Chapter 40 : Cloud Shinobi

"You dare to ask!" the Third Mizukage retorted rudely.

He was surprised by tKazuhiko lack of courtesy.

The Mist Shinobi were renowned for their abundant iron ore, which fueled the craftsmen of Kirigakure. It was how they produced the famous Seven Great Ninja Swords. Naturally, the Mizukage could anticipate demands for food and Water Style ninjutsu.

The Land of Whirlpools had invested significant resources in this war. To avoid future food shortages, they would likely have to borrow money, or famine would loom.

As for Water Style ninjutsu, Kirigakure was famous for it, second only to the Second Hokage. The Third Mizukage believed few ninja villages could match Kirigakure in this regard.

Even then, basic Water Style ninjutsu could be found in most major villages. Smaller villages might lack it, but such techniques were easily shared.

Kazuhiko smiled casually, "Why not? Are you afraid of losing?"

"Boy, don't be arrogant..." one of the Mist Shinobi Jōnin interjected, but before he could finish, the Third Mizukage gestured, silencing him.

Nevertheless, many Mist Shinobi remained unconvinced, their eyes fixed on Kazuhiko.

The Third Mizukage's expression remained unchanged. "We'll discuss this and get back to you."

"You'd better hurry. We won't take responsibility for your injured ninja. Don't blame us if they die," Kazuhiko stated indifferently.

A glint of anger flashed in the Third Mizukage's eyes, but he restrained himself. With a final, deep look at Kazuhiko, he turned and left with his entourage.

The people of the Land of Whirlpools stood silently behind Kazuhiko, offering unwavering support.

Even when he proposed gambling with the Mizukage, they were taken aback but remained steadfast in their support.

Kazuhiko was deeply moved; he hadn't shared this significant decision with them, yet they stood by him without question.

Once the Third Mizukage and his group departed, Kazuhiko turned to the clan head. "Clan Head, this time..."

Kiyoshi waved him off. "Kazuhiko, no need to explain; I understand. When I said I believed in you and that your words represented the Land of Whirlpools, I meant it. The entire Uzumaki clan stands behind you. We'll support you unwaveringly."

Kiyoshi's decisive words were met with nods from the clan members. "Yes! We believe in Kazuhiko-sama!" they declared.

"Without Kazuhiko-sama, we can't win. We support everything he says!"

"We stand with our future clan head!"

"Even if we don't win, we still stand with our future clan head!"

One clan member playfully tapped another on the head. "Don't jump to conclusions. We haven't even started the fight. How can we say Kazuhiko-sama has lost? It's gambling, you know!"

This sparked laughter among the group. There were cryptic phrases like "everything's in case" and "Kazuhiko-sama, this isn't a loss; even if you lose, you'll win," causing more laughter.

Kazuhiko soon prepared to leave with his clan, packing their belongings. However, Uzumaki Kazuki, who had been keeping watch from a nearby mountain, rushed over to Kazuhiko.

Elder Kazuki appeared anxious as he addressed Kazuhiko. "Kazuhiko-sama, there's a new development over there!"

Worried about alarming the clan, Kazuhiko pulled Elder Kazuki aside. He handed him a glass of water to calm his nerves. "What's the situation? Take your time and explain carefully."

After a sip of water, Elder Kazuki composed himself. "Kazuhiko-sama, when I used Kagura Mind Eyes from the mountain just now, I sensed a new Chakra entering the waters of our Land of Whirlpools. There are about a hundred powerful individuals, moving swiftly. I suspect that the Mist Shinobi secretly sent reinforcements to eliminate us in one go."

Kazuhiko remained silent, deep in thought. Who could this Chakra belong to? Was it indeed Mist Shinobi reinforcements, as Elder Kazuki suggested?

It seemed unlikely; they couldn't have arrived so quickly, especially since they now understood it wasn't in their interest to fight the Land of Whirlpools.

So, why were so many powerful ninja coming, and at such speed? More than a hundred of them resembled the vanguard of Mist Shinobi. Who could they be?

Kazuhiko had a vague suspicion but kept it to himself. This time, besides the Mist Shinobi, Cloud Shinobi were likely involved in the attack on the Land of Whirlpools.

Although Cloud Shinobi hadn't directly intervened, they must have played a role in imposing a blockade near the Land of Whirlpools' waters.

Behind the scenes, Cloud Shinobi likely had some sort of agreement with Mist Shinobi, contributing their resources. With Konoha's tacit approval, the Mist Shinobi had come to attack the Land of Whirlpools.

Not wanting to undermine his clan's confidence, Kazuhiko had never revealed Cloud Shinobi's involvement. Now, based on Elder Kazuki's information, Cloud Shinobi couldn't stay idle any longer. Kazuhiko wondered what their current intentions were.

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