Poaching the Inuzuka Clan!

Knock, knock!

Tang Ping knocked on the door of the astonishingly large estate.

This time, Tang Ping was using the identity of a merchant. His meeting with the Inuzuka Clan had been arranged in advance, so he could visit openly.

Creak!

The gates soon opened.

A middle-aged female ninja appeared, with inverted-triangle markings on her cheeks, a ponytail, and two locks of hair falling over her forehead.

Inuzuka Tsume!

She was the Inuzuka Clan's previous clan head, as well as Kiba and Hana's mother.

Yes, Kiba might not seem like much, but he was actually the "young clan leader ninja." Both his mother and older sister had served as clan head.

"Lady Tsume, I am Maeda Toshiie. I came to discuss an order for Ninja Dogs!"

Tang Ping spoke the agreed-upon code phrase.

Yes, Yashiro had been courting the Inuzuka Clan for quite some time, but they had always had reservations. That was why Tang Ping had come to Konoha himself—to put those concerns to rest.

As for it being a trap?

With strength surpassing even the Kage level, nearly rivaling Hashirama Senju, Konoha should be the one worried, not him.

"...Please, come in!"

Inuzuka Tsume's expression flickered before she stepped aside.

Tang Ping entered the estate with Hinata Cang Yue.

What struck him as somewhat abnormal was that he could sense watchful gazes outside.

Yes, someone was monitoring the Inuzuka Clan.

Within Konoha, only the Anbu had that kind of authority.

In other words, the village's upper ranks had their eyes on the Inuzuka Clan.

He simply did not know why.

Once inside, he realized the estate was practically a massive dog-breeding facility, filled with Ninja Dogs of all sizes.

Several Ninja Dogs no weaker than jonin lay in the corners, periodically watching their surroundings to prevent any accidents.