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“When do you plan to move against Kirigakure?” Shin asked Hiashi Hyūga. Since Hiashi had brought this up, he must have already formulated a plan.
“We can depart for Kirigakure at any time. The Hyūga clansmen are prepared,” Hiashi replied.
“I have to ask, why target Kirigakure? Why not another village?”
Faced with Shin’s question, Hiashi was momentarily speechless. Isn’t the reason obvious? Because Kirigakure is the weakest.
Among the Five Great Villages, Kirigakure was currently the weakest. Other villages might not be aware of Kirigakure’s internal situation due to its isolation overseas, but the Hyūga Clan, having investigated thoroughly, knew.
Shortly after defecting from Konoha, Hiashi had begun planning. He dispatched clansmen to gather intelligence on all the major villages.
Konoha was definitely out of the question; Hiruzen Sarutobi alone was too much for him. Iwagakure’s Ōnoki was also a difficult opponent.
Kumogakure boasted the strongest military force; Hiashi wasn’t keen on testing the truth of that claim.
As for Sunagakure—even if they could handle Suna, Hiashi looked down on them. The Land of Wind was vast, but mostly desert. Sunagakure was so poor they were practically tightening their belts to survive. Hiashi naturally held them in contempt.
That left only Kirigakure. They currently lacked a Mizukage. Since Yagura’s death, the position had remained vacant.
It wasn’t that no one wanted the title, but Kirigakure simply couldn’t elect someone strong enough to command respect.
The village was in turmoil, with factions constantly vying for power. Even the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist were fighting amongst themselves for the Mizukage position.
Internal strife, no leader—Kirigakure was a mess. That was why Hiashi chose to target them.
So, Shin asking why he chose Kirigakure… Hiashi found the question rather pointless.
Of course, their perspectives differed.
To Hiashi, Kirigakure was the easiest target. To Shin, all the villages were equally weak; whichever he chose, he could crush them effortlessly.
“Kirigakure is the weakest. Even against the weakest, I have no confidence without your help.” Hiashi admitted helplessly.
The Hyūga Clan was small; how could they face thousands, even tens of thousands—of ninja? He didn’t possess Shin Uzumaki’s strength. Even considering attacking Kirigakure required immense courage from Hiashi.
“Then prepare. We head to Kirigakure now. Let’s finish this quickly.”
Shin instructed Hiashi to prepare. Hiashi nodded and obediently went to make arrangements.
In truth, they were already prepared. Hiashi was leading only the elite members of the Hyūga Clan; bringing others would be useless.
“Shin, we’re relying entirely on you this time,” Hiashi said to Shin. Although he led the Hyūga elite, everything depended on Shin. Hiashi didn’t believe his hundred-plus ninja could face thousands alone.
“Relax. Don’t worry about me screwing you over. There’s no benefit for me in doing that. Even if I did screw you over, don’t worry too much—I’ll take care of your wife and daughter.”
Shin patted Hiashi’s shoulder.
“…..”
Instantly, Hiashi’s face turned black.
Was that supposed to be reassuring?
Considering he couldn’t beat Shin, Hiashi swallowed his anger and endured it.
Shin then left with Hinata, telling Hiashi to meet him in Kirigakure. Hiashi departed with his clansmen.
———
Returning to Uzushiogakure, Shin dropped Hinata off and briefly explained the situation to Kushina and the others.
“The Hyūga Clan’s ambition is impressive,” Konan remarked.
“Is Kirigakure’s Mizukage going to be an outsider now?” Mei Terumī’s expression was complicated.
Mei had once dreamed of becoming Mizukage, but she had given up on that dream. She was happy with her current life; the Mizukage title held no appeal.
“Shin-nii, do you want me to go with you?” Konan asked Shin.
“Of course. You’re welcome to join.” Shin nodded. He was actually looking for someone to accompany him. He hadn’t even asked, and Konan had already volunteered.
Shin then asked the other women.
Tsunade and Mikoto expressed no interest.
Mei Terumī didn’t want to go, as it involved Kirigakure.
As for Kushina, though she loved excitement, she felt teaching Karin was more important.
———
Using Yomotsu Hirasaka, Shin appeared inside Kirigakure. He would wait there for Hiashi and his clansmen to arrive.
Given their travel speed, they wouldn’t arrive until evening at the earliest, and they wouldn’t rush. Arriving exhausted wouldn’t help them fight.
“Hiashi Hyūga really trusts you, Shin-nii,” Konan commented. Indeed, if Shin betrayed him now, the Hyūga Clan would be finished.
“Konan, are you implying I’m untrustworthy?” Shin pinched Konan’s cheek.
“No! I didn’t say that!” Konan looked at Shin innocently.
“Yes, Konan didn’t say it, but that’s what she meant, right?”
“Absolutely not!” Konan firmly denied it, seeing Shin’s mischievous expression. Her intuition told her admitting it would lead to being teased.
Thinking about being teased by Shin, Konan blushed slightly. Strangely, she didn’t seem to mind the idea; in fact, she almost looked forward to it.
“Konan, what are you thinking with your head down? Your face is so red. Don’t tell me it’s something… inappropriate?” Shin teased.
“N-nothing!” Konan ran ahead shyly, leaving Shin behind. Seeing her expression, Shin already knew the answer.
He caught up to Konan. It was only midday; they had plenty of time before the Hyūga arrived. They might as well explore Kirigakure and find some local delicacies.
Shin caught up to Konan and took her hand, strolling through Kirigakure. Konan felt a sweet warmth spread through her, holding his hand.
She was glad she had come with him.
“It’s been years since Yagura was killed, yet Kirigakure still hasn’t chosen a new Mizukage. I wonder how the village is even functioning.” Shin mused.
Without a leader, who did the ninja listen to? Kirigakure must be in a dysfunctional state. Perhaps the Hyūga Clan taking over would actually be good for Kirigakure.
But for those currently holding power in Kirigakure, it definitely wouldn’t be a good thing.
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