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

Chapter 82 Mutual Schemes

While undercurrents were swirling in Kirigakure as the final battle was about to begin, other nations in the ninja world were also receiving news of Hozuki Shingetsu's changed identity.

This news wasn't even obtained by various countries through spies; it was spread proactively by the Daimyo of the Land of Water, Sui Keita.

The method of dissemination was also very simple: each of the four daimyo of the four kingdoms of fire, earth, wind, and thunder was sent a copy of the film.

Since Shui Jingtai is such a proud person, he naturally couldn't let such a wonderful, praise-filled movie like "Daimyo Fuhua" gather dust at home, could he?

I have to show it off to others, right?

However, watching the movie all the time in the castle tower and with those ministers would get boring, so on the advice of a kind-hearted adopted son, Mizuki Keita, out of politeness, extended New Year's greetings to the daimyo of another country and presented the movie as a gift of friendship between the two countries.

The other four daimyo were quite pleased when they first heard about the New Year's gift, thinking that this face-conscious old man, Mizuki, had finally come to his senses and knew to take the initiative to send gifts to maintain relations between the countries.

...until they finished watching the movie.

This silenced the other four daimyo.

Silence, silence is the castle tower tonight.

The other four daimyo, who had come to their senses, were disgusted (×) and envious (√), and all said that Mizukita was inhuman and shameless.

We're all famous people, how could I not know what kind of person you are, Sui Keita?

You dream of the sun entering your bosom? Are you a born saint?

You actually voluntarily resigned from your high position, claiming to be of noble character?

You call yourself wise and powerful, admired by all?

Especially after watching the various fabricated and eulogistic stories about Mizuki Keita in the movie, the daimyo of various countries, while envious, also expressed that they had broadened their horizons and learned for the first time that there were such things as historical records.

According to the messengers sent by the Land of Water, all the daimyo turned ashen-faced after watching the movie. Even the best-tempered daimyo from the Land of Fire smashed his cup in anger. His chilling murderous aura made the messengers mistakenly believe that it was time to serve their daimyo, and they didn't even think about returning alive.

Of course, according to the theory of relativity in the ninja world, the more jealous the daimyo of various countries were, the happier Mizu Keita was.

So he not only sent a reward to his adopted son, but also sent this New Year's gift to the daimyo of various small countries in the ninja world, enjoying listening to the messengers relay the daimyo's expressions.

Conversely, the name Hozuki Shingetsu was also circulating among the upper classes of noble families in various countries for the first time.

However, this time he became famous not because of his identity as a ninja, but because he was a movie director and the adopted son of Mizuki.

Although Hozuki Shingetsu was quite famous before, the world of ninjas was ultimately separate from the world of nobles. Hozuki Shingetsu's various achievements were merely information for their leisure time, so naturally they wouldn't pay much attention to him.

But this time is different. After all, you are both famous people. You have suddenly gained a lot of "great achievements", but I don't have any. How can that be?

Along with the arguments Hozuki Shingetsu made for Hozuki Gengetsu at the castle tower, such as "With the daimyo always in my heart, there is nowhere in the world I cannot reach?", and the fact that Hozuki Gengetsu and Ren fought over who was the daimyo's number one lackey, all of these made the other daimyo extremely envious.

Look, look!

Look at them!

Why doesn't our country produce such talent?

Left with no other choice, the daimyo of Shikoku had to settle for second best and look for someone who could make the film, hoping that their biographical movie would be released one day.

It wasn't just the daimyo of the four countries; top nobles from various countries and daimyo from smaller countries followed suit.

Of course, Hozuki Shingetsu wouldn't let go of such a great opportunity to swindle funds. His spies, who had been prepared in advance, went to various countries to persuade dignitaries to say that they had a way to contact the original team of "Daimyo Fuhua" and use this as an excuse to take on orders. Although the kickbacks were substantial, well... even if you take the money, you might not actually do the work, right?

Under these circumstances, the "Foggy Dream Factory" film company was quietly established.

-

"You've made up your mind? You want to become the Three-Tails' Jinchūriki?"

Looking at his resolute companion in front of him, Hozuki Shingetsu asked him one last time with a slightly complicated expression.

Hozuki Shingetsu had just returned to Kirigakure and hadn't even had a chance to develop a relationship with Uzumaki Kushina for a few days when he was dragged out by Karatachi Yagura, who insisted that he agree to his plan to become the Three-Tails' Jinchuriki.

Although the Uzumaki clan's joining the village effectively gave Kirigakure the ability to use tailed beasts, and this right was ostensibly in the hands of the Mizukage, everyone knew who the Uzumaki clan would listen to at this point.

Hozuki Shingetsu's opinions are not necessarily useful, but his dissenting opinions will definitely be adopted.

So Yagura Karatachi simply went directly to Shingetsu Hozuki, hoping to get his support.

"You should think this through carefully. Once this sealing technique is used, not only will your body stop developing and remain at the age of twelve forever, but your mind will also develop flaws due to the huge deviation. If you encounter a master of illusion in the future, the flaws in your mind may become the breakthrough point for your defeat."

As experts in sealing techniques in the ninja world, the Uzumaki clan naturally possesses a wide variety of sealing techniques, including several capable of sealing tailed beasts.

However, there aren't many sealing techniques suitable for Yagura Karatachi, who doesn't have the bloodline of the Uzumaki clan.

Considering his age at this point, there are even fewer suitable candidates.

Only one sealing technique remains—the Crimson Lotus Seal. This sealing technique can strengthen the recipient's will by permanently depleting a portion of their spirit, thereby achieving the result of defeating the Tailed Beast's spirit and subduing it.

However, this seal also has very serious side effects. Not only will the body stop growing, but the mind will also have huge loopholes due to the permanent damage to part of the spirit, making it easy for illusion masters to exploit.

According to Hozuki Shingetsu's speculation, this is why Yagura Karatachi in the original work maintained a youthful physique and was easily controlled by Obito Uchiha, who had only recently awakened his Mangekyou Sharingan and was not skilled in genjutsu.

Of course, normal genjutsu is completely ineffective against the tailed beast's chakra; only genjutsu of the Mangekyou Sharingan level can be effective.

"Of course I know, but becoming the Three-Tails' jinchūriki and serving the village has always been my dream, and I can't give it up! Otherwise, how am I any different from those high-ranking officials who hold positions without doing their jobs?"

A resolute glint flashed across Yagura's doll-like face; it was clear he had made up his mind.

Hozuki Shingetsu sighed, and upon hearing this, said no more, only indicating that he would do his best to mediate.

Although Yagura Karatachi successfully became a perfect Jinchūriki in the original work, even with the assistance of the Uzumaki clan, it's impossible to succeed 100%. Who knows if he can succeed this time?

As a friend and the future Mizukage, seeing Yagura's choice, he felt both worried and happy. Perhaps this is the complexity of human nature!

"The final battle is coming soon!"

"This day has finally come..."

Hozuki Shingetsu pushed open the window and looked outside.

It was December, the wind was cold and the world was silent. The winter of Wuyin's 32 years was about to pass, and he would soon be turning thirteen.

Spring is coming!

Looking at the desolate courtyard, Hozuki Shingetsu felt a pang of emotion.

-

The application for Yagura Karatachi to become the Jinchūriki of the Three-Tails was approved much faster than Hozuki Shingetsu had anticipated.

The Uzumaki clan is easy to deal with; given his current relationship with them, choosing a candidate is just a matter of a word. The Uzumaki clan has even expressed their strong welcome—they're even prepared to sacrifice a clansman to become a Jinchuriki of a Tailed Beast.

Although the tailed beast jinchūriki are a very powerful strategic deterrent, it's hard to say whether it's a blessing or a curse for them when this deterrent is in the hands of an outsider family like the Uzumaki clan.

The Uzumaki clan, having just endured hardship, is now focused on recuperation and has no intention of causing further trouble. Therefore, they strongly support this outcome.

The key point is Ren's agreement, which is what made Hozuki Shingetsu realize that the final battle was truly about to begin.

He originally thought that Ren would try to stop him no matter what, since with the help of the Uzumaki clan, the probability of Yagura becoming the Three-Tails Jinchuriki was not low.

But to my utter surprise, things went so smoothly, like eating Dove chocolate, that I passed the Mizukage's review without feeling any resistance at all.

"It seems our Mizukage isn't going to sit idly by and wait to die!"

Hozuki Shingetsu had originally planned to wait until he successfully subdued the Six-Tails and became its jinchūriki before starting the battle.

After all, with a cheat-like advantage as a foundation, he might become a perfect Jinchuriki in one go, which would give him the qualifications to compete head-on with Ren, and would also lay the foundation for becoming the Mizukage in the future.

But since things had come to this, he could only deal with whatever came his way.

In addition to contacting his allies, such as the Yuki clan, the Uzumaki clan, and Tachibana Higashihiko, reminding them to be ready for battle at all times, he also formulated guidelines for this battle based on the actual situation.

In other words, the bald man's philosophy is "three parts military, seven parts politics".

Objectively speaking, the balance of power between the enemy and ourselves was already unbalanced at this point.

With the Uzumaki clan's "Dead Demon Seal" as a guarantee, the reactionary forces of the Ren and Kaguya clans can never win, even if the White Zetsu from the Vortex Clan comes.

Now that he had an absolute military advantage, he had no choice but to consider the impact of this battle on Kirigakure from the perspective of the victor.

If the fighting were to take place within the village, it is foreseeable that countless civilians would perish in this civil war, and the survivors would inevitably harbor hatred towards both sides.

Therefore, Hozuki Shingetsu could only try his best to minimize this negative impact, and the method was...

"Have you heard? It seems that Captain Hozuki has proposed following Konoha's example and building a statue for the Mizukage!"

A rumor spread through the streets and alleys at some point, and quickly became known to everyone.

"What? You must have misheard! Everyone knows that Captain Hozuki and the Mizukage don't get along, how could he possibly make such a suggestion?"

Of course, some people didn't believe it, since they were all from Kirigakure and knew a little about the conflict between the Mizukage and the Hozuki clan.

In response, some well-meaning but mischievous individuals offered their advice with an air of superiority: "You just don't understand. For those important figures, what kind of eternal hatred exists? It's like men and women; they bicker and fight, but in the end, they still make up, don't they? They can't possibly divorce, can they?"

"And I also heard that Minister Hozuki has sent out numerous invitations, organizing a large banquet under the guise of celebrating the New Year!"

Upon hearing this, the villagers seemed quite pleased.

"If that's the case, that's wonderful. After all, they're the pillars of the village. With the Mizukage and the Hozuki clan reconciling their differences, and our village developing well for a few more years, we might just rise to prominence when Hozuki takes over as Mizukage!"

Such remarks are commonplace in the streets and alleys of Kirigakure.

Most people generally approve of the Hozuki clan's initiative to extend goodwill to the Mizukage.

After all, the conflict is there, and if we don't want it to escalate to an unmanageable point, it definitely needs to be resolved. Now that the Hozuki clan is willing to take a step back, most people are happy to see it happen.

Therefore, most people said they would attend Hozuki Shingetsu's New Year's invitation on time. Then, they all looked at Ren, wondering how the Mizukage would respond.

In response, Contemporary Water Shadow stated:

"That's all the tricks he can pull!"

Ren immediately recognized Hozuki Shingetsu's familiar tactics as the work of this mastermind.

He could even guess the other party's purpose in doing so—it was nothing more than wanting to use the righteous cause to force him into a corner.

"So? Are you going to attend this banquet?"

Kaguya Yoshio fiddled with the invitation in his hand, looking at Ren. As the head of the Kaguya clan, he had naturally also received an invitation.

"Go, why not go? He set that day for that kid from the Karatachi family to subdue the Three-Tails, isn't it just to give us a chance to make a move? In that case, let's grant his wish!"

A cold glint flashed across Lian's face as she spoke.

That's right. Hozuki Shingetsu has decided to set the day when Yagura Karatachi becomes the Three-Tails Jinchuriki on the day of the New Year's banquet. Then he deliberately informed Ren, which is to tell him - I know your plan, so do you dare to come?

This is an open conspiracy. If you don't come, you'll have to watch helplessly as Yagura Karatachi becomes the Three-Tails' Jinchūriki, and then watch helplessly as his strength increases greatly, slowly being cut to pieces and worn down to death. If you come, you'll have to bear the blame for starting a civil war in front of everyone.

"But since they set up this trap, they must have been prepared beforehand, right? We shouldn't be able to get close to the Jinchuriki and make the Three-Tails go berserk so easily, should we?" Kaguya Yoshio reminded him.

"It's alright, the two tailed beasts will attack, and we'll have helpers with us..."

Remembering the promise made by the mysterious "Uchiha Madara," Lianxin felt a little relieved.

Although the other party's identity is questionable, their strength is undeniable.

If the plan succeeds and the Tailed Beast rampage keeps the Uzumaki clan occupied, then with the combined efforts of him, the Kaguya clan, Madara Uchiha, and the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, there is a high chance that they can take down these rebels in one fell swoop!

Once he wins, who in the village can resist him?

What do a few rumors matter then?

Human nature? What is that?

Is it as big as a fist?

"History is written by the victors!"

"Intrigue and trickery? The strong disdain such things!"

"Kid, let me teach you your final lesson in life!"

As Ren looked at the invitation in her hand, she seemed to see Hozuki Shingetsu's smug expression, and a disdainful smile appeared on her face.

(End of this chapter)