Coreal
patreon
[U.G] Ch 266: Bloody Mist
🕑 Added 2025-03-03 04:16:44 +0000 UTC— — — — — — — —
Rasa furrowed his brows upon hearing the conversation between the two elders.
Their words struck at the heart of the matter, and he couldn't help but take them seriously. Doubts crept into his mind, making him even more frustrated.
"Do you two have any good suggestions?" he asked. "Given the current situation, what should we do?"
Rasa was not too proud to seek advice because, truthfully, he had no clear solution to the crisis at hand.
"No."
Ebizo and Chiyo exchanged glances before shaking their heads in unison.
Chiyo spoke, "For now, we should stay put, maintain the status quo, and ensure that our trade relations and diplomatic ties with Konoha remain intact. Let's just wait and see how things unfold."
"I suspect that other ninja villages may try to send people to provoke us, urging us to make reckless moves against Konoha."
"If that happens, Lord Kazekage, I urge you to remain calm and not fall for their schemes. We cannot afford to be someone else's pawn."
"Being the first to take action in such a volatile situation is not in Sunagakure's best interest. Let the other villages act first."
"We will adjust our strategies accordingly. No matter how bad things seem right now, they can't possibly get worse than they already are, can they?"
The other high-ranking officials nodded in agreement with Chiyo's reasoning.
"I see. I understand. I will think this over carefully." Rasa nodded thoughtfully.
For once, he wasn't even upset that most of the village's top brass were siding with Chiyo.
He knew very well that this was indeed the best course of action they had at the moment.
Ever since becoming the Kazekage, his desire for power had actually waned. The so-called authority he held brought him nothing but trouble.
From the moment he took on the role, he hadn't had a single peaceful day. Every day was exhausting.
Not only did he have to manage the village's affairs and plan for its future, but he also had to deal with the economic hardships caused by the Land of Wind Daimyo reducing their funding and mission commissions.
To make matters worse, he had to personally use his Magnet Release to sift for gold in the desert to support the village's finances.
With a village plagued by both internal and external troubles, there was nothing for him to be proud or arrogant about.
Fortunately, the village elders, Chiyo and Ebizo, were tactful enough not to challenge his authority.
Unlike some power-hungry advisors in other villages, they never deliberately tried to weaken his position or make him look bad.
Even Pakura, who had been his competitor before he became Kazekage, had completely given up on the idea of leading the village after the Second Shinobi War. Since then, she had simply focused on her duties within the village.
At first, Rasa found this change in her attitude rather surprising and even suspicious.
However, he later understood why.
Pakura likely realized that being Kazekage at this point in time was more of a burden than a privilege.
It was a scorching-hot potato, a position that meant being under constant pressure and scrutiny.
Moreover, after witnessing Uchiha Kaito's god-like abilities, Pakura had shifted her focus entirely to improving her own strength rather than vying for political power.
Over the years, her mastery of Scorch Release had significantly improved, and she had become much stronger than before.
But compared to Uchiha Kaito?
Not even the Kaito of several years ago, let alone his current self—Pakura knew she was still far from his level.
His power was simply insurmountable.
— — —
Inside the Hidden Mist Village (Kirigakure) – The Mizukage's Office
"Lord Mizukage, what should we do about Uchiha Madara? Should we take any action?"
The elder Genji asked, his face solemn as he looked at the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura.
Yes, Kirigakure had now entered the era of the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura.
The Third Mizukage had died more than six months ago.
"Uchiha Madara? Forget about him. We have no time to concern ourselves with him right now. Our priority should be resolving the village's internal issues."
Yagura's expression was cold.
"The Hozuki and Kaguya clans have been getting closer to the Land of Water Daimyo in recent years. The Daimyo, in turn, has been actively trying to recruit them, intending to establish his own private ninja force."
"This is a direct challenge to Kirigakure."
"It's a blatant violation of the one-country, one-village system. This is something I, and this village, absolutely cannot tolerate."
"I am preparing to issue a final ultimatum to both clans. If they refuse to back down, then I will have no choice but to wipe them out."
Yagura's eyes glinted with killing intent.
Clearly, he had reached the limits of his patience with the Daimyo and these two clans.
It seemed that the infamous "Bloody Mist" era, which was originally supposed to occur a few years later, was about to begin ahead of schedule.
This was inevitable.
As time passed, the influence of Uchiha Kaito continued to ripple throughout the ninja world, causing events and fates to deviate from their original paths.
The future had become increasingly uncertain.
Genji hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Do we really have to go this far?"
"After all, the Hozuki and Kaguya clans are integral parts of Kirigakure."
"If we lose them, our village's overall strength will suffer a significant decline."
"In the end, bloodline limits are what truly define a ninja village's power. It's nearly impossible for ordinary civilians to produce a sufficient number of powerful shinobi and geniuses."
If it were possible, he would have preferred to avoid internal conflict and the destruction of bloodline clans.
"Moreover, this will undoubtedly anger the Water Daimyo and further worsen our already tense relationship with him."
"It will also impact our funding."
Genji let out a long sigh. "How did things come to this?"
Of course, he knew that none of this was Yagura's fault. The root of the problem lay with the Water Daimyo himself.
Yagura sneered, "Hah! You think I don't know that? You think I want things to reach this point?"
"If there was even a shred of hope for a compromise, I would have taken it."
"But despite my repeated warnings, they keep pushing their limits."
"If we don't take decisive action, they'll start seeing Kirigakure as weak and easy to manipulate."
"Elder Genji, you've been around since the village was founded. Tell me, if I don't take action, what else can I do?"
Genji was left speechless by Yagura's question.
"I… sigh…"
His mind was filled with countless conflicting thoughts, but in the end, all he could do was let out a weary sigh.
"Very well, Lord Mizukage. Let's do it your way."
"However, allow me one last attempt. Let me meet with the clan leaders and the Daimyo to try and resolve this peacefully."
He wasn't ready to give up just yet.
"Fine."
Yagura nodded without hesitation.
"Go ahead. I truly hope you succeed."
"But to be honest… I don't have much faith in it."
.
.
.
