As Naoki rushed forward, he pondered various strategies for applying his Byakugan in combat. Despite the limited intelligence available, he refocused on analyzing the battlefield after exhausting all new ideas.
It was clear that after Minato and his group retreated to Konoha, Kirigakure had essentially won the strategic battle against Konoha. Even if Minato found a way to heal the wounds caused by the gray bones, it would take time to recover, making him unable to participate in the upcoming battles.
Moreover, those gray bones were not of this world. The only person who might be able to treat them would be…
A vision of a wide-chested man in a white inner shirt and green vest appeared in his mind.
But that seemed unlikely. Unless the scientist Orochimaru intervened, Minato’s chances of recovery were slim.
Naoki shook his head, dismissing further speculation. Now, he needed to focus on extracting more compensation, forcing Konoha to cede more territory and causing internal strife.
He considered demanding that the Third Hokage step down and recommend Danzo for the position, requiring Konoha to hand over war criminals like Minato and publicizing Kushina’s status as a jinchuriki harming her comrades.
Raising the price for Uchiha Shisui while lowering the cost for Hyuga Hizashi to spark conflict between the Uchiha and Hyuga clans. Implementing plans to sway Hizashi and break the Caged Bird Seal so he could one day lead a group of Hyuga branch members to Kirigakure.
And arrange some performances to elevate Kakashi Hatake’s reputation, increasing his chances of becoming the Fourth or Fifth Hokage.
These were actions that didn’t require his direct involvement.
Naoki sighed with a rare sense of relief.
Finally, he could rest a bit.
He still had to seize more kekkei genkai and secret technique users like Shisui during wartime.
Just get through these few days and ascend to the Mizukage position.
Oh.
Then he had to deal with the daimyo, the army, the economy, the ninja, and his organization for recruiting rogue ninja.
And the Uzumaki constitution, the Byakugan, the evolution of the Shikotsumyaku, and more kekkei genkai.
Why did the tasks keep piling up?
Naoki sighed again just as a familiar peak stained with his blood from not long ago came into view.
Below lay the previous battleground of Kirigakure and Konoha.
The land once filled with the blood of countless ninjas was now nearly deserted.
Yet, on the verdant land, a head of fiery red hair looked up at the blue sky.
“Naoki!”
Sakura’s pink mouth opened slightly, shouting.
Her voice echoed like a command or a call.
Suddenly, the seemingly deserted land was filled with a wave of green interspersed with yellow as countless Kirigakure ninjas surged forward.
“Lord Naoki is still alive!”
“Lord Naoki!”
“Lord Naoki!”
Cheers erupted as Naoki smiled and waved, landing beside Mei.
“Naoki.”
Mei touched the non-existent but faintly present tears at the corner of her eyes.
“It’s good to have you back.”
Before Naoki could respond, Mei took a deep breath, suppressing her emotions, and calmly explained the situation.
“When Minato returned to the battlefield, Kushina unleashed the power of the Nine-Tails. Under the threat of the jinchuriki, most people couldn’t continue fighting. Only the Seven Ninja Swordsmen led the elite in pursuit.”
“And the result?”
Mei paused.
“Juzo Biwa and Fuguki Suikazan were severely injured, and most of the elite forces were killed or wounded.”
“The other members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen were unharmed.”
“Humph.”
Naoki’s expression turned cold.
“Those parasites.”
“Who injured the two Seven Ninja Swordsmen?”
“Kushina.”
Mei gritted her teeth as she spoke the name, then added with some admiration.
“After noticing Konoha’s forces splitting, they used the diluted potion you gave them to catch up with Minato’s group, attempting to assassinate him but failing and getting severely injured.”
“So, they’ve retreated to Konoha?”
“Yes.”
Mei sighed.
“We couldn’t keep him. Once he recovers, he’ll be a threat again.”
Naoki shook his head.
In terms of speed, Ice Release was fast, but not as fast as the Flying Thunder God technique.
Healing the wounds, though…
Naoki thought of his gray bones, the power to eradicate life.
Without voicing his thoughts, Naoki continued to confirm.
“So, Konoha shouldn’t have much defensive power left?”
“Absolutely.”
Mei nodded, her previous disappointment gone, eyes shining.
“Moreover, Konoha has been repeatedly defeated, their morale is far below ours.”
“Especially since you’re back, it should be our victory.”
Mei finished speaking, feeling like she was in a dream, her fiery red hair dancing in the wind, unable to suppress her smile.
“So, what’s next, Naoki?”
“Return to the village, ascend to the position of Mizukage, and then negotiate.”
“Of course.”
Naoki couldn’t help but relax, looking towards the distant east, where Kirigakure awaited his rise as Mizukage.
With the immense reputation he’d gained from this battle, becoming Mizukage would be easy.
Turning serious again, he continued.
“But first, there are two things to do.”
“What two things?”
Mei’s smile faded, curiosity piqued.
“First, before the Third Hokage returns to the village, we need to stir up Konoha’s internal conflicts.”
Mei nodded thoughtfully.
“Second, I need someone to go to the Land of Water to incite opposition to my ascension, ideally causing those clinging to the old ways to rebel.”
Mei nodded again without hesitation.
“Don’t worry, Naoki, you have thousands of soldiers at your command. Just give the order, and they’ll follow you.”
“No matter how hard those parasites try, they’ll be drowned by sheer numbers.”
Naoki nodded, looking around at the Kirigakure ninja waiting for him and Mei to finish their conversation.
These thousands would be his future strength.
“Let’s tackle it one step at a time.”
Mei suggested.
“Quickly, preferably simultaneously.”
Naoki sighed again.
“I’m worried the Tsuchikage and Raikage will withdraw, giving Konoha more leeway, which could cause more trouble.”
“So, let’s set it within three days.”
“Whether successful or not, I’ll return to the village and settle things with the Third Hokage.”
Mei thought, her mind quickly settling on a candidate.
“Let’s send Fuguki Suikazan back to organize the opposition.”
“Isn’t he severely injured?”
“Samehada.”
Mei replied, making Naoki instantly understand. After a breath, she continued.
“I’ll take you to Fuguki Suikazan. He’s almost recovered.”
“Good.”
As Naoki turned, he stopped, looking towards the forest behind the Kirigakure ninja.
Amidst the swaying trees, several figures leaped like monkeys, landing before Naoki after a while.
Brushing off the green leaves, the lead Kirigakure ninja dragged out a bloodied Konoha ninja, bowing with an excited voice.
“Lord Naoki, this Konoha scum is one of Danzo’s men, here to deliver a peace proposal.”
Naoki’s brow twitched.
“Be more civilized.”
Taking the document, he saw the arrogant words and sneered, about to retort.
But then, an idea struck.
Danzo, in power, Hokage?
If Konoha needed chaos, who better than Danzo?
Only Danzo could disrupt Konoha’s seemingly united front.
“Send a reply.”
“I don’t recognize Danzo’s authority.”
“If they want to negotiate, send the Hokage.”
“As for saying I’m not Mizukage, sorry, I will be next time.”
“Tell him that.”
After speaking, Naoki was about to wave the Kirigakure ninja away but stopped and pointed to the trembling Konoha ninja.
“Someone, probe his memory.”
Once he had the detailed information, Naoki formed seals, summoning several bone clones.
It’s worth a try. Even if they fail to infiltrate Konoha, it’s just a few bone clones.
If successful, they stir things up in Konoha.
Having accelerated the battlefield plot, tied up loose ends, and gathered everything and everyone he needed, Naoki was ready to become Mizukage. However, this section had gone on for quite a while.
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