C 82(1)

"Kain-san, I'm really sorry to call you back."

After seeing Kain, Terumi Shin immediately apologized. Kain waved his hand dismissively and changed the subject, asking, "Shin-san, what happened?"

"There are two things," Terumi Shin began. "First, the craftsmen Kain-san mentioned last time—there's news. The shipyard is struggling to hold on. Nearly a hundred workers are at risk of losing their jobs. There's talk of selling the entire operation".

"I made some arrangements. My cousin, the one with same surname, is planning to buy it. Once the deal is finalized, the shipyard can be handed over to you, Kain-san."

Hearing this, a smile spread across Kain's face. Acquiring those nearly one hundred skilled workers was even more valuable to him than recruiting five Jōnins.

"I'm sorry to trouble you, Shin-san," Kain said with a smile. "I'll make sure the appropriate reward is sent to you shortly. Thank you for such a great surprise." 

Then, tilting his head slightly, he asked, "What's the second thing?"

Terumi Shin's expression darkened. "The Third Mizukage is becoming more unhinged. He seems to have completely lost his mind."

As he spoke of the Mizukage, fear and disgust flickered across his face. After a moment to collect himself, he continued. "Some time ago, two mission teams were sent near the Land of Fire. They were discovered, and after a battle, they were defeated. Two members were killed, two were captured, and the remaining four managed to escape. But when they returned, the Third Mizukage executed them."

"Executed them?" Kain asked in shock. "For what reason?"

"The charge was leaking information. Because the four survivors didn't kill their captured teammates before retreating, the Mizukage believed Konoha might extract mission details from the prisoners." Terumi Shin's tone was filled with anger and bitterness. 

One of the executed ninjas had been his former teammate.

"That's not all. The Third Mizukage has extended his 'Blood Mist' policy to the ninja academy. The latest graduating class was required to eliminate one member out of every four."

Kain's eyes narrowed. "Let me guess," he said suddenly, "the competitions were conducted in small teams, and most of those eliminated were from bloodline clans, weren't they?"

Terumi Shin froze for a moment, surprised by Kain's insight. He nodded slowly. "Yes, that's exactly how it is."

"It seems," Kain said, his voice cool and calculating, "that your Mizukage is willing to openly tear apart his village just to target Bloodline Limit clans. Shin-san, what do you plan to do?"

Terumi Shin shook his head, looking a little confused by the question. "I don't know," he admitted. "I just hope Genji-sama and the others can stop Mizukage-sama's actions. Our Terumi Clan is small—just a minor ninja family. We shouldn't be targeted by Mizukage-sama, especially not my daughter."

His voice faltered as he thought of his young daughter, who was still in school. But in the current situation, even the ninja academy was far from safe.

"It's not a good idea to pin your family's survival on the kindness of others, Shin-san," Kain said, shaking his head. 

His tone was firm but calm. "If internal conflicts have grown too large, there are solutions. However, the methods chosen by the Third Mizukage are far too extreme. Shin-san, why not find an opportunity to steer the village toward war? If you die in battle, at least you'll gain military honors for your family. The Third Mizukage is less likely to harm the relatives of so-called 'dead heroes.'"

"War?" Terumi Shin hesitated, frowning deeply. "Isn't that too drastic? Once a war begins, the casualties would be immense."

Kain leaned back slightly and raised an eyebrow. "Too drastic? What options do you have left? Negotiate with the Third Mizukage? Do you really think he'd listen to you? Unless your entire clan gives up its power and pledges loyalty to him as subordinates—or defects entirely and launches a coup—you'll be left with few choices. A war would shift his attention outward, away from his internal paranoia and targeting of clans like yours."

There were many possible solutions, but Kain believed war was the most realistic—and it aligned with his own interests. War would create a high demand for medicines, medical supplies, and other resources he could provide, making it an opportunity for profit.

As for the Third Mizukage's "Blood Mist" policy, Kain wasn't certain whether the Mizukage was acting of his own will or under the influence of someone like Uchiha Madara. 

If it was the latter, no political solution would work. Madara could not be reasoned with. Only a coup—or external pressure like war—could save Kirigakure in such a scenario.

At first, Terumi Shin had only wanted his family to secure some form of external aid. Kain, with his ability to mediate with Genji, was supposed to be a potential lifeline. If the Terumi Clan were targeted, surrendering to Genji through Kain seemed like a viable backup plan.

But as Shin continued venting to Kain, he began to feel that Kain's words made sense. A coup seemed nearly impossible unless all the Bloodline Limit clans united, but that was unrealistic. 

The Kaguya Clan and Yuki Clan, for instance, would never fight together.

While their enmity wasn't as intense as the hatred between the Uchiha and Senju, it was far from the kind of relationship where they could collaborate.

Moreover, the Third Mizukage himself was a formidable Kage-level ninja. He commanded Anbu, the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, and a significant number of loyal supporters.

Shin could already imagine the outcome of a coup: the annihilation of his entire clan, including his five-year-old daughter, Terumi Mei.

The more Terumi Shin thought about it, the more uncomfortable he felt. Kain seemed to be enlightening him, but in truth, his words subtly nudged Shin toward the idea of war.

….

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