First to Enter Kikyo Becomes King

Hoshino Maki's words interrupted Chōjūrō's thoughts.

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

There were so many points to refute in that statement. If the speaker had been one of his own ninja, he would have already kicked them out!

First, facing the Sannin, both Ōnoki and the AB Combo were at a disadvantage, unless the Eight-Tails was released.

Perhaps only the Third Raikage had a chance to fight. As for that Demigod of the Ninja World, let him first escape his Earthbound Spirit state.

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

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

Most importantly, if the plan followed his proposed rules, could the Sand Ninja, split into two groups, still capture Kikyo Castle?

Kikyo Castle was the closest city to Konoha, strategically located and the western gateway to Konoha. It would undoubtedly be heavily guarded, and taking this formidable castle would be incredibly difficult.

"I understand how powerful Konoha is with the Sannin gathered, but Lord, you are much older than I am. In all your years, have you ever seen the Cloud and Stone villages allied? If we don't seize this opportunity, when will we get another chance?"

"."

"Compared to the Cloud Ninja, Konoha is much wealthier! Think of the lush forests in the western part of the Land of Fire. Sunagakure will become even stronger, and your reputation will soar among the Elders who support this action."

"After all... Chiyo never managed to give Sunagakure a forest~"

"Furthermore, the Stone Ninja are closest to us. They have already committed a large portion of their forces to the war. If they cannot gain enough benefits from Konoha, where do you think they will turn to compensate for their domestic shortages? Our expedition will form an alliance, showcasing the Sand Ninja's strength. This is a way of protecting our homeland!"

Every word Hoshino Maki spoke struck a chord in Chōjūrō's heart. He now understood why the man was so highly regarded by Chiyo despite being a commoner.

Yes, the Sannin gathering was rare, but it wasn't unprecedented.

However, a Cloud-Stone alliance was the first of its kind since the establishment of the Five Great Shinobi Villages!

If they could truly carve out a forest from Konoha, such glory, or rather, the right to allocate the forest, would be enough for him to stand tall before Chiyo. With the support of the Elders, Sunagakure would be his to command.

That would be the true Kazekage!

"I must admit, you've given me a difficult choice."

Chōjūrō sighed softly, his bony fingers tapping lightly on the coffee table. "I need to consider it."

Hoshino Maki nodded. Such a major decision couldn't be made lightly, like joining the Jingyu Hall of Fame with a flower basket.

He stood up and bowed slightly to Chōjūrō. "Then I shall not disturb you further."

After Hoshino Maki left, a shadow knelt on one knee outside the room.

"Leader."

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

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

Chōjūrō remained silent. In the room, only the faint candlelight flickered.

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

"Your subordinate does not know."

In truth, Bokyu knew that when Chōjūrō asked this, he already had a leaning. He just wanted someone to give him a definitive answer to put his mind at ease. But Bokyu wouldn't do that.

If things went smoothly, it would be fine. But if something went wrong, he would be guilty of deception!

Silence fell again in the room.

Chōjūrō admitted that Hoshino Maki's words had merit, and he was indeed tempted. But he just didn't trust the man.

Should he secretly tell the Chiyo Clan what he was up to?

Chōjūrō's heart stirred, but he quickly dismissed the tempting idea.

While this might distance Hoshino Maki from Chiyo, it would also make him a mortal enemy.

This would bring him no benefit, and might even push Hoshino Maki towards the Kazekage faction.

"You may leave."

Chōjūrō waved Bokyu away irritably and remained seated, lost in thought.

"Lord."

Chōjūrō looked up abruptly. Light filtered through the slatted door, softly illuminating the floor in front of it. He realized he had been sitting there all night without noticing.

He tried to stand up, but a tingling sensation ran through his lower back.

I'm really getting old.

Chōjūrō irritably slapped the wall, accidentally hitting a switch. The light instantly illuminated the entire room.

He looked up at the electric lamp, pursing his lips without speaking.

"Lord, it's time for breakfast."

Kazaguruma placed breakfast and toiletries by Hoshino Maki's bed and called out respectfully.

This way of eating was not in line with upper-class etiquette, but Lord Hoshino preferred it.

"Morning, Kazaguruma."

Hoshino Maki sat up, eyes closed, and sleepily greeted the morning before reaching out to take the cup offered. He didn't even open his eyes during the entire washing process.

"Bread."

Hoshino Maki yawned and stuffed the bread into his mouth.

"Pfft! Spit! Spit! Why is this spicy?!"

"Apologies, Lord! I might have mixed up the strawberry jam and chili sauce."

Hoshino Maki downed the water in his cup, instantly waking up.

"Speak. What's on your mind? You really need to learn expression management; your anxiety is all over your face."

Hoshino Maki said, rubbing his messy hair and leaning against the headboard.

"Lord. Some people are saying you've fallen out with Lady Chiyo, and that we're going back to the Medical Department. Is it true?"

Kazaguruma knelt on the ground, speaking with some unease.

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

"As long as Lord doesn't mind, I'm willing to follow Lord."

Kazaguruma answered without the slightest hesitation.

Hoshino Maki crossed his arms and asked curiously, "Why? Following me isn't as respected as the Chiyo Clan, nor is it a life of luxury. The place we live, the food we eat, the people who bow to us might not even be there tomorrow."

"It doesn't matter. Then let's go to the Land of Fire, or the Land of Hot Springs. With Lord's abilities, we can make a living anywhere. I'll just help Lord out, and by the way, by the way, see the outside world."

Hoshino Maki looked away as he saw the hopeful look in the other's eyes.

He liked dealing with bad people, liked dealing with cunning people, but he was truly helpless against this kind of fool.

He didn't seem like a ninja at all.

Nine years of compulsory education has ruined me~

Hoshino Maki chuckled self-deprecatingly.

"You win. You don't need to be so pathetic to see the outside world. Soon, I'll take you through the gates of Konoha and let you see to your heart's content!"

Hoshino Maki, still in his pajamas, leaped out of bed, patted the other's shoulder, and quickly walked to the desk to write and draw.

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

"Lord."

"Don't ask. If they ask you anything, just say you don't know. Never mind, you don't know anyway. Just say you're a messenger."

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

He now had two intelligent puppets working. One was by Chiyo's side, and the other was by the real Hokage's side.

The information he had told Chōjūrō was deduced through reverse inference from intelligence intentionally or unintentionally leaked by the Hokage.

Otherwise, he wouldn't dare to make the decision to deploy troops based solely on deduction.

Although Hoshino Maki guessed that the Hokage wanted him to inform the Cloud-Stone Ninja and didn't expect Sunagakure to deploy troops, what could he do when the Elders made their decision after hearing the intelligence? He was insignificant and his voice was weak.

As he thought, the puppet's eyes opened. He saw a pair of vertical pupils staring at him with great interest from a distance of one palm's width.

Thanks for the two monthly tickets from @Scars Erased!

I received good news and bad news these past two days.

The good news is that thanks to everyone's support, I was brought back after not making it through the first round.

The bad news is that according to unofficial sources, QD will be reducing its resource allocation for fanfiction, meaning fewer recommendations and exposure in the future, making recommendations more difficult. I really am a Maybe.

As I said before, I'll add 1K for every recommendation. Starting this weekend, the author's promise is always true.