This is a method for cultivating a Perfect Jinchuriki, whose value is immeasurable.
Even within the Hidden Mist Village, it is top-secret information that cannot be easily disclosed to outsiders.
"If exchanged for something of equal value, Yagura would not refuse."
Although an alliance was formed with Yagura, some things cannot be freely shared.
It is precisely because an alliance was formed that things concerning the tangible interests of both sides should even more maintain a shrewd demeanor, haggling over every detail at the negotiation table.
Just like how Yagura sent people to the Land of Demons for inspection and learning, Hakushi did not offer this for free, requiring an exchange for things the Land of Demons lacks with those from the Hidden Mist Village.
Only in this way can the alliance relationship be maintained long-term.
Both he and Yagura undoubtedly understood this. Despite being unbelievable, if both sides constantly think about taking advantage of each other, then the alliance truly is fragile.
"Something of equal value?"
Lin secretly clicked her tongue.
If that's truly the case, then the Land of Demons better prepare for massive expenditure.
The gains earned from the Hidden Mist Village thus far might all have to be given out at once, possibly even supplemented with some more.
◎
"The method to control a Tailed Beast?"
The letter personally written by Hakushi, within less than two days, was directly passed into Yagura's hands through secret channels.
Regarding Hakushi's mention in the letter about wanting to purchase the technique from the Hidden Mist Village to control Tailed Beasts, Yagura began to ponder this matter.
The Tailed Beast Technique has always been an incredibly important research subject for the Five Great Nations' Ninja Villages.
Only the Five Great Ninja Villages have the privilege to touch this top-secret technique.
Apart from them, only the Hidden Waterfall Village has a Tailed Beast, but it's said that the Hidden Waterfall Village's Seven-Tailed Beast was lost due to an accident over two years ago, and it is currently missing.
And Hakushi wanting to purchase the Hidden Mist's Tailed Beast Control technique at this time... feels like hinting that the Land of Demons also possesses a Tailed Beast.
The Tailed Beast Technique is extremely important, but the precondition that makes this technique seem so crucial is that the Ninja Village and the Country possess a Tailed Beast.
If they don't even have a Tailed Beast, then purchasing the Tailed Beast Control technique holds no meaning.
It's clear Hakushi wouldn't engage in such a losing trade, but if the military of the Land of Demons also possesses a Tailed Beast, that would be different.
"So it seems highly likely that the Seven-Tailed is with the Land of Demons. Quietly acquiring the Seven-Tailed, what a clever tactic."
Yagura sighed with admiration.
He held no dissatisfaction regarding Hakushi hiding the Seven-Tailed Beast matter.
It's just like how he hid from Hakushi the fact that he was the Three-Tailed Jinchuriki. Even when becoming a Perfect Jinchuriki, he didn't reveal the slightest thing to Hakushi before the battle with the Third Mizukage.
In adhering to a confidentiality policy, he and Hakushi were well matched.
As for Hakushi's purchase of the Tailed Beast Control technique, Yagura was not strongly opposed to the idea.
As long as Hakushi can propose a price that satisfies him, selling the Tailed Beast Control technique could be negotiable.
However, specifically how to negotiate this matter still needed careful consideration before proceeding. He hadn't decided on what to gain from Hakushi yet; it wouldn't be too late to negotiate with Hakushi once decided.
Just then, a knock on the door suddenly interrupted Yagura's thoughts.
"Come in."
After Yagura spoke, accompanied by the sound of the door handle turning, a tall man walked in from outside.
With short black hair, no eyebrows, and a cross-shaped scar on his right cheek — a symbol of his achievements — along with a Decapitating Carving Knife over two meters long on his back, he gave off a sharp, dangerous vibe.
As soon as he entered, he saw Yagura sitting behind the desk and opened his mouth to reveal sharp teeth:
"I didn't expect you to ultimately take the position of Fourth Mizukage, Yagura. Looks like that fool Suikazan Fuguki finally died."
This man said with a smile, mostly in a teasing tone.
Yagura responded to the man's casual attitude:
"I am now the Mizukage of the village, show me a bit more respect, Juzo."
"So quickly learning to use the Mizukage title to suppress people with power?"
"Are you eager to be imprisoned by me? I wouldn't mind changing the owner of the Decapitating Carving Knife; there's no shortage of excellent ninjas in the village eyeing that knife of yours."
The man named 'Juzo' pursed his lips in displeasure.
"I understand, Mizukage-sama. Please forgive my previous discourtesy. However, I am one of only two remaining members of the Seven-swords Ninja in the village, could you give me some face?"
Listening to Juzo's request, Yagura stood up from his seat and seriously replied:
"No, as the Mizukage, my face is more important."
"..."
It seemed that hoping to slack off in the future would be impossible. Juzo sighed inwardly.
He could already see that Yagura, unlike the retired Third Mizukage, had such ambition and iron will that it was almost tangible and bursting out from his eyes.
Where this ambition and iron will of Yagura would lead the Hidden Mist Village, even being a member of the Seven-swords Ninja, he couldn't predict.
"Now that you're back, come with me to a place."
Yagura stood up from his seat.
"Where?"
Juzo curiously asked.
Yagura paused, then stated a location that caused Juzo's expression to change:
"The Chamber of Severe Punishment."