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

Chapter 7 Continental Balance Policy

Whose subordinate is this? How can he be so brave?

The many Jonin present looked up and saw that it was the young clan leader of the Hozuki clan. Oh, then it's alright.

The Jonin present were well aware of the mess between the Hozuki clan and the Mizukage, so they eagerly awaited what insightful remarks the new Foreign Affairs Officer would make.

However, to their complete surprise, the genius from Kirigakure seemed to have a completely off-topic attitude from the very first sentence.

"First of all, I fully support all of the Mizukage's decisions. I here, on behalf of the Foreign Affairs Department, firmly support all of the Mizukage's opinions! Anyone who opposes the Mizukage is opposing the Foreign Affairs Department!"

After all, policies like isolationism only apply to ordinary people. If a powerful ninja clan like the Hozuki clan wanted to secretly contact the outside world, how could anyone catch them? These policies only apply to ninja clans that lack ability and influence. Even the brainless Kaguya clan didn't take these policies seriously.

The fixed number of ninja slots is even more ridiculous. Does not having the title of Jonin mean one is not a Jonin? As for the influence that Jonin represent, as the number one clan in Kirigakure, do we really need a few Jonin?

Therefore, there was absolutely no need for Hozuki Shingetsu to contradict Ren at this point.

However, Hozuki Shingetsu's loyal words left Ren puzzled. Could it be that the Hozuki clan wanted to reconcile with him?

However, it's clear that Hozuki Shingetsu stood up not to flatter him.

"We must not only support the Mizukage's decision, but also innovate upon it, think about what the Mizukage is anxious about, consider what the Mizukage is worried about, stand in the Mizukage's position, think about the impact this matter will have on our village from a big picture perspective, promptly identify and fill any gaps, and implement the Mizukage's will."

At first, Ren had a smile on her face, but the more she listened, the more something seemed off. What did she mean by "standing in the position of the Mizukage," "considering the big picture," and "filling in the gaps"?

"From the Mizukage's policies, I've extracted a core principle: the enemy lies across the sea!"

"Objectively speaking, our Hidden Mist Village is slightly inferior to Konoha in terms of hard power due to the island nation's scarcity of resources and small population."

Well, Hozuki Shingetsu has already been very restrained. This is hardly a slight deficiency. At this moment, Konoha's Mito Uzumaki alone, a living one, could overwhelm the entire Hidden Mist Village.

"Therefore, in order to defend against the enemy, we must keep our secrets and further improve our strength with limited resources."

Ren looked at Hozuki Shingetsu with some confusion, wondering what he was trying to say.

"Therefore, in order to address Lord Mizukage's urgent needs, our Foreign Affairs Department has formulated a policy, which I name... the Continental Balance Policy." Hozuki Shingetsu revealed his true intentions and explained the policy.

Simply put, it means uniting the weak against the strong to prevent the emergence of an absolute hegemon on the mainland.

But the key point is that a hegemonic country has already emerged on the mainland!

"Therefore, in order to fight against Konoha, we need to constantly incite the dissatisfaction of various countries with Konoha, thereby prompting them to launch a war against Konoha."

This made everyone present realize that Hozuki Shingetsu's words were definitely premeditated. After all, it had only been less than an hour since he was announced as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and this whole plan had already been put forward. How could this not be premeditated?

Ren had already realized this by now, but Hozuki Shingetsu had set a tone from the beginning by using his name. Not opposing him before, but opposing him now, meant missing the best opportunity. Unless they completely broke off relations, they would have to watch him continue performing under their name, but breaking off relations over something like this seemed a bit too much of a waste.

So, the Third Mizukage, utterly displeased, impatiently asked, "So, what specific plan do you have to instigate a war between the various countries against Konoha?"

Here it comes! Success or failure hinges on this one!

Hozuki Shingetsu knew the real drama was about to unfold, so he quickly responded: "It's definitely impossible to start a war against Konoha in the short term, but I can guarantee that at least two countries will declare war on Konoha within the next five years."

After all, it was already the 33rd year of Konoha. According to the original story, the Second Shinobi World War broke out around the 37th year of Konoha. It was only 4 years. If he just added fuel to the fire, a war would definitely break out.

"Five years? That's too long. I need five months to see results. If you can't do that, you can forget about being a foreign affairs officer. I don't need a minister who just talks big."

Although Ren couldn't understand what Hozuki Shingetsu was trying to do, she instinctively knew that she couldn't let him continue performing like this, so she directly changed the tune and set a time limit for his death.

"Five months? That's too short, but if the Mizukage allows me to take charge of all the publicity work for Kirigakure, I do have the courage to achieve that goal."

Hozuki Shingetsu looked troubled and, after thinking for a long time, gave this answer.

"Public relations?"

Ren paused, not understanding why Hozuki Shingetsu insisted on taking on this task. However, out of a desire to make things uncomfortable for the enemy, he intended to refuse the request.

"The intention behind appointing you as a foreign affairs officer at your age was to nurture you, allowing you to interact with more senior colleagues and gain valuable experience. However, you've been making arrogant remarks and now you keep making demands on the village..."

"I don't think there's anything wrong with giving young people more opportunities. Besides, it's just publicity! It's only five months, and we'll see the results in five months. Why can't the Mizukage go with the flow? After all, even the Daimyo has heard of this kid's reputation. Giving him a chance is a good thing, isn't it?"

To everyone's surprise, the daimyo envoy, who had been sitting quietly and listening as if he were invisible, suddenly spoke up, and he did so in support of Hozuki Shingetsu.

Ren frowned. If anyone else had interrupted him, he would have sent them to meet the Sage of Six Paths with a single shurikens. However, he needed the daimyo's financial support, and it would be a loss to offend the daimyo's envoy over such a trivial matter.

"Then let's set May as the deadline. I hope you can keep your promise and throw Konoha into disarray by then."

After saying this, Ren walked out of the conference room with a cold face. He never expected that the Daimyo's envoy would speak up for Hozuki Shingetsu.

Of all those present, perhaps only Hozuki Zangetsu and Hozuki Shingetsu knew why.

"Ten million taels for four sentences? That's really expensive! It's enough to buy a third of Asuma!"

Hozuki Shingetsu felt a pang of regret, but when she thought about how all the goals of this plan had been achieved, she felt that the money was well spent.

(End of this chapter)