Crack

Shixiu sneered twice, waved a hand in front of his nose, then turned and walked outside.

"Naruto, it stinks in here. Let's talk somewhere else. Oh, and I've already sent for Kakashi and Jiraiya. Perhaps you should hear the opinions of the two former Hokage—your teacher and your master."

Naruto stared at Shixiu's retreating back, then looked at the rotting corpse on the bed. After a moment of silence, he ultimately followed.

In a side hall, the two sat facing each other, meeting each other's eyes without saying a word.

It was not until Kakashi and Jiraiya hurried over that Shixiu finally spoke unhurriedly. "You should know what happened, so I won't waste words. My father is dead. I am now the rightful heir of the Land of Fire. Though I have yet to ascend the throne, there should be no issue with me issuing orders in the Daimyo's name, correct?"

After speaking, Shixiu fixed his gaze on the three of them, his eyes icy.

Kakashi and Jiraiya exchanged a glance and nodded at the same time. "We have no objections. It's just that the news of the Daimyo's death—"

The two were tactful enough not to ask how the Daimyo had died, and Shixiu instantly felt more confident.

"Do not announce it to the public for now. The mastermind behind my father's assassination was, after all, my lawful wife. Although my conscience is clear, people will inevitably fabricate baseless accusations against me. I will announce the news only after we defeat Peach Country."

"Defeat Peach Country?"

After Kakashi and Jiraiya looked at each other, they fell silent.

Shixiu's face immediately darkened. "What? Do you think the Land of Fire has no chance of winning?"

"Your Highness, forgive my bluntness, but what exactly is the point of this war?"

"The