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

Chapter 14 Water Reflections and "Spots"

In Kirigakure, the village where this controversy originated, a considerable number of people were watching with indifference as Hozuki Shingetsu took office as the new Foreign Affairs Officer for the first time.

As the "timely rain" of Kirigakure, the Hozuki clan's genius, known as the "second generation of Hozuki Gengetsu," set such high expectations that not everyone believed he would succeed.

After all, being strong and being smart are two different things.

Yes, I'd like to specifically name the Third and Fourth Raikage, as well as the future Seventh Hokage.

In their eyes, Hozuki Shingetsu is outstanding in strength and has extraordinary talent, which they acknowledge, but that doesn't stop them from watching you suffer in these kinds of chores.

Seeing him rising from a tall building, seeing his banquet guests, seeing his building collapsed.

There is no shortage of people in this world who remain silent from beginning to end, coldly hoping for your misfortune.

That's why so many people were shocked when news of Hozuki Shingetsu's victory came back.

Yes, I'd like to specifically mention the third generation Mizukage Ren here.

He didn't remain silent; in fact, he was even trying to make radical statements.

"This bunch of useless trash in the ninja world! Hiruzen Sarutobi even calls himself the restorer of Konoha, can't he see through the schemes of such a mere child? And that Onoki, what two scales, what an old fox, he's just going along with the nonsense! Does he really want the ninja world to descend into chaos? Doesn't he know that peaceful development is the only true path?"

At the Mizukage's residence, the contemporary Mizukage, Ren, smashed a vase on the ground, pointed at the shards, and, mistaking him for Onoki, launched into a passionate outburst.

As for Ren, he was actually prepared for Hozuki Shingetsu to succeed.

After all, the Hozuki clan has spent so many resources promoting Hozuki Shingetsu, and Hozuki Shingetsu has even made boastful promises. So, regardless of the purpose or the feasibility of Hozuki Shingetsu's suggestions, Hozuki Shingetsu's measures will definitely achieve some results.

However, in his view, when it comes to Konoha Village, and especially the entire ninja world, even if the Hozuki clan uses its resources, it can only cause one or two local disturbances.

If that's all there is to it, then it probably won't be enough to convince this "fair" Mizukage.

He'll make sure that young man, Hozuki Shingetsu, understands what it means to say, "Even the referee is one of my men, so what right do you have to fight me?"

But to everyone's surprise, Hozuki Shingetsu's measures would achieve such an effect.

Under his instigation, only three months later, the Ninja World Continent was in complete chaos, with all sorts of rumors flying everywhere, and small countries living in fear, afraid that one day they would suddenly be "protected".

If Ren hadn't known the inside story, he probably would have thought that the Second Shinobi World War was about to begin.

If this trend continues, in two more months, when May ends, will the Ninja World Continent be able to hold its feast?

To be honest, is this situation good or bad for Kirigakure?

it is good!

Absolutely fantastic!

Why did the Second Mizukage of Kirigakure implement the Secrecy Law? To put it nicely, it was to prevent the village's confidential information from being stolen, but in reality, wasn't it just because they couldn't defeat the enemy, so they strengthened internal management and monitored contact with outsiders?

Mou Xian: I'm familiar with this.

With the ninja world in complete chaos, Kirigakure, which has been living peacefully overseas, may be the biggest winner.

After all, given this trend, the Second Shinobi World War might not be long before it begins, and Kirigakure, which is unlikely to participate, might be able to recuperate and recover its strength.

The premise is that the third-generation Mizukage Ren does not implement the "Blood Mist Policy".

Of course, there is also the possibility that they missed the best period for expansion and could only watch helplessly as a certain ninja village swallowed up powerful forces, eventually sharpening its knives to slaughter the weak.

However, this was not the result Lian wanted.

He hoped that Hozuki Shingetsu's "continental balance policy" would be successful, but not too successful.

I never expected that after the power of public opinion was handed over to him, he would actually be able to create something amazing!

"Which bastard was in charge of publicity before? Bring him back with his head right now!"

"...Lord Mizukage, no one has been in charge of this area before, or rather, miscellaneous matters like public opinion propaganda were grouped with other random things and categorized under the Ministry of the Interior..." the advisor beside him answered cautiously.

The advisors of Kirigakure are different from those of other ninja villages.

In Konoha, there are elders such as Danzo Shimura, Koharu Utatane, and Homura Mitokado, but on the surface, Kirigakure only has one advisor, namely Genji.

Apart from Master Yuan, Kirigakure has no other advisors.

Therefore, the "advisor" currently in the Mizukage's household is actually equivalent to the advisor of a county magistrate in the Ming and Qing dynasties, or the cabinet of a modern prime minister. He is entirely the Mizukage's own private advisor.

"Lord Mizukage, what should we do now?"

Ren was also a bit of a headache. Judging from the current situation, Hozuki Shingetsu had already gained the upper hand, and it would be really difficult to deal with him using ordinary tricks.

However, he soon thought of something and turned to ask the advisor beside him.

"Has the Daimyo already issued the budget for next year's military spending?"

"Yes, compared to previous years, it has decreased by... one-fifth."

"One-fifth..." Ren was also a little pained. One-fifth seemed like a small amount, but without this part, Kirigakure would undoubtedly have a hard time next year.

"Since the total military spending has been reduced, the budgets for each department next year need to be reallocated! We must spend the money wisely. I think the budgets for departments that are not very effective or will not benefit the village much in the short term should be reduced. What do you think?"

"Besides the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we can't cut the others either..."

"What are you muttering about?"

"I say the Mizukage is right!" The advisor shuddered, immediately perking up and beginning to play his role.

"I thought that departments like the Foreign Affairs Department didn't play a very important role for Kirigakure at the moment, so I felt we should start with those departments. And thankfully, the Minister of Foreign Affairs is a 'timely rain' for Kirigakure; surely he'll understand us and consider the bigger picture?"

Lian smiled with satisfaction, but he quickly seemed to realize something and immediately suppressed his smile, instructing the advisor to leave immediately.

"This Ghost Lantern Crescent Moon... it's really interesting! It reminds me of an old friend."

After the advisor left, an aged voice rang out. At that moment, a figure emerged from the shadows, his entire face covered by a mask, except for a scarlet glint in his right eye, and his body hidden beneath a wide black robe.

The smell of this sewer is just like that of Tobirama Senju, that treacherous scoundrel!

"Heh, it wasn't Hashirama Senju who killed you, was it, Madara?"

The Third Mizukage, Ren, scoffed, his tone showing little respect for this "Ninja World Asura."

"Young man, I merely offered you an opportunity to cooperate. What makes you think you have the right to speak to me on equal footing?"

The man in black robes stopped and stared at Lian for a while. Then, as he spoke, a strange light emanated from his single, scarlet eye. Upon seeing this, Lian's expression immediately changed, and she formed a hand seal to prepare for defense.

However, it is clear that even this fake "Uchiha Madara" is no match for Ren.

A short while later, accompanied by a loud rumble, the courtyard of the Water Shadow Mansion was successfully reduced to ruins.

"Lord Mizukage, are you alright?"

The Mizukage's close operatives appeared immediately upon hearing the sound, keeping watch on the surroundings and guarding against any potential enemies.

"I'm fine, everyone disperse!"

Upon hearing the voice of the Water Shadow, the Anbu did not take any action until Ren's figure emerged from the smoke. Only after they confirmed with their own eyes that it was Ren herself did they bow and retreat.

Ren herself wasn't seriously injured, only her clothes were tattered. However, compared to Madara, who was completely unharmed, it was clear that the Mizukage had been at a disadvantage in the conflict.

"Remember, don't forget who helped you get rid of Hozuki Gengetsu. And you personally handed over the stone tablet that could cure the Kaguya clan's blood disease."

A sinister voice rang out, and "Ban" said meaningfully, "I think you should know what the consequences will be after these secrets are exposed. So, remember your identity and don't try to test anything. Even though I'm half-dead now, I can still easily deal with you."

"Work with me honestly, I believe you're a smart man... Don't let me down."

Lian stood motionless, her face ashen, as if she hadn't heard a thing.

Seeing this, "Ban" didn't care at all and disappeared into the darkness.

After all, he is the head of a village, so we should save face for each other and not push him too far.

However, the conversation continued in the darkness.

"Did I imitate you well, Lord Madara? Especially that line just now, 'What right do you have to speak to me as an equal?' Doesn't it have a bit of your flavor?"

"Idiot! I'm not as stupid as you! I don't talk nonsense before I take action!"

Madara Uchiha, whose true form resides underground in the Land of Grass and whose life is sustained entirely by the chakra of the Divine Tree, could not possibly appear in Kirigakure.

What appeared here was merely a strange White Zetsu individual called "Whirlpool White Zetsu." Madara Uchiha was simply using the connection between the White Zetsu and the God Tree, relying on the God Tree's chakra to remotely possess it.

"Lord Madara, should we still go and meet Hozuki Shingetsu? After all, in a sense, his actions have been a great help to us."

"Hozuki Shingetsu? Just a lucky kid. Even Hozuki Gengetsu back then wasn't qualified for me to meet, let alone him? Ignore him! Let's talk about him when he's qualified to become the Mizukage!"

"For now, we'll stick to the original plan: thoroughly muddy the waters of Kirigakure, escalate the conflict there, and secure a stable rear base for my unknown pawn in the future!"

"Yes, Lord Madara!"

"But Lord Madara, if I do a good job, could you grant me a request?"

"……explain."

"You're controlling my body, how about you take a dump? I really want to experience what it feels like to poop!"

"……roll!"

(End of this chapter)