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

Chapter 33 Kaguya Makes Another Move

"Lord Mizukage, when can we begin our plan?"

In a secret room within the Kaguya clan's territory, the current clan head, Kaguya Yoshio, is discussing matters with the third Mizukage, Ren.

"It'll be here soon."

Ren comforted Kaguya Yoshio, signaling him not to get agitated.

"We've been preparing for over a decade; how much longer must we wait?"

"You were the one who handed that stone tablet to us, promising to help us obtain the flesh and blood of the remaining Bloodstained Ninja Clan. We kept our promise and helped you drive back the Hozuki Clan, and then waited for more than ten years. And now we have to wait again?"

Kaguya Yoshio was getting impatient. He had heard this sentence countless times, and now he desperately wanted an answer.

"Let's wait until next year! When the results of the military budget cuts come out next year, we can use them to damage Hozuki Shingetsu's prestige, and we can use the military budget cuts and the resulting discontent to launch a war against the village, thus weakening the Hozuki clan and the Yuki clan, among other ninja clans."

"When the time comes, your clan should restrain itself a bit. Don't rush forward headlong like before. Stay behind the other ninja clans. Those old ninja from the Warring States period are different from other ninjas; they can truly lead you to the Pure Land of Elysium!"

After much deliberation, Lian finally gave an affirmative answer.

"War? Wouldn't that mean your previous 'closed-door' policy was wasted?"

Kaguya Yoshio was taken aback, feeling both the joy of the impending launch of the plan and the doubt about Ren's actions. To cancel it in less than six months—wasn't that just contradicting himself?

"It's all because of that brat, Hozuki Shingetsu! For the past six months, he's been stirring up trouble in the ninja world, keeping Kirigakure constantly in the eye of the storm. What's the point of the village closing itself off like this?"

Ren was also clearly displeased. His initial intention in implementing the policy of isolation was simple: to prevent other ninja villages from learning of his next move. That's why he expanded the secrecy laws and implemented isolation. As long as they didn't pull off another major operation repeatedly, secretly completing the purge while the other four ninja villages were busy fighting during the Second Shinobi World War, no one would notice.

It can serve as a perfect rear base for Madara Uchiha.

But now, things are really messed up. With Hozuki Shingetsu's interference, the other four nations are all keeping a close eye on Kirigakure, making it impossible for him to secretly carry out his plan. And to make matters worse, he can't reveal his intentions; he even has to praise Hozuki Shingetsu for doing a good job. After all, the current ninja world situation is indeed more favorable to Kirigakure than ever before, with each nation both hostile to each other and tacitly suppressing Konoha.

As for the other countries, they only pay attention to Kirigakure in terms of intelligence, but in terms of strength... sorry, Kirigakure is not qualified.

If that's the case, then why bother implementing this thing?

Should we praise that kid?

Kaguya Yoshio had obviously thought of this as well, and a gloating smile appeared on his face.

"Speaking of that kid, it seems he rejected your proposed marriage?"

Upon hearing this, Kaguya Yoshio's smile vanished immediately.

Not long ago, Hozuki Zangetsu sent someone to tell him that Hozuki Shingetsu already had someone he loved and had no choice but to refuse Kaguya Yoshio's advances. Although the words were very polite, as his old rival, Hozuki Shingetsu's interpersonal relationships had long been thoroughly understood by the others.

What love interest? It's just an excuse to reject the Kaguya clan!

This was a huge disgrace for the Kaguya clan in Kirigakure. They were practically throwing blood at their doorstep, and it's easy to imagine what the other ninja clans would say behind their backs. Kaguya Yoshio was so enraged that he forgot the original purpose of the marriage alliance—to lull the enemy into a false sense of security—and was so desperate that he immediately wanted to lead his clan in a purge.

However, he quickly realized what was happening and forcibly suppressed his anger. But even after so many days, he still couldn't help but feel angry when someone brought it up to his face again.

However, according to the law of conservation of smiles, smiles do not disappear but only transfer, so at this moment, a gloating smile also appeared on Lian's face.

"Could it be that he looks down on you guys because you're all skin and bones?"

"So what? At least it's better than you trying to steal a chicken and losing the bait instead, right?"

The two looked at each other in silence.

"What has that kid been up to lately?" Kaguya Yoshio broke the silence. He couldn't swallow his anger no matter how much he thought about it, and he had to cause some trouble for Hozuki Shingetsu to get his revenge.

"He's probably busy preparing for his trip to the capital to meet the daimyo!" Ren recalled the intelligence presented by the ANBU. "Aside from that, he's been training. Lately, people have frequently seen him leaving the training grounds early and returning late. As for now... today is the day of the Snow Clan's leadership transition, that kid should be attending the ceremony at the Snow Clan right now!"

"Life seems pretty leisurely!"

Kaguya Yoshio narrowed his eyes. Although he knew that Hozuki Shingetsu's prestige would be greatly diminished in two months due to the military budget cuts, he was already impatient. He had to make this kid suffer right now!

He quickly remembered the scheme a guy had offered him last night and a malicious smile crept across his face.

"What do you think about sending him as an envoy to Konoha?"

"To be sent as an envoy to Konoha Village?"

Lian imagined the scene for a moment and immediately laughed.

If Hozuki Shingetsu were sent as an envoy to Konoha, wouldn't he be torn apart by everyone in Konoha?

Putting everything else aside, Hiruzen Sarutobi, Danzo Shimura, the Uchiha clan, and even Mito Uzumaki all wanted to tear him apart. Don't be fooled by the Uchiha clan's apparent gratitude towards him for following Shingetsu Hozuki's advice; they haven't forgotten who started this whole thing. And this "Thirty Years of Slavery"? Your family was the one who was enslaved for thirty years!

As for Mito Uzumaki, the old lady hasn't forgotten who spread rumors that she was a third party who interfered in the relationship between Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha.

So if Hozuki Shingetsu, the mastermind behind everything, really went to Konoha, he might really be gone.

Forget about the saying "enemies are not killed in times of war"; if they really wanted to kill someone, it would be incredibly easy. Furthermore, Konoha is certainly aware of the conflict between Ren and the Hozuki clan, and they're definitely not afraid of retaliation from either country afterward.

"But he definitely won't go, right?"

If they could figure it out, how could Hozuki Shingetsu not understand? The key is that there isn't a very suitable excuse right now, unlike the matter with the daimyo, which required the Foreign Affairs Officer to go in person. Forcing him to go is unrealistic; after all, now is not the time to break off relations.

"Of course I know he won't go; it's just a sales tactic." Kaguya Yoshio shook his head, a rare glint of wisdom in his eyes. "The first option is to prevent him from going; the second option doesn't seem that dangerous; plus a suitable reason, he'll have to go, right?"

"Where?"

"Wochao Village!"

Kaguya Yoshio explained, "Although Uzushio Village is an ally of Konoha, the two are not in a subordinate relationship. On the surface, Uzushio Village has no direct conflict with Kirigakure, and the previous public opinion issues are far from enough to make Uzushio Village disregard its reputation and carry out a brutal attack. As long as we can get Hozuki Shingetsu to go with some legitimate reason, he will definitely go if he is not worried about his safety. At that time, we only need to secretly send a message to Konoha, and Konoha will naturally take action."

"After all, the Senju and Uzumaki clans have intermarried for generations. Although the Senju have now retired, there is still a bond between the Uzumaki and Konoha. Many of the Uzumaki clan elders who survived from the Warring States period wanted to join Konoha. As long as Konoha makes a request, those old guys in Uzushio Village who are proficient in sealing techniques will naturally have a million ways to keep that kid here."

"Moreover, even if those old guys don't make a move, that famous 'Dark Ninja' won't let go of such an opportunity to easily kill a genius from another village, especially at this time when a new round of ninja war is about to break out."

"An excuse? An excuse to send Hozuki Shingetsu to Uzushio Village."

After thinking for a moment, Ren realized that although the plan was not particularly ingenious, it could still achieve its goal simply and directly, given that the Hozuki clan was unaware that they harbored murderous intentions and were acting out of cahoots with the unsuspecting Hozuki clan.

"How about we use the pretext of exchanging for the sealing technique of the Tailed Beast Jinchuriki to send him?" Kaguya Yoshio said confidently. "The Tailed Beast Jinchuriki is a major issue concerning the entire village. From the master to the various ninja clans, no one will stand in their way. Naturally, they want to obtain the corresponding sealing technology from Uzushio Village. However, exchanging technology with Uzushio Village will definitely not be easy. Considering that this is only the initial contact, we need a high-ranking figure who is not too important to go. Therefore, Hozuki Shingetsu, as the foreign affairs officer, is naturally the best choice."

After Kaguya Yoshio finished speaking, he glanced triumphantly at Ren, trying to get his approval, but what he got in return was an incredulous look.

"So the Kaguya clan can possess such exquisite logic? It's unbelievable! The Kaguya clan actually has brains and can scheme against people..."

"roll!"

Kaguya Yoshio's face darkened. What had happened to the Kaguya clan? Had they eaten your rice? Why couldn't they scheme against you?

A new month has begun, so feel free to use any extra monthly tickets or recommendations! ^O^

(End of this chapter)