Kumogakure
Karatachi Yagura, sitting in his office, tapped his fingers on the desk, his face grim.
"Open your mouths, all of you! Aren't you all usually so talkative? What are your thoughts on this full moon celebration?" Karatachi Yagura roared.
The people below were terrified. Everyone could see Karatachi Yagura's displeasure and anger. Some time ago, Uchiha Kō once again wreaked havoc in Kirigakure, no one dared to stop him.
The key point is, who could stop Uchiha Kō's humanoid giant? And it all happened in that instant; even Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist Kushimaru Kuriarare, couldn't stop him.
Moreover, at that time, Uchiha Kō also possessed Susanoo, so the longsword Nuibari couldn't break through his defenses at all!
Besides, you, the Mizukage, haven't even made a move, so what are you barking about! Now you're angry? If you're so capable, then go and defeat Uchiha Kō!
However, these were all thoughts kept to themselves by the ninjas; no one dared to voice them aloud, because the strongest Kirigakure at the moment was still Karatachi Yagura.
"Um, Lord Mizukage, I suggest that we attend this time. I believe you are aware that World War II and Third Shinobi World War illustrate one point." Suikazan Fuguki pondered for a moment before speaking.
"What's the problem?" Karatachi Yagura asked, his brows furrowed. He could ignore other people's opinions, but he still had to listen to Suikazan Fuguki.
This person is skilled in scheming; he understands the thoughts of most of the high-ranking members of the Kirigakure Village and the enemies.
If you hadn't listened to his advice then, you would have realized afterward how right Suikazan Fuguki was.
"After World War II and Third Shinobi World War, we know that whichever side Uchiha Kō is on is bound to win. Therefore, during Third Shinobi World War, Mizukage- sama's foresight in choosing to feign cooperation with Kumogakure, wait for time, and act according to the situation in Konoha was extremely wise." Suikazan Fuguki smiled slightly.
Before discussing anything, praise your boss first. If you make them feel comfortable, they're more likely to listen.
As expected, Karatachi Yagura's brows relaxed. "Hehe, Suigetsu, you always have a nice way of speaking, and you always tell the truth."
The others looked at each other strangely and quickly lowered their heads, afraid they would laugh out loud. This was clearly the behavior of a fence-sitter, so how could it be considered farsighted and a brilliant move!
The Suikazan Fuguki glanced at them and said, "No wonder you've worked so hard for most of your lives, and now you're old and gray, with your positions only changing every few years. You deserve it."
"Mizukage is right, I'm just telling the truth!" Suikazan Fuguki flattered Karatachi Yagura, following his lead.
Knowing Karatachi Yagura smiled slightly and said, "Alright, hurry up and tell me, you're the kind Karatachi Yagura person who can make me happy!"
"At this full moon celebration, Uchiha Kō might not care who goes or doesn't go, but Konoha and the Anbu will remember it. If they even mention it, it will put us at a disadvantage." Suikazan Fuguki guessed correctly. In fact, Senju Tobirama had already instructed Hatake Sakumo to record the details accurately.
Don't underestimate these four words: record everything truthfully. When it comes time to settle accounts, I might not notice who came, but don't blame me for remembering who didn't.
Upon hearing Suikazan Fuguki's words, the seasoned veterans present immediately realized, "That's right, Suigetsu is right, we absolutely have to go this time, Mizukage."
"Although the Ninja World is currently at peace, no one can guarantee that the Fourth Shinobi World War won't break out. If it does, it will be even more difficult to curry favor with Konoha!"
"Besides, this is just a celebration for the birth of his daughter. We from Kirigakure can simply bring our gifts, quietly observe the ceremony, and have a meal in silence."
Many elders and high-ranking officials echoed this sentiment, saying that it's better to resolve conflicts than to create them, and that befriending Konoha would be entirely beneficial to Kirigakure!
Suikazan Fuguki cursed inwardly, "A bunch of old foxes! They didn't step up to serve their country when Karatachi Yagura was angry, but now they're all showing off their righteousness. How despicable!"
Now that Karatachi Yagura's mind had calmed down, he began to consider the pros and cons of the matter. In the end, he realized that going would be beneficial, while staying would be a loss. In that case, what did a little bit of face matter?
"Alright, prepare the gifts immediately. The gift list should follow the list for the Mizukage's coronation ceremony. Since we're going to give gifts, let's give the best we can, so that Konoha will be impressed and the other villages will see the wealth of Kirigakure!"
"Yes!" the crowd replied.
Karatachi Yagura nodded. "You can all leave now. Oh, by the way, keep Suigetsu in. There are some details I need to finalize with him." He knew Suigetsu's capabilities all too well; working with this group of short-sighted guys would leave him speechless.
Suikazan Fuguki, he speaks eloquently and has real talent. What leader wouldn't like a subordinate like that? The elders raised an eyebrow, but none of them said anything. They glanced at Suikazan Fuguki and slowly withdrew.
If Suikazan Fuguki was somewhat afraid of the Mizukage when he first became his subordinate, now that he has worked under the Mizukage for seven or eight years and is still the secretary of the Mizukage, Karatachi Yagura, in a sense, he can represent the Mizukage.
After everyone left and the door was closed by the Anbu, Karatachi Yagura, the head of the group, laughed and said, "Suizayama, I knew you were the most capable. Just for something as simple as attending the full moon banquet, no one dared to say a word except you."
Suikazan Fuguki humbly replied, "It's all thanks Mizukage Lord Mizukage's excellent teaching; I dare not take credit."
Karatachi Yagura crossed his legs and leaned back. "How's Ao?"
Suikazan Fuguki was taken aback. He slowly said, "His injuries have now healed. Although his Byakugan is gone, he has been given a normal eye."
Karatachi Yagura nodded. "Then he..." Karatachi Yagura hesitated, Suikazan Fuguki noticed his Karatachi Yagura and spoke up.
"Qing felt that his strength was not enough to be competent for the intelligence team's work, so he resigned and was willing to become a ninja in the Kirigakure Force and sacrifice himself for the country on the front lines." Suikazan Fuguki smiled.
Actually, he had approached Ao before and explained the situation to her. Although Ao was very dissatisfied and unhappy, Suikazan Fuguki's words were like a sharp blade piercing Ao's lungs.
"Now that you've lost your Byakugan, you're at most Chunin -level fighter. Even if I don't know how strong your reconnaissance abilities are, they're far more professional than you in many intelligence tasks," Suikazan Fuguki, stopping short of saying anything more.
His face flushed and paled in turns, and finally he could only sigh, "Thank you for the reminder, Master Xiguashan, otherwise I'm afraid I would have gotten stuck in a rut!"
Suikazan Fuguki shook his head. "I actually have high hopes for you, but unfortunately, the Hokage Konoha personally intervened for a single Byakugan. So please don't blame the Mizukage for being ruthless."
"I understand!" Ao nodded, then chatted with Suikazan Fuguki for a few words before Suikazan Fuguki left. After he left, Ao watched his retreating figure with a gloomy look. He knew it had nothing to do with Suigetsu, but was mainly related to the Mizukage, Karatachi Yagura.
Back to the main topic
"Really? Wouldn't that be inappropriate, since we already promised him..." Karatachi Yagura said. In reality, he supported him. An ordinary Chunin wasn't worth his efforts to cultivate. However, as a leader, he couldn't say it directly; that would seem cold-hearted.
Suikazan Fuguki understood what he meant. "I'll talk to him about this and tell him that I agree to his resignation."
Karatachi Yagura laughed, "Not bad, as expected of the brains of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist. You've worked hard, Suigetsu!"
"It is my honor to serve the Mizukage." Suikazan Fuguki said, then got up and left.
Iwagakure
Ōnoki was personally selecting raw stones and jade Iwagakure was rich in mineral resources, although the death of Dong Shiren Shijin was a thorn in his heart that he could not forget.
But one must always look forward, right? If I knew that a talented junior had emerged in Kumogakure or another hidden village, I would nip him in the bud while he was still young.
As for this full moon celebration, it has a very deep meaning. Not attending would be remembered, and it's not worth it!
A cartload of gold was brought in by Kitsuchi, and the cart was looked at Ōnoki. Ōnoki's lips twitched. "Isn't this a bit too much!"
Kitsuchi shook his head. "Since we're attending a banquet, we need to suppress the arrogance of the other hidden villages, so we're giving this as a gift."
Ōnoki glanced at him and said, "Alright, my son has grown up. I'll entrust this matter entirely to you."
"Yes! I understand!" After saying that, Kitsuchi left Tsuchikage's office with the gold and silver treasures and headed home.
Ōnoki stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, looking down at the tall, robust Kitsuchi below, a smile playing on his lips. "You've grown up!"
Ōnoki was in a very good mood. Although he had lost some money, he had seen his son grow up and knew that Iwagakure would have a successor in the future.
Konoha
Uchiha Kō sat in his office. "Lu Ming, you mean all four hidden villages are coming? Is this some kind of big deal?"
Nara Rokumei nodded. "It's probably a message from a spy, but it's alright. Let them come over for a meal; it's not a big deal."
Uchiha Kō nodded. "Tell Orochimaru to install cameras everywhere in the village, in every street and alley, making sure there are no blind spots, to ensure the safety of the people."
Nara Rokumei agreed, but hesitated to speak. This was seen by Uchiha Kō then urged him to speak freely.
"I heard that the Daimyo of the Land of Wind has also sent someone to participate, but..." Nara Rokumei hesitated.
"But what?" Uchiha Kō asked again, Nara Rokumei replied.
"According to the strategist from the Land of Wind, the gifts sent by the Daimyo of the Land of Wind are these rotten and smelly fruits, which are to be opened during the Uchiha Rou moon banquet to disgust everyone." Nara Rokumei's face was sinister.
Uchiha Kō wasn't in much better shape; his face was ashen. "So, the Daimyo of the Land of Wind thinks that because I didn't pursue the matter last time, my sword can't cut anymore? Fine, very well!"
"Lu Ming, when the time comes, throw all the people from the Daimyo of the Land of Wind out of my sight. Make them unable to hold their heads up in front of all the ninja clans of all the countries. By the way, tell them that after this is over, I will personally go to the Land of Wind to visit the Daimyo of the Land of Wind!" Uchiha Kō said calmly.
"Yes!" Lu Ming's eyes also blazed with anger; this was simply outrageous!