Meaningful words.
Ordinary people wouldn't understand the deeper meaning, but Qi understood it the moment he heard it. As a faint look of understanding appeared in his eyes, Qi couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
'Is that really how it is?'
Divide, win over, and antagonize!
This is a tactic that any powerful group would employ when conflict erupts. Qi's identity dictates that he cannot remain uninvolved, especially since he was already considered special from the start. Even if he is certain that he has no connection with Genji, would others believe him?
Even if it's 99% true, there can still be that 1% doubt!
That Qi's position would seem very delicate to others.
Who told him his surname Minazuki Clan!?
At least his surname is Minazuki Clan, not Kaguya or Hozuki Clan; otherwise, things would be even worse. But the current situation isn't exactly good either.
Just as I had guessed.
Although it wasn't his own wish, he had already become someone who was caught in the crossfire between Karatachi Yagura, Genji, and his own clan.
But he had no right to refuse. Unless he could one day take control of the Yuki Clan and at least grow into a strongman comparable to Karatachi Yagura, the right to speak and the freedom were unattainable luxuries for him!
This is a situation that can be easily understood.
Without any hesitation or doubt, Qi took a deep breath and bowed again, replying, "Yes, please rest assured, Suikazan Suikazan, I will certainly remember your teachings!"
"Very good!"
Suikazan Fuguki didn't care how sincere Qi's words were. After all, people often only need to look at a superficial attitude, and then their subsequent actions and choices are another key factor.
"I apologize for keeping you waiting, Lord Suikazan. My lord has recently caught a cold and is feeling unwell at night, so he was unable to meet you in person. I will receive you in my place. I am Date Suikazan, the Minister of Home Affairs of the Land of Rivers. I believe I can be of some help to you, Suikazan Date Masamune, and your village!"
This happened shortly after the conversation between Suikazan Fuguki and Kei ended.
Two figures stepped out from the back of the palace. One was General Yamazaki Heiji, who had Saemon earlier. The newcomer was an elderly man in fine clothes with black hair and a smile. The aura he exuded was enough to prove that this old man had been in a high position for many years!
The words he uttered proved this point.
Home Secretary!
This is definitely one of the top figures in the Land of Rivers, second only to the daimyo!
Of course, both Suikazan Fuguki clearly understood the hidden meaning in the words spoken by this seemingly smiling Minister of the Interior.
However, Suikazan Fuguki didn't care at all about the open or veiled mockery.
Even setting aside the fact that their 'social status' is indeed a cut above theirs.
The ninjas are pragmatic individuals. As long as their demands are met in terms of tangible benefits, they won't care about or concern themselves with trivial matters of title or status!
"Hehe, it was our late-night visit that disturbed the Daimyo. We should be the ones apologizing to the Daimyo. Besides, with the Minister of the Interior's assistance, I think everything will be fine, and the Mizukage will certainly be satisfied!"
Suikazan Fuguki deliberately emphasized his words, speaking with a pointed meaning.
Yamazaki Heiji and Date Masamune, who were sitting opposite each other, also had a slight change in expression.
There was no threatening tone in his voice; he simply spoke those words in a calm and even tone.
But the threat was palpable.
Indeed, ninjas usually don't attack nobles, especially daimyo, whose status is even more special.
Ninjas need to have a certain degree of 'reverence'!
But remember, this is under 'normal circumstances'!
Throughout history, how many nobles have been killed by ninjas? And what about daimyo who haven't been assassinated?
So, to put it bluntly, the fact that the daimyo and nobles can still maintain their somewhat aloof status to a certain extent is really due to the ninjas' self-discipline!
If one day the ninjas were to unite and decide to change the world order, what could ordinary people do to stop them!?
How can I protect myself!?
For an ordinary person to fight against a ninja is a joke!
How could Yamazaki Heiji Date Masamune and Yamazaki Heiji not understand the threat in Suikazan Fuguki's words?
My heart was filled with rage.
On the surface, both Date and Yamazaki could only suppress their divine rage, for the situation was beyond their control!
Wasn't it just as bad when the Sand Ninja was around?
It's just a change of partner now; there's no need to create unnecessary trouble for yourself. Everything should remain the same.
"Yes, of course! Our Land of Rivers will certainly do its utmost to assist your village and Your Excellency!"
After taking a deep breath, Date Masamune still spoke with a smile.
"That would be perfect!"
The Suikazan Fuguki grinned, revealing a terrifyingly satisfied smile, and nodded.
Immediately afterwards.
The two then began discussing some details, such as the division of certain areas and the supply of some essential basic materials.
Just like the support the Land of Water provides to the Mist Ninja.
The Land of Rivers has now become just another supply country for the Kirigakure.
Of course, it remains to be seen whether this is long-term or temporary.
Then we'll have to wait and see what happens between the Mist Ninja and the Sand Ninja. Both Suikazan Fuguki and Date Masamune are well aware of this.
Throughout the entire process, Kei remained silent, standing behind Suikazan Fuguki. Yamazaki Heiji Date Masamune and Yamazaki Heiji also paid no attention to the little guy Kei.
Their negotiations didn't last long; many things could be done by simply copying the previous terms from the Sand Ninja!
That was all the orders that Suikazan Fuguki received.
So, it was about an hour later.
At dawn.
Suikazan Fuguki left the daimyo's private palace in the Land of Rivers with a very satisfied expression.
"Kei, connect the contents of this treaty with Ano, then send it back to the Fourth Hokage and report that the Land of Rivers has completely fallen into the hands of our Mist Ninja!"
On the way back to the outpost outside the city.
Suikazan Fuguki also issued new orders to Kei.
"Yes!"
Qi responded solemnly.