Is there anything Kyohiko doesn't know?

"Waaaaah!"

The Kazahana Dōtō within Amber amber seemed to be begging for mercy.

What Chakra Armor?

Kyohiko's Ninjutsu woke him up instantly!

Even the most powerful Ninja Tools are as laughable as toys when facing such a terrifying enemy.

It's pathetic that I even dared to dream of unifying the Shinobi World with this...

At this moment, all he wanted to do was beg for mercy, begging Kyohiko to let him go.

Kyohiko loosened the Amber stone, allowing him to speak.

The Kazahana Dōtō immediately spoke.

"Lord Kyohiko! Spare me! Spare me! I will work for you, I will give you whatever you need..."

Is it really that good?

Kyohiko smiled.

Kazahana Dōtō nodded repeatedly. "Of course, I already know I was wrong! Do you need the Land of Snow? I can seize power and work hard for you from now on!"

He made a concerted effort to promote his abilities and loyalty.

However.

How could Kyohiko possibly trust him?

A man who can betray his family without hesitation is not worthy of his trust.

However, the more the other person talks, the more I can say to Kazahana Sōsetsu.

therefore...

He did not stop it.

"You can still get the Land of Snow?"

"Of course, I've made all the preparations. Many people in Kyoto are my subordinates. With just one order, I can kill Kazahana Sōsetsu and seize the Land of Snow!"

Kazahana Dōtō quickly replied.

Then, he paused, and continued to cast out bait.

"I also know the secret of Kazahana Sōsetsu. If you are willing to spare me, I am willing to share the secret and serve you for life!"

"What? Kazahana Dōtō is going to betray me? Impossible!"

The Land of Snow, Feudal Lord's Mansion.

Upon hearing this, Kazahana Sōsetsu was utterly shocked. He then shook his head repeatedly, completely disbelieving Nara Shikaku's explanation.

Dotō is his own younger brother, how could he possibly betray him?

On the contrary, it was Nara Shikaku.

Having traveled a great distance from Konoha to the Land of Snow, to hear such alarmist remarks made him question the Konoha team's true purpose for their trip.

Shikaku said, "Feudal Lord Excellency, we have evidence."

"Impossible!"

Kazahana Sōsetsu didn't believe it at all, but when he saw the intelligence report that was presented to him, he was completely dumbfounded.

Snow Ninja?

Where would they get snow ninjas from the Land of Snow?!

"This is..."

"Among this group of wandering ninjas, there was a dangerous individual whom Konoha was particularly concerned about. As a result, we tracked him down to the Land of Land of Snow, where he was hired to live there."

Shikaku spoke gently and patiently, "Guess who hired them?"

"This, this..."

The Kazahana Sōsetsu remained silent for a long time.

Even with all his trust in his brother, he was momentarily bewildered by this information.

Kazahana Dōtō secretly accepted a group of wandering ninjas?

But.

He had absolutely no idea!

"Furthermore, it seems that many nobles in Kyoto have also sided with him."

Shikaku reminded him.

Take a deep breath amidst the Kazahana Sōsetsu.

If that's the case, my situation is probably really dangerous!

but.

What if it isn't...

He was still undecided.

Shikaku, however, was not surprised.

If Kazahana Sōsetsu hadn't had this kind of personality, the Land of Snow wouldn't have fallen into such a crisis.

even.

If it weren't for Kazahana Dōtō's ambition, he would have been more suitable as Feudal Lord Kazahana Dōtō some respects.

but.

Ambitious Kazahana Dōtō, however, will lead the Land of Snow astray.

Konoha needs to cooperate with the Land of Snow, so it cannot allow the Land of Snow to descend into chaos.

Shikaku needs to safeguard Konoha's interests, Kazahana Sōsetsu is clearly a more suitable candidate.

Before Kazahana Sōsetsu could finish thinking, Shikaku added a sentence.

"Feudal Lord Excellency, let's put this matter aside for now. Our main objective this time is your previous commission, and what I said earlier was to ensure we don't miss out on your payment."

Shikaku explained.

The Kazahana Sōsetsu caused his brow to furrow.

Unable to get it...

Is he worried about something happening to him?

He absolutely did not believe that his younger brother would kill him for the Feudal Lord -called position of daimyo, but he also had a vague feeling that the information Konoha had just received was unfounded.

What if that kid really has ulterior motives...

His mind was in turmoil.

Shikaku continued, "Regarding your request, after detailed discussions, we in Konoha believe it is highly unlikely to be fulfilled."

"What if I build a large-scale environmental transformation machine?"

The Kazahana Sōsetsu linger on the road.

Nara Shikaku couldn't help but smile.

"How much money would it cost if you maintained this long-term? Or is your pursuit merely to satisfy your own vanity, without any intention of making it available to all citizens?"

"What? Your plan can be used by all the subjects of our Land of Snow?"

The Kazahana Sōsetsu startled me.

Then, he took a deep breath, and an expression of excitement appeared on his face.

"Shikaku Jonin, if that's the case, I'm willing to pay the full amount!"

"These are Konoha's conditions."

Shikaku first posted the conditions.

Kazahana Sōsetsu took it, then frowned.

Should mining-related businesses be handed over to Konoha?

He couldn't help but look up at Nara Shikaku, a displeased expression on his face.

What does this mean?

If they think they can take away the Land of Snow's mineral resources just for the reward of a mission, then they are being far too delusional!

"Please don't misunderstand. We hope to be entrusted with your mineral development business. In the future, we will help your country develop mineral resources, but the mines will still belong to you."

Shikaku answered.

Kazahana Sōsetsu was stunned for a long time, her mind in complete confusion.

Konoha...

Want to travel all the way to their country to help with mining?

What's the point?

He looked bewildered. "This, I really can't understand!"

"Understood, so I've provided you with an explanation."

Shikaku smiled and handed over another scroll.

The Kazahana Sōsetsu followed.

He looked down for a few seconds, and his expression gradually turned to surprise.

Konoha and Sunagakure?

Magnet Release for mineral development.

This kind of thinking...

Does Sunagakure have that capability?

The Kazahana Sōsetsu raised some questions.

Magnet Release is certainly good, but as the Rasa Kazekage, how much time does Rasa really have to get involved in mining?

"This is something Sunagakure needs to consider. If they can't do it, Konoha can serve you alone; we also have similar Ninjutsu."

Shikaku explained.

Kazahana Sōsetsu nodded and continued reading the documents.

He fell into deep thought.

As a Feudal Lord, Kazahana Sōsetsu was no fool, and he quickly understood the advantages and disadvantages of having Konoha handle this matter.

Miner injuries and fatalities can be greatly reduced.

Having ninjas provide services might significantly improve work efficiency.

The cost is--

More expensive expenses.

Furthermore, what will the extra people do?

His gaze gradually returned to the other scroll in Shikaku's hand.

The Spring Plan of the Land of Snow.

Konoha seems to have immense confidence in this proposal.

He pondered for a moment, then nodded. "If your document is truly valid, all future mining contracts will be handled by Konoha. If the cooperation proves effective, my Land of Snow can make the payments independently."

"Thank you, Your Feudal Lord. In that case, Konoha can also make concessions. We can offer a discount on any improvements to this request, and we can provide repair services completely free of charge under certain conditions."

Shikaku answered.

In the Land of Snow, the most expensive aspect of the greenhouse project is not construction, but long-term maintenance and improvement.

Kazahana Sōsetsu were to yield, he could also represent Konoha in yielding.

Kazahana Sōsetsu nodded and agreed.

Then, he saw the proposal.

The first column is the summary--

Greenhouses and geothermal heating.

Kazahana Sōsetsu swallowed hard, then looked down carefully.

The more he looked, the more excited he became.

This one is definitely better and more perfect than his proposal!

If we can do that, although we can't bring spring to the entire Land of Snow, we can benefit every household and let everyone experience the joy of spring.

Many people gain employment and livelihood opportunities in this process!

Kazahana Sōsetsu took a deep breath, then suppressed the excitement in her heart.

"Can this plan be optimized?"

In his view, Konoha's proposed solution was already near perfect and impeccable; Kazahana Sōsetsu couldn't imagine what a more perfect solution would be.

"I don't know. You'd have to ask the person in charge of the project."

Who is it?

"Kyohiko, I don't know if you've heard of this name before."

"Certainly!"

The Kazahana Sōsetsu nodded in agreement.

A young but rapidly rising Konoha prodigy!

Even if there were no ninjas in the Land of Snow, he had at least heard of their names.

Then, a sense of amazement arose within him—

This proposal was actually written by Kyohiko Yoshimine.

Is there anything he can't do?

[Your Land of Snow strategy has been approved by Kazahana Sōsetsu!]

[Konoha gains revenue from trade with the Land of Snow and long-term commissions, from which the entire Konoha benefits.]

[Reward: Arcane Art - Smoke Transformation upgraded to Grandmaster]

Grandmaster-level Smoke Transformation.

Kyohiko glanced at it, and despite being in a blizzard, he still chose to merge the memories.

He had studied this ability before, but his skill level remained at a proficient level and he found it difficult to improve. Later, the emergence and refinement of the Amber Jutsu made him even less in need of this ability.

To this day, he has not pursued further research.

but.

Master-level Smoke Transformation...

That's quite different!

Beside them, Kazahana Dōtō, trapped in Amber, was both sleepy and hungry, yet dared not sleep, fearing that if he fell asleep, he would be gone forever.

Seeing Kyohiko sitting cross-legged in the wind and snow, he thought the other was engaged in some kind of spiritual practice.

A full half hour passed before the heavy snow buried them both...

He was about to suffocate.

At that moment, the person next to him finally moved.

Kyohiko grabbed him and instantly Flying Thunder God.

The next second, when Kazahana Dōtō awoke, he saw a familiar building complex.

This is Kyoto, the Land of Snow!

"The Land of Snow..."

"You're back. Didn't you say you could kill your brother? Show me."

Kyohiko answered calmly.

Kazahana Dōtō was stunned for a moment, then nodded gently. "Okay, okay, I'll do it right away!"

His face beamed with excitement, and he immediately ran off, still wearing the Chakra Armor had worn before.

I've been gone for a long time.

Behind Kyohiko, Kurenai Yuhi emerged, panting heavily.

"I didn't expect you to leave the Flying Thunder God with me. I thought it was your clone or Shikaku- senpai's!"

It's safer for me to stay with you.

Kyohiko turned around.

Kurenai Yuhi rubbed her hands together.

"How about it?"

"He went out with us, don't worry, we'll see how many people he can catch later."

Kyohiko answered.

Then he smiled and said, "I hope Your Excellency will be satisfied with this Feudal Lord gift!"

"I'm afraid it will be more of a shock."

The Kurenai Yuhi and white light upon its gaze.

Then she said, "You must be careful. Feudal Lord Majesty's wife is about to give birth; don't cause any problems."

"Don't worry, this won't go wrong."

Smoke swirled around Kyohiko's fingers.

The Grandmaster-level Smoke Transformation technique is much more convenient than before.

The main point--

It can be used in conjunction with the Amber Jutsu.

When needed, it can be quickly opened from a distance to release Amber Chakra inside, and it can also be used as a coordinate for some Special Ninjutsu.

For example, the Flying Thunder God, and the Telescope Technique.

so.

The best option for Kazahana Dōtō is actually to report him to Kazahana Sōsetsu...

but.

Would he do that?

"Lord Dotō, are you telling the truth?"

"Certainly!"

The Kazahana Dōtō, and resolute determination.

In reality, he wasn't very confident, but at this moment, regardless of whether Konoha would actually help him, he had to say it to gain their assistance.

He must succeed!

Once he becomes Feudal Lord, Konoha will have to cooperate with him; it's impossible for them to kill him.

to this end...

His brother must die!

A fierce glint flashed in Kazahana Dōtō's eyes.

He raised his head and laughed, "See the armor I'm wearing? This is the Chakra Armor I've been researching for years. With it, I'm even stronger than before!"

As he spoke, a black dragon swiftly materialized in his hand.

Previously, it required a long period of Hand Seals to achieve this, but now it can be done with ease, which is proof of that.

Bright in everyone's eyes.

"Lord Dotō, please tell us what to do?!"

"It's very simple. Just wait until I become Feudal Lord, then persuade the other nobles to support me. You don't need to do anything else."

The Kazahana Dōtō answered calmly.

He can handle Kazahana Sōsetsu by himself!

The smiles on everyone's faces were even brighter than before.

No price to pay...

That would be best!

Inside the Feudal Lord's Mansion, Kazahana Sōsetsu coughed repeatedly in anger.

"Red."

"Yes, Your Feudal Lord, I'll take a look at it for you."

Kurenai Yuhi quickly stepped forward to help Kazahana Sōsetsu soothe her cough.

At this moment Kazahana Sōsetsu revealed a deep sorrow and indignation in her eyes.

He never imagined that his trusted and valued younger brother was secretly plotting to overthrow and kill him, and had even made all the necessary preparations.

After a long silence, Kazahana Sōsetsu said, "But why did you...?"

"Feudal Lord Excellency, I need you to see clearly that these nobles are only here for their own benefit. They will support whoever can give them advantages. What you can give, Kazahana Dōtō can also give."

Kyohiko said.

Kazahana Sōsetsu remained silent, then looked at Kyohiko.

"Then, what should I do?"

"First, you need a sufficient force of ninjas to protect you. Only with that force can you protect yourself and your family. Otherwise, if you fall... do you think your wife and children will survive?"

Yes, you're right.

Kazahana Sōsetsu stared at the Crystal Ball not far away, her face somber.

He couldn't imagine it.

If I were to die, what would become of my wife and family?

At this moment, Kazahana Dōtō had already left his command and headed towards the Feudal Lord's Mansion, clearly intending to come to his side.

"Feudal Lord Excellency, we'll proceed to the back."

"Good."

The Kazahana Sōsetsu nodded in agreement.

He knew that Kazahana Dōtō was partly encouraged by Kyohiko, but Kazahana Dōtō himself had the idea for it.

Those nobles and Chakra Armor couldn't be made in a short time.

The Dotō have been plotting for a long time!

Blaming Kyohiko is just deceiving yourself.

Kazahana Sōsetsu isn't such a foolish person.

He looked out with a cold gaze.

A moment later, a Samurai arrived and reported that Kazahana Dōtō requested an audience.

A dozen seconds later, Kazahana Dōtō came from outside.

Kazahana Sōsetsu looked at each other.

"Dotō, what brings you here this time?"

"I want the position of Feudal Lord, so let me sit there!"

With a wave of his hand, Kazahana Dōtō gathered Chakra.

Kazahana Sōsetsu feigned surprise, then said, "If I asked you to do it, would you spare my wife and descendants?"

"Certainly!"

The Kazahana Dōtō waves grinned.

The Kazahana Sōsetsu deepened my sorrow.

This guy's expression...

That's clearly a lie!

He valued and appointed the other party, yet he ended up like this. If it weren't for the Konoha ninja informing him, he would still believe that the Kazahana Dōtō was on his side.

And now.

Kazahana Sōsetsu sighed and silently tapped the chair.

Two "black dragons" attacked.

But in the next instant, a knife sliced the black dragon in two, and at the same time, a wisp of smoke dissipated from Kazahana Dōtō's body, turning into a pair of shackles that quickly bound him.