"Genius?!"
The superior froze for a moment, doubt flickering in their eyes.
But upon reflection, they realized the village's behavior toward the ramen shop owner, their subordinate, had indeed been odd, withholding many key details from them.
Seeing the superior's hesitation, the ramen shop owner, whose memories had been altered by Shinji's genjutsu, pressed on: "With the village undergoing a major shake-up, if we do nothing and wait for them to elect a new leader, do you think people like us will have a good outcome?"
The superior's expression darkened.
Grass Shinobi Village had provoked widespread anger this time. Its survival hinged on its sensitive geographical position—leaning toward any major nation would arouse suspicion from the others. The balance of power among the five great shinobi villages allowed it to barely cling on.
No one could predict whether the newly elected leader might sell out spies like them to the Hidden Leaf Village to secure their support.
The ramen shop owner continued: "Right now is our best chance. If we miss it, our fates will be in someone else's hands!"
After weighing the matter for a long time, the superior shook their head: "It's useless! At the end of the day, we're remnants of the 'Seed of Grass' faction. Now that the 'Flower of Grass' faction has regained control of the village, we're too weak to act alone!"
The ramen shop owner replied: "Didn't I tell you? We hold the village's future hope in our hands!"
The superior scoffed: "Even if they're a genius, what can a half-grown kid do? There's no time to wait for them to grow up. Give it up—our glory days are long over. Surviving is the best we can hope for now!"
The ramen shop owner suddenly smirked: "You don't get it. She's already grown!"
"What!?"
The ramen shop owner said: "If we back her, who the village's new leader will be is far from decided!"
The superior probed cautiously: "Does she have the strength of a Jonin?"
Grass Shinobi Village, second only to the five great shinobi villages, had the backing of a nation's daimyo. Even in decline, its leader needed at least Jonin-level strength to command respect.
The ramen shop owner nodded: "Yes! Why else do you think the elders risked sending her to the Hidden Leaf?"
The superior was immediately convinced.
A potential Jonin was an undeniable force in today's Grass Shinobi Village. Even if she didn't secure the leadership, she could at least claim an elder's title, offering them protection.
The two began discussing details.
To ensure the secrecy of Karin's line, Grass Shinobi Village had assigned a small but elite group of shinobi.
The superior, for instance, was a seasoned Chunin of the village.
The line included two other Chunin like them, with over a dozen Genin handling reconnaissance and message delivery.
Before the village's turmoil, this force was insignificant. But now, especially with a "genius" Jonin backing them, the situation was different.
Grass Shinobi Village.
The village, in desperate need of rebuilding, had become a massive construction site. Though the daimyo of the Land of Grass was fed up with the village, the necessary funds were still provided without shortfall.
The relationship between shinobi villages and daimyo was delicate.
An overly powerful shinobi village was bad news for a daimyo, but a nation without one was unacceptable. For daimyo content with the status quo, a shinobi village ensured their safety and maintained their rule.
Inside the central hall.
Several craftsmen from the Land of Grass were discussing the hall's restoration with Ryuran.
At that moment, a figure rushed in from outside.
Ryuran glanced over, exasperated: "Ryuzetsu, what's with the panic?"
"Huff… huff…" After catching her breath, Ryuzetsu said: "Brother, we got word from the daimyo!"
Ryuran's face grew serious: "Oh? What did the daimyo say?"
As a Jonin of the 'Flower of Grass' faction and a hero who protected many during the Land of Grass's turmoil, earning significant prestige, Ryuran was a top contender for the village's next leader. Naturally, he was keenly interested in the daimyo's message.
Ryuzetsu pouted: "The daimyo said he won't attend the leadership election meeting. Just inform him of the results afterward!"
Ryuran's face darkened.
He knew the daimyo's refusal to attend was purely out of fear that the village wasn't safe enough, worried something might happen if he came to spectate.
After a moment, Ryuran sighed: "Fine, if he's not coming, so be it!"
"What a coward!"
Ryuzetsu muttered under her breath.
"Don't be rude!" Ryuran scolded before adding: "We can't afford any mistakes at this election meeting!"
Ryuzetsu nodded: "Don't worry, Brother! Everyone supports you. You'll definitely become the leader!"
Ryuran said: "Masahiko and Yoshino still have a chance too!"
Swish.
Suddenly, a Grass Shinobi Village Anbu appeared before Ryuran, respectfully handing over a sealed letter.
Ryuran took the letter, and his brow furrowed.
Ryuzetsu asked: "Brother, what's wrong?"
Ryuran said: "Masahiko and Yoshino have withdrawn from the leadership race!"
Ryuzetsu was stunned, then delighted: "Isn't that great? If they've withdrawn, doesn't that mean you're the leader?"
Ryuran's face was grave: "No. They withdrew because they've united to support someone else!"
"Who!?"
Ryuzetsu racked her brain but couldn't think of anyone in the village who could rival her brother.
After a moment of thought, Ryuran instructed Ryuzetsu: "Stay in the village. I'm going to see who this person is that made Masahiko and Yoshino abandon their candidacy to support them!"
Ryuzetsu cautioned: "Be careful, Brother!"
"Mm!"
With a quick response, Ryuran left Grass Shinobi Village and arrived at a cave not far away.
Guarding the cave entrance was none other than the ramen shop owner's superior, Mitsuzawa.
Ryuran recognized him instantly: "Mitsuzawa, it's you!?"
Mitsuzawa smiled: "Ryuran, long time no see!"
Seeing a familiar face, Ryuran lowered his guard slightly and asked: "Who arranged this meeting? What are you, Masahiko, and Yoshino up to?"
Mitsuzawa replied: "Go inside, and you'll see!"
Suppressing his doubts, Ryuran entered the cave. There, he saw Masahiko and Yoshino, the village's remaining Jonin, before his gaze settled on a central figure wearing a mask and a black cloak. He demanded: "Who are you!?"