A new round of confrontation
The hazy fog shrouded the beautiful yet dangerous sea in a veil of mystery.
Wow!!
Waves lapped against the ship's hull, splashing up crystal-clear droplets of water. The two large ships cut through the waves and headed east, like two dragons spanning the sea, an invisible aura spreading across the entire surface of the ocean.
Whether it's the monsters of the deep sea or the ferocious predators lurking in the water, they all avoid it like the plague.
Unlike the mysterious dangers of the open sea, the deck of the large ship exuded an unusual tranquility and peace.
Walking further in, into the main cabin on the second floor, we saw Tōka leaning back in a grand chair, one hand supporting her chin, tilting her head as she gazed out at the vast sea.
A perfect painting unfolds before my eyes, the figures in it resembling immortals, exuding an ethereal and unreal aura.
Knock knock knock...
A sudden knock on the door shattered this exquisite scene.
"Come in." Tōka slowly turned her head and looked at the doorway.
As soon as he finished speaking, Kisame pushed open the door and entered.
A rich aroma of Clear Tea wafted through the room, creating a clean and refreshing atmosphere.
Kisame looked up at Tōka, a strange light appearing in his eyes. The handsome young man looked harmless, and there was no indication that the person in front of him was the dangerous person who had orchestrated the plan to destroy the entire Kumogakure.
"What's up?"
Hearing Tōka's question, Kisame snapped out of his reverie and replied calmly, "Sasori and Kakuzu have already retreated safely. Is there anything else we need to arrange in the Land of Lightning?"
"Have someone deliver the intelligence to the Land of Earth."
Tōka paused, a cunning look appearing on his face.
After a moment of contemplation, he smiled slightly, picked up his teacup, and took a small sip. The atmosphere in the room instantly turned eerily cold.
Kisame rubbed his arms Budong shifted his position, increasing the distance between himself and Tōka.
I have a feeling that getting close to Tōka at this time will lead to us being tricked and caught in a trap.
"Have someone spread the word in the Land of Earth that..."
"In order to maintain peace and establish good relations with the Land of Lightning, the Tsuchikage personally led a team of Genin to the Kumogakure to participate in the Chunin Ninja Exams, but was assassinated by the Raikage and died. Now, even his body has not been recovered."
Tōka spoke calmly, her voice lingering.
It sounded like they were chatting with friends about fun things to eat and drink, but the content of their conversation sent a chill down Kisame's spine.
Really!
The Lightning Prison Plan is not that simple; is it merely aimed at dealing with the Tsuchikage?
Kisame gave Tōka a deep look, then immediately concealed the sharp glint in his eyes.
How many strong members does the Akatsuki Organization have? How many of them are capable of defeating the Tsuchikage?
At least Pain and Tōka have the strength to be almost certain of victory, not to mention that this time they have also dispatched two Kage-level, Sasori and Kakuzu.
If the goal is simply Ōnoki, why go through all this trouble?
"So, the next step in the plan is to sow discord between Kumogakure and Iwagakure?" Kisame asked tentatively, a hint of curiosity in his eyes.
He wasn't sure if Tōka would answer.
Tōka tilted her head and stared at the cup in her hand. A few tea leaves swirled in the water before gradually sinking to the bottom of the cup.
"Kumogakure suffered considerable losses, Iwagakure fared no better. It seems unlikely they'll be able to mount a full-scale attack."
Although the Raikage of Kumogakure didn't die, the entire village was baptized by the Lightning Prison, and the funds needed for reconstruction were not a small amount.
The thousands of Elite Ninja troops from Iwagakure were all killed in the Land of Lightning, Tsuchikage Ōnoki also died. Now, they have fallen into the hands of Tōka.
Therefore, no matter what Tōka does, the possibility of a real war Kumogakure and Iwagakure is extremely small.
But none of that matters; Tōka doesn't need the two sides to fight.
All he needs is chaos!
Chaos reigns in the Land of Lightning and the Land of Earth!
It's easier to fish in troubled waters.
"Any news about the Four-Tails and Five-Tails?" After a brief silence, Tōka suddenly changed the subject and asked.
"Tailed Beast? Black Zetsu hasn't sent any information about Tailed Beast." Kisame was a little slow to catch up, and after thinking for a while, he replied.
The tranquil atmosphere was so peaceful that Kisame felt uncomfortable.
He'd rather go out and fight Tailed Beast than stay alone in a room with Tōka; the pressure was just too much.
Even when looking directly at Pain's Rinnegan, Kisame didn't feel this oppressive.
Tōka gently placed the cup of Clear Tea back on the table, and wisps of white steam rose, blurring the scenery on the other side.
Kisame stood awkwardly to the side, while Tōka, on the contrary, calmly rested his chin on his hand and gazed out the window.
"Kisame, what do you think would happen if I released the Two-Tails into the Land of Earth and let it wreak havoc?"
A sudden sound startled Kisame, who instinctively looked up and saw Tōka smiling at him.
Although the gaze fell upon him, his image was not reflected in those dark eyes.
Kisame wisely chose to remain silent, knowing that Tōka had more to say.
"Then have someone spread the word in the Land of Lightning that..."
Tōka rested her chin on one hand and held the corner of the teacup in the other, her fingers rubbing the rim of the cup gently and slowly.
It was just a casual gesture, yet it conveyed an extraordinary sense of nobility and elegance.
Every gesture he makes exudes an air of elegance!
Tōka's gaze sharpened slightly as he looked at Kisame, and Kisame's image was finally reflected in his dark eyes. He spoke calmly.
"The Tsuchikage ostensibly went to Kumogakure to participate in the Chunin Ninja Exams for the sake of peace, but in reality, he went to seize the Two-Tails Jinchūriki and the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki from the Land of Lightning!"
"As for why Yugito, the Two-Tails Jinchūriki, went berserk in the Land of Earth..."
"Doesn't that make perfect sense?"
Upon hearing Tōka's question, Kisame, who was pondering his plan, was startled. He quickly snapped back to reality, grinned, and revealed a mouthful of sharp teeth in a cold smile.
"Tōka, you're so mean!~"
"Heh... there's something even worse!"
On the high seas, the Kaguya Clan's large ship sailed straight into the Kaguya Clan's territory. In the center of the island covered by Stone Forest, a huge Dragon Bone Barrier stood in the distance.
The stark white bones exposed among the rocks resemble the remains of a colossal ancient beast that died and whose bones have been fossilized and preserved to this day.
The Kaguya Clan naturally heard about the major events that had occurred in the Land of Lightning.
Although they were unclear about the specific details, they knew that the clan leader Kaguya Shōtarō, was leading the clan's powerful members to the Land of Lightning!
The intelligence was relayed back to Kaguya Clan grounds immediately; the Tsuchikage had died in another country, Kumogakure had been reduced to scorched earth.
Our side suffered almost no losses!
Tōka's order only required the Kaguya Clan and the Kirigakure Ninja to hold back a portion of the Kumogakure's forces, not to forcibly break through the Cloud Ninja's defenses.
When Eight-Tails Killer B arrived at the Battlefield, all the other Kirigakure Ninja and members of the Kumogakure Kaguya Clan, except for Kaguya Shōtarō, had already evacuated from the Battlefield East Kumogakure.
Tōka disliked such enthusiastic cheers, and even more so, he disliked being stared at by a group of battle maniacs with their fanatical eyes.
His voice deepened, and he spoke in a low voice.
"Hui Tailang, come with me for a moment. Everyone else, go back."
"Everyone, you can leave now." Kaguya Shōtarō didn't know why Tōka liked to call him Hui Tailang, but it was a small matter.
Upon hearing Kaguya Shōtarō's words, everyone turned back to look at Tōka, their burning gazes fixed on him as if they wanted to roast him alive.
Tōka frowned, then reached out Teuchi Kaguya Shōtarō's shoulder, One Flash of Ice Blue light passing through his eyes.
The two figures gradually disappeared into the Void, then vanished like ghosts into the crowd.
Inside the hall, the simple and rustic furnishings do not appear monotonous; instead, they evoke a lingering, bittersweet aroma.
Tōka took the seat of honor without hesitation, Kaguya Shōtarō stood to the side with his hands at his sides.
The bright lights illuminated the room, remaining exceptionally clear even at night, yet without being glaring.
After the servants served tea and withdrew, Tōka raised his hand, gesturing for Kaguya Shōtarō not to stand. "Sit down, I have something I want to tell you."
"Yes, Ancestor." Kaguya Shōtarō sat down next to Tōka, head down, eyes downcast.
Tōka raised an eyebrow, a meaningful glint One Flash in her eyes.
As the patriarch of Kaguya's clan, known for its battle-crazed members, Hui Tailang's attitude was far too humble.
The Kaguya Clan's inherent bloodlust and killing intent enabled them to fight against the entire Kirigakure with the strength of the entire clan.
Is it because of the Six Harmonies Divine Technique?
Tōka stared at Kaguya Shōtarō with suspicion, wondering if the Jutsu Formula he cast had been too heavy, causing these guys to genuinely accept his identity.
Although it's based on seniority, that's indeed the case.
However, seeing such respect from a tall, imposing man who could be her father...
"You don't need to get involved in what happens next." After a few seconds of silence, Tōka slowly withdrew his gaze and said in a nonchalant tone.
"Understood, ancestor." Kaguya Shōtarō never refuted Tōka's words.
Da da da...
Sudden!
A series of hurried footsteps sounded, followed by an old servant rushing through the front courtyard corridor, heading straight for the hall where Tōka was.
Tōka and Kaguya Shōtarō exchanged a glance, both seeing the confusion in each other's eyes.
"Come in." Before the old servant could speak, Kaguya Shōtarō said solemnly in a loud voice.
The old servant, who was about to knock on the door, paused slightly, then disregarded etiquette and quickly pushed the door open, holding a letter in his hands.
"Clan chief, old clan chief, this is a letter from the Yuki Clan."
"Yuki?" Kaguya Shōtarō glanced at the envelope in the old servant's hand with a puzzled look, then reached out, took it, and quickly tore it open.
A quick glance reveals concise and direct content that is immediately clear.
Kaguya Shōtarō immediately looked at Tōka, his hesitation lasting only a fraction of a second, before presenting the letter.
"Minazuki Gin?" Tōka glanced at it indifferently, only seeing one piece of information.
Minazuki Gin Yuki Clan will arrive on the island tomorrow to visit Kaguya Shōtarō, the head of the Kaguya Clan.
Both were the three great Advisor of Kirigakure, holding equal status.
Minazuki Gin is a very mysterious person who rarely shows his face except for important matters. Even Kaguya Shōtarō has only seen him two or three times.
"You two have a good relationship?" Tōka placed the letter on the table beside him, glanced at Zheng Taro, and asked meaningfully.
"Uh..." Kaguya Shōtarō was taken aback by Tōka's question. They had only met a few times, so they couldn't possibly have any relationship.
That said, Kaguya Shōtarō never had a conflict with Minazuki Gin.
To be precise, among the three major families of Kirigakure, Minazuki Gin is not only extremely mysterious, but also rarely involved in the power struggles within Kirigakure.
No matter how fiercely Kaguya Shōtarō and Hozuki Jōgetsu quarreled, Minazuki Gin would never interfere.
Low-key, mysterious, and completely unnoticed, this perfectly describes Minazuki Gin.
However, precisely because of this, this is also the person that Kaguya Shōtarō and Hozuki Jōgetsu fear the most; an enemy that cannot be fathomed is always the most terrifying.
Even though Minazuki Gin has never shown his true strength, there is no doubt that he possesses the power of Kage-level.
"Never mind, let's not worry about Yuki for now." Tōka saw that Kaguya Shōtarō was silent, and his eyes One Flash he changed the subject.
"I'll send someone to the Land of Grass to make arrangements. After resting for two days, I'm going to the Land of Grass."
"The Land of Grass? Has the Ancestor made any moves?" Kaguya Shōtarō asked instinctively.
When Tōka's indifferent gaze swept over him, Kaguya Shōtarō immediately fell silent.
Meanwhile, on a snow-covered island deep within the Land of Water, a silver-haired man dressed in white boarded a small boat.
His long, silver hair danced in the sea breeze. The man had crescent-shaped, squinty eyes, and he always seemed to be smiling, giving people a mysterious yet trustworthy sense of security.
Only those who truly understand Minazuki Gin know that his outward appearance is merely a facade of kindness.
When facing a real enemy, this man will absolutely not show mercy!
"Lord Yin, are you really going to the Kaguya Clan grounds alone? Those are a bunch of battle maniacs!" the young boy said worriedly.
"Go back in peace, I'm not going to fight." The silver-haired man said with a smile, waving his hand to signal everyone to go back.
Splash...
The rolling seawater rippled with white waves, and the spray slapped against the hull, breaking into tiny, crystal-clear droplets.
Minazuki Gin stood alone at the bow of the ship, letting the howling sea wind whip against his face, whipping his long white robe.
His silver hair flew wildly, obscuring half of his face and concealing the self-deprecating smile at the corner of his mouth.
This mission is really not easy!
"The Kaguya Clan, a bunch of people born for war." A cold, eerie light flashed in Minazuki Gin Kirigakure...
"Lord Yin, please come in and rest," said the attendant who was in charge of steering the boat, bowing slightly.
The Yuki Clan and the Kaguya Clan are both major clans in Kirigakure, each owning their own small islands not far apart, both situated on islands surrounding Kirigakure.
A fast boat can take you on a round trip in a single day.
If things go smoothly, the speed will only be faster.
Tonight, the wind is favorable.
The small boat shot off like an arrow with the current, leaving a long trail behind it.
"It's alright, I'll stay a little longer." Minazuki Gin's mood was heavy. The Kaguya Clan's abnormal actions in recent years had clearly told him that there must be someone behind the Kaguya Clan.
Kaguya Shōtarō is full of cunning, Minazuki Gin's heart is as clear as a mirror.
This time, the opponent is not just Kaguya Shōtarō, but the person behind him.
That person who dared to manipulate Kirigakure, and even the entire Land of Water, at will!