Kumogakure.
Yagura sat in his office, tapping his fingers on the desk, his face gloomy.
"Everyone, speak up. Usually, aren't you all very talkative? What are your views on this full moon banquet?" Yagura roared.
The people below were as silent as cicadas in winter. Everyone could see Yagura's displeasure and anger. Some time ago, Ryun had caused trouble in Kirigakure again, and no one dared to step in and stop him.
The key point was, who could stop that humanoid Gundam, Ryun? Moreover, it happened in an instant. Even Jinin Akebino, the fastest among the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, could not prevent it.
Furthermore, Ryun was using the Susanoo at that time. The long needle sword, Kabutowari, simply could not pierce its defense.
Besides, you, the Mizukage, did not even make a move yourself. What are you barking about now! Getting angry now? If you have the ability, why didn't you repel Ryun yourself!
However, these words were only muttered inwardly by the shinobi. No one dared to voice them aloud, because currently, Yagura was still the strongest in Kirigakure.
"Ahem, Lord Mizukage, I suggest we should attend this time. I believe you are also aware, the Second and Third Great Shinobi Wars have illustrated one problem," Fuguki Suikazan pondered slightly before speaking.
"What problem?" Yagura frowned and asked. He might ignore others' opinions, but he had to listen to Fuguki Suikazan.
This man was scheming and understood his thoughts, as well as those of most Kirigakure higher-ups and enemies.
If you didn't heed his advice at the time, you would only realize afterward how right Fuguki Suikazan's words were.
"Through the Second and Third Wars, we have learned that whichever side Ryun is on, that side is guaranteed victory. Therefore, during the Third War, your foresight, Lord Mizukage, in choosing to play along with Kumogakure, biding time, and observing Konoha's situation before acting, was highly astute," Fuguki Suikazan smiled slightly.
Before discussing matters, first praise the leader. Once the leader is comfortable, they are more likely to listen to what follows.
Sure enough, Yagura's frown smoothed out. "Heh, Fuguki, you always know what to say, and you always speak the truth."
The others looked at him strangely, quickly lowering their heads, afraid they might laugh. This was clearly fence-sitting behavior, how did it become foresight and a brilliant move!
Fuguki Suikazan glanced at them. No wonder you've worked hard most of your lives, are now decrepit with gray hair, and your positions barely change over years. You deserve it.
"Lord Mizukage is correct, I only speak the truth!" Fuguki Suikazan went along with Yagura, flattering him.
Knowing Yagura was slightly amused, he said, "Alright, hurry up and tell me. You're the only one who can cheer me up!" Yagura laughed.
"This full moon banquet, perhaps Ryun won't care who attends or not, but Konoha, the Anbu, they will take note. As long as they mention it later, it will put us at a disadvantage." Fuguki Suikazan guessed accurately. In fact, Tobirama Senju had already instructed Hatake Sakumo to record it truthfully.
Don't underestimate these four words: 'record truthfully'. When settling accounts later, who came might not be noticed, but who didn't come, then don't blame me for remembering you.
As soon as Fuguki Suikazan said this, the old foxes present immediately understood. "Correct, Fuguki is right. Lord Mizukage, we must go this time."
"Although the shinobi world is temporarily peaceful now, no one can guarantee a Fourth Great Shinobi War won't happen. If it does, trying to curry favor with Konoha then would be extremely difficult!"
"Besides, this is just a celebration for his daughter's birth. Our Kirigakure only needs to bring gifts, observe the ceremony quietly there, and have a quiet meal. That's all."
Many elders and higher-ups chimed in in agreement. It's better to make friends than enemies. Maintaining good relations with Konoha is beneficial and harmless to Kirigakure!
Fuguki Suikazan cursed inwardly, a bunch of old foxes. When Yagura was angry earlier, they didn't come out to show their loyalty. Now, each one acts so righteous. Despicable!
Yagura, now calm, began considering the pros and cons of this matter. Finally, he found that going was beneficial, not going was detrimental. Since that's the case, what does a little face matter?
"Good. Prepare the gifts immediately. Follow the gift list from the Mizukage inauguration ceremony. Since we are giving, we give the best, to make Konoha's eyes light up, and let the other villages see the wealth of our Kirigakure!"
"Yes!" the crowd replied.
Yagura nodded. "All of you, dismissed. Oh, Fuguki, stay. I need to finalize some details with him." He naturally knew Fuguki's abilities. Working with these short-sighted people, they couldn't come up with a single useful idea all day.
Fuguki Suikazan, his words were pleasant to hear, and he had real talent and learning. What leader wouldn't like such a subordinate? The elders raised their eyebrows but said nothing, glancing at Fuguki Suikazan before slowly withdrawing.
If Fuguki Suikazan had feared them a bit when he first became the Mizukage's subordinate, now, after 7 or 8 years working under the Mizukage, and as Yagura's secretary, he could, in a sense, represent the Mizukage.
Yagura waited until everyone had left and the door was closed by an Anbu before smiling and saying, "Fuguki, I knew it. You have the greatest ability. Just this matter of attending the full moon banquet, no one present dared to speak, only you."
Fuguki Suikazan said modestly, "It is all thanks to your teaching, Lord Mizukage. I dare not claim credit."
Yagura crossed his legs and leaned back. "How is Ao doing?"
Fuguki Suikazan was momentarily stunned, then slowly said, "His injuries have healed now. Although he lost his Byakugan, we replaced it with a normal eye."
Yagura nodded. "Then he..." Yagura hesitated. Fuguki Suikazan understood Yagura's difficulty and said.
"Ao feels his strength is still insufficient to handle intelligence division work, so he has resigned. He is willing to be a shinobi in the Kirigakure forces, sacrificing himself for the country on the front lines." Fuguki Suikazan smiled.
Actually, he had previously approached Ao and explained the situation. Although Ao was very dissatisfied and unhappy, Fuguki Suikazan's words were like a sharp blade piercing right to Ao's core.
"Now that you've lost your Byakugan, your strength is at most Chunin level. Even though I don't know how strong your scouting abilities are, many in the intelligence division are more professional than you." Fuguki Suikazan stopped there.
Ao's face turned red and white alternately. Finally, he could only sigh. "Thank you for the reminder, Lord Fuguki. Otherwise, I might have kept being stubborn!"
Fuguki Suikazan shook his head. "I actually had high hopes for you. It's just a pity that the Hokage himself acted personally just for one Byakugan. So, please don't blame Lord Mizukage for being harsh."
"I understand!" Ao nodded. After chatting with Fuguki Suikazan for a few more sentences, Fuguki Suikazu left. After he left, Ao stared darkly at his retreating back. He knew it had nothing to do with Fuguki; it was mainly Mizukage Yagura.
Back to the main topic.
"Is that so? Would that be inappropriate? After all, we promised him..." Yagura said, though inwardly he supported it. An ordinary Chunin wasn't worth his intensive training. But as a leader, he couldn't say it directly; that would seem heartless.
Fuguki Suikazan understood his meaning. "I will speak to him about this matter. I will say I approved his resignation request."
Yagura laughed. "Good, is the brain of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist. I've troubled you, Fuguki!"
"Serving the Mizukage is my honor," Fuguki Suikazan said, then stood up and left.
Iwagakure.
Ōnoki personally selected raw stones and jade. Iwagakure was rich in mineral resources. Although Tōshi's death was a thorn in his heart, hard to forget.
But people must always look forward, right? If he knew that Kumogakure or other hidden villages had promising younger generations, he would also try to nip them in the bud while they were young.
As for this full moon banquet, it held deep meaning. Not attending would mean getting a black mark. It's not worth it!
Kitsuchi dragged a large cart of gold and looked at Ōnoki. Ōnoki's mouth twitched. "Isn't this a bit too much!"
Kitsuchi shook his head. "Since we are attending the banquet, we must suppress the momentum of the other hidden villages. So we send this."
Ōnoki looked at him. "Fine. My son has grown up. I'll leave this matter entirely in your hands."
"Yes! I understand, Father!" After speaking, Kitsuchi took the gold, silver, and treasures and left the Tsuchikage's office, heading towards his home.
Ōnoki now stood before the window, looking down at the tall, burly figure of Kitsuchi below, the corners of his mouth turning up. "He has grown up!"
Ōnoki was in a very good mood. Although he lost some money, he saw his son's growth. The future of Iwagakure had a successor.
Konoha.
Ryun sat in the office. "Luming, you're saying all four great hidden villages are coming? Making it this big?"
Nara Luming nodded. "Probably intelligence from spies. But it doesn't matter. Let them come for a meal. It's not a big deal."
Ryun nodded. "Tell Orochimaru, every part of the village, every street and alley, must have surveillance cameras installed for me. Ensure 360-degree coverage with no blind spots, to guarantee public safety."
Nara Luming agreed, but he seemed hesitant. Ryun noticed this and told him to speak freely.
"I heard the Daimyō of the Land of Wind is also sending someone to attend. It's just..." Nara Luming hesitated.
"Just what?" Ryun asked again. Nara Luming said.
"According to the Land of Wind's staff, the gifts from the Daimyō of the Land of Wind are things like rotten, stinking fruits, and he wants them opened during Ju's full moon banquet in front of everyone, to disgust everyone." Nara Luming's face was dark and fierce.
Ryun's expression wasn't much better. His face turned livid. "It seems the Daimyō of the Land of Wind thinks that since I didn't hold him accountable last time, my blade can't cut people anymore, is that it? Good, very good!"
"Luming, when the people from the Daimyō's palace of the Land of Wind arrive, drive them all out. Make them lose face in front of all the shinobi clans from every country. And by the way, tell them that after this matter is over, I will personally visit the Daimyō of the Land of Wind!" Ryun said calmly.
"Yes!" Luming's eyes also held anger. This is simply intolerable!
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