Envoy from Kirigakure

"Increase patrol efforts. No matter where they come from, once discovered, they will be killed without mercy."

"Isn't this... a bit too harsh? Those guys injured quite a few of us, but they didn't kill anyone..."

Yuki Yoizuki asked hesitantly.

To be honest, upon hearing Katsuki's command, she subconsciously thought that this person must be from the Land of Water!

This killing intent was even stronger than theirs!

"They didn't kill anyone because they didn't dare mess with me. If they dared to kill, I would have done it myself. Hmm... Kuyue, this time try to freeze the falling rain..." Katsuki waved his hand, while keeping an eye on the disciples training in the rain, occasionally offering guidance.

"Frozen rainwater?"

The little girl looked completely bewildered. Unlike the puddles on the ground, the rainwater fell very quickly and was extremely small, making it difficult to catch.

How can rainwater be frozen?

The teacher only told her what to do, but didn't teach her how to do it. However, she didn't ask, not because she was afraid to ask, but because asking would be useless!

She still clearly remembered what her teacher said to her when he was instructing her on training not long after she took her as his disciple, "I can guide you in training Taijutsu, Shurikenjutsu, and Wind Release and Water Release Technique without any problem, but I don't have the Ice Release Kekkei Genkai. I can offer my opinions, but the actual practice is up to you."

The study of Ice Release can only be done by her own efforts; her teacher can only provide her with some advice on cultivation.

That's the gist of it, of course. Even without Ice Release, the discerning eyes of top-tier experts are undeniable. Moreover, this teacher, Katsuki, has a plethora of ready-made examples of ice-based power development in her mind, such as those of a certain admiral, a certain captain, a certain mage...

However, given the girl's innate abilities, it would be best for her to figure out her own path. The power to freeze the ocean, like that of a certain general, cannot be achieved through conventional methods.

"Alright, let's continue." Seeing her disciple lost in thought, Katsuki didn't say anything more, turning back to speak with Yuki Yoizuki. "At this time, the only ones with the ability and courage to enter the Land of Rain to gather intelligence are the two families in the north. Of course, the Sand Village might also get involved, but the Third Kazekage is a smart man and shouldn't deliberately provoke me..."

At this point, Katsuki paused slightly, organizing her thoughts, and continued, "Let's leave the Sand Village aside for now, and as for the Iwa Village and Cloud Ninja Stone Ninja to the north, killing a couple more won't matter. They're destined to have a hard time getting along anyway, so let's give them a good lesson."

Yuki Yoizuki's pupils contracted; she sensed the air of war in those words.

Her upbringing gave her an extraordinary sensitivity to these kinds of situations.

"You... you mean there will be a war?"

"What's so strange about that? In this world, isn't war just a common thing?" Katsuki smiled and shrugged. "The Second Shinobi World War happened quite a few years ago. It's not surprising that the Stone Ninja and Cloud Ninja restless. If someone stirs things up again, it'll be hard to avoid a fight."

Given Black Zetsu's penchant for gossip and stirring up trouble, he would never miss an opportunity to create chaos in the Shinobi World.

Only when the Shinobi World is constantly weakened can Black Zetsu act more easily.

"The Third Tsuchikage is no pushover. That old guy is incompetent. The Land of Rain has fallen into our hands. Without the Land of Rain, this thorn in our side, the Stone Ninja won't be at ease. They won't be satisfied without a fierce battle. This battle is absolutely necessary. Even if the Stone Ninja don't make a move, I will force them to."

"Understood, sir."

Yuki Yoizuki nodded solemnly, bowed, glanced at her younger sister who was still deep in thought, and then drifted away.

"War... Heh heh! Shall we Stone Ninja this time?"

Watching the slender figure disappear into the rain, Katsuki withdrew her gaze, pondering the possibility of war breaking out.

Just as he said himself, this war is absolutely necessary. Even if the Stone Ninja can hold back, even if it means being forced, we will force Stone Ninja take the field.

Only by truly inflicting pain and fear on the Stone Ninja, making them as obedient as the Sand ninja, can we reduce their antics and focus more attention on the petty actions of Black Zetsu and Madara Uchiha. Compared to the Stone Ninja and Cloud Ninja are more visible, the real threat comes from Black Zetsu.

The most terrifying dangers are the unknown ones!

Now that things have come to this, he can't control how Black Zetsu will act in the future. He can only act according to his own methods and try to make as many preparations as possible.

Iwagakure.

Ōnoki sat in his office, sulking.

One piece of bad news after another made the Third Tsuchikage extremely depressed.

"Damn it... damn it... Hanzo, that Hanzō trash, actually died just like that. What a useless thing..."

Hanzō was thoroughly berated, but it didn't improve the Tsuchikage's mood. He kept thinking that with the loss of the Land of Rain, a thorn in the side of the three kingdoms, there were no longer any troublesome obstacles between him and the Land of Fire. If the two countries went to war, it would inevitably be a war of all-out effort.

"This is a huge problem... That Hanzō Hanzo, he's utterly useless and left behind a complete mess..."

Ōnoki quickly calmed himself down. It was too late for regrets now that things had come to this. Hanzo was already Hanzō, and cursing would only be a way to vent his anger. The most urgent thing was to deal with the current situation.

"Konoha, Konoha... damn Konoha."

He racked his brains, losing countless strands of hair, but Ōnoki still couldn't come up with a good idea.

The difference between Konoha and Stone Ninja lies in raw strength, which cannot be overcome by trickery. The imbalance in the number of top-tier ninja is something no one can change.

"Knock knock!"

There was a knock on the door.

"What's up?"

Ōnoki's voice was full of displeasure, but he still held back his anger. Anyone who dared to disturb him at this time must have done something serious.

"Lord Tsuchikage, someone has come to visit from outside the village, claiming to be an envoy from Kirigakure."

Someone outside the door answered quickly, clearly aware that the Lord Tsuchikage was in a bad mood.

The Stone Ninja, who had been nervously reporting the news, received no response for a long time. Standing at the door, he was filled with anxiety and his legs were trembling. The Third Tsuchikage had ruled Iwagakure for many years, and his power was as heavy as an insurmountable mountain, standing in the hearts of every Stone Ninja.

Of course they're not afraid!

"An envoy from Kirigakure?"

After a long silence, Ōnoki uttered a vague and unpredictable question.

"Yes, there was only one person who came, claiming to be an envoy sent by the Fourth Mizukage. Lord Kitsuchi has verified the documents, and they seem to be genuine. However, Lord Kitsuchi said that the envoy is somewhat strange and he doesn't know how to handle him. Please, Lord Tsuchikage, make the decision."

Without any angry rebukes or scolding, the Stone Ninja a sigh of relief and then rattled off all the information in one go.

"... Let the Kitsuchi bring people here."

"Yes, Lord Tsuchikage." (To be continued)