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

Chapter 61 The Way to Break the Stalemate

"Wouldn't you be exposing your existence by directly sending him a message like this?" On a large tree a hundred meters away from Hozuki's mansion, a strange creature resembling a pitcher plant was emitting two completely different sounds.

"So what if I'm exposed? He doesn't know who I am anyway. At most, he'll just think I'm some unknown force hoping to escalate the infighting in Kirigakure." Black Zetsu shook his head, completely unconcerned.

Throughout the millennia of the ninja world, in countless schemes, it was impossible for Black Zetsu to have been perfect every time, nor was there anyone unaware of his existence.

But it's only a matter of being aware of it; you can't even see what it looks like, so what can you do?

His ability, derived from Kaguya Otsutsuki, makes him fearless of any danger.

"Compared to Ren, it would be more in our interest to make him the Mizukage and let him continue to wreak havoc on the ninja world."

Black Zetsu was certainly aware of the ambition hidden beneath Hozuki Shingetsu's gentle exterior, but it didn't care. As long as Hozuki Shingetsu didn't possess the strength of Senju Hashirama or Uchiha Madara, he could only dominate temporarily and wouldn't disrupt its plans.

As for whether Hozuki Shingetsu could become a figure like Senju Hashirama and end the war... in the ninja world where ancestors matter, Otsutsuki Black Zetsu could disdainfully ask such a question:

Who are your ancestors, daring to claim they can pacify a chaotic world?

As for the Five-Tails issue, although Black Zetsu was initially furious upon learning of it, he quickly came to terms with it. Since he couldn't collect them anyway, what difference did it make where they were?

Moreover, it might be safer inside the Grim Reaper's belly. Apart from it and some of the Vortex Clan elders, no one else even knows how to break the Grim Reaper's seal, so how could they possibly find it?

Most importantly, it has seen too many such things over the past thousand years, so this is not even a setback for it, and there is no need to worry about it at all.

"So, shall we proceed according to plan, exaggerating the strength of Kirigakure and making Madara give up on his own?"

As Madara Uchiha's eyes and ears, Zetsu certainly had the ability to accomplish this task.

"Yes, just tell him that the Uzumaki clan has joined the Hozuki clan's side. I believe he should understand." Black Zetsu nodded. As Senju's old rival, Uchiha Madara naturally had a deep understanding of the Uzumaki clan. He knew that the forbidden technique "Reaper Death Seal" was something Ren couldn't withstand.

"It's a pity about the layout of Kirigakure... It would take a lot of time to replicate it in other places."

White Zetsu sighed as he looked at the bustling Kirigakure village.

"What we have in abundance is time, isn't it? Now that the Rinnegan has appeared, we're one step closer to liberating Mother... As for other places, Takigakure is a good choice. Not only is its location more secluded, and it never communicates with the outside world, but it also has a tailed beast. Compared to Kirigakure, it's more suitable as a backup base."

-

Over the next few days, Hozuki Shingetsu focused on organizing matters related to the three rankings of the Ninja World: Heaven, Earth, and Man.

First, there's the publication schedule for the rankings, which are released once a month or when a major event occurs. Newly listed ninjas are highlighted in bold red lettering on the homepage of the corresponding section, with the reason for their inclusion clearly stated. The goal is to make those on the list feel proud and to make those not on the list envious.

Secondly, it is necessary to ensure that the number of Konoha ninjas on the list is at a certain level, and that the land and human lists should ideally place Konoha ninjas at the bottom while maintaining a generally fair ranking.

In this case, when challengers are ranked according to their strength, they will generally prioritize challenging Konoha ninjas.

Finally, the goal is to continuously increase publicity efforts to ensure that the control of public opinion in this area remains in the hands of the Hidden Mist Village.

However, while doing this step, Qing reported another piece of bad news.

"You mean, we're short of funds?" Hozuki Shingetsu stopped what he was doing and turned to look at Ao.

"Yes, mainly because the village suddenly cut off its financial support to us. They said that the village has just taken in the Uzumaki clan and is currently in the eye of the storm in the ninja world. Moreover, the situation in the ninja world is so chaotic right now, so we should take advantage of this great opportunity to calm down and focus on development. We should solve the problem of the tailed beast Jinchuriki first. Anyway, we can't keep standing out like this."

Qing continued, somewhat aggrieved, "The Ministry of the Interior said that if we continue to insist, we will have to find our own funding."

Hozuki Shingetsu put down the documents in his hand. He knew this was Ren's first attempt to test him after they had officially broken off relations. Choosing to start with the familiar issue of funding was a low-profile move, but it would still cause him some trouble.

Moreover, his reasons were very reasonable, and given the sensitive issue of the tailed beasts, neutral forces would certainly support him.

But he absolutely cannot stop his strategy.

Regardless of how much effort it would take to regain the high ground of public opinion after retreating, he could not accept it even if the high ground of public opinion was not manipulated by others after abandoning this strategy.

Nothing more than the "mainland balance strategy," which is the political banner he has raised and the political policy of his Ghost Lantern Crescent Moon. All his supporters will be firmly gathered under this political banner. If he compromises now, what will those who are watching from the sidelines think?

His retreat meant that Lian took a step forward, and it meant that he had lost some of the people's hearts.

However, there was still some time before he could go to the capital of the Land of Water to meet the daimyo and carry out his plan to curry favor. The daimyo's funds could not appear out of thin air, so this gap was indeed quite awkward.

"How long can our funds last?"

"If it's just a simple maintenance, half a month should be enough. But if we go all out with the publicity as planned, it will only take five days at most," Qing calculated and gave her answer.

"Five days... that's a bit tight, but it's worth a try." Hozuki Shingetsu kept scribbling on the paper, seemingly deep in thought.

Although using the Hozuki clan's funds to cover the shortfall would be feasible, it would still create a host of problems. Using family funds to maintain the village's strategy—not to mention the example of Shen Wansan—Hozuki Shingetsu would never do something so self-destructive for the greater good.

The Hozuki clan is his core strength, and he cannot allow their power to be diminished under any circumstances.

"In that case, let's move this plan forward!"

Hozuki Shingetsu pulled out a stack of paper and began writing on it with lightning speed.

"Alright!" Hozuki Shingetsu quickly finished and handed the stack of papers to Ao, instructing him to find a few novelists and quickly produce a batch of articles based on the outline he had written.

"Will writing articles under these circumstances help our predicament?" Qing asked, somewhat puzzled.

However, Hozuki Shingetsu shook his head and smiled mysteriously, offering no further explanation, only telling him to quickly find someone to write it down.

After Hozuki Shingetsu left, Ao curiously unfolded the paper in his hand and began to read it. At first, he didn't understand what Hozuki Shingetsu was writing, but soon, realizing something, his eyes widened as if struck by lightning, his face turned red, and he swayed unsteadily, breathing heavily involuntarily, as if he had seen something that shattered his worldview.

"Transformation?"

"Impossible... Shadow clones can actually be used for something like this..."

"?! There's such a ninjutsu?"

"Hiss~ That's it!"

(End of this chapter)