Ōnoki's Reaction

Sai's blade stopped just before it struck Shiro.

This wasn't because he stopped in time, but because a hand suddenly reached out from the side and grabbed his arm forcefully.

"I see, so it's a clone?"

Upon seeing the owner of the hand, Sai revealed a knowing expression.

The fisherman isn't alone; the other person is also using clones to lure him in.

"Ice Release: Ice Prison Technique".

"Led by Konoha Ninja, we entered the ruins of the Ōtsutsuki. Based on the remaining traces at the scene, we can infer that this clan did indeed exist."

In Iwagakure, a Stone Ninja is reporting to Ōnoki about the Ōtsutsuki Ruins.

Hearing his own ninja confirm the existence of the Ōtsutsuki, Ōnoki's suspicious heart was finally calmed down.

In this light, forming an alliance was indeed the right choice.

However, just how strong that so-called Ōtsutsuki really is, and whether their hiding place is in Amegakure, are all matters that remain to be discussed.

Currently, the cooperation among the five hidden villages is limited to the exploration of the Ōtsutsuki Ruins, and how to share the research results is still under discussion.

"Lord Tsuchikage."

Just as Ōnoki was pondering how to extract more benefits from Konoha, one of his subordinates reported two shocking pieces of news to him.

First, their spies have successfully infiltrated Amegakure. Second, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire abdicated after summoning the Fifth Hokage, and there seem to be signs of battle in the Daimyo's Mansion.

"He has such audacity!"

Ōnoki slammed his fist on the table and stood up.

He didn't understand why the local leaders from various villages had been trying to challenge the daimyo's power all these years.

First, Kumogakure declared autonomy, but it has now effectively become a separate entity.

Then, the reckless Rasa openly attacked the daimyo.

Now even Konoha is involved.

"This is not good news." A high-ranking official, slightly younger than Ōnoki, pointed out the crux of the matter. "Once the Daimyo learns of this, he will likely lose trust in us, and the alliance of the five great hidden villages may very well be called off."

"That's exactly what I'm worried about."

Ōnoki nodded in agreement with the other person's opinion.

"Immediately send a letter to Konoha, questioning the current situation of the Land of Fire's daimyo. At the same time, dispatch an envoy to the Daimyo's Mansion, stating that I wish to pay him a personal visit."

Grabbing the Tsuchikage's Tsuchikage hat from the side, Ōnoki put it on his head and hurriedly walked towards the door.

"Lord Tsuchikage, with the example of the Land of Fire before us, do you think the Daimyo will still dare to receive you?"

Another senior executive who had worked with Ōnoki for many years spoke out, reminding Ōnoki not to act impulsively.

Upon hearing the sound, Ōnoki stopped in his tracks, sighed, and instinctively rubbed his aching lower back.

"So what if we don't meet with them? We still have to make a statement."

"Making a stance isn't difficult. Just announce that you're severing ties with Konoha, send troops to approach the Land of Grass, and then send a letter to Konoha with strong words. The Daimyo will then see Iwagakure's sincerity."

At that time, he will send someone to meet with you.

After thinking about it for a moment, Ōnoki felt that what the other person said made a lot of sense, so he agreed with the suggestion.

The Kumogakure also received the news. Compared to Ōnoki's tension, Dodai was much more relaxed.

Even Konoha is doing this, so what do I have to worry about?

Regardless of the truth of the matter, the leaders of Kumogakure have already come to regard Konoha as a non-ally with the same stance.

"Immediately send a letter to Konoha, stating that Kumogakure is willing to form Military Alliance with Konoha that is far stronger than the Shinobi Alliance."

The leaders of Kumogakure have always believed that as long as they establish a connection with Konoha, they can alleviate Kumogakure's current isolated situation.

Because of their past actions against the daimyo, Kumogakure has cut off all external commissions, and all the village's ninjas live off the noble territories they have conquered.

On the surface, Karatachi Yagura chose to side with the Daimyo's Mansion, but secretly he sent a secret letter to Kazashiro.

The only village that felt awkward was Sunagakure.

According to Pakura's character design, she should bravely stand up at this moment and condemn the actions of Konoha.

However, Konoha's army was stationed outside Sunagakure, and the various mines on which the village depended for its survival were also controlled by Konoha Ninja.

So even if Pakura wanted to act, Konoha wouldn't give her the space to do so.

Due to various factors, Pakura decided to give up and remain silent no matter how much Ōnoki tried to win her over.

"That Ōnoki guy ruined my plans."

Kazashiro, his face full of black lines, handed the strongly worded letter to Shikaku.

If nothing unexpected happened, Kazashiro originally planned to gather the Clan Head of various Ninja Clan in the next few days to probe their opinions on the secret techniques.

He had already made arrangements with Fugaku to have him act as his scapegoat at the meeting.

Who would have thought that such a trivial matter as the daimyo's abdication would provoke such a strong reaction from Ōnoki?

"Iwagakure is not like us; they still need the support of the Daimyo's Mansion's government."

Shikaku wasn't surprised.

"It can only be said that the daimyo's abdication was ill-timed."

"I don't know either. My teacher's colleagues were actually swayed by Danzo's former advisor. This really has nothing to do with me." Kazashiro was also very aggrieved. He knew that the daimyo wanted to get rid of him, but his plan was to kill the Artificial Human and then put the daimyo under house arrest so that he could use the daimyo to control the nobles.

"This matter still needs to be handled properly. After all, the Chunin Ninja Exams are about to begin, and this will be the first joint operation since the formation of the Shinobi Alliance. For the sake of the greater good, we need to make some sacrifices."

Shikaku felt it was best to resolve this matter Fudō violence.

"Sacrifice? I think it's fine. Which member of the former advisory group do you think would be best to kill and send to Ōnoki?"

Kazashiro was eager to try.

"Fifth Generation, they are, after all, your elders... The sacrifice I'm referring to is you."

"Me?" Kazashiro immediately became alert and distanced himself from Shikaku.

"What am I sacrificing? Let me tell you, even though I'm very good-looking, I'm a man."

"You misunderstood, what I meant was..." Shikaku's forehead was covered in black lines, what was all this about?