Upon receiving notification that a large number of ninjas were engaged in battle outside the capital.
This Saemon realized that it must be an invasion by ninjas from other major countries. Well, "invasion" might not be the most accurate word, but it's close enough. Anyway, if the Sand Ninja wins, everything will remain the same; if the Sand Ninja loses, it will simply be a matter of finding a new so-called "partner."
Now it seems...
The Sand Ninja were defeated.
The only thing that was a little beyond Saemon's expectations was that the attackers were not from Konohagakure as he had thought, but from Kirigakure. However, this slight deviation was insignificant and did not make much difference in the outcome.
Just as Saemon was about to order the city gates to be opened.
In the lower part of the space.
"Whoosh!"
"Whoosh!"
Suikazan Fuguki, carrying Kai, leaped lightly over the high city wall and arrived at the top of the city tower.
Suddenly, they saw the two 'fly' towards them.
Some of the young soldiers felt a surge of tension and instinctively raised their weapons.
"Lay down!"
General Saemon, who had noticed this, immediately rebuked him sternly.
Only then did the soldiers realize what was happening, and they immediately put down their weapons. Facing the sinister grin of the Suikazan Fuguki, a chill ran down their spines.
It felt like surviving a disaster.
If their general had spoken a little slower, and if they had made a move, they would likely already be corpses!
"You must be the commander of the Mist Ninja. I am General Saemon, in charge of the defense of the Saemon of the Land of Rivers — Yamazaki Heiji!"
After reprimanding his subordinates to step aside, the nearly fifty-year-old General Yamazaki Heiji himself walked up to Suikazan Fuguki's side and spoke in a neither arrogant nor humble manner.
In terms of nominal status, as the Saemon General of the State, Yamazaki Heiji's position was far more prestigious than that of Suikazan Fuguki.
It's just a formality; everyone knows what's going on.
In this world, where a ninja can easily wipe out a small country if he's in a bad mood or acts recklessly.
These so-called nobles and politicians are nothing but a joke.
Just like in the original story, the formation of the Allied Shinobi Forces required the consent of the Daimyo of the Five Great Nations. Would the Allied Shinobi Forces not be formed if the Daimyo of the Five Great Nations did not agree?
Stop joking. That thing is like the successor to the Shadow; it's practically just a formality. Honestly acknowledging it is the best outcome for both sides.
Yamazaki Heiji is long past the age of hot-blooded chuunibyou (adolescent delusions of grandeur), and now his only thought is to ensure a limited degree of peace for his country.
"Hehe, please forgive my late visit, General. I am Suigetsu Hozuki, a Jonin from Kirigakure. I have come here on the orders of the Mizukage to help your country get rid of the threat of the evil Sand Ninja. As for some specific matters, I wonder if it would be convenient for me to discuss them with the Daimyo in person now?"
Although I completely despise the nobles of these small countries.
But given their status, as long as it doesn't affect the overall situation, Suikazan Fuguki wouldn't mind having a 'friendly' conversation with them!
It allows you to maintain appearances and make things proceed more smoothly, so why not?
"Of course, no problem. Please, Suikazan, come this way!"
If someone offers you a way out, you should still accept it.
While inwardly sighing, Yamazaki Heiji still stepped aside and extended an invitation.
Then, taking the lead and walking at the very front, he led Suikazan Fuguki and Kei towards the palace complex of their daimyo in the Land of Rivers.
'He's a very intelligent man, but that's understandable; he's probably almost fifty years old, right? And he's a general of the Saemon of the State. If he were a complete idiot, he'd be buried long ago.'
Kei followed closely behind Suikazan Fuguki.
He remained silent throughout, but upon witnessing Yamazaki Heiji's response, he couldn't help but think to himself.
From the city gate to the palace, it was clearly quite a distance. Although a ninja could arrive in an instant, Suikazan Fuguki was in no hurry at all. He leisurely followed behind Yamazaki Heiji, walking lightly forward.
They arrived in the dead of night.
Naturally, we need to give people some time to react; it's better to leave too early.
That famous person is probably still dreaming!
This basic quality is not lacking for Suikazan Fuguki. Giving him more time to prepare and think will make it easier to lay the groundwork for the next cooperation negotiations!
Although it's practically a done deal!
But naturally, the more trouble you can avoid, the better!
"We've arrived. Please wait here for a moment, Lord Suikazan, while I report to the Daimyo!"
Upon arriving at the palace complex, led by Saemon Yamazaki Heiji, the guards at the main gate of the palace naturally did not stop them. They proceeded directly to the largest central hall, where ministers and foreign guests were received.
After bowing slightly to Suikazan Fuguki and saying those words, Yamazaki Heiji stepped into the inner part of the room.
Suikazan Fuguki still maintained an ambiguous expression.
After Yamazaki Heiji's figure disappeared...
While seemingly admiring the architectural style of the grand hall, Suikazan Fuguki suddenly spoke up, "Ki-kun, do you know why I included you in my team instead of Fuka -sang's?"
This question came out of nowhere.
The moment echoed in the empty and silent hall.
Qi's eyes narrowed instinctively.
However, on the surface, Qi remained calm and replied with a slightly respectful tone, "No! I don't know, but obeying orders is a ninja's duty!"
"Heh, a ninja's duty, huh? You really are as the Fourth Hokage said, a clever one indeed, Kei-kun!"
Suikazan Fuguki turned around, his sharp eyes fixed on Kei, and as he spoke in a low voice...
A sense of danger seemed to be gathering.
The terrifying energy of Qi is being locked in, whether openly or covertly.
This made Qi's heart tighten, but he still maintained a nonchalant expression.
He maintained a respectful demeanor.
When the Suikazan Fuguki saw Kei's appearance, a faint hint of appreciation seemed to appear in its pupils.
"I hope you can always maintain this intelligence, Kei-kun. The village and the Fourth Hokage need intelligent people like you! Don't forget what you yourself said about the duty of a ninja!!"