Chapter 166

"Sunagakure is so brazen! They're treating Kirigakure like nothing," Kaguya Clan exclaimed angrily, slamming the table in Sand and Konoha's camp.

The surrounding Mist Ninjas dared not utter a word.

Just yesterday, Sunagakure openly began developing the coastal islands. Chief Kaguya Clan had been aware of Sunagakure's initial attacks and explorations in those areas, but he didn't pay much attention, thinking they lacked the resources to sustain such endeavors.

However, to his surprise, Sunagakure persisted and now had a large number of transporters actively developing the islands.

"So what? Let Yasuke, the master of manipulating sand from the seabed, deal with it. The sea doesn't limit his abilities," the new leader of the Hōzuki Clan, known for their Yin-Yang's Weird Dao, responded while nonchalantly manicuring her nails, gazing at Kaguya Clan.

Her deliberately provocative tone irritated everyone present.

"Whose side are you on? We dragged you here, and yet you slack off every day," Kaguya Clan stood up abruptly, pointing his finger at the Hōzuki Clan leader's nose in protest.

"Slack off? Why should I work harder and ask for Mizukage-sama's permission just to hit those islands? It's not my concern. The benefits aren't worth it. You, on the other hand, couldn't defeat me and brought me here to suffer. Of course, I'm not happy about it," the Hōzuki Clan leader, known for her short temper, retorted. She didn't appreciate having her nose pointed at.

Upon hearing the Hōzuki Clan leader's words, Kaguya Clan suddenly vanished. He was impulsive but not foolish, and he knew that engaging with the Five Great Hidden Villages wouldn't yield significant benefits.

"Alright, calm down. We can't afford to sit idle while Sunagakure progresses. What do you suggest?" Kaguya Clan racked his brain for a solution, then spoke up.

The Hōzuki Clan leader was startled by Kaguya Clan's suggestion. She almost accidentally injured herself with the manicure knife. Fortunately, she reacted quickly and avoided any harm.

Looking at Kaguya Clan with a bewildered expression, the Hōzuki Clan leader replied with a concerned tone, "Don't be foolish. Why do you think they sent me here? They simply didn't want to send troops. The high-level idea is simple: every Mist Ninja who dies must have value. Face is invaluable."

"And what about winning against Konoha and Sunagakure? Isn't that worth something?" Kaguya Clan fumed, feeling as though their efforts were worthless.

"It's not enough to win against Sunagakure and occupy the seaport. The Third Kazekage will step in, and it will become a bloody and chaotic situation. If we win against Konoha, they'll send reinforcements, escalating the conflict. In short, the benefits aren't worth it," the Hōzuki Clan leader shook her head, completely dismissing Kaguya Clan's lengthy argument.

Had they not discovered this approach earlier, Kirigakure would have wholeheartedly attacked Konoha and Sunagakure. Now, a simple and clear statement revealed that the benefits were not substantial enough. It was more advantageous to explore the sea and conquer islands for greater gains.

"Benefits, benefits, benefits. It's all about interests every day. Those who play politics are truly despicable," Kaguya Clan vented, pointing in the direction of Kirigakure.

The Hōzuki Clan leader, wearing an indifferent expression, simply pulled her ear. She didn't care about Kaguya Clan's rant.

Playing politics may be deemed dirty by some, but in the eyes of those behind the scenes and the lower-ranked Mist Ninjas, the precious jade, gold, silver, and various captured beauties were true rewards. They were real beauty and true pleasure.

To those who received bottom-tier payments, the Kirigakure high-level figures working towards sea exploration were not only untainted but also genuinely admirable. In their eyes, these individuals were the real heroes.

Benefits were tangible, and it was advantageous to gain the greatest rewards at the lowest cost.

"Kaguya Lord, Hōzuki Lord, an order has arrived from the Mizukage's office," a Mist Ninja Anbu suddenly appeared in the room, kneeling on one knee with both hands raised, holding a scroll.

"Bring it here," Kaguya Clan said, suppressing his anger and attempting to maintain a calm demeanor.

The Anbu respectfully handed over the scroll.

Kaguya Clan swiftly read its contents, causing his expression to change multiple times. He appeared gratified, excited, and angry all at once.

Finally, his expression settled into one of defeat and disappointment.

"What's the matter? What command is written there that makes you so uncomfortable?" Hōzuki Clan Leader looked at Kaguya Clan, who sat helplessly and disappointedly in a chair, inquisitively.

It shouldn't be such a big deal. Kirigakure hadn't deducted their frontline military pay, and they even designated the spoils of war in the rear for this group of Shinobi. Kaguya, what's with the expression?

"See for yourself. Corruption has completely infected the rear," Kaguya Clan said with disappointment. In his eyes, the Kirigakure renowned for its bravery and martial prowess had been corroded by bribery.

Hōzuki Clan Leader glanced at the scroll and immediately understood Kaguya Clan's reaction.

The initial portion praised the warriors' courage before listing numerous recognitions. Finally, it requested that they contact Sunagakure and Konoha to negotiate, urging them to drop the act of being a lone wolf and quickly establish a joint market to dump their products.

The nobles in Mizu no Kuni Daimyo could no longer freely enjoy the spoils of war.

Hōzuki Clan Leader chuckled, realizing that it was solely Kaguya Clan's problem. She had no intention of getting involved.

Seeing Kaguya Clan's dejected expression, Hōzuki Clan Leader lost interest in drafting a reply.

Setting down her manicure knife, she picked up a pen and swiftly wrote a response.

She tossed it to the Anbu after finishing.

"Take this back and inform them that they have ten days to send a shipment. Don't worry about the details here; resolve it quickly," Hōzuki Clan Leader said coldly.

Now was the time to display sufficient deterrence.