Chapter 146

Bathed in the lyrical moonlight, Kaito stood quietly in front of the shrine inside the Uchiha clan's territory. Before him, the Uchiha ninja were neatly lined up in a row.

Several weeks ago, Kaito had received the message transmitted by Kakashi, and so he started to prepare early.

Whether it was informing the other families or his own clan members, Kaito was very conscientious in everything he did.

For he knew, this time was definitely more dangerous and troublesome than dealing with Danzō before.

Looking at the Uchiha clan members before him, especially the sight of Shisui and Fugaku standing at the very front, Kaito nodded silently in his heart.

These Uchiha ninjas were all the best of the clan, a total of over fifty people, each of them at the level of an elite ninja.

Most of them had participated in wars, being veterans, and even those who had not been on the battlefield were among the finest in the security department.

Truthfully, the number of these ninjas was not high, especially when faced with the number of ninjas from the three major families, they seemed pitifully few.

However, this was all Kaito had asked for, if the whole Uchiha clan were mobilized, at least several hundred ninjas could be drawn out.

In Kaito's heart, however, a large number of people did not mean everything. Middle and low-level ninjas in such a potential battle would not play much of a role.

Rather than having them follow as ambiance, it would be better to have them protect the clan, guarding the old, young, and women.

A gentle breeze blew, rendering the entire shrine even more quiet.

However, when a dazzling flare appeared in the sky, Kaito spoke calmly.

"Everyone, are you all ready?"

Kaito's voice was not loud, but his words clearly reached everyone's ears, his tone resolute and unmatched.

"I believe everyone knows why we gather here tonight, and that we are about to do something of great significance.

The Uchiha is one of the founding clans of the Hidden Leaf Village. We've always been here, never leaving.

But there are always those who wish to tear the Uchiha away from the Leaf, to alienate us from everyone in the village, to isolate us, to keep us in eternal darkness.

We have rebelled, we have struggled, but their actions never cease.

Uchiha Itachi is a typical example. He betrayed the clan, even wanted to destroy it.

We resisted firmly against the matter of Uchiha Itachi, thinking that perhaps it would end there.

But the reality is, we have underestimated their malice towards us."

Kaito paused here for a moment, then suddenly raised his voice.

"But they have also underestimated the Uchiha's resolve to resist. Are you willing to be oppressed at will?

Are you willing to be isolated, treated as outsiders in the vast Leaf Village?

Are you willing to be stared at with disgust by everyone?

Are you willing to be targeted by relentless malicious tactics?

Are you willing to see our clan destroyed by these detestable individuals, to watch all your kin beheaded?"

"No! No! No!"

As soon as Kaito finished speaking, tsunami-like responses erupted from in front of him.

The darkness of all those present was so fervent, so angry. Their unified shouts rang out loud and clear in the silent night.

Kaito raised his right hand high, and the tsunami-like cries stopped.

"That's right, none of us are willing.

But as members of the Leaf Village, we can't provoke war either.

So, without provoking war, there's only one thing I can do, that is to impeach the Hokage!

Soon, we will set out. I don't know exactly what will happen next, but we must prepare for the worst.

That is, a battle may occur, and once a battle breaks out, everyone could be in danger, even death!

However, even in death, we must let them know that we Uchiha will never surrender.

I ask you one last time, are you scared?"

"No fear!"

This time, the voices were still in unison, still resonating loud and clear, so much so that Kaito, standing at the forefront, could feel an intimidating aura rushing towards him.

"Good, let's move!"

Kaito nodded satisfactorily, then turned around and headed out, Shisui, Fugaku, and the fifty Uchiha ninjas followed Kaito without uttering a word.

Their pace wasn't particularly fast. This was a speed that Kaito deliberately controlled. After all, Kakashi needed time, and this operation was not only their family involved.

But what Kaito didn't expect was, as they left the shrine, the lights in every household in the Uchiha clan started to illuminate one by one.

And many clan members came out from their homes, standing silently on the streets watching Kaito and his party.

"Victory! Victory for the clan leader!"

"Victory! Victory for the clan leader!"

No one knew who started, but the intermittent voices began to rise, and in the end, the clan members sent them off with their tsunami-like cheers echoing through the clan!

All of this was so shocking, and it moved Kaito's heart. He vowed that there must be a satisfying result tonight...

.....

"Prepare to set out."

Inside the Hyuga clan, Hyuga Hiashi watched the signal flare blossom in the sky, his gaze also turned to his clansmen.

The Hyuga clan had a decent number of people assembled, around thirty or forty when he looked around.

But such a number was quite inadequate compared to the Uchihas, and there was a significant gap in the quality of the ninja as well.

Only a few of the people Hiashi had gathered were from the main family, the rest were basically from the branch family, all loyal individuals he had nurtured himself.

But he had been the clan head of the Hyuga clan for a certain amount of time now, and the fact that he only had these people proved that the obstacles he faced within the clan were indeed significant.

The main family leads the branch family, this is an unchanging principle of the Hyuga clan, and although there are few people in the religious sect of the Hyuga clan, each person will lead a certain number of branch families.

These main family members were essentially the clan's elders, and these guys weren't necessarily aligned with Hyuga Hiashi.

"Yes, Clan Head."

The people of the Hyuga clan responded in unison to the order, but their voices and momentum compared to the Uchiha clan, were really lacking by too much.

However, Hyuga Hiashi couldn't do anything about this, but he had firmly remembered these so-called elders, remembered their attitudes and actions.

He could never forget that years ago, these so-called elders, in collaboration with Sarutobi Hiruzen, demanded that he make that dreadful choice.

And now these guys were hindering him again. Even though he admitted he also wanted revenge for his brother, essentially, everything he did was for the clan.

Yet they disrupted his plans in the name of the clan, they were only concerned about themselves, they feared the dire consequences of his failure!

For these people who are deeply immersed in the vortex of power, completely unaware of what's good or bad, Hyuga Hiashi had nothing good to say.

Perhaps there would be a confrontation in the near future, as Hiashi's patience with them had reached its limit.

"If things go smoothly this time, if we can return..."

Hyuga Hiashi thought silently. Just as he was walking, he suddenly looked up and glanced sideways.

A few elders were staring at them intently, their foreheads gleaming, and their eyes revealing anger and resentment.

They were all elders of the Hyuga clan, and they were the ones who opposed him.

Hyuga Hiashi took a deep breath and quickly averted his gaze.

The moonlight was as melodious as a song, silver light showering the entire Hyuga clan, rendering it so serene.

As for them, this group walking the streets of the Hyuga clan, they were so lonely...

...

"It's time, let's go."

Within the Nara clan's territory, Nara Shikaku watched the signal flare in the sky, and finally addressed the clanspeople before him.

Compared to the impassioned Uchiha clan and the tragic Hyuga clan, the entire Nara clan appeared extremely calm.

Kaito was right about one thing; Nara Shikaku would never take action without certainty.

He was the kind who would consider all gains and losses thoroughly before making a decision to act.

This operation was dangerous, but Shikaku had already considered all possible issues.

The order Kaito gave to Kakashi was actually provided by Nara Shikaku.

It was a form of creating public opinion. In fact, the method was similar to how Kaito dealt with Danzō, their aim was to let everyone witness it all!

Moreover, this time the seven major clans were acting together, they had evidence and the legal basis from the Daimyo.

Even if it came down to actual combat, he had thought through how to deal with it.

Nara Shikaku was very clear, that they were understaffed, therefore, meticulous arrangements had to be made.

Especially since these people were the elites of the clan, the loss of even one would be exceedingly painful for any clan.

Hence, these people would not directly enter the Fire Country's building area, but would be assigned to key transport nodes on the outskirts to wait.

Only if an inevitable fight broke out, would these people be involved.

"But when it comes to fighting, actually the Uchihas alone are enough.

As long as it's not the whole village launching an attack, three Uchihas possessing the Mangekyō Sharingan will absolutely not encounter problems."

Nara Shikaku secretly thought. His confidence stemmed mainly from his faith in the power of Kaito, Shisui, and Fugaku!

He could rely on his wisdom to ensure they had an advantage in public opinion, but he lacked the power to deal with a group of desperate individuals.

And on this point, Kaito and his crew had a great advantage, because they were a combat family, they were ninjas possessing the Uchiha's strongest power.

With the three of them wielding the strongest power, along with the ninjas led by their seven clans, they still held the advantage when facing three clans that could only fend for themselves!

"If it really doesn't work, then find a way to incite those Leaf Ninjas who are spectating, because tonight's event must succeed!"

Nara Shikaku silently muttered to himself, then turned around preparing to leave.

But at the moment he turned around, he suddenly noticed a familiar figure in the crowd, which made him halt.

"Yaneko?" Nara Shikaku looked at Yaneko hidden in the crowd, "What are you doing here, don't you have your own mission?"

Nara Shikaku distinctly remembered, he had assigned Yaneko to stay within the clan and protect the women and children of the clan with the others who stayed behind.

"I think it's better for me to go with you. After all, I'm not lacking in strength."

Knowing she had been discovered, Yaneko didn't hide any longer but spoke directly.

"Moreover, this matter isn't just your concern, it's a problem for our entire clan. My strength can aid the clan, so I insist on going with you."

"Do you realize how dangerous this mission is?" Nara Shikaku felt a bit of a headache. His cousin's daughter seemed a bit hard to handle.

"Of course I know, but don't underestimate me. My mission record has never been poor." Yaneko's expression was incomparably firm.

Her steadfastness caused Nara Shikaku to contemplate carefully. Indeed, Yaneko's skills were impressive; otherwise, she wouldn't hold the title of a ninja.

In fact, Shikaku had initially planned to let her go. If it hadn't been for the consideration that her direct cousin was in the Fire Country's capital, and he didn't want to put their entire family in such possible danger, he would've arranged for Yaneko to join much earlier.

"Also, Uncle Shikaku, I think we should speed up. You know, the signal flare has already been lit in the sky."

While Shikaku was pondering, Yaneko pointed to the dazzling signal flare in the sky, and her words made Shikaku finally nod.

Looking at the streak of white light in the sky, Shikaku waved his hand and once again shouted aloud.

"Move out!"

"Yes, clan leader."

.....

"Let's go, it's time."

"Yes, clan leader!"

Inside the Akimichi clan, Akimichi Chōza watched the signal flare in the sky and spoke to the ninjas in front of him, receiving loud affirmations from everyone.

Such scenes were also occurring within the Yamanaka and Inuzuka clans, as at this moment the ninjas of the seven major clans were all springing into action.

.....

"What's going on?"

"I don't know, a signal flare suddenly appeared in the sky."

"That location... it seems like it's the Hokage building?"

In every corner of Konoha village, countless Leaf Ninjas saw the dazzling signal flare in the sky and couldn't help but fall into deep thought.

But when they figured out the direction the signal flare came from, they immediately began to mobilize.

That direction was the Hokage building. Could a signal flare coming from there be a simple matter?

But for some unknown reason, countless Leaf Ninjas seemed to recall the incident a year ago when Uchiha Kaito led his clan in besieging Danzō.

That night had left a profoundly deep impression on them, one they couldn't forget even now.

...

"What's going on?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen, who was preparing to rest at home, suddenly received a report from the Anbu, causing him to rush to the window.

Looking at the dazzling white light in the sky, Hiruzen's face seemed somewhat strange.

Even without the Anbu's reminder, he could tell that the direction was the Hokage building, a direction he knew all too well.

But what did a signal flare launched from the Hokage building imply?

"Which team is on duty at the Anbu tonight?" After a while, Hiruzen asked in a low voice.

"Team Nine, Lord Hokage." The Anbu member immediately replied, lowering his head.

Upon hearing this, Hiruzen already knew who was likely on duty at the Hokage building tonight - Yamato's team, unless something unexpected had happened.

Yamato was the one he snatched from Danzō, the only survivor of Orochimaru's experiment who could use Wood Release.

Such talent would have remained in Danzō's hands if Kakashi hadn't discovered him during a mission.

This young man had performed excellently after coming to the Anbu; there should be no problem with him there.

However, after thinking it over, Hiruzen decided he needed to go and see for himself. After all, anyone who dared to cause trouble in the Hokage building was absolutely unforgivable!

"I really want to see who has such audacity.

Even that damned Uchiha Kaito wouldn't dare to be presumptuous in my building!"

...

"Ding!"

Inside the Hokage building, the harsh sound of clashing metal echoed continuously.

Kakashi's swordsmanship was still strong. Even though he rarely used his ninja blade now, his sword skills had long since become an integral part of him.

Each of his strikes, every angle of his attack was perfectly executed, especially under the aid of his Sharingan, everything seemed more aesthetically pleasing and more dangerous!

However, Kakashi was very restrained, because he knew exactly who his enemies were.

These Anbu were just like him in the past, merely carrying out their necessary tasks.

The crimson in Kakashi's left eye flickered slightly. In the moment the ninja blade struck, he quickly ducked, avoiding the ambush and delivering a kick to an Anbu's chest.

The Anbu struck by Kakashi was sent flying and crashed hard into a wall, but the next moment a figure arrived behind Kakashi, their ninja blade aiming directly at the back of Kakashi's neck!

"Hum!"

However, the Kakashi that this Anbu struck suddenly turned into smoke, revealing it was merely a shadow clone.

This Anbu seemed to sense something and almost immediately leapt into the air.

But it was all slightly too late, as a hand suddenly reached out from the ground and grabbed his leg. It was Kakashi.

With a tremendous force in sync with his chakra, Kakashi directly pulled this fellow underground, where he was further trapped tightly by the earth.

Landing steadily on the ground, Kakashi looked at the Anbu member still struggling in front of him and sighed softly.

While the Anbu was struggling, his body trembled involuntarily. It was obvious that he absolutely had not expected to encounter Kakashi tonight!

"Rest well, everything will be fine."

Kakashi murmured softly, his Sharingan in the left eye spinning rapidly, a strange power emanating from it.

"Why....."

The Anbu struggled harder, but was attacked by Kakashi's eerie power, making it difficult for him to articulate his words.

"Because I have something more important to do."

Kakashi said softly to the Anbu. Under the strange power, the Anbu gradually stopped struggling and eventually fell into a deep sleep.

Kakashi stood up, turned around and locked his gaze onto a dark area. Finally, he began to speak slowly.

"Because this is my mission tonight, I think you should come out now, Yamato."

"Kakashi-senpai..."

From the darkness, a figure with brown hair and a mask slowly emerged, taking off his mask as he walked.

His expression was full of both unease and shock; he could hardly believe that Kakashi would do such a thing.

This was an attack on the Hokage building, this was an act of defection!

"Why do you do this....why do you do this!"

"I told you, this is my mission, something even more important that I must do."

Kakashi looked at the hysterical Yamato, his heart filled with incredible anguish and discomfort. However, he didn't think to explain too much.

Many things can't be explained clearly right now, the key reason being lack of time.

What they need to do now is not something that can be summed up in a few words. Moreover, Kakashi must cause enough chaos tonight.

After releasing the signal flare, he suddenly understood why Kaito wanted him to do this.

The reason was simple, to attract everyone's attention, to let everyone see this!

What is it that everyone wants to see and can prove the guilt of the Third Hokage?

The answer is also very simple, it's the Wood Release triggered by Yamato.

The Third Hokage had done too many things, whether it's concerning his own father or Naruto's affairs.

However, if one calmly contemplates, he could perfectly explain it all for the sake of Konoha.

Even if everyone knows it's not right, even if everyone can imagine there must be a problem, so what?

The deed is done, the plan was provided by Danzō, and Danzō is already dead.

At worst, the Third Hokage could set up a hero title for his own father, at worst, he could just treat Naruto well.

After all, no one is infallible, but to recognize one's mistakes and correct them is truly virtuous.

But can this really make up for everything?

Kakashi obviously cannot accept it, those charges were unbearably heavy for him, but for the Hokage, they might not be a big deal!

Therefore, he must come up with the greatest, most irrefutable charge against the Hokage.

Then, is there anything more disgusting and unacceptable than conducting unauthorized research on the First Hokage's cells, desecrating the First Hokage's body, and disturbing the peaceful sleep of the ancestors?

Clearly, there is no such thing...

....

Yamato truly cannot understand Kakashi, he really cannot understand why Kakashi would make such a choice.

Does he still need the Kakashi in his memory? What kind of secrets are hidden in all this?

Yamato kept questioning himself inwardly, but unfortunately, he could not find the answer, and Kakashi would not provide any answers.

If Yamato's eyes are sharp enough, he would notice that Kakashi doesn't seem eager to kill, and that Kakashi has a large scroll on his back.

"Is that scroll his real objective? What exactly is inside it?"

Yamato pondered rapidly, but Kakashi didn't give him much space to think, for Kakashi had already made his move!

The sound of slicing air echoed in Yamato's ears as the wind stirred by the blade cut through the sky.

Yamato drew his own ninja blade almost instantly and managed to block Kakashi's strike with a hard lift!

"I don't wish to be like this, but some things leave me no choice, it is the same for you as it is for me."

Kakashi continued to exert force and pressure with his ninja blade, but still, he spoke to Yamato in a calm tone.

"Kakashi-senpai, if you have any difficulties, just say it. And don't underestimate me!"

Yamato gritted his teeth and pushed hard with his blade. Kakashi immediately felt the force from Yamato's hand, which made him take a step back.

But in the instant of retreating, his Sharingan slightly spun, and simultaneously he quickly lifted his blade, blocking Yamato's attack in a blink of an eye.

"I've never underestimated you, not ever, Yamato."

Kakashi said softly while parrying Yamato's ninja blade. However, the chakra in his body was circulating even more rapidly.

"As for my difficulties, it's not appropriate for you to speak of them. However, you can rest assured, you'll see and know everything in due course."

As he spoke, he increased the force in his hand slightly, quickly repelling Yamato, and looked calmly at the figure before him.

"But here's a friendly reminder for you, you cannot afford to be careless when fighting against me, because I will go all out!"

With that said, Kakashi lunged once again, and this time, a silver arc of electricity appeared in his left hand.

Lightning Release had always been one of Kakashi's most proficient jutsu, even though he had copied thousands of jutsu through his Sharingan.

But his favorite ones to use remained Lightning Release and Earth Release, and his signature jutsu, the Chidori, made his name famous in the world of shinobi!

Seeing the arc of electricity in Kakashi's hand, Yamato's face grew even more solemn, because he knew Kakashi's determination.

If he didn't take this seriously, his fate would be very grim.

With that thought, Yamato couldn't help but take a deep breath, and the chakra inside him began to surge wildly.

In the next second, the two disappeared and reappeared with their silhouettes interlaced.

Once Kakashi got serious, his speed was astonishing, streaking through the space like a bolt of silver lightning.

Yamato's speed obviously couldn't match Kakashi's, and even with strong defenses, he seemed unusually passive at this moment.

"Ding, ding, ding....."

The sharp sound of metal clashing rang out continuously, and Yamato was increasingly on the back foot.

His body began to show some minor blade wounds, and the blood seeped through his clothes, gradually emerging.

However, Yamato could feel that this style of battle was a great burden on his own chakra.

But what felt strange to Yamato was that Kakashi didn't seem to have any intention of slowing down.

His battle frequency remained high, his speed was still so fast, he still seemed so desperate.

"I can't keep this up much longer, it's taking a toll on me."

Yamato gritted his teeth and thought to himself. He knew some of Kakashi's physical condition, so he initially had the idea to wear him down.

But Kakashi's performance made him realize that he wouldn't have the chance to wear him down if he didn't go all out.

By that time, he may not have worn Kakashi out yet, and would have already been cut down by Kakashi.

Thinking this, Yamato quickly put some distance between them, and his hands began to weave signs rapidly. In an instant, a vast surge of chakra erupted.

"Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall!"

Along with the burst of Yamato's chakra, an earthen wall sprouted from the ground, blocking Kakashi's attack range and preventing him from reaching Yamato.

"Earth Release, huh? That's not enough."

Kakashi murmured to himself. He wasn't merely after Earth Release, what he wanted to see was Yamato's Wood Release!

His right hand slightly retracted the ninja blade, the electrical arc in his left hand emitted a strong light. Finally, Kakashi fiercely plunged his left hand, carrying the electrical arc, into the earthen wall.

"Boom!"

A thunderous noise abruptly sounded. The earthen wall disintegrated instantaneously under the assault of Chidori. Yet, through the fractured earth wall, Kakashi saw Yamato once again weaving hand seals.

"Earth Release: Earth Flow Spears!"

In a blink, Yamato's seals were complete. The earth began to shake, countless earth spears sprouted from the ground, striking fiercely towards Kakashi.

Kakashi's response was exceedingly fast. His ninja blade radiated a faint chakra glow. He then swiftly swung the blade towards the incoming earth spears.

None of the earth spears lasted more than a second under his ninja blade. To increase his efficiency, an electrical arc appeared in his left hand once again.

The ninja blade and electrical arc worked in sync, coupled with his breath-taking speed, he had already quietly closed in on Yamato.

Even though he was beginning to pant and had expended most of his chakra, his actions did not slow down in the slightest.

"Boom!"

Finally, under Kakashi's relentless onslaught, he closed in on Yamato once again.

The electrical arc in his left hand became even more dazzling at this moment. The sound of Chidori was so sharp it was ear-piercing!

Yamato looked at Kakashi in disbelief. He knew Kakashi was powerful, but he had not expected Kakashi, who fought without regard to consequences, to be this terrifying.

Especially when he saw Kakashi's eyes, cold and full of killing intent, Yamato knew he could no longer hold back.

He had to go all out to stop the now rampaging Kakashi!

"What in the world is happening, senpai....."

Yamato muttered to himself, his heart aching, for the Kakashi before his eyes was too unfamiliar.

As he retreated swiftly, Yamato's hands were frantically weaving hand seals. Finally, he showcased his most proficient jutsu.

"Wood Release: World of Trees Wall!"

...

The moonlight was like a song. In the Land of Fire, Nara Shikashiro walked slowly in the grand palace of the city.

A few days ago, he had received a message from his younger brother. He knew that the impeachment operation should begin tonight.

Therefore, he also had to take action tonight. He had to meet with the Daimyo alone.

This meeting should have taken place a few days ago, but the so-called Twelve Guardian Ninja had been continually interfering with its completion.

This infuriated Nara Shikashiro. His anger wasn't just directed at the ignorant members of the Twelve Guardian Ninja, but also at the Daimyo's attitude this time.

The virtue of a person is in self-awareness. Regrettably, neither the Twelve Guardian Ninja nor the Daimyo had any.

Knowing he couldn't meet the Daimyo alone, Shikashiro spent this period getting acquainted with the layout of this palace.

He was fully aware he couldn't single-handedly defeat these twelve, especially considering their collective strength. He would be at an even greater disadvantage.

Therefore, the bold yet meticulous Shikashiro made a decision. He planned to meet the Daimyo under the cover of night, avoiding the guard ninjas.

He was aware that doing so wouldn't let him bypass everyone, as there were surely guards in the Daimyo's room.

However, this was already the best choice. Even if he had to take action, he wouldn't be up against twelve defensively and offensively capable, harmoniously coordinated guard ninjas.

He moved swiftly, constantly creeping forward while evading the guard ninjas' surveillance. Soon, he reached the outside of the Daimyo's room.

Having been in hiding for so long, he could assert this was certainly the Daimyo's residence. Moreover, when he neared this place, he distinctly felt a chakra presence locking onto him.

Nonetheless, he didn't show any signs of panic and calmly spoke, "Lord Daimyo, I believe we should meet tonight."

"The Daimyo is resting. Any matters can wait until tomorrow." A cold voice echoed from within the room.

Unsurprised by this reply, Shikashiro continued calmly, "And if I refuse?"

"Shikashiro, the Jōnin, be mindful of your status." The cold voice resonated from the room once again.

This time, Shikashiro could distinctly feel the voice becoming icier and filled with killing intent.

"Hmph, is that so?"

Shikashiro snorted, his tone turning somewhat indifferent.

"I am a Jōnin of the Leaf, I've always been clear on that.

However, it seems some people are unsure of their own status and don't know how they should address me.

Let me reiterate, I want to see the Daimyo now."

"Are you courting death?"

Along with the cold voice, a terrifying surge of chakra was released.

This chakra was dead set on Shikashiro, as though any reckless action from him would lead to certain death the next moment!

"You can try, if you're not worried about any misfortune befalling your Daimyo."

At this moment, Nara Shikashiro had no intention of disguising his intentions any longer. His voice was cold but incredibly clear.

"And who exactly do you think you are, mistaking yourselves for the Daimyo?

You are nothing more than the Daimyo's guard ninjas, you're not even formally part of the Leaf ninja system, while I am a bona fide Jōnin of the Leaf!"

Nara Shikashiro's words were sharp, but he harbored no regret for what he had uttered.

People fear death, but as ninjas, to complete missions, they sometimes have to adopt extreme measures.

Shikashiro was obviously using such methods now, but only such extremity could strike fear at the moment.

Indeed, power is like real estate, the location is everything. The closer to the center, the more valuable the property.

However, proximity to power can lead some to mistake it for ownership. Shikashiro didn't know the mindset of these guard ninjas, but he knew this was a point he could hit them hard on!

Shikashiro's words this time received no reply, but the murderous intent became tangible.

However, Shikashiro's expression remained calm. Despite the terrifying murderous aura, he sensed that the people inside had no intention of making a move, or rather, they didn't dare.

This sight allowed Shikashiro to breathe a sigh of relief internally. Though he appeared calm, he was still somewhat anxious.

"Lord Daimyo, as I mentioned earlier, what we need to discuss in private is not only the future of the Leaf but also the future of the Land of Fire."

Shikashiro quickly adjusted his emotions, then he continued speaking.

"Such important matters, I believe, should not be overheard by miscellaneous personnel.

Moreover, the changes in the Leaf will also affect some of your established plans for the future, Lord Daimyo.

Of course, if you insist on your stance, I will have no choice but to return to the Leaf and report truthfully all that I have experienced in the capital of the Land of Fire.

Lord Daimyo, you need to weigh the gains and losses carefully. Although the Leaf depends on your patronage, you are also under the protection of the Leaf.

You've enlisted a bunch of ninjas of unknown origin and intentions as your guards.

The Leaf has not commented on this, as it is your freedom, Lord Daimyo.

However, your actions may easily lead the Leaf to misconstrue whether you've fallen under unnecessary influence or have already been controlled.

According to the relationship and agreement between the Leaf and the Daimyo, the Leaf can intervene to save the Daimyo in necessary situations, as long as one of your children reports to us.

Of course, Lord Daimyo, you needn't worry. We will send our best ninjas to handle this.

Once resolved, you can send one of your children to the Leaf to discuss the matters that need to be discussed.

I believe they will make the most reasonable choices on your behalf, don't you agree, Lord Daimyo?"

Shikashiro's voice was still so calm, especially now with a hint of a smile on his face.

However, his words turned the room chillingly cold. The murderous intent, although still fixated on him, was starting to falter.

That deep, profound malice, now indelibly carved into everyone's hearts, was inescapable.

Nara Shikashiro glanced at the room's main entrance ahead of him. Then, without uttering a word, he turned around to leave. However, just as he moved, a weak voice emanated from inside the room.

"Jōnin Shikashiro, please come in. We indeed need to have a proper discussion..."

//

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