intentions, it would be impossible for him to do so.

Despite being deeply influenced by hierarchical social structures, those present viewed ninjas as mere tools, disposable trash.

However, those present would at most use it and then discard it, and would not have the idea of ​​killing anyone.

There's no other reason than that, as early as when the "one country, one village" political system was established, Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha had tacitly set the tone for this political system.

The state designates the ninja village as the sole military and violent institution of the state, and provides it with military funding and material support.

In return, ninja villages protect national security and require the daimyo's approval in appointing their leaders, with the village leaders swearing allegiance to the daimyo.

This clearly shows that the relationship between the nation and the ninja village is more like that of equal strategic partners.

However, in practice, because the economic lifeline of this model is controlled by the state, the state's status is actually higher than that of the ninja village.

Even so, the daimyo would at most depose the leader of the ninja village, but would basically not kill them.

Because ninja villages are not entirely vassals of the state and have a certain degree of autonomy, deposing the leader is the limit that a daimyo can achieve.

Previously, when Sui Keita was furious about Hozuki Gengetsu's overstepping of authority, he didn't think of killing him or deposing him. Instead, he focused on manipulating military spending, which shows his true intentions.

Similarly, this is why he was so happy when Hozuki Shingetsu was so respectful to him—because Hozuki Shingetsu's actions at the time undoubtedly demoted him, placing him from a near-equal position to a far lower, subordinate position. This is also an important reason why Sui Keita believed his lies at the time.

Conversely, the happier Shui Jingtai was then, the angrier he was now—not to mention that for an emperor, especially a petty emperor who valued face above all else, such unauthorized actions coupled with collusion with outsiders would naturally trigger his sensitive nerves.

Just the feeling of being deceived is something that Shui Jingtai cannot tolerate.

Therefore, judging solely from Shui Du Fu's demands, it is impossible to cook Ghost Lantern Crescent Moon.

However, based on the broken windows theory, it is estimated that Sui Keita will immediately abolish Hozuki Shingetsu's status as his "adopted son" and then reject it when he actually inherits the position of Mizukage.

And this is also the true purpose of Shuidufu.

After everyone present sorted out this relationship, they couldn't help but marvel at how ruthless Shui Du Fu was at finding fault with people.

"Your Highness, please let me explain..."

Kusaka Masato, who had been full of confidence, was immediately made to break out in a cold sweat by Mizuto Tomioka's remarks, and immediately knelt down, ready to sever ties with Hozuki Shingetsu.

In his view, although Hozuki Shingetsu, as a ninja and the de facto ruler of Kirigakure, was of great help to his revenge plan, the key to this revenge plan ultimately still needed to be executed by him. If Hozuki Shingetsu was gone, he could find other ninjas, but if he were gone, there would truly be no hope of revenge.

"No need for explanations, I'll just ask you one question. Is everything that Tofu said about Hozuki Shingetsu's actions true?"

Shui Jingtai waved his hand, refusing to listen to him any further, and instead went straight to the crucial question.

For Shui Jingtai, were he concerned with those wealthy merchants and impoverished nobles?

To the daimyo who controls one of the five great nations, what are these people but worthless dregs?

He didn't even care whether Hozuki Shingetsu was colluding with Kusaka Masato from within or outside the government.

He believed that as long as Hozuki Shingetsu had even a sliver of reason, he wouldn't easily attack him.

This is also a tacit understanding among the five great daimyo. As early as the establishment of the "one village, one country" political system, they had made an oath to each other that if any daimyo was harmed by ninjas, the other four countries would attack him together.

After all, it would be unrealistic to say that they were not afraid at all when facing the world-destroying power of Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha. Therefore, the daimyo of the five great nations secretly made this oath.

What truly angered Sui Keita was Hozuki Shingetsu's actions, which undoubtedly made a fool of him, a name he could not accept.

"...This, I..."

Kusaka Masato looked at the daimyo, Mizu Keita, whose face was ashen and whose forehead was covered in a fine sweat. As his bedmate, he was all too familiar with Mizu Keita in this state; it was clearly a sign that he was furious to the extreme!

Shui Dufu watched this scene with satisfaction, everything was under his control!

Although we can't actually kill the guy who made him lose face this time, we can take this opportunity to get rid of Kusaka Masato, Hozuki Shingetsu's mole, and strip him of all the honors and titles he received from the daimyo. Once he becomes the daimyo, we'll have plenty of time to deal with this guy properly!

Ninja, what's that?

They're just tools; how can they possibly become the masters?

Wouldn't that be going against the natural order of things?

However, just as Mizuto Fumi was lost in his daydreams, Mizu Keita suddenly flew into a rage. Kusaka Masato stammered, unsure how to respond, and was about to stab Hozuki Shingetsu when suddenly a guard's voice came from outside the door reporting the news.

"Hozuki Shingetsu from Kirigakure requests an audience!"

?

!

Everyone present, including Mizuki Taira and Mizuki Hikaru Masato, stood up in surprise and listened to the announcement from the guards outside.

They never expected that at this crucial moment, Hozuki Shingetsu himself would actually show up at the scene!

"What did you say?"

Even Mizuki Keita found it hard to believe that the world could be so coincidental, with Hozuki Shingetsu appearing at this time.

"Okay! Let him in! Let him in!"

When Shui Dufu heard the report, he stood up excitedly and shouted before he could even wait for Shui Jingtai's promise.

For Mizuto Tomohisa, witnessing Hozuki Shingetsu being stripped of all his honors on the spot was truly great news.

"Let him in!"

Shui Jingtai glared fiercely at Shui Dufu, then signaled the guards to bring in Hozuki Shingetsu.

And so Hozuki Shingetsu entered.

Something's not right!

As soon as he entered, Hozuki Shingetsu sensed that something was wrong with the atmosphere in the hall.

This uneasy atmosphere was not only reflected in Mizuto Tomio's smug smile and the gloating smiles on the faces of the ministers present, but also in Mizu Keita's ashen face.

"Could it be that this old guy knew beforehand that I was here to ask for money? Otherwise, why would his face look so grim?"

Hozuki Shingetsu looked at Mizuki Keita's expression and pondered to himself.

That's right, the reason he's here at this time is very simple: he's here to solicit sponsorships for the world's number one series of events.

Despite the fact that Hozuki Shingetsu had managed to swindle a large sum of money from Sui Keita, Kirigakure was still able to come up with the money given its current economic situation.

However, as the saying goes, taking other people's money and using your own connections is the right way. The World's Number One Series of events will definitely improve more than just the reputation of Kirigakure.

After all, Kirigakure is the official violent institution of the Land of Water. If Kirigakure's reputation improves, it will surely help the Land of Water, right?

With a wallet as big as Mizuki Tai right there, why would he pay for this kind of event out of his own pocket?

However, to his surprise, Shui Jingtai, who used to always greet him with a smile, now showed him such a face.

Despite his doubts, Hozuki Shingetsu still respectfully bowed to Mizu Keita, following proper etiquette, amidst the mocking gazes of the crowd.

"Son Hozuki Shingetsu pays respects to his godfather!"

"How dare you, you traitor! How dare you address your father like that!"

Mizuto Tomioka immediately jumped out and fiercely criticized Hozuki Shingetsu. Not only him, but Mizuki Keita also had the same attitude.

"Ha, I dare not accept such a grand gesture from the future Mizukage!"

As he spoke, Mizuki Keita picked up the intelligence report in his hand and started hurling it at Hozuki Shingetsu.

Snapped!

The intelligence struck Hozuki Shingetsu and then scattered around.

Hozuki Shingetsu was not angry. Instead, he silently picked up the information and began to read it.

Swish!

The Jonin of the Yanagisawa clan appeared one after another, standing on either side of the Daimyo, clearly fearing that Hozuki Shingetsu might charge the royal carriage in a fit of rage.

In particular, the Jonin Yanagisawa, who had been used as a stepping stone by Hozuki Shingetsu before, was even more eager to try his luck in this situation, hoping to avenge the previous arrow wound.

"I see……"

It wasn't until he saw this intelligence report that Onizuki Shingetsu suddenly realized why Mizuki Keita had acted differently in the past, and why Kusaka Masato had ignored his gaze just now.

"Do you have anything to say? You're not saying all of this is fake, are you?"

Looking at Hozuki Shingetsu, who showed no sign of panic, Mizuki Keita couldn't help but shout angrily.

"Indeed, in my opinion, this information is false!"

Ok?

This is some juicy gossip!

These words shocked everyone present, and many ministers turned their gazes to Shui Dufu, trying to see how he would respond.

Although theoretically, Shui Dufu wouldn't be so foolish as to fabricate information to deceive people, there's always a chance!

What if they take advantage of the emperor's favor and act recklessly?

"What nonsense are you spouting!"

Shuidu Fu, standing to the side, clearly hadn't expected Hozuki Shingetsu to make such a foolish move. Whether this was true or not could be easily verified with a simple check, so his words were completely meaningless!

So after a moment of panic, Shui Dufu quickly recovered and even exclaimed with a hint of joy in his voice, "Alright! Then we'll have someone..."

Before he could finish speaking, Hozuki Shingetsu interrupted him, adding:

"...What I mean is that I attract far more people than just these. Next, professionals from all walks of life, including blacksmiths, samurai, doctors, and farmers, will come to the Land of Water and to Kirigakure. So, it's obviously wrong to write it this way."

?

Do you really think the Daimyo wouldn't dare kill you, that's why you're so arrogant?

"...Fine, fine, your wolfish ambitions have finally been revealed!"

Shui Dufu turned to Shui Jingtai and said, "Look, Father, this is the adopted son you've always thought was the most filial!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Sui Keita's face flushed red. Clearly, he also thought Hozuki Shingetsu was confident he wouldn't dare touch him, so he immediately stood up and roared angrily:

"Where are the guards? Seize this arrogant and disrespectful scoundrel!"

"Wait a minute!"

Just as the Jonin from Yanagisawa were about to move, they were interrupted by Hozuki Shingetsu's voice. Of course, as guards of the Daimyo, they would not be deterred by this voice. However, just as they were about to ignore it and move forward, they saw Hozuki Shingetsu raise his head, revealing his scarlet eyes.

Roar!

The demonic roar echoed in their ears, and under such immense pressure, they couldn't even draw the kunai from their ninja tool pouches.

"Why must you do this, Godfather? Let me explain."

"To be honest, everything I did was to enhance my godfather's reputation!"

After easily subduing the guards present, Hozuki Shingetsu spoke while taking out a book from behind his waist and gesturing for the attendants to give it to Mizuki Keita.

The attendants were clearly frightened by Hozuki Shingetsu's appearance just now, and they all took a step back in unison, hesitant to step forward.

"..."

Hozuki Shingetsu was clearly also at a loss for words, finding the scene both amusing and exasperating. He hadn't expected the Six-Tails' intimidating effect on ordinary people to be so pronounced. Just as the situation reached a stalemate, Kusaka Masato gritted his teeth and handed the book to Mizu Keita.

"Do you really think a book can wash away your sins?"

Shui Keita looked at Hozuki Shingetsu with disdain, forcibly supporting his body, and put on an expression that showed he was not intimidated by the previous display of power.

To be fair, as a monarch for decades, Shui Jingtai was at least impeccable in terms of proper demeanor.

He took the book from Kusaka Masato's hand without expression and began to read it.

"Hmm? This is...?"

Shui Jingtai had just gotten his hands on this book when he was immediately drawn to the large characters on the cover.

Above, three lines of large characters were boldly written in gilded script:

"The Grand Ceremony of Respect for the Ninja World: The History of the Ninja World - The Water Chapter".

I had a video conference all morning, then got a fever this afternoon, and now I have absolutely no energy. I spent three hours writing this chapter... I'm so exhausted after finishing this chapter, I need to go back to bed and sweat it out... I'll stick to 4K for the next few days, I need to rest and recover first.

(End of this chapter)