I'm doing Jujutsu Kaisen in the ninja world.

"By the way, when will Orochimaru show up?"

"Orochimaru is probably hiding among these genin who came to participate in the Chunin Exams, but according to the previously planned schedule, he will send someone to contact us when the time is right."

"A pointless, morbid sense of humor, but let it be."

Rasa waved his hand. "I don't trust Orochimaru. I'm ready to use the hidden plan at any time. If I find anything wrong with Orochimaru, I'll kill him immediately."

Unlike before, even without cooperating with Orochimaru, Rasa is confident that he can severely damage Konoha this time, or even defeat it outright.

Therefore, from the very beginning, they were wary and cautious of Orochimaru, who had come to them on his own initiative.

"Speaking of Orochimaru, his research talent is indeed top-notch in the entire ninja world. The technologies he gave us this time are enough to change the landscape of the entire ninja world, but it's a pity that we can't use them."

Upon hearing this, Maki immediately offered a suggestion: "If this plan goes smoothly, perhaps we can directly 'invite' Orochimaru back."

"You're right. Orochimaru is a smart man. He'll know what to choose when the time comes."

After discussing some details, Maki took his leave and then went alone to the area where Kirigakure was located.

Although this action will definitely be known to Konoha.

But as long as Konoha doesn't know what they talked about, nothing will happen.

Moreover, Maki believed that even for the sake of the bigger picture, the Mizukage would not go around spreading the contents of today's conversation, and that was his confidence.

Of course, before he was certain of the Mizukage's attitude, he certainly wouldn't reveal all of his plans; at most, he would give a slight hint.

Soon Maki met Mei Terumi, and there was another person in the room.

It wasn't Hozuki Mangetsu, but that external consultant, which surprised Maki somewhat, and he began to reassess the other party's identity and importance.

[Chapter 228. Secret Talk (Bonus Chapter 9/10 for Alliance Leader Nangong Bingz!)]

As soon as Maki entered, he introduced himself and stated directly that he needed to explain the following matters to the Mizukage privately.

The implication was clear: that guy next to him should get lost!

Mei Terumi glanced at Shinji, as if to say, "You were absolutely right, and you came so quickly, what are we going to do?"

Shinji returned a glance, "Don't worry, I'm here. Leave it to me, let's see how I fool him to death."

"Cough cough..."

Before Maki saw the two adulterers completely ignoring him and starting to flirt with each other, he couldn't help but cough lightly to remind them that he was still there.

"Please feel free to speak your mind. The man next to me is my personal advisor. I usually consult him on important matters, so there's absolutely no need to hold back."

The more formal Mei Terumi's words were, the more speechless Maki became.

This isn't some personal consultant at all; could it be the Mizukage's mistress?

No wonder she looked pale; she must have a heavy workload every day and be very tired.

Thinking of this, for some reason, he felt a tiny, faint pang of envy...

Of course, these were just his thoughts, and he didn't show them on the surface.

He thought about it for a moment. Since the other party had said so, there shouldn't be any problem. Anyway, he wouldn't say it outright. Even if it got out, he wouldn't admit it and could even turn the tables on them.

"It is so. Lord Kazekage, mindful of the long-standing friendship and mutual exchange between our two countries, wishes to further deepen the alliance between Sunagakure and Kirigakure."

Maki speaks like a seasoned diplomat from the moment he opens his mouth, spouting all sorts of nonsense.

Although Sunagakure and Kirigakure are not exactly mortal enemies, their relationship is not good; on the contrary, it is quite tense, and they have clashed with each other many times.

All of these details disappeared from Maki's account, making it seem as if the two families had a very good relationship.

Not only was Shinji speechless, but even Mei Terumi frowned slightly.

Seeing this, Maki knew that the water spirit before him was not one to lie through his teeth, so he immediately changed the subject and said:

"In fact, we in Sunagakure can fulfill the promises that Konoha made, and we might even do them better."

"I've heard that the support personnel Konoha sent to the Land of Water seem to be just 'decorative,' never willing to put in any effort and only knowing how to run away when trouble arises..."

At this point, Maki noticed that Mei Terumi's expression suddenly turned very unpleasant, as if she had recalled some unpleasant things.

He immediately felt reassured, which gave him even more confidence for his subsequent persuasion.

There was nothing he could do; Konoha had acted so unfairly in this matter. If he didn't seize this opportunity to thoroughly antagonize Konoha and win over Kirigakure, then his trip today would have been in vain!

"You were furious about this and wrote a letter questioning the Hokage. But if it were someone from Sunagakure who went, I guarantee on behalf of the Kazekage that such a situation would never have occurred!"

"After all, as the leader of the five great ninja villages, Konoha values ​​its reputation and face far more than the interests of its allies. In this respect, we in Sunagakure do not have so many concerns. Our people are very simple and honest. As long as they are our friends, as long as we have food to eat, we will never let them go hungry."

It has to be said that Maki played a really clever move.

While smearing Konoha, they also infinitely elevated their own status.

Of course, all of this is just talk right now. Whether it will be useful when the time comes remains to be seen, but at least it shows their attitude.

Even Mei Terumi's expression softened considerably upon hearing this, mainly because the respectful attitude was very important.

If she hadn't known the other party's sinister intentions beforehand, she might have actually wanted to try an alliance with Sunagakure.

But now...

"I am aware of the Kazekage's good intentions, and on behalf of the entire Hidden Mist Village, I express my deepest gratitude for the assistance you are willing to provide. I just wonder what price we will have to pay to obtain this help?"

No matter what world you're in, there's never such a thing as a free lunch.

If someone helps you without considering the cost or asking for anything in return, then either they are your parents, or they have ulterior motives, and those motives are quite significant!

We're all adults here, and everyone knows there's no such thing as a free lunch.

Maki was no exception. He smiled and said, "Talking about the price is a bit too harsh. In fact, all we need is for Lord Mizukage to stand on the side of Sunagakure in the upcoming Chunin Exams and not side with Konoha."

"In addition to the promises we just made, there will be even more 'rewards' to offer afterwards. I will never let you down, Lord Mizukage."

The true intentions are about to be revealed!

But the point wasn't made clear.

Mei Terumi feigned confusion and asked, "What does it mean to stand on your side during the Chunin Exams? A mere Chunin Exam shouldn't require our two families to unite, right?"

"That's hard to say..."

Maki said vaguely, "We're just being prepared. After all, this year's Joint Chunin Exams are being held in Konoha, and the organizers are from Konoha. Even the proctors are from Konoha, so it's bound to be a bit unfair."

"So if something happens by accident, we will be powerless to resist since we have come from afar and are outnumbered. But if we join forces, we will be stronger, and even if something happens, Konoha will not dare to go too far."

Friction, resistance, and alliance...

The implication in Machi's words was actually quite obvious.

At Shinji's prompting, Mei Terumi nodded slightly and said, "What you said makes some sense. Actually, I was worried about these issues after I brought these people here. In that case, please go back and inform the Kazekage that I, on behalf of Kirigakure, have agreed, but first we must ensure the safety of the people I brought. Since I brought these people to Konoha, I must bring them back safely. I hope the Kazekage can understand."

Upon hearing this, Maki felt relieved and a sincere smile appeared on his face. "Please rest assured, Lord Mizukage, we Sunagakure will not easily put our allies in danger."

Terumi thought to herself, "I'm not going to believe your nonsense!"

These heartless bastards are all ruthless and cunning!

"That would be best..."

Just as the conversation was coming to an end, Shinji, who had been silent all along and pretending to be a wooden statue, finally spoke.

"Lord Mizukage, we just received a secret report from the village saying that we've been attacked by a large number of cursed spirits again. Although we managed to repel them through our united efforts, many houses and buildings have been destroyed, and we've suffered heavy casualties. We urgently need a shipment of supplies. What do you think..."

[Chapter 229. Taking a Gamble? (Bonus Chapter 10/10 for Alliance Leader Nangong Bingz!)]

Although Shinji referred to the Mizukage when he said this, he was actually looking at Maki as he spoke.

Maki's face immediately fell, and he was utterly speechless!

This guy is trying to extort money from me, and he actually tried to take advantage of me.

And I just received a secret report...

I've been standing here for ages, and you haven't moved an inch. Did you catch me with your mind?

And since it's a confidential report, is it really okay for you to say it so openly in front of me, as if you're afraid I didn't hear it?

At that moment, Mei Terumi nodded emphatically, her face filled with sorrow, "It's all my fault as the Mizukage. If I hadn't led the people away, perhaps this wouldn't have happened. Akagi, let's go back now..."

"No, Mizukage-sama! If we leave now, what will the others think? They'll definitely suspect there's something wrong with this joint Chunin Exams, and then Konoha will hold a grudge against Kirigakure!"

Maki: "......"

"Then what do you suggest we do? Are you just going to let me sit idly by?"

Mei Terumi slammed her fist on the table in a fit of grief and anger, shattering it and causing Maki's eyelids to twitch.

Then someone stared intently at Maki and lamented, "If someone could lend us a hand right now and send some supplies back, that would be great. That way, we wouldn't have to rush back and could 'cooperate' until the Chunin Exams are over."

"That's easy to say, but who will help us?"

Mei Terumi also looked at Maki.

Blanch!

Maki almost swore on the spot!

These two are so shameless!

How could they play such a disgusting game?

If you're going to fight, then fight. Why are you spitting and throwing sand?

He wouldn't dare agree to such a thing on behalf of the village; he would have to ask Fengying's opinion first.

So Maki decisively started playing dead. Hey, no matter what you guys say, I'll pretend I don't understand, okay?

The answer is no.

Shinji was suddenly surprised. "Didn't this lord just say how hospitable, simple, and honest the people of Sunagakure are? He also said that as long as they have a bite to eat, they won't let us go hungry. And they would never do anything like the Konoha did, deceiving and disgusting people?"

"Am I right, sir from Sunagakure?"

These words instantly silenced Maki!

Since he just said these words a few minutes ago, if he were to deny them, wouldn't that prove that Sunagakure is also a fickle and despicable person?

What's the point of cooperating then?!