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

Chapter 59 The Intense Internal Strife Within the Hidden Mist Cavern

Since the release of the three rankings of Heaven, Earth, and Man in the ninja world, just as Danzo Shimura said, the ninja world immediately fell into turmoil.

If the previous power struggles were merely infighting among the top echelons of various factions, an unseen battle, then the release of these three rankings is a celebration for the lower and middle-ranking ninjas.

The ninjas' fierce fighting was rampant, and even ordinary people sensed that something was wrong, vaguely anticipating the approaching shadow of war.

As the saying goes, "Having mastered both literary and martial arts, one can sell them to the emperor."

When an opportunity to quickly gain fame and be appreciated by a powerful figure is laid out so blatantly before them, and all they need to do is defeat any of the ninjas on the leaderboard to easily reap the rich rewards, how could these ninjas, who haven't read many books, resist such temptation?

And the one most affected by this is undoubtedly Konoha.

Positively correlated with the rapid increase in mission requests to Konoha is the significant rise in the number of attacks Konoha ninjas have recently suffered. Caught off guard, they not only received little in return for their missions but also lost a considerable amount, which greatly angered Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Under these circumstances, through the planning of Shimura Danzo, Konoha launched a special public opinion campaign against Kirigakure, which was to make the conflict between Ren and Hozuki Shingetsu public.

Following the methods often used by Hozuki Shingetsu, they used theatrical and cinematic techniques, along with storytellers, to vividly reenact how Hozuki Gengetsu used "despicable" means to seize Ren's position as Mizukage, and how Ren endured humiliation and hardship, biding his time, and finally returning as a king after Hozuki Gengetsu's death in battle, when evil deeds were punished by heaven.

This kind of plot, similar to a prince's revenge, is undoubtedly very popular with the general public. In addition, Konoha is determined to give Hozuki Shingetsu something to do and make things difficult for Kirigakure, so it is sparing no effort to promote it.

As for the other villages like Iwagakure and Kumogakure, which have grudges against Kirigakure, it goes without saying that the Five-Tails and Moody were destroyed because of Kirigakure. In addition, Kirigakure's strength has indeed increased to a certain extent after accommodating the Uzumaki clan. Kumogakure and Iwagakure naturally want to find some work for Kirigakure.

As for Sunagakure... it would be a sin to not do something like kicking someone when they're down, right?

Thus, under this tacit understanding among the major forces in the ninja world, all sorts of things related to the Third Mizukage were intentionally or unintentionally dug up by those with ulterior motives. This included the fact that he was the First Mizukage's bodyguard but not the Second Mizukage, as well as some of the "operations" behind Hozuki Gengetsu's back, all of which were vividly described in the ninja world.

What made the ninja world's onlookers even happier was that, during one of his outings, the current Mizukage, Ren, watched a related movie in front of a large crowd and remarked, "Very interesting."

This is very interesting.

As the Mizukage, he neither ordered a ban nor denied the film, which was biased in its stance. Instead, he left a comment saying "very interesting." This made many forces, including the four great ninja villages, wonder if the internal strife in Kirigakure had reached a fever pitch.

At this time, Kirigakure, which should have been making every effort to dispel the negative public opinion, was unusually slow to act and ignored the negative reports, which further solidified the suspicions of the other major ninja villages.

"If that's the case, then there's no need to be wary of Kirigakure." Shamon looked at the intelligence report in his hand and said to Chiyo and Ebizo beside him.

"The fact that such sensitive negative public opinion is not being cleared up proves that the internal struggle in Kirigakure has indeed reached a very intense level."

Chiyo nodded and analyzed the intelligence report in her hand: "It seems that the conflict between the Mizukage's faction and the Hozuki faction in Kirigakure has escalated to the point where they're no longer willing to maintain appearances. In this situation, regardless of who wins or loses, Kirigakure will undoubtedly face turmoil."

Even though the Uchiha and Konoha had such a tense relationship before, everyone was still polite to each other on the surface. But now Kirigakure is not even willing to put on an act anymore, which is enough to prove how deep the rift is.

However, even with the addition of the Uzumaki clan, Kirigakure would be no threat if internal strife broke out. But Kirigakure is far from the mainland, located overseas, leaving other forces with little opportunity to intervene.

"So, we should focus our attention on the other ninja villages, especially Konoha," Ebizo concluded.

"According to reliable intelligence, Konoha has brought back several children from the Uzumaki clan, which is enough to prove that Mito Uzumaki is indeed in imminent danger. As soon as she dies, the Second Shinobi World War will probably start immediately."

Shamen nodded, agreeing with the assessment.

The reason why the ninja world is able to maintain a slight balance and why many ninja villages have not attacked Konoha is not only because Hozuki Shingetsu is constantly stirring up trouble, but also because of Uzumaki Mito's existence.

Although there is only one, as the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, her appearance on any battlefield almost means defeat for the opposing side, which is unacceptable to all countries.

Despite the one-in-three chance, just in case, countries decided to take the safest approach and wait until the enemy was defeated before starting the war, since it wouldn't take more than a few years anyway.

"It's a pity, though. Objectively speaking, Hozuki Shingetsu is quite a talented kid, and I really admire him. Unfortunately, with internal strife looming in Kirigakure, it's hard to say whether he'll even survive."

After everyone finished discussing the arrangements and deployments for each country, Shamen looked at the intelligence in his hand and sighed again.

"Even the mighty Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha are now nothing but dust. What use are geniuses!" Chiyo, however, had a different perspective. "Therefore, only puppets are eternal!"

"Chiyo, I remember telling you before, don't research human puppets!"

Upon hearing this, Shamon seemed to realize something, his face suddenly darkening as he stared intently at Chiyo.

"...I haven't researched human puppets." Chiyo looked at Shamon casually, but quickly lowered her head. Seeing this, Shamon sighed deeply.

"I somewhat regret teaching you puppetry... I will destroy all related materials, and from this day forward, you are never allowed to touch human puppets again, do you hear me! Human puppets are not a realm for humans to tread!"

"Remember, Chiyo, never research human puppets, and never mention human puppets to anyone. That's a technology that will bring misfortune!"

"……I see."

(End of this chapter)