"How did Sakumo end up entangled with such a lecherous scoundrel?"
When Hyūga Sōshu received the intelligence from Konoha, he was visibly taken aback.
The information was provided by Hiashi Hyūga, currently serving as the commander of the Western District Unit of the Konoha Military Police Force. The report focused on Jiraiya's activities following his return to Konoha—particularly his secret meeting and subsequent interactions with Sakumo Hatake in the Jonin Unit office.
However, to avoid being detected by these two highly perceptive individuals, the Hyūga ninja assigned to surveillance refrained from direct observation or lip-reading attempts — leaving them unable to overhear the conversation.
"Lord Sōshu,"
A servant ninja signaled that there was another sealed message from the village.
Hyūga Sōshu opened the secret letter and found it was authored by Hiashi Hyūga as well.
As for the content of this report, it was relatively sensitive:
"Clan members remaining in the village have detected numerous summoned beasts displaying chakra signatures around the outskirts of our clan territory."
After reading the letter, Hyūga Sōshu immediately furrowed his brow.
Hiashi also noted in the report that although they were aware of unusual activity, none of the stealthy summoned beasts had been visually confirmed. What could be determined was that these creatures were hiding primarily within underground drainage pipes. Moreover, their perception abilities were extremely sharp. Despite the efforts of the Hyūga ninja, no progress had been made tracking them.
Among summoned beasts fitting this description, the ones most renowned for their water affinity were Mount Myoboku's ninja frogs and Ryuchi Cave's ninja snakes. As for Katsuyu from Shikkotsu Forest, since they were all extensions of the Great Sage Katsuyu herself, they were unlikely to engage in such underhanded behavior.
"Pass my orders down"
After a moment's thought, Hyūga Sōshu issued orders to the serving ninja: "First, issue a citywide extermination order targeting all frogs and snakes! No mistakes will be acceptable—every underground pipe space must be inspected in person. The Hyūga ninja are to scan every inch beneath the surface, leaving absolutely nothing unchecked!"
"Understood!"
Though puzzled, the servant ninja quickly acknowledged the order.
Previously, Lord Sōshu had issued similar directives and even set long-term missions for Genin-level shinobi, offering bounties for captured snakes and frogs. Therefore, despite finding the request odd, the servant loyally recorded the order and prepared to deploy immediately.
"Secondly, draw thirty Byakugan-equipped ninja from the Instructor Corps to assist back in the village. Their mission will remain the same: eliminate all snakes and frogs around the clan's territory and its surrounding areas!"
"At once!"
After receiving the orders, the servant waited respectfully for a moment before backing out slowly upon confirming that Hyūga Sōshu had nothing further to say.
[He exhaled sharply]
Hyūga Sōshu tossed the documents onto his desk, closed his eyes, and resumed thinking.
If his suspicion was right — that the summoned beasts came from Mount Myoboku or Ryuchi Cave — then either Jiraiya or Orochimaru was stirring trouble again.
If it's Orochimaru, his motive would likely be coveting the Byakugan bloodline of the Hyuga Clan. After all, with the Hyuga Clan having ceased engraving the Caged Bird seal on newer generations, stealing the Byakugan bloodline has become relatively easier.
Yet the prime suspect remains Jiraiya. Based on Hyuga Soushu's past-life memories, this guy was basically blinded by Mount Myoboku's vision of the ninja world's future — turning him into a self-sacrificing workhorse who'd die for that dream.
Comparing the two holy places, although Ryuchi Cave is disliked due to its cruel and bloodthirsty image, Mount Myoboku's methods are more secretive and difficult to guard against.
Especially since the Great Toad Sage from Mount Myoboku enjoys spreading various prophecies, using slogans like "serving as the Sage of Six Paths' proxy to save the ninja world," which has bewildled countless ninja minds.
"Mount Myoboku, Ryuchi Cave, Madara Uchiha"
These are all hostile forces that Hyuga Soushu must completely eliminate if he wants to realize his ideals.
The problem, however, is that these enemies not only hide in the shadows but also possess formidable strength one after another. With merely the power of the Hyuga Clan or even the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation, eliminating them entirely — or even locating their hideouts — wouldn't be an easy task.
"There should be priorities."
After much consideration, Hyuga Soushu still felt the Land of Water, where considerable resources have already been invested, was more important currently. Compared with the two so-called Summoned Beast Holy Places comprised of freaks, Uchiha Madara, who might be hiding within the Hidden Mist Village manipulating the Third Mizukage, posed a relatively higher threat.
As time passes, the damage caused by this asymmetric warfare against the Land of Water continues increasing.
Ninjas from the clans that relocated to the southern islands of the Land of Water began constructing ship repair yards and a series of transit facilities according to the requirements of the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation after successfully occupying the islands, enabling supply replenishment for privateer fleets coming from the mainland-ninja-world.
Meanwhile, the Suiton Clan, quick-witted as they were, started laying groundwork early to integrate themselves into the system of the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation. They set up essential facilities for laundering stolen goods — auction houses, pawnshops, and consignment stores — fully ready to cash in on the sudden fortune.
And developments unfolded exactly as predicted by The Suiton Clan Head.
Once the Mist Ninja Clans collectively evacuated the village and occupied the southern islands of the Land of Water, privateer fleets from the mainland-ninja-world descended like a pack of wolves, beginning to tear apart the now-crisis-stricken Land of Water.
Although both the Water Daimyo and the Third Mizukage believed they'd made thorough defensive preparations, successfully repelling the initial probing raids, what followed were waves of raiders led by former Hidden Mist ninjas who bypassed nearly every heavily guarded beach with ease. Choosing instead to land at unexpected bays and cliffs, they raided fast and vanished just as quick.
While subsequently arriving Bloodline Faction ninja did annihilate a small number of overly greedy privateer ninjas who delayed withdrawal beyond scheduled times, overall, such minor losses compared to their plunder gains remained trivial — barely a dent in their profits.
Moreover, upon learning the staggering amount of loot seized during the first wave of raids and landings, the privateer ninja who had just arrived at the outskirts of the Land of Water became even more eager to act!
Thus, the second and third waves of raids followed in quick succession. Like leeches in a rice field that caught the scent of blood, they surged into every part of the Land of Water, coordinating their assaults with ruthless efficiency.
In no time at all, fires raged across the land while signal flares burst into the sky along every coastline of the Land of Water.
After putting up resistance for some time, the Water Daimyo and the Third Mizukage realized that relying solely on passive coastal defense and constant endurance of attacks was not a sustainable strategy. It was also extremely easy for the already thinly stretched ninja forces to become further scattered due to coordination among the raiding privateer ninja, leading to the disastrous scenario of being gradually picked apart.
After deliberation, the Water Daimyo decisively took drastic action, directly issuing the maritime blockade and population relocation orders. The order mandated the relocation of all residents originally residing in coastal towns and ports across the islands of the Land of Water to inland areas, in an attempt to adopt a scorched-earth policy against the endless waves of privateer ninja attacks.
Furthermore, aside from a small number of inner bay ports still under Kirigakure's control, the Water Daimyo also demanded the complete destruction of all civilian-owned boats, aiming to ensure not even a single plank could reach the sea, so as to prevent desperate civilians from taking risks and colluding with the privateer fleets.
Although these two decrees severely damaged the livelihoods of commoners—especially fishermen who relied on fishing for survival, causing them to fall suddenly into desperate poverty—they temporarily deprived the privateer fleets of opportunities to exploit vulnerabilities.
After several consecutive successful annihilation operations conducted by Bloodline Faction ninja against raiding parties attempting to cross the barren tidal flats and penetrate deeper inland, the Water Daimyo grew even more convinced his two prohibitions were completely correct.
Just when the privateering movement fell into a slump, Hyuga Soushu led his forces across the sea on a long-range expedition and arrived at the southern islands controlled by the Mist Ninja Clan.
Accompanying him were fifty members of the Instructor Corps and thirty Byakugan-wielding ninja from the Hyuga Clan, tasked with serving as advisors and scouts, providing intelligence and tactical support to both the Mist Ninja Clan and the privateer fleet.
The Mist Ninja Clan, led by the three Clan Heads of the Powerful Clans, collectively arrived at the port to welcome the privateer fleet.
As three specially designed massive warships slowly docked at the port, Mist ninja couldn't help but burst into cheers.
Hyuga Soushu walked straight to the side deck and waved to greet the assembled representatives of the Mist Ninja Clan who had come to welcome him.
Following a ceremony full of elaborate formalities, Hyuga Soushu, surrounded and escorted by Mist clan members, proceeded to visit key privateering logistics facilities such as ship repair yards and supply stations. Addressing the most pressing issue currently facing the Mist Ninja Clan—securing a steady supply of military provisions—he gave direct assurances, promising a generous shipment of free aid materials destined for those bravely fighting through hardship.
This declaration sparked another resounding cheer from the gathered Mist ninja.
Guided by the principle of holding large meetings for minor issues while discussing major ones behind closed doors, after completing large-scale negotiations with the Mist Ninja Clan, Hyuga Soushu secretly summoned the spokesmen of the three powerful clans to meet within his residence.
"Right now, does each clan's ninja clan still recognize Kirigakure's name?"
Hyuga Soushu got straight to the point.
"There have been no open objections yet."
"The Suiton Clan and House Hozuki are the true founders of the Mist," the Suiton Clan Head declared immediately. "Our ancestors served as the first two Mizukages, so the Crimson Mist faction is truly the traitor faction!"
"Does House Hozuki share this view?"
Soushu directed his gaze toward the aged Hozuki elder.
"Yes indeed! Our ancestors' legacy must not be seized by traitors. The name of the Mist must never fall into the hands of others!"
The Hozuki elder responded at once.
Inside the hearts of these two Powerful Clan leaders, they speculated that Soushu's question probably stemmed from an ambition to absorb the Mist ninja clans. After all, judging from the grandeur of the welcome ceremony, if the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation truly opened its doors to those ninja clans previously operating in secret beneath their rule, applications would surely start lining up immediately.
Therefore, they absolutely could not afford to lose the banner and righteous cause represented by the Mist!
"In that case, why don't we just establish a New Mist?"
Soushu's words left both clan leaders momentarily speechless. "Since the Crimson Mist faction has seized control of the village headquarters, the traditional ninja clans must openly raise their banners to unite our people and mount a full counterattack!"
"N-New Mist?"
The Hozuki elder hesitated slightly.
"Isn't this essentially splitting the village?"
The Suiton Clan Head also sounded hesitant.
"The truth is, the village headquarters has already completely fallen into the hands of the Crimson Mist faction. Whether you accept it or not, according to the system of one village per country, they've become the de facto legitimate authority."
Soushu spoke bluntly: "Moreover, weren't those Mist ninja clans who migrated southward and established their own fiefdoms on various islands considered Secessionists in the first place? Why keep deceiving ourselves?"
"But—"
The Hozuki elder and the Suiton Clan Head exchanged helpless glances, they didn't dare say more.
After all, it was Soushu himself who had advised abandoning the struggle for control of the village and relocating to the southern islands!
And now he used this very fact to pressure the Mist ninja clans?
Yet despite their inner resentment, the two clan leaders, desperate for backing from the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation, dared not challenge Soushu's words.
"There has never been any such thing as legitimacy. Whoever masters stronger ninjutsu and possesses more ninja tools becomes the true legitimate authority!"
Soushu stood up and began pacing around the room as he continued speaking. "As for mere reputation, that is no longer the most important matter!"
"Furthermore, the Hidden Mist Village Headquarters is certainly not a perfectly united fortress, nor will every common ninja fully support the Crimson Mist faction. If a new Mist suddenly emerged, those ordinary ninja unwilling to suffer under the cruel rule of the Crimson Mist might switch allegiance accordingly."
"With this dynamic at play—Crimson Mist growing weaker day by day while the new Mist strengthens—we would eventually find it easy to march north and reclaim our original headquarters, wouldn't we?"
The passion in Soushu's voice stirred emotions within the room.
However, neither of these experienced clan leaders were naive; although both nodded respectfully, they subtly exchanged glances, silently communicating their shared doubts.
"What do you think, Clan Leader Tsunashige?"
Soushu turned his gaze toward Tsunashige Kaguya, who seemed almost invisible.
"Soushu speaks wisely. The Kaguya Clan will stand firmly behind this decision!" Tsunashige Kaguya replied with a noble tone. "We cannot focus only on the gains and losses of ninja clans. As the orthodox clan, we must also protect the civilian shinobi. Therefore, establishing New Mist is absolutely necessary!"
"Excellent!"
Soushu showed no hesitation in expressing his approval. Then he shifted his gaze to the two clan reps who were still thinking things over. "Do either of you have objections? If so, speak up boldly now!"
The two representatives naturally dared not say a word.
After all, they weren't truly brave souls.
"We need to consult other clans first," Hozuki elder murmured.
Soushu immediately frowned.
"But since the three major ninja clans are already in agreement, there's no need for unnecessary complications. Establishing New Mist is indeed essential!" Suiton Clan Head quickly stepped in to ease the tension.
Soushu's expression brightened at once. "That's exactly the kind of courage to lead the way for the Land of Water!"
"You two leaders are doing great. I have high hopes for you!"
As he spoke, Soushu clapped while smiling with clear approval—like a mentor watching his once-struggling protégés finally start to step up.
It was a bitter pill to swallow, but the two clan reps had no choice but to bite their tongues and hide any sign of defiance.
In January of Konoha Year 43, after urgent preparations, the former Mist ninja faction ruling the southern islands of the Land of Water officially declared itself as South Mist and claimed orthodoxy. They vowed to unite all righteous warriors from Mist, determined to destroy the Bloodline Faction's cruel rule and reclaim their lost homeland!
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