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

Chapter 39 Taking the Initiative [Please Read On]

Hozuki Shingetsu's calm tone echoed throughout the room, and his three consecutive questions made all the high-ranking members of the Vortex organization present jump in surprise.

Oh no, this guy has caught us red-handed!

Everyone present knew that Hozuki Shingetsu was being unreasonable. After all, Uzushio Village had only received the news that Kirigakure was sending people over in just two or three days. For Konoha to contact them in such a short time, and for Konoha to send people to mark out an ambush location, would be impossible unless the entire process was completed without any delays.

Moreover, Uzushio Village had absolutely no reason to turn against Kirigakure. Although Uzushio Village and Konoha were traditional allies, this did not mean that Uzushio Village and Konoha were in cahoots. Even if Kirigakure were Konoha's enemy, Uzushio Village would only help Konoha defend against foreign invasions, not help Konoha expand its territory.

Given the current chaotic situation in the ninja world, Uzushio Village, with its sparse population, must be even more cautious, at the very least to avoid becoming the trigger for the Second Shinobi World War.

But while the logic is correct, the words don't quite match.

After all, as an envoy from Kirigakure, they were indeed ambushed on your territory by outsiders—that's an objective fact. The key question is how this information was leaked; nobody knows. Unless it was leaked due to internal conflicts within Kirigakure, from an objective standpoint, Uzushio Village is indeed the most likely culprit.

At this moment, many high-ranking members of the Uzumaki faction present couldn't help but feel dissatisfied with Konoha. Even though the two sides are allies, sending people to cause trouble on my territory without prior notice—isn't that showing a blatant disregard for me?

And they sent people, but they got killed instead. They couldn't even beat one against four. They're so bad, yet they still tried to ambush others.

Not only were they badly injured, but they were also captured alive without any chance to explain themselves.

This technique is too crude!

Takumi Uzumaki sighed as he thought about this. Unless Uzushio Village really intended to turn against Kirigakure as Hozuki Shingetsu had said, he would definitely have to appease Hozuki Shingetsu.

As for how to appease them, it's quite simple.

"Ahem, shall we discuss the specific details of the exchange first?" With a nod from Takumi Uzumaki, Elder Uzumaki stepped forward and gently changed the subject.

Hozuki Shingetsu knew when to stop and didn't push his luck. This kind of thing only serves as a warning; if you really look into it closely, the Mist Shadow faction can't really hold up.

"This is a list of supplies that we can exchange. Please take a look, Your Excellency."

As Hozuki Shingetsu finished speaking, Yagura Karatachi handed over the list written by Ren himself.

Takumi Uzumaki took a look and found that the main things Kirigakure could exchange were money, food, and some secret ninjutsu to choose from.

However, it's clear that the total value on the list provided here is slightly less than the sealing technology for the Tailed Beast Jinchuriki possessed by Uzumaki Village. Takumi Uzumaki also understands that this is far from Kirigakure's bottom line; they are waiting for him to negotiate.

It must be said that Lian did a very good job of putting on a good show; at least outsiders couldn't see the trickery in the list.

"The envoys have come from afar and have just gone through a battle; they must be exhausted. Xu Shi, take them to rest first! We can discuss the specifics in a couple of days."

After some thought, Takumi Uzumaki decided to stall for time. He needed to discuss with Konoha whether or not to make a deal with Kirigakure, and also inform Konoha of what had happened there, while also warning Hiruzen Sarutobi not to overstep his bounds.

Otherwise... the current Hokage is no longer the Senju clan, and whether Uzushio Village should continue its alliance with Konoha needs to be carefully considered!

Besides, deciding what to trade and how to trade are not things that can be decided in a short time.

Hozuki Shingetsu and his two companions had just left with Uzumaki Oji when they turned back.

"Oh right, I forgot to give this to you guys."

As he spoke, Hozuki Shingetsu made a gesture as if to hand Aburame Ryoma, whom he was carrying, to a member of the Uzumaki clan standing nearby. But just as the man was about to take it, Hozuki Shingetsu pulled a senbon needle from his ninja tool pouch and, in front of everyone present, plunged it viciously into Aburame Ryoma's head!

"After careful consideration, if we just hand them over like this, outsiders might think that Kirigakure is afraid of Konoha, and that we'd even let go of someone who tried to assassinate us. Wouldn't that make any Tom, Dick, or Harry dare to kill us in the future?"

Hozuki Shingetsu slowly drew out the blood-stained senbon from his right hand, ignoring the convulsing Aburame Ryoma at his feet, and smiled.

"I think a corpse should be enough to prove that this person is from Konoha, right?"

Takumi Uzumaki opened his eyes, stood up, his face exuding an imposing aura, and a powerful presence suddenly arose from his body.

Killing someone in front of him, do you think he's dead?

As Takumi Uzumaki made his move, all the Uzumaki clan members present stood up and looked at Shingetsu Hozuki.

Upon seeing this scene, Yagura and Yukinagi immediately raised their weapons and became alert.

The atmosphere suddenly became tense.

"I merely killed an assassin. Doesn't your behavior, Lord Daimyo, confirm what I just said? Could it be that Uzushiogakure truly intends to attack Kirigakure?"

On the surface, Hozuki Shingetsu appeared calm and composed, but inwardly he was filled with unease. One could sense this from his aura; Uzumaki Takumi was not only the daimyo of the Land of Whirlpools, but also the leader of the Uzumaki Village and the head of the Uzumaki clan! He was also a powerful ninja who had experienced countless battles.

Perhaps it was Hozuki Shingetsu's words that had an effect, because after a period of stalemate, Uzumaki Takumi uttered two words expressionlessly.

"see a visitor out!"

Having achieved his goal, Hozuki Shingetsu didn't act recklessly. This time, he obediently followed behind the Uzumaki ninja and left the castle tower.

Although he came with the aim of winning over the Uzumaki clan to Kirigakure, he couldn't lower his status so much from the start. A servile attitude would only invite contempt. Instead, he needed to show his strength at the right time. Only a strong stance could make the Uzumaki clan feel safe during the subsequent crisis in Uzumaki Village.

As for whether he's worried about being killed by the Uzumaki clan after the collapse... as long as Uzumaki Village has no intention of annexing Konoha, and as long as Kirigakure doesn't target Uzumaki Village's core interests, then Uzumaki Village will never take the initiative to attack Kirigakure.

(End of this chapter)