Of course, all of this was merely Mirai's speculation. He truly could not see through the heart of that old fox, Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Lord Huo Ying, I believe we should play it by ear."
Mirai spoke with a hint of respect, though his mind was filled with other considerations.
"Continue." Sarutobi Hiruzen remained impassive, his expression unchanged.
"On the surface, I agreed to their request and followed their envoy to Tea Village, but I will need your cooperation."
"What kind of cooperation?"
"I need the help of three ninjas proficient in Water Style techniques, as well as one ninja skilled with weapons."
Having said that, Mirai thought for a moment before continuing, "However, the weapons specialist must use the special kunai and shuriken produced by Tea Village."
Sarutobi Hiruzen lightly tapped the table. "That will not be a problem, but what do you need them to do?"
Mirai smiled mysteriously. "I want them to kill me midway."
"What?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen, whose face was usually composed, changed expression this time—but only for an instant. He immediately returned to normal and said calmly, "You want to frame Tea Village for assassinating you, then use that incident to pressure them?"
"Yes."
"But Tea Village will never admit it. With their strength, they would not dare do something so dangerous."
"That is why the people sent to kill me must use Tea Village's special weapons."
"As for whether they would dare do something so dangerous... if they joined forces with Water Country, would they take the risk?"
As Mirai said this, he smiled rather cryptically. "At that point, regardless of the truth, the evidence will be conclusive. With the pressure from Konoha as well, they will have no choice but to swallow this loss in silence. Under such circumstances, how we keep Tea Village