Chapter 15

"Hey, monk, you're pushing it. Ninjutsu is my domain, and yours is meditation, remember?" A rumble resonated as a series of quicksand surged in front of Bunpuku, eventually forming a colossal civet cat, the size of a hill.

Shukaku, the colossal entity, looked at Bunpuku with an impatient gaze. He felt slighted, tirelessly delving into the study of Ninjutsu, while the monk got to prance around, spouting spiritual teachings, leaving the hard work to him.

"Mind and strength are two sides of the same coin. I am in charge of nurturing the mind, and you handle the cultivation of strength. My existence is founded upon you," Bunpuku responded, his tone as serene as a placid lake.

"Moreover, Kazekage-sama has promised to erect a statue in your honor, for the admiration of the world," Bunpuku added, understanding the giant civet's ego all too well.

"Alright, alright, let's proceed with today's scripture lecture. I can't win an argument with you anyway," Shukaku conceded, instantly buoyed by the thought of having a statue erected for his admiration.

Bunpuku found Shukaku's reaction predictable.

After decades of companionship, he knew the giant civet like the back of his hand.

Several decades had passed since he and Four-Tails had managed to achieve an almost perfect Jinchuriki partnership.

After spending an equally significant amount of time with Shukaku and Hitoshi's "teaching," there was nothing left to understand.

Shortly afterward, the space of consciousness filled with the resounding chant of scriptures, as Shukaku and Bunpuku sat together, an unusual harmony radiating between them.

A few days later, Ebizo surveyed the tidied-up port, nodding in satisfaction. He gestured to Bunpuku, who promptly summoned a piece of floating sand. Ebizo and four Jonins ascended it, preparing to fly over the sea.

As the floating sand lifted off, barely visible grains of sand dispersed along the coastline, emanating from the center where Bunpuku and the others resided.

"Ha, monk, what do you think? This is my newly invented Ninjutsu. With this, we can maintain a super high level of combat power at sea. The most important part is that we can reconstruct our physical forms at any time, and it can also be used for detection and attack."

The moment the floating sand reached the sea, Bunpuku started a conversation with Shukaku. In truth, it was Shukaku who began to boast unabashedly.

Four fully equipped Sunagakure Jonin stood guard in all directions, their attention firmly on Bunpuku and Ebizo, their ears sharp for any potential threats.

"Don't be too tense. The likelihood of encountering Kirigakure is slim. Furthermore, we didn't hide our departure. They should be aware of it by now." Ebizo, with a flash of wisdom in his eyes, sought to reassure the four Jonins.

Looking over at Bunpuku, who sat next to him with his eyes closed, resting, Ebizo felt even more confident.

Before setting off, Hitoshi had assured him that Bunpuku would not be able to defeat Hōzuki Gengetsu of Kirigakure. But if they needed to make a quick exit, Hōzuki Gengetsu would not be able to catch them.

The four Sunagakure Jonin gave Ebizo helpless looks, feeling as though he had breached the Shinōbi code. Weren't Shinōbi supposed to lurk in the shadows? And yet, here they were, broadcasting their plans.

"Elder-sama, aren't we in danger?" A young Sunagakure Jonin voiced his confusion.

"Dangerous? How can we be in danger? Moreover, as Shinōbi, isn't every mission fraught with danger? Currently, it's Kirigakure that should be worried about danger, not us," Ebizo retorted confidently.

Ebizo glanced at the young Jonin with a smile, proceeding to impart his wisdom.

Without the Kage-level presence of Bunpuku, their situation would indeed be quite precarious and potentially deadly. However, with Bunpuku, a Kage-level entity, the circumstances drastically shift in their favor.

If they stir up trouble, they would merely annoy, not engage in a full-scale attack. Overcoming Hōzuki Gengetsu would simply be a matter of time.

Most importantly, if Hōzuki Gengetsu decides to confront them, it could spark a conflict between two great ninja villages.

The young Suna Shinōbi seemed on the verge of interjecting, but was promptly silenced by the veteran Jonin beside him. Talking out of turn is considered disrespectful, particularly in the presence of one's superior.

"Young man, educate yourself. When you have spare time, peruse the books written by Hitoshi. They could aid in broadening your perspective," Ebizo suggested, smiling at the young Suna Shinōbi who was pointed out by his neighbor.

Having been born in the Sengoku period and having witnessed the reigns of both the First and Second Kazekage, Ebizo is no traditionalist. His years on the battlefield and the tactical disputes among great ninja villages have fortified his nerves, enabling him to embrace the changes initiated by Hitoshi.

"The Suna Shinōbi dispatched to Uzu no Kuni should have arrived by now," Ebizo murmured.

Both he and Bunpuku required prior notification, just as Uzushiogakure of Uzu no Kuni needed advanced preparation.

"Yes, the sand I left on him indicates that he has reached Uzu no Kuni, specifically Uzushiogakure. They should begin preparations," Bunpuku responded, opening his eyes.

After all, it's not in their nature to disregard precautions.

At another location, within the fleet of Mizu no Kuni's Kirigakure, a Mist Ninja is steering a swift boat, navigating through the fleet. On the ship, numerous Shinōbi are diligently executing their duties.

The flagship at the vanguard prominently displays the flag of Kirigakure. In the captain's quarters, Hōzuki Gengetsu sits with a grim expression, Yuki Kuchiki opposite him.

"This man, Ebizo, he's played his cards quite well," Hōzuki Gengetsu remarked, idly cleaning his teeth.

He had anticipated that Sunagakure might act, but their straightforwardness took him by surprise.

"Since the ascension of the Third Kazekage, Sunagakure has displayed brash behavior. It may seem barbaric, but there's profound wisdom embedded within their actions. They are adept at sowing discord, utilizing their power skillfully," Yuki Kuchiki, the mastermind of Kirigakure, carefully dissected Sunagakure's conduct.

He was convinced that a leader's approach significantly influences the style of their subordinates.

"It's troublesome, indeed. But, what's their ultimate objective?

They should have demands. However, their demands seem to exceed the cost they've paid.

I'm unable to identify any benefits worth the price of confronting our Kirigakure," Hōzuki Gengetsu expressed, furrowing his brow. His role required him to think deeply, to see and consider more than the average individual.

Sunagakure had no shortage of Sealing Jutsu, and it was commonly known that they were not lacking in population. In essence, their population was limited by their food supply. Sunagakure's immediate concern should be improving their healthcare system and preparing for the forthcoming war.

"Sunagakure's current mantra revolves around economic development. Their relationship with the feudal lord of Wind Country is considerably strained. The Third Kazekage openly recruited individuals from Rain Country.

I suspect Uzu no Kuni's appeal lies in its population, particularly the skilled populace," Yuki Kuchiki reminded them of Sunagakure's recent activities.

"That would indeed make matters intriguing. However, if that's the case, I doubt Ebizo and his team would be of significant assistance.

Sunagakure isn't keen on welcoming a wave of refugees. Their land, their Sealing Jutsu, all still remain under their control," Hōzuki Gengetsu coldly smirked upon realizing the entire scenario.