Six Hundred People? Fine, Six Hundred! Strike First!

"Lord Hokage!"

Tsunade spotted Uchiha Nan's location, jogged over to Uchiha Nan, and greeted Uchiha Nan with a cheerful smile.

"Tsunade, what brings you here?"

Uchiha Nan subconsciously stroked Tsunade's light yellow hair, Tsunade squinted her eyes, quite enjoying Uchiha Nan's touch.

"Grandma said that the Lord Hokage invited Uzumaki-sama and booked the entire hotel... so I came along too."

Uchiha Nan was about to say something when he instinctively sensed malice. He looked up and saw Mito Uzumaki staring intently at him.

Oh no, our house has been raided!

Why are you Uchiha Nan, so skilled at this?!

He touched Tsunade's hair the moment they met—such an intimate gesture! Uchiha Nan, what exactly did you do to Tsunade behind my back?

"Tsunade, come, sit here."

Mito Uzumaki grabbed Tsunade's arm, giving Uchiha Nan Uchiha Nan vicious glare, and sat down next to her, while Tsunade sat on the other side.

Restrain yourself and endure it!

Mito Uzumaki really wanted to curse, but she absolutely couldn't lose her temper in this situation. There were so many Uzumaki Clan children watching, and even if she wanted to question Uchiha Nan, she would have to find a private place where no one was around!

When exactly did Tsunade start associating with Uchiha Nan, and how did their relationship become so close?

Was Uchiha Nan targeting Tsunade, or did he want to use Tsunade to get close to Yang Yue? Or perhaps he wanted both?

No, no. Uchiha Nan wouldn't be that despicable. She must be after Tsunade's status; Tsunade is Hashirama's granddaughter and the pillar of the Senju Clan's next generation. If it's just about mending relations with the Senju Clan, Mito Uzumaki wouldn't be so unwilling.

The die is cast; Uchiha Nan has become Hokage, and an excellent Hokage. The Senju Clan should learn to accept this and accept that an Uchiha has become Hokage.

Since the Senju Clan already has two Hokage, it wouldn't be a big deal if the Uchiha produced one. As the wife of the First Hokage, Mito Uzumaki understood Hashirama Senju's thoughts very well. It didn't matter who became Hokage, as long as Konoha could continue to prosper.

I'm just worried that Uchiha Nan might have ulterior motives. Uchiha Nan is a lewd and despicable man. I must not let my guard down!

Mito Uzumaki's mind raced as she tried to figure out Uchiha Nan's motives for contacting Tsunade in secret, but there were too many possibilities, and she couldn't discern the truth for the time being.

Uchiha Nan ignored Mito Uzumaki. That old woman was always erratic; he'd beaten her to a pulp back then. In a duel, fists and feet have no eyes, and injuries were inevitable. As for offending Mito Uzumaki, even the fact that she lost a few small targets seemed unimportant.

What a cheapskate! And she still holds a grudge against me?

Land of Water, Kirigakure

"Where did these magazines and articles come from?!"

"Go investigate!"

Suitō was raging in his office. Ever since his last trip to Yugakure, he had basically broken ties with the bloodline families in the village, and their relationship had deteriorated. Rumors about him were also spreading more and more in the village.

Suitō is being pressured by the Bloodline Clan to stop the rumors targeting them and end this farcical situation. But some things don't start just because you want them to, and you can't just end them just because you want them to.

Suitō underestimated the power of rumors. The great war had only ended a year ago, and the village was still licking its wounds. Kirigakure had gained nothing and suffered the resentment of so many deaths, which needed to be vented. People's hearts were unsettled, and rumors spread like wildfire, becoming uncontrollable.

A series of orders, statements clarifying the rumors— Suitō did everything it could, but it was all for naught!

Suitō even went to the Daimyo of the Land of Water to seek help and clarify the rumors.

"Mizukage, are you sure these rumors are false? I heard that so-and-so was killed by the Missing-nin during a trip because he got too close to a bloodline clan."

"It's all fake, spread by people with ulterior motives. Your Highness, what you're saying is just a coincidence."

"Coincidence... coincidence, alright then. I'll clear Mizukage for you, Mizukage. But next time I issue a mission, make sure the person carrying it out isn't a ninja from a bloodline clan. Better safe than sorry."

"Your Highness, I told you it was a rumor."

"I know, I know, but it's best to be careful."

Although the Daimyo of the Land of Water helped Suitō issue a clarification announcement, he still skillfully chose to have ordinary ninjas carry out the mission. He also notified a large number of his relatives and brothers not to choose blood-stained ninjas for missions, so as not to implicate him. It didn't matter if they died, but he couldn't let his life be dragged down by them.

Noble marriages are commonplace; everyone values their life and doesn't want to be implicated by others. Even Daimyo are wary of this, so it's best to be cautious about rumors about bloodline clans and avoid using bloodline ninjas if possible.

They did everything they could. Under the cover-up-like statements, the rumors only disappeared on the surface, but they intensified behind the scenes, with more and more versions spreading. They even exaggerated to the point that if you hired a bloodline ninja, your whole family would die mysteriously. The scope and impact of these rumors grew wider and wider.

Merchants and nobles, as well as ninjas from bloodline clans who value their lives highly, might find it easier to complete missions, but using bloodline ninjas could curse their entire family. Therefore, they would think twice and avoid using bloodline ninjas if possible.

If all else fails, just add more layers of shells, spend money to hire people to post missions and hire bloodline ninjas.

Suitō's series of measures, the living conditions of bloodline clans in Kirigakure have not improved but have worsened, and even the income of bloodline ninjas has begun to decrease.

The bloodline family thought that Suitō was plotting against them again!

"It's over."

Only Suitō remained in the office. Suitō stared at the pile of small articles on his desk, his face grim.

"Human Rights Report of the Kirigakure"

"Kill that Kaguya clansman"

"Twenty years as a slave"

The rumors intensified and spread uncontrollably. The nobles and merchants were terrified of being implicated and began consciously refusing to let bloodline ninjas carry out missions, as it threatened their purse strings. This had already made Suitō uneasy; after all, ninjas risked their lives on missions just to make money.

If you can't even make money, and everyone's life is tough right now, why put up with anything? Suitō feels like he might be ambushed by a desperate bloodline ninja just walking down the street.

These inflammatory articles had somehow spread throughout Kirigakure, Suitō was genuinely terrified. He felt like he was sitting on a powder keg, ready to explode at any moment.

Should we impose martial law on the entire village?

Suitō was still hesitating. The situation was already tense enough. If he imposed martial law on the entire village, it would only drive the bloodline families even more insane... perhaps even leading them to join forces in a rebellion or coup. However, they already had this idea in mind.

Would it be better to strike first? These bloodline families won't let this go easily, damn it!

These rebellious bloodline families!

Suitō's face contorted in a grimace as he couldn't help but recall past events.

I was always the Second Mizukage in Lady Mizuren's mind. She not only took me to the Five Kage Summit, but also patted me on the shoulder herself.

"I am old; you must encourage me!"

However, Lady Suiren died suddenly, and Hozuki Gengetsu, in alliance with two bloodline families, seized my position as the Second Mizukage!

But... you didn't expect it, did you, Hozuki Gengetsu... in the end, I still won. You relied on your bloodline clan and took away their elite Dust Release users and Jinchuriki. The great fire between Iwagakure and Kirigakure has almost exhausted the power of your bloodline clan. I, who stayed in Kirigakure and sat on the sidelines, had the last laugh!

I absolutely cannot let these traitors from the bloodline clan take away my position Third Mizukage again!

We really have to be wary; a cornered dog will do something rash.

The Hōzuki Clan was originally a clan specializing in secret techniques. They were skilled in Water Release, and their Water Transformation Technique allowed them to liquefy their bodies. This was a unique skill passed down through generations of the Hōzuki Clan. In recent years, children born into the Hōzuki Clan have possessed the ability to liquefy, leading them to claim that they are a bloodline limit family. They have also formed alliances with the Kaguya Clan and Yuki Clan.

The main fighting force of the Hōzuki Clan perished on the battlefield along with that dead Hozuki Gengetsu. Now, the remaining fighting force in the clan consists of only a handful of people, who are not worth worrying about.

The Yuki Clan, skilled in Ice Release, also suffered heavy losses.

The Kaguya Clan also suffered significant losses, but their fighting strength should not be underestimated.

The three clans are severely weakened and no match for him. He just needs to be careful how he deals with them and eliminate them slowly. Otherwise, if the three clans join forces to rebel, Kirigakure will also suffer heavy losses.

Suitō sat down in his chair, calmed himself, and thought things through carefully. He felt that this was not the time for infighting; he should focus on appeasement first and wait three to five years before making any further decisions.

But if these rebels really do intend to revolt, then he can't be blamed. Sometimes, cutting off one's own arm or foot is the only way to survive.

Hōzuki Clan Territory

Inside a room, several high-ranking Hōzuki Clan, Yuki Clan, and Kaguya Clan met. These bloodline families had been having a really tough time in Kirigakure lately.

The rumors escalated, and every possible means of clarification was used, but the effect was nothing short of adding fuel to the fire.

The quota for mercenary missions for bloodline families has declined significantly, and the income of family members has decreased. They can do without anything else, but they cannot do without money!

Now, all sorts of little essays are popping up in the village again. To be honest, they're secretly pleased. That bastard Suitō just wants to use them and then discard them. He's spreading rumors, cutting off the bloodline family's funding, and gradually squeezing them out until he wipes them all out.

Finally, someone is speaking up for them. Their Kirigakure has rendered meritorious service to Kirigakure!

Most of the clan's elite died for Kirigakure, and now they want to discard them after they've served their purpose. It's utterly outrageous!

However, the impact of those short essays on reality is not good. The clan's strength has declined significantly, funding has been cut, and income has dropped. Just when they need to recover from their injuries, the emotions of the remaining fighting ninjas in the clan have been stirred up by those short essays, and they are shouting that they want to Suitō to the death.

At this juncture, their bloodline families must unite and face the challenge together.

"What do you think of these articles? Is someone deliberately spreading rumors of unrest within the family?"

Hozuki Taigetsu was deeply worried. This was not a good sign. The bloodline clan had been facing a predicament recently, and encountering such an article was like a bolt from the blue, igniting the anger of the clan members.

"How can we judge what's wrong with what's said in the article? It's time we took some action!"

Kaguya Clan Head Kaguya Honezuki spoke in a somber tone. The Kaguya Clan, usually known for their thick skin, were easily angered.

"Suitō has really gone too far! Our bloodline clan is the backbone of Kirigakure, and what he's doing is clearly weakening our bloodline clan!"

The Yuki Clan Head favors Kaguya and Honezuki. The clan has indeed been having a tough time lately. Not only do they have to endure the villagers' Byakugan, but they also sometimes can't get any missions. How can ninjas support their families if they can't get missions? They can't keep living off the clan. The funds that should have been allocated to the Yuki clan have been withheld.

"Things are indeed bad, but it hasn't reached the point of completely breaking ties. We need to negotiate with Suitō, continue to suppress the rumors, increase the mission quota, and hand over all the funds originally allocated to the bloodline families!"

Hozuki Taigetsu really wanted to flip the table, but his strength wouldn't allow it. If he had had the ability to suppress Suitō back then, he wouldn't have allowed Suitō to sit in the position of the Third Mizukage. The Second Mizukage, Hozuki Gengetsu, was born into their family. As long as everything developed normally, Hozuki Taigetsu felt that he could also become the Third Mizukage.

But the worse the situation gets... the more important it is to stay calm!

"What if Suitō disagrees?"

"He promised to dispel the rumors against our bloodline family, but look what happened!"

"The rumors are getting worse! They're even affecting the ninja clans' ability to take on missions and make a living."

Kaguya Honetsuki was indignant. At this moment, the three bloodline families should join forces to defeat Suitō and launch a full-scale sneak attack. As long as Suitō is killed, all problems will be solved.

"Perhaps killing Suitō is the best solution. Let's combine the elites of our three clans, go all out, and launch a coup!"

After Kaguya Kotsuki finished speaking, she glanced at the expressions of the remaining two people. Clearly, Hozuki Taigetsu and the Clan Head of the Yuki Clan were still hesitant.

"Let's talk first. What if it fails...?"

Clan Head Yuki didn't finish explaining the consequences, but they were obvious: he could easily face death and the extermination of his clan!

"Yes, let's go negotiate with Suitō first!"

"We can't just sit here and wait to die. If we can't reach an agreement, we have to do something!"

"How many people can your clan muster? The Kaguya Clan has about three hundred Jonin, Chunin, Genin in total, but we can muster about two hundred of them!"

And you?

Is this a bet going all in?

Hozuki Taigetsu and the Yuki Clan Head exchanged a glance, their pupils contracting in surprise. They were astonished by Kaguya Honegetsu's ferocity; these battle maniacs were indeed formidable!

"The Yuki Clan has about two hundred capable fighters, and they can send out one hundred and fifty!"

"The Hōzuki Clan can send 250 people!"

"Alright! Six hundred people it is!"

"Strike first, and turn Kirigakure upside down!"

Hozuki Taigetsu was having a headache. Kaguya Kotetsu was practically insane; wouldn't they be exposed if so many of them attacked together?

And just now, Clan Head Yuki, why did you reveal your family's wealth by going along with Kaguya and Honetsuki? Now that you've said it, I have no choice but to say it too!

"A meticulous plan is needed. Assassinating Suitō requires elite Jonin; as for Chunin Genin, forget about it. Let's leave this matter here for now and go negotiate with Suitō."

The Ninja Clan is going all in, but we must be extremely cautious. We must at least have a backup plan in mind!

I forgot to set a timer again. Yesterday, my graduate student funding of 600 yuan arrived, and I went out to have fun with my roommates. I forgot.