Thank you to the Daimyo of the Land of Rainbows.
In Qi's view, it's not that it's worthless, but it's almost useless. What he's going to do next and what he wants to achieve are not things that a mere daimyo of a small country can help him with. If it were the daimyo of the other Five Great Nations, that would be more true, since their power and status are there, and the manpower, material resources, financial resources and all other resources they can mobilize are almost dozens or even hundreds of times that of these small countries!
In particular, even if the Daimyo of their own Land of Water has little influence, he is still the nominal 'supreme leader' of the Mist Ninja, someone to whom even the Mizukage must obey orders. If they can get the support of this Daimyo in future plans, things will obviously go much more smoothly.
However, what one thinks in one's heart is one thing, but on the surface, one still needs to put on a good show. And it was under the warm invitation of this Daimyo of the Land of Rainbows that the three of them stayed in the Land of Rainbows for an extra day.
It was on December 1st that the three of them officially set off to return to Kirigakure.
On the way back.
Occasionally, you'll see some Mist Ninja hurrying by.
Qi and the other two were already used to it.
Since the beginning of the year, relations within the Shinobi World have gradually become tense. With so many events unfolding afterward, this turbulence has become uncontrollable, and even the superficial peace is on the verge of collapse.
The Third Hokage could never have imagined that despite his best efforts, including numerous negotiations and concessions to various ninja villages, the subsequent actions of the Dinzo Danzo would force Hiruzen Sarutobi to further cede the interests of some small Land of Water to Kirigakure, and even tacitly allow Kumogakure to seize most of the interests of the Land of Hot Water.
I thought this would bring me at least a few years of peace.
But unexpectedly, in just one or two months, the situation in the Shinobi World became even more tense and dangerous.
On the border and within the borders of other small countries, the fighting among the ninjas of the Five Great Shinobi Villages is becoming increasingly brutal. Almost every few days, news of comrades being killed or seriously wounded arrives, and each report involves several, sometimes even two.
This situation completely demonstrates that the Third Hokage's previous strategies have failed. The current Shinobi World is merely maintaining the last thin veil of so-called peace, and it has not yet been torn down!
In fact, the major powers are already close to entering the initial probing clashes of war, which was something that could have been predicted earlier!
'Peace is truly a laughable and luxurious thing!'
Qi's expression appeared calm, but a hint of mockery flickered deep within his pupils.
When the group finally returned to the village after spending more than a day there...
"Whoosh!"
"Whoosh!"
"Whoosh!"
It's located at the main gate of Kirigakure.
They encountered a small squad that clearly had been through a fierce battle and was returning.
Although they were all covered in bruises.
At least the staff was all present.
"How many batches have there been recently? The peace talks a few months ago were practically a sham!"
Having just finished registering to enter the village, Mei Terumi a small squad of Mist Ninja entered the village ahead of her and the other two, heading towards the hospital building. A hint of emotion flickered in her beautiful eyes as she softly spoke.
"Hmph, that's why I said it. These so-called other major powers have absolutely no credibility. Whether it's the Cloud Ninja, the Sand Ninja, or even the Konoha, none of them are trustworthy!"
Kisame his arms and said in a cold tone.
This is a typical example of the Mist Ninja mindset.
From all aspects, Kisame truly embodies all the attributes a Mist Ninja should possess.
'So, in the original story, the unexpected events in Kirigakure were no less numerous than those in Konoha, which led to that outcome!'
After glancing at Kisame, Qi thought to himself.
The number of missing-nin in the original work.
Mist Ninja claims to be second, no other ninja village dares to claim first. From the Kage (being controlled is also a form of betrayal, right?) down to any ordinary Mist Ninja, there are bound to be traitors among them.
Kisame from the original work is one of them.
This is an earthquake-like brain drain from Kirigakure!
If all these people could stay in Kirigakure and fight wholeheartedly for the greater good of Kirigakure, then in the future, Kirigakure would truly have the ability to contend for supremacy in the Shinobi World!
"Therefore, peace is never something that can be achieved through negotiation, but rather through fighting. It's only natural that a major war could break out at any time. Conflicts of interest and hatred cannot be easily eliminated unless one side is completely defeated!"
He raised an eyebrow, and those words came out unconsciously.
This startled Mei Terumi and Kisame, who were positioned on either side.
'Completely defeated?'
Then, a thoughtful expression simultaneously surfaced.
"Alright, let's go turn in the quest first. We've been away for quite a while now, so we should rest for a few days after we finish!"
As if just realizing what was happening, Qi coughed lightly and then led the way towards the mission building. Kisame and Mei Terumi exchanged a rare glance before following in Qi's footsteps.
"Heh, another A-Rank Mission. Since you three were promoted to Chunin, you've become more and more motivated. Kei, it seems you're really planning to break the age record for Jonin promotion!"
Inside the mission center building.
Coincidentally, it was the same familiar Jonin in Jonin Jackdaw, who looked at Qi and the other two who had come to complete their mission and receive their rewards with a smile.
"No, Jackdaw- san is joking. The three of us have only just been promoted to Chunin, how could we be thinking about becoming Jonin? Besides, we're still far from it. Every mission requires us to give it our all to complete, and we need much more experience!"
Qi still wore that same humble smile he always wore when facing outsiders, and gave a slight bow in greeting.
Mei Terumi Kisame, sitting in the back, had a wide smile on her face, while Kisame raised an eyebrow with a hint of disapproval.
"Haha, you little rascal, alright, here's the other half of your reward. How about it, want to take on more missions? Things haven't been too peaceful lately, and some neighboring countries have released missions that fit your team's criteria!"
The Jackdaw chuckled, pointed at Qi with its finger, and said something meaningful.
"No, we've been away on this mission for over ten days. We need to rest and recuperate properly. Continuing with such high-intensity missions will take a toll on our physical and mental strength!"
Qi replied with a smile.
"Hmm, that's true!"
"Then, we'll excuse ourselves, Jackdaw- sang!"
After bowing to the Jackdaw, Kei, Mei Terumi Kisame, and Kisame left the mission center building.