Disputes in Kirigakure

"Brother, watch out! This is chakra nature transformation!"

Just as he stepped through the front door, a sharp edge came hurtling toward him.

It was the little brat Shui Yue'er, launching a sneak attack with a Kusanagi Sword.

This had been his favorite prank since childhood.

The Hozuki Clan possessed the Hydrification Technique, rendering physical attacks completely ineffective against them, which was why Shui Yue'er felt safe enough to strike.

Wind Style chakra!

Hōzuki Mangetsu watched in surprise as the blade shimmered with a sharp, cutting edge.

In such a short time, had Shui Yue'er already mastered chakra nature transformation?

The Hozuki Clan were truly geniuses; at this rate, he couldn't simply use the Hydrification Technique to evade.

Perfect, he could use this chance to test his new technique!

Mysterious Peacock Method!

Hōzuki Mangetsu immediately formed hand seals, and a red and blue chakra erupted, rapidly wrapping around him like a peacock spreading its tail.

Shui Yue'er's Kusanagi Sword struck the peacock tail, emitting a metallic clink as if it had hit something solid.

The Kusanagi Sword flew from his grip, nearly smashing through the wall.

After all, he was still just a Genin; he couldn't compare to his brother, who had already become an elite Jonin.

At that moment, a materialized chakra hand extended from Shui Yue'er's body, catching the Kusanagi Sword.

"Be careful, the Kusanagi Sword infused with Wind Style chakra is extremely sharp. Don't hurt yourself."

Hōzuki Mangetsu said to his younger brother with a smile.

This is chakra materialization!

The little brat widened his eyes, staring at his brother in shock. Aside from the Fourth Mizukage, the Jinchuriki, this was the first time he had ever seen materialized chakra.

"This is a new technique I learned," Hōzuki Mangetsu explained.

"Brother, teach me! Teach me!"

The little brat immediately rushed forward, tugging at Hōzuki Mangetsu's arm.

A wave of warmth washed over Hōzuki Mangetsu. He patted Shui Yue'er's head and said, "This technique carries great risk. Let's talk about it when you're older!"

Shui Yue'er pouted, unhappy, and no amount of persuasion from Hōzuki Mangetsu seemed to work.

In the end, Hōzuki Mangetsu had to compromise, promising to teach him a C-rank ninjutsu before the boy finally relented.

"Master Mangetsu!"

Not long after shaking off the little brat, Chojuro came to visit.

He had now officially become Hōzuki Mangetsu's disciple.

So it was Chojuro!

Hōzuki Mangetsu smiled and asked, "How has your training been lately?"

Chojuro still hadn't shed his shy nature, stammering, "I... I've been hoping for your guidance, Master."

Hōzuki Mangetsu checked the time and nodded. Since he had taken the boy as a disciple, he had to be diligent and responsible.

Besides, Chojuro was a child with connections; if Hōzuki Mangetsu wanted to vie for the position of Mizukage in the future, he needed to build alliances on multiple fronts.

Soon, the Kirigakure training grounds saw the figures of three people.

Kirigakure Jonin meeting.

The Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, sat in the center, with Suikazan Fuguki on his left, and Terumi Mei and Ao on his right.

The supreme leader of Kirigakure was the Mizukage, Yagura. Below him were the three Mizukage aides, followed by the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, and finally, the ordinary Jonin.

Suikazan Fuguki, Terumi Mei, and Ao were the Mizukage's aides, holding a status higher than the Seven Ninja Swordsmen.

The Seven Ninja Swordsmen ranked above ordinary Jonin, and as the leader of the new generation of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, Hōzuki Mangetsu naturally held the top spot among the Jonin, sitting just below Terumi Mei. The remaining Jonin took their seats around the round table.

Since it was not wartime, many Jonin were out on missions.

There weren't many Jonin left; the leaders present were Kisame, Zabuza, the Anbu assassination squad captain A-Jian, and an old man named Harusame, who appeared to be the master of the Six-Tails Jinchuriki.

"Lord Mizukage, I believe this is an excellent opportunity!"

Suikazan Fuguki was the first to speak: "According to intelligence, there is friction between the Konoha leadership and the Uchiha Clan, and a conflict could break out at any moment. We can take this opportunity to move our forces to the border. Once chaos erupts within Konoha, we can loot the burning house. Even if we cannot invade Konoha, we can still seize some benefits. I suggest we go all out to attack Konoha this time and seize their territory."

He had calculated well. If a full-scale war were launched, Yagura, as Mizukage, would naturally not act rashly, and the command of the army would fall into Suikazan's hands. With military power in his grasp, he could easily eliminate his opponents.

By then, the Land of Water would be his, Suikazan's, domain.

"Lord Suikazan is right; it is time to wage war on Konoha."

"We suffered heavy losses last time; we must have our revenge this time."

"Lord Mizukage, give the order!"

Kisame, Zabuza, and a group of jonin under Suikazan Fuguki nodded in agreement, voicing their support one after another.

"Fuguki, you are being far too impatient."

Terumi Mei, standing to the side, let out a delicate laugh and said, "What if there is no conflict between the high-level officials of Konoha and the Uchiha Clan? By marching your troops to their gates like this, you would only be forcing both sides to unite. Besides..."

Her smile turned cold as she continued, "If we in Kirigakure exhaust all our strength to attack Konoha, what are we to do if other nations, such as Kumogakure or Sunagakure, take the opportunity to attack us?"

The relationship between the two had long since become like fire and water, so she naturally would not let Suikazan's scheme succeed.

Hearing Terumi Mei speak up, those loyal to her strength also chimed in.

"Lord Terumi Mei is right; the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind. We must be on our guard."

"Konoha is the strongest of the five great ninja villages; I fear it would be quite difficult for our Kirigakure to conquer them."

"Lord Mizukage, please think twice!"

Hōzuki Mangetsu scanned the room and realized that, aside from A-Jian and Harusame who remained neutral, the remaining jonin had basically already chosen their sides.

Although Fuguki held the advantage in numbers, Terumi Mei's supporters were almost all powerful ninja, making the two sides evenly matched.

Mizukage Yagura remained expressionless, turning a blind eye to the bickering of his subordinates.

Hōzuki Mangetsu knew that at this moment, he was still being controlled by the technique of Uchiha Madara; though he was unsure what it was, it was certainly an extremely powerful genjutsu.

Hōzuki Mangetsu!

Yagura suddenly raised his head and said, "What is your opinion?"

The Hozuki Clan had always been the head of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen and still held a very high status in Kirigakure.

This was also the reason why Terumi Mei had spared no effort to win him over.

Seeing Yagura ask Hōzuki Mangetsu, a smile appeared on the corner of Terumi Mei's mouth. Since the two had already joined forces, Hōzuki Mangetsu's words would naturally lean in her favor.

"I disagree with Terumi Mei's opinion."

Hōzuki Mangetsu suddenly said, catching everyone by surprise.

What?

Not only Terumi Mei, but even Suikazan Fuguki was somewhat startled.

The two of them could hardly be considered friends!

How could Hōzuki Mangetsu possibly agree with his point of view?

"Let's hear it!"

Yagura said calmly.

Hōzuki Mangetsu coughed and said, "The Land of Fire possesses the most fertile land, a suitable climate, and abundant resources, and this strong material foundation has created Konoha's formidable strength. By comparison, our Land of Water has barren soil and scarce resources, and the living standards of our people are low, which cannot support Kirigakure in obtaining sufficient supplies. If we want to obtain enough resources, we must take the path of expansion. Therefore, we need the fertile land of the Land of Fire, and so, war is unavoidable."