First into Kikyo, Rule as King

Hoshino Maki's words interrupted Chōjūrō's thoughts.

"Do you know what you're saying?!"

There were simply too many things wrong with that statement. If one of his own shinobi had said it, he would've already told them to get lost!

First of all, when facing the Sannin, both Ōnoki and the AB Combo would be at a disadvantage—unless they released the Eight-Tails.

Maybe only the Third Raikage would stand a chance. As for the Demigod of the Ninja World, they could talk after he escaped his Earthbound Spirit state.

Second, Rasa was a disciple of the Third Kazekage and the representative chosen by the Kazekage faction. Why would he lower himself to compete with you?

Of course, that wouldn't be a problem if I recommended him.

Most importantly, if they followed the rules he'd suggested, and the Sunagakure Shinobi split their forces in two, could one group still break through Kikyo Castle?

Kikyo Castle was the city closest to Konoha. It stood on difficult terrain and served as the gateway to Konoha's western border, so it would undoubtedly be heavily guarded. Taking such a formidable fortress would be incredibly difficult.

"I understand how powerful Konoha is with the Sannin gathered there. But, my lord, you're much older than I am. In all your years, have you ever seen a Cloud-Stone Alliance? If we don't seize this opportunity, how long will we have to wait for another?"

"..."

"Compared to the Cloud Ninja, Konoha is much richer! Just imagine the lush forests in the western Land of Fire. Sunagakure will become even stronger, and as an Elder supporting this operation, your prestige will rise as well."

"After all... even Chiyo never managed to give Sunagakure a forest of its own~"

"Besides, the Stone Shinobi are the closest to us, and they've already committed a great deal of their forces to the war. If they can't gain enough from Konoha to make up for their losses at home, which country do you think they'll try to seize from? By sending out our forces, we'll turn the two sides into allies and show off Sunagakure's strength. In a way, we'll be protecting our own homeland!"

Every word Hoshino Maki spoke struck Chōjūrō right in the heart. Now he understood why Chiyo had valued him so highly despite his being a commoner.

Yes, it was rare for the Sannin to gather, but it had happened before.

But a Cloud-Stone Alliance was unprecedented in the history of the Five Great Shinobi Villages!

If they could truly wrest a forest from Konoha, the glory—or the right to divide up the forest—would be enough for him to hold his head high before Chiyo. And with the support of the other Elders, he would be the one calling the shots in Sunagakure.

That would be what a true Kazekage was!

"I have to admit, you've given me a difficult decision."

Chōjūrō sighed softly, his thin fingers tapping gently on the tea table. "I'll need to think it over."

Hoshino Maki nodded. This was no decision that could be made with a flower basket at the Jingyu Hall of Fame.

He stood and bowed slightly to the other man. "Then I won't keep you any longer."

After Hoshino Maki left, a shadow outside the room dropped to one knee.

"Chief."

"Come in, Bokyu. What do you think?"

"Half true, half false. He controlled his heart rate with Chakra, so there's very little to read from his expression."

Chōjūrō said nothing. Only the faint candlelight flickered in the room.

"Do you think... his plan is feasible?"

"This subordinate can't say."

In truth, Bokyu knew that when Chōjūrō asked such a question, he had already begun leaning one way. He just wanted someone to confirm it, to set his mind at ease. But Bokyu wasn't about to do that.

If everything went smoothly, fine. But if something went wrong, Bokyu would be guilty of leading him astray!

Silence settled over the room once more.

Chōjūrō had to admit that the boy Hoshino Maki had made a good argument, and the idea did tempt him. But he still didn't trust the man.

Should he secretly report what Hoshino Maki was doing to the Chiyo Clan?

Chōjūrō's thoughts stirred, but he immediately dismissed the tempting idea.

Though it might make Hoshino Maki sever ties with Chiyo, it would also make an enemy for life.

That wouldn't benefit him. It might even push Hoshino Maki over to the Kazekage faction.

"Leave."

Chōjūrō waved Bokyu away in a troubled mood, then remained where he was, lost in thought.

"My lord."

Chōjūrō abruptly raised his head. Light filtered through the lattice door, softly illuminating the floor outside. Only then did he realize he'd been sitting there all night without noticing.

As he tried to stand, a tingling numbness spread through his lower back.

I really am getting old~

Chōjūrō irritably slapped the wall—and hit the switch. The lights came on, brightening the entire room.

He looked up at the Electric Lamp and pressed his lips together without a word.

"My lord, it's time for breakfast."

Kazaguruma set breakfast and washing supplies beside Hoshino Maki's bed and called out respectfully.

This way of serving a meal was hardly proper for the upper classes, but Lord Hoshino liked it.

"Mm~ Morning, Kazaguruma."

Hoshino Maki sat up, eyes closed and still half asleep, and mumbled a greeting. He took the cup Kazaguruma handed him, completing his entire washing routine without opening his eyes once.

"Bread."

Hoshino Maki yawned and stuffed the bread into his mouth.

"Pfft—! Blech! Blech! Why is this spicy?!"

"I'm sorry, my lord! I must've mixed up the strawberry jam and chili sauce."

Hoshino Maki picked up his cup and drained it in one gulp, instantly wide awake.

"Tell me, what's bothering you? You should work on controlling your expression. You can't hide the worry on your face."

As he spoke, Hoshino Maki ruffled his messy hair and leaned back against the headboard.

"My lord... someone said that you and Lady Chiyo have fallen out, and that we'll be going back to the Medical Department. Is it true?"

Kazaguruma knelt on the floor and asked anxiously.

Hoshino Maki narrowed his eyes and studied him for a moment. "If it is, would you rather follow me or go back?"

"As long as you don't mind having me, I'll follow you, my lord."

Kazaguruma answered without a moment's hesitation.

Hoshino Maki folded his arms, curious. "Why? Following me won't earn you as much respect as the Chiyo Clan, and we won't have a comfortable life. The place we live, the food we eat, even the people who bow and scrape to us—they could all be gone the very next moment."

"That's all right. Then we can go to the Land of Fire or the Land of Hot Springs. With your abilities, my lord, you can find a way to make a living anywhere. I'll help you out and, and see the world beyond."

Hoshino Maki looked at the hopeful expression in Kazaguruma's eyes, then couldn't help averting his gaze.

He liked dealing with bad people, and with people who were full of schemes. But he really had no idea what to do with a fool like the one in front of him.

He barely seemed like a shinobi.

Nine years of compulsory education had ruined me~

Hoshino Maki chuckled at himself.

"You win. You don't have to be in such a sorry state to see the world beyond. Before long, I'll take you through Konoha's gates. You'll get a good look at everything!"

Hoshino Maki leaped out of bed in his pajamas, patted Kazaguruma on the shoulder, then hurried over to his desk and began writing.

"Now, go deliver a letter to Rasa for me."

"My lord..."

"Don't ask. If he asks you anything, say you don't know. Actually, you don't know anything anyway. Just tell him you're only delivering a letter."

After Kazaguruma left, Hoshino Maki sat back down on the bed and closed his eyes, sending his consciousness into the puppet in Konoha.

He now had two Intelligent Puppets at work: one by Chiyo's side and one by the Hokage himself.

The information he'd shared with Chōjūrō had all come from clues the Hokage-sama had deliberately or inadvertently let slip, then pieced together through deduction.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have dared to decide to send out troops based on speculation alone.

Hoshino Maki suspected the Hokage-sama had wanted him to pass the information on to the Cloud-Stone Ninja, and hadn't expected Sunagakure to send out troops. But Hoshino Maki was only a man of little influence. He couldn't control what the Elders decided after hearing the information!

As he thought this, the puppet opened its eyes. A pair of slit pupils was just a handspan away, regarding it with great interest.

Thanks to @划去伤疤 for the two Monthly Tickets!

I've received one good piece of news and one bad piece of news over the past couple of days.

The good news is that, thanks to everyone's support, after failing to advance in the first round, I've been given another chance.

The bad news is that, according to rumors, QD will be reducing its support for fan fiction. That means fewer recommendations and less exposure in the future, making it harder to get recommendations. I really am a Maybe.

As I said before, I'll add 1K words whenever I get a recommendation. Starting this weekend, I promise you, the author's word has always been true.