Chapter 226: 222: Heirs and Transactions
I apologize for updates... It's my third year it's been busy. I have a 6 month long compulsory internship coming up... Might get busier.
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The ongoing war between Kumo and Konoha continued and it was getting more and more intense. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Kirigakure was prioritized their recovery, tending to their recent wounds.
Suna and Iwa are rely observers, with no intention to intervene. Suna in particular currently faced logistical supply problems. Even though they started it, they gained little and suffered a lot of losses in the third ninja world war.
Additionally, the newly appointed Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, was focused on Suna's developnt. He personally intervened to deal with the water scarcity, fund shortages, and negotiations with the Land of Wind's daimyo.
They had already experienced Konoha's power in the previous wars. Despite Kumo's aggression, Rasa thought that, even with Konoha's loss of the Fourth Hokage he doubted Kumo's ability to defeat Konoha on a frontal battle.
Rasa understood the horror of Konoha precisely because he was their opponent. As for Iwa, it was simply because of their limited manpower. The Third Tsuchikage's also showed concern about Konoha's strength and he was getting older. Which has lead him to prioritize finding a suitable Fourth Tsuchikage more important than assisting Kumo against Konoha.
There was no need to intervene in the disputes between the five major countries, this held through for the Land of Demons at this ti. Focus on training the younger generation, creating effective technology, and continuing to enhance the developnt of the military and civilian developnt were the crucial priorities.
As December concluded, the snowy and icy winter arrived in Oni City. Moreover it was night currently, the streets were sparsely populated., In a fireplace dissipating heat which filled the room with warmth.
"How's your body?" Shiraishi asked Ayane, lying on the bed.
Ayane, with a reassuring smile,, "Don't worry about . I'm a kunoivho after all, I'm not as weak as an ordinary woman."
Shiraishi accepted her words without question. yane's physique had always been better his and Ruri's. In a direct confrontation, even the Raikage would struggle to match her strength.
Beside her, there was a newborn baby, whose eyes were barely open, hesitantly moving his limbs as if trying to understand the surroundings. Limited by his lack of knowledge, he relied solely on his vision to explore this world, which appeared both fascinating and overwhelming to him.
Ayane had given birth to a healthy boy, his potential to beco an exceptional ninja remained uncertain. After all, 'monsters' like Kazuhi were rare occurrences, and the likelihood of such an extraordinary child being born again was slim. While there was no surprise like Kazuhi, the child being normal reassured him.
However, Asuka's honest nature often left him feeling helpless. Fortunately, Kazuhi wasn't so vicious as to cheat Asuka his birthday present. Ti for giving them their new years's money was approaching, he hoped Asuka could grow up faster.
"What's on your mind?"
"I'm thinking about Asuka. I'll be giving him money for the new year's soon."
"So... what's wrong?"
"I feel like he will be cheated by Kazuhi again. She'll probably try to flaunt their sibling bond to him again with so cheap goods' in exchange for his money."
Ayane laughed.
"Kazuhi is certainly different, but I don't think Asuka is bad either. He will beco an excellent man when he grows up." Ayane said with certainty.
"You like him that much?" Shiraishi paused, this was sothing he hadn't expected.
But after pondering, it wasn't too surprising. This year, Ayane has basically raised the children while at ho, so she had spent more ti with them. Akso, Asuka was more approachable than Kazuhi, so it made sense she has bonded with him.
On the contrary, if Kazuhi and Ayane had a close relationship, it would be more surprising. Because Kazuhi and Ruri were too alike in character - domineering, fierce, and beneath their stoic appearance was a wildness beyond ordinary people.
"Isn't that a good thing for him to be able to grow up freely under the sky like an unfettered bird? Ayane said.
Shiraishi remained silent but looked at the baby next to Ayane.
Ayane looked at him too. Although she hadn't fully recovered her strength after childbirth, her complexion was worse than usual. But the fatigue couldn't conceal the persistent smile on her face.
"I feel I can no longer be as reckless i used to be in the future." Ayane expressed with a hint of complaint in her tone.
Looking at the child, she felt a peculiar sense of responsibility inexplicably. In the past, obligations weighed on her, reminding her of unpleasant mories. But now this 'burden' didn't trouble her. Perhaps family duties and the duties of motherhood were different things. Rather than a load, it was more like an inspiration and growth.
'So... do i learn how to move with dignity and elegance?' Ayane contemplated such thoughts.
"Why not? You can always however want." Shiraishi replied, indifferent to the idea.
"No, I feel several of my past actions were childish."
"Living in the way you like. Wasn't that your future desire?" Shiraishi asked curiously.
"I used to think that way, but life feels different after having this child. I feel Shiraishi-kun's comfort isn't necessary anymore." Ayane added with a sly smile in her eyes.
Shiraishi smiled wryly. "What? Have I been abandoned?"
"Just kidding. After all, I don't want to lose to her in this regard." Ayane suddenly beca more motivated, her face becoming energetic.
"What?"
"Second child."
"?
"Isn't the Land of Demons encouraging families to have two children? I'm answering the call."
"You want a second child?"
"It depends on the situation. Since she gave birth to Asuka and Kazuhi at once, I don't want to lose to her."
"You can't compare these things."
"If I don't want to lose, I just won't. Think about it; how many tis have I lost to her? I've basically never won when we fought before. Her genjutsu is too strong, even stronger than the normal ll genjutsu."
Because Ruri's real genjutsu wasn't activated by her Sharingan but by touch. It was even possible to host the genjutsu in tools like shurikens, tricking the enemy without direct physical contact. Presently, Ruri has matured her use of this genjutsu.
Shiraishi wanted to say that such matters are "subject to fate." as he also ended up here by chance as well. However, considering Ayane's personality, she likely wouldn't bow down to Ruri in her lifeti.
"But, I'm better than her. So, for the second child, you have to work harder. I can't do it alone." Ayane stated with a smile.
"We'll discuss it later." Shiraishi shook his head.
Ayane gently picked up the baby beside her and looked at Shiraishi. "Shiraishi-kun, what kind of person do you think he will beco in the future?"
"What kind of person? What kind of person do you want him to be?"
Things of the future were vague and uncertain, even good things may change due to unforeseen accidents.
"Well... I can't think about it for the ti being. The situation of the Hyuga clan is a bit complicated, and we still haven't found an opportunity to deal with the Konoha problem. But I wouldn't want to burden my children with such a heavy mission."
"Just do what you want then."
"That's right. But, isn't she planning to do sothing about Konoha's Uchiha?" Ayane set the baby down and looked at Shiraishi.
"She probably doesn't have any plan. After all, there were so unpleasant things in the past. Unlike you, after she left, she severed all ties with the Uchiha. Moreover, the Uchiha's issues are more complicated than those of the Hyuga, and getting involved isn't easy."
Concerning the issues with the Uchiha, Kakashi can only touch on superficial parts, the deeper matters have been blocked by Konoha's higher-ups, and even the Anbu wasn't qualified to intervene. Thus, the internal situation set up by Konoha's senior managent within the Uchiha was a mystery. However, this doesn't concern the Land of Demons.
Konoha's higher-ups made a misjudgnt by targeting the Uchiha clan, believing there was an internal spy, driving them to the edge of the village. Before Ruri left, she took all her associates and left no hidden secrets within the Uchiha, making it challenging to monitor them. Regarding information from the Uchiha, it has remained unchanged on the Land of Demons' side for a long ti.
On the contrary, in Konoha's more stable and responsible Hyuga coan, Ayane strategically placed people there. So were planted in advance, while others were added through later interactions. When necessary, they will be able deliver a fatal blow to Konoha. The clan had infiltrated by Ayane to the point of being riddled with holes. After all, freedom was intoxicating.
"Okay, I'm leaving first. You can rest here. Call
if you need anything."
Shiraishi left the room.
.....
"Congratulations, Shiraishi-senpai. I heard that Ayane-senpai gave birth to a boy, and both of them are safe."
In the lab, Rin who uas been collaborating with Shiraishi on the tailed beast experint congratulated. Living in the Land of Demons for an extended period, she had beco accustod to the lifestyle. Her current role involved logistics, focusing on dical treatnt and research, like her previous life in Konoha.
"Thanks." Shiraishi acknowledged, nodding. He approached a cabinet, opened it, retrieved a sterilized white coat, putting it on.
The lab stored the limbs of the Zero Tail, One Tail, Two Tails, and other tailed beasts. With the exception of the complete Zero Tail, the other tailed beasts had evolved from free chakra forms into part of their physical bodies.
"Speaking of which, how is the progress with you and Obito?" Shiraishi asked while adjusting his white coat.
"Well enough." Rin replied after a brief mont of thought.
"Do you have any thoughts on formalizing your relationship with him?" Shiraishi asked with interest.
"It's not that I don't want to, but I prefer to go with the flow. Besides, we're not that old yet."
"Really? I thought your mind was on Kakashi."
"Kakashi?" Rin tilted her head, thought for a mont,
"That's not right, Shiraishi-senpai. Instead of like, I had more of admiration and respect for Kakashi. Kakashi has always been different from the rest of us since he was a child. Although he played gas with us, we couldn't touch his position at all."
"Yeah, he has shouldered a lot of things that shouldn't be carried at his age." Shiraishi sighed.
"In that case, why did you let him stay in Konoha? Wouldn't it be better to bring him here to train him?" Rin didn't quite understand.
"Because of his obsession. It isn't that I didn't want to take him away. It was his choice to stay in Konoha." Shiraishi said, pausing before continuing, "If he can't pass the task he has given himself, he would never forgive himself in his life, nor will he be freed from the shackles of the past."
"It seems that Sakumo-sensei's suicide dealt a great blow to him."
"Of course. Seeing his father die in front of his eyes, even I couldn't understand how heavy the impact had on him at that ti. It was then he wanted give up on himself. What supports him to live until now is the accumulating resentnt within."
Rin nodded, unsure if she truly understood the depth of it. "Indeed, there are too many regrettable things in this world. The sa is true for Minato-sensei. I didn't expect him to pass away suddenly. I wish to go to Konoha to mourn him and Kushina-senpai. It will be very difficult to do so." Rin expressed regretfully.
"There will be a chance, and it won't be too long. But don't you hate , Rin?" Shiraishi asked. Rin was a forr student of Minato, and although Minato didn't die by Shiraishi's hands this ti, there was still a connection.
"Hate? That's just sothing aningless. I've already died once, and you gave
a second chance to live. Obito and I don't have any hatred towards you. Besides, you only provided the information, soone else actually did it." Rin answered while still focused on he work. For her, Konoha belonged to a special past in her mory.
Moreover, Shiraishi's standpoint made it impossible to show rcy to Konoha. Since she left Konoha, asking Shiraishi to be rciful to Konoha seed stupid to her. Surviving in this cruel world required an understanding of one's position.
After their chat, it was ti to get down to business. Rin held a docunt and said to Shiraishi:
"Shiraishi-senpai, with our current approach, making a breakthrough in research will be challenging."
The Tailed beast research was an extrely important topic for the Land of Demons' military. Shiraishi, Rin, and researchers from other related departnts were exploring ways to use the power of the tailed beasts more extensively.
"Yes....the progress is too concerning. The seemingly simple structure of the life form condensed with chakra is quite difficult to diagnose, let alone being able to use the matured power."
Shiraishi nodded in agreent. He wasn't surprised. If the power of the tailed beast were easy to use, Kumo wouldn't be the only village investing in tailed beast weapons in the previous ninja world wars.
"The key issue is still being uncontrollable." Rin pointed out.
The power of the tailed beast was a double-edged sword, enhancing strength while posing a significant risk to the human body. If the negative effects could be mitigated, the utilization of tailed beast power could be significantly improved. However, this hope seed extravagant, as no one could use the power without so negative impact and potential life-threatening consequences.
"What's the word from the practical departnt?"
"The experintal subjects infused with the tailed beast power experience a hazy consciousness. If the infusion duration is too long, they lose self-awareness and beco destructive beasts driven solely by the desire to kill."
"Is that really the case? It seems I'll have to ask Yagura for help."
"Yagura? Is that Kirigakure's new Mizukage? I rember he seems to be an ally with you, Shiraishi-senpai." Rin recalled.
Shiraishi had established cooperation with the new Fourth Mizukage Yagura, and this wasn't a secret to Rin.
"That's correct. Not only that, he's currently the Three Tails Jinchuriki and has successfully passed the trial of the Tailed Beast, becoming another perfect Jinchuriki following the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki." Shiraishi explained to Rin.
Rin stared wide-eyed. The concept of a perfect Jinchuriki, let alone a Jinchuriki as a Mizukage, was quite unbelievable.
"Don't look at
like that. I only recently found out that he beca the Three Tails Jinchuriki, including mastering control over the tailed beast."
"No, I just found it incredibly unbelievable. A Mizukage, one of the Five Kages, being a Jinchuriki is surely surprising."
In the past, a Jinchuriki becoming one of the Kag3 was unprecedented. Jinchuriki has always been regarded as a symbol of ninja village's military strength, but due to their imnse power and instability, they were rejected and closely monitored.
"Rules exist to be broken, and he seems to be one not to follow them."
"Having said that, I still find it a bit crazy. But, even if it's true, will he be willing to share his experience?"
This knowledge held imasurable value as a thod for increasing a village's strength.. Even in Kiri, it would likely be top-secret information, inaccessible to outsiders.
"We'll have to exchange with sothing of equivalent value. I believe Yagura won't refuse."
While they've ford an alliance with Yagura, certain information cannot be shared freely. Maintaining a pragmatic approach, they negotiate the details at the table to protect their respective interests.
Just as Yagura sent people to the Land of Demons for inspection and study, Shiraishi didn't provide this service for free. Such exchanges were crucial to sustaining the long-term alliance. Both parties understood this well. Even though it sounds incredible, constant attempts to exploit each other would make the alliance incredibly fragile.
"Equivalent?" Rin thought, realizing that they might be in for huge amount of losses. What they had gained from Kirigakure so far could potentially be devoured all at once.
...
"A way to control the tailed beast?"
Shiraishi's letter, expressing his desire to acquire HIS thod of controlling he tailed beast, reached Yagura in less than two days through a secret channel.
Considering Shiraishi's request, Yagura contemplated about it
Controlling a tailed beast was a highly sensitive research for the Five Great Nations' Ninja Villages. Only the five villages were qualified to delve into these top-secret. Besides them, only Takigakure had a tailed beast, but it was reported that the Seven-Tails had been lost in an accident more than two years ago. The Seven Tails was currently missing.
Shiraishi's interest in obtaining this thod suggested that the Land of Demons might possess a tailed beast as well. If they didn't, acquiring the thod would be aningless. Shiraishi wouldn't engage in such an impossible loss-making exchange. If they did possess tailed beats, it changed the situation.
"So, the Seven-Tails is very likely to be in the Land of Demons. It's clever obtaining it without causing a stir."
Yagura sighed, understanding Shiraishi's decision to keep the Seven-Tails discreet. It seems Shiraishi also kept details that he was the Three Tails Jinchuriki hidden, including becoming a perfect Jinchuriki. Before fighting the Third Mizukage, he and Shiraishi were quite similar in secrecy.
As for Shiraishi learning the Tailed Beast Control thod, Yagura didn't have much opposition. As long as Shiraishi offers satisfactory price, selling his experience was possible. However, the negotiation requires careful consideration beforehand. He hasn't yet decided what to ask of Shiraishi yet. After careful deliberation, it won't be too late for the negotiations.
At that mont, a knock on the door interrupted Yagura's thoughts.
"Co in."
After Yagura spoke, the doorknob turned and a tall man entered.
Short black hair, no eyebrows, a cross-shaped scar on the right cheek symbolizing ritorious deeds, and a over two-ter long sword on his back. He exuded a sharp abd dangerous aura.
Upon entering, seeing Yagura at the desk, he grinned, baring sharp teeth. "I didn't expect you to beco the Fourth Mizukage after all, Yagura. Seems that idiot Fuguki finally died."
"I'm the Mizukage now, show
so respect... Juzo."
"Already starting to use your identity as Mizukage to command so quickly?"
"Do you really want
to lock you up? I don't mind finding a new owner for your sword. Many excellent ninjas within the village were eyeing your sword already."
The man nad 'Juzo,' didn't seem pleased. "I see, Mizukage-sama. Please forgive
for being rude just now. However, I'm one of the only two remaining ninja swordsn, can you show so dignity?"
Hearing the request Yagura stood up, responding earnestly.
"No, as the Mizukage, dignity is more important to ."
"No chance of leniency in the future, it seems.' Juzo sighed inwardly.
Yagura was unlike the retired Third Mizukage. Ambition and determination blazed in his eyes. The path the new Mizukage drove would steer Kirigakure even he could not predict.
"Since you've returned, co with ."
"Where?" Juzo asked curiously.
Yagura paused and dropped a bombshell, "The Severe Punishnt Room."
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