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

Chapter 145 A lone man and woman having dinner together, what is Hozuki Shingetsu planning to do?

Let me make one thing clear again: it is impossible for us to send troops.

Even before the war broke out, Hozuki Shingetsu had already assigned a mission to the village.

The Second Shinobi World War provided Kirigakure with an excellent opportunity to recuperate and rebuild.

During this period, the other four countries, due to their own national development, geographical location, past conflicts, and Hozuki Shingetsu's plans, all ignored Kirigakure, which was located overseas, and fought a terrible battle on the battlefield in the Land of Rain.

Why would Hozuki Shingetsu not seize such a golden opportunity? Is he out of his mind to get involved in that meat grinder?

Hozuki Shingetsu believes that unless Konoha offers him all the Scrolls of Seals to choose from, or marries off members of the Uchiha or Hyuga clans, he will not even consider this matter.

Although Kirigakure's strength has recovered to some extent after three years of recuperation, it is only because other forces are exhausted that it is being paid special attention by others.

In essence, Kirigakure's ranking in terms of strength is still not high.

According to Hozuki Shingetsu's estimate, Kirigakure would need another five or six years before it could be considered a respectable village.

That's why the Third Shinobi World War was chosen by Hozuki Shingetsu as the battlefield to showcase the spirit of Kirigakure.

But as the saying goes, "pluck a feather from a passing goose," and since Konoha has come all this way to deliver itself to their doorstep, it would be a waste of Hozuki Shingetsu's resources not to take a bite.

Therefore, considering Hozuki Shingetsu's previous plans, all his actions just now had one purpose—to leave them hanging.

When they've been left out in the cold until they're desperate and ready to leave, Hozuki Shingetsu will step in and gently pull them out of the cold.

Based on Lu Xun's broken window theory, as long as Hozuki Shingetsu's conditions aren't too unreasonable, these messengers will generally agree.

Of course, this "rescue" definitely doesn't refer to Kirigakure sending troops to participate in the war.

Based on Kirigakure's core support policy of "providing all support except assistance," Hozuki Shingetsu is naturally preparing to convene a peace truce meeting across the ninja world!

After two years of continuous promotion, Hozuki Shingetsu's yearning for peace and his aversion to war are widely known.

If Konoha were to pay a small price, the "peace-loving" Lord Hozuki Shingetsu would naturally be very "proactive" in convening a peace truce meeting to relieve Konoha's urgent crisis.

In any case, Konoha's core need is to end this war, so it doesn't really matter whether Kirigakure resolves the issue peacefully or by sending troops.

Of course, since no troops were deployed, Hozuki Shingetsu would be able to ask for fewer things, but it wouldn't make much difference.

The peace truce talks were originally planned by Hozuki Shingetsu two years ago as a crucial part of luring Black Zetsu to his aid.

In other words, the tournament will be held regardless of whether Konoha comes or not. Being able to exploit this information gap to extort something from Konoha is a win in itself; it's just a matter of how much.

"It's a pity though... If I were to take advantage of this information gap and ask to share a bed with Tsunade for one night, she probably wouldn't refuse at this stage."

Hozuki Shingetsu recalled the overwhelming impact of Tsunade's attack and felt a surge of emotion.

After all, he was a fan of Tsunade in his previous life and poured countless hours of energy into writing about her in doujinshi. Now that he finally had this opportunity, it would be a shame not to give it a try.

Tsunade is currently going through the loss of her younger brother and boyfriend, and has also lost her love for Konoha due to a series of actions by the village. She is in a state of utter despair.

She came to Kirigakure simply because she couldn't bear to see the legacy her grandfather had worked so hard to build destroyed.

Therefore, if Hozuki Shingetsu were to use the excuse of helping her to make a face-to-face conversation at this point, there would likely be a high probability of success.

"But at this stage, it's far from the time to act recklessly! The most important thing is to take this opportunity to get some meat from Konoha."

If Kirigakure were currently the strongest ninja village, Hozuki Shingetsu would definitely reward his brother Kun without hesitation.

However, at this stage, it would be too wasteful to give up improving the village's strength just for a single shot.

"The story of Boss Cao ruining three scholars with a single cannon shot is not to be taken lightly!"

Hozuki Shingetsu forcibly suppresses his true nature and struggles against his sperm.

"I've sacrificed so much for the village!"

After a long while, he looked up at the sky and sighed in front of everyone present.

-

"So? Has the Uzumaki clan given any indication?"

In the embassy district, seeing Tsunade return from the outside world, Nara Shikahan asked hopefully.

However, this hope soon faded away amidst Tsunade's silence.

"They still have the same attitude as before, repeatedly bringing up my grandmother's attitude when Uzumaki Village suffered its misfortune. In fact, because I've been visiting so frequently these past few days, the Uzumaki clan simply refused to see me today."

Tsunade slumped in her chair. She had lost more face in the past few days than she had in the previous twenty years, but what disappointed her even more was that, even so, she still couldn't persuade Hozuki Shingetsu and the Uzumaki clan to support Konoha.

"Could it be that my grandfather's last wish is about to end in my hands?"

Tsunade held the emerald green pendant around her neck, a sense of bewilderment creeping into her heart.

Seeing this, Nara Shika was also at a loss.

Ultimately, strategy is about using minimal effort to achieve maximum results, but no matter what, you need to have the strength to achieve maximum results yourself!

The key issue now is that they don't even have that much strength, so how can they talk about anything else?

Nara Shika still can't understand why Hozuki Shingetsu didn't even give him a chance to bargain before kicking them out.

Doesn't he have even the slightest worry in his heart?

His previous words weren't all nonsense!

At least regarding market share, that is indeed a flaw, and even someone as clever as Hozuki Shingetsu should be able to see it!

"In that case, let's return to Konoha tomorrow!"

Left with no other choice, Nara Shikakan had to make this decision.

Since Kirigakure has no intention of providing support, it would be best to return as soon as possible and make plans accordingly.

But just then, a knock sounded at the door, and a Konoha ninja who was with them entered a moment later, holding a letter:

"The invitation from Kirigakure is for Lady Tsunade."

"An invitation?"

Tsunade took the invitation from the ninja with a puzzled look, opened it, and began to read it carefully.

"how?"

Seeing this, Nara Shikahan felt a sudden surge of hope.

"They've invited me to dinner at the Water Shadow Residence tonight..."

Tsunade looked at the invitation letter, completely bewildered, not understanding what Hozuki Shingetsu was up to.

"Since they've extended an invitation, they must have some ulterior motive. Lady Tsunade, the success of our trip depends entirely on your actions tonight!"

Nara Shikahan had a vague idea in his mind: what could possibly happen between a man and a woman having dinner alone, especially at someone's home?

Moreover, everyone present at the time knew exactly where Hozuki Shingetsu's eyes were looking.

However, for the sake of the village's greater good, he pretended not to know and earnestly begged Tsunade for help.

Upon hearing this, Tsunade's face showed a hint of surprise and anger, clearly indicating that she had also realized something. However, ultimately, she had to do what was best for the village, and aside from tightening her grip on the invitation, she remained silent.

-

That night, at 7:30, at the Water Shadow Mansion.

The mansion where Ren originally lived was demolished and rebuilt by Hozuki Zangetsu after Ren's defeat and death.

Half a year ago, after Hozuki Shingetsu actually took over Kirigakure, he moved here from the Hozuki clan's territory. Of course, as his personal secretary, Yukinagi also moved here with him to make it easier to take care of Hozuki Shingetsu.

Tsunade stood outside the door, looking at the brightly lit Mizukage residence in front of her, like a giant beast baring its fangs and claws, waiting for her to walk into its trap.

She hesitated at the door for a long time before stepping through the gate with a sigh.

"I have no choice but to do this for the sake of the village. Please forgive me..."

(End of this chapter)