"Wuwuwu!"
Inside the amber stone, Kazahana Dotō’s muffled pleas for rcy could be heard.
What chakra armor? Kyohiko’s ninjutsu had completely woken him up! No matter how powerful a ninja tool was, in the face of such a terrifying enemy, it was still as laughable as a toy. How pathetic that he had deluded himself into thinking he could unify the ninja world with it...
At this mont, he only wanted to beg for rcy, beg Kyohiko to let him go.
Kyohiko loosened a small opening in the amber stone, allowing him to speak.
Kazahana Dotō imdiately spoke. "Kyohiko-sama! Spare ! Spare my life! I will work for you, I’ll give you whatever you need..."
"Is that so?" Kyohiko smiled.
Kazahana Dotō nodded repeatedly. "Of course, I know my mistake now! Do you need the Land of Snow? I can usurp the throne and work hard for you from now on!"
He did his best to proclaim his abilities and loyalty. However, how could Kyohiko possibly trust him? A guy who could betray his own family without a mont’s hesitation was not worthy of his trust.
But the more the other party said, the more he would have to tell Kazahana Sōsetsu. Therefore... he did not stop him.
"You can still take over the Land of Snow?"
"Of course, I have prepared everything. Many people in the capital are my subordinates. With just one order, I can imdiately kill Kazahana Sōsetsu and seize the Land of Snow!" Kazahana Dotō replied hastily.
Then, he paused and continued to throw out bait. "I also know Kazahana Sōsetsu’s secret. If you are willing to let go, I am willing to share the secret and serve you for life!"
***
"What? Kazahana Dotō wants to betray ? Impossible!"
Land of Snow, Daimyō’s Residence.
Kazahana Sōsetsu was utterly horrified upon hearing the news. He shook his head repeatedly, completely disbelieving Nara Shikaku’s words. Dotō was his own younger brother, how could he possibly betray him? On the contrary, it was Nara Shikaku. Coming all the way from Konoha to the Land of Snow just to spread such alarmist rumors made him question the purpose of the Konoha squad’s visit.
Shikaku said, "Your Excellency, we have evidence."
"Impossible!" Kazahana Sōsetsu completely refused to believe it. But when he saw the intelligence that was brought to him, he was dumbfounded.
Snow ninja? Where did their Land of Snow get snow ninja!
"This is..."
"Among this group of wandering ninja, there is a dangerous individual that our Konoha has been closely monitoring. We traced him to the territory of the Land of Snow, where he was hired and has settled down," Shikaku said in a gentle and patient tone. "Guess who hired them?"
"This, this..." Kazahana Sōsetsu was speechless for a long ti.
No matter how much he trusted his younger brother, in the face of such intelligence, he was montarily bewildered. Kazahana Dotō secretly took in a group of wandering ninja? But he knew nothing about it!
"Furthermore, I’m afraid many of the nobles in the capital have also sided with him," Shikaku reminded him.
Kazahana Sōsetsu took a deep breath. If this were true, his situation was probably really dangerous! But... what if it wasn’t... He was still struggling.
Shikaku was not surprised. If Kazahana Sōsetsu didn’t have this kind of personality, the Land of Snow wouldn’t have fallen into such a crisis. In fact, if not for Kazahana Dotō’s ambition, in so respects, Dotō would be more suitable as a daimyō. But the ambitious Kazahana Dotō would lead the Land of Snow astray.
Konoha needed to cooperate with the Land of Snow, so they couldn’t let it fall into chaos. Shikaku had to ensure Konoha’s interests, and Kazahana Sōsetsu was clearly more suitable.
Before Kazahana Sōsetsu could finish thinking, Shikaku added another sentence. "Your Excellency, let’s put this matter aside for now. Our main goal this ti is your previous commission. What I just said was also to prevent us from not being able to collect your commission fee."
Kazahana Sōsetsu’s brow furrowed. Not being able to collect... Is he worried sothing will happen to ?
He absolutely did not believe his younger brother would kill him for the position of daimyō, but at the sa ti, he couldn’t help but feel that Konoha’s intelligence wasn’t baseless. What if that kid really had other ideas... His heart was in turmoil.
Shikaku continued, "Regarding your commission, after detailed discussion, our Konoha believes that it is unlikely to be realized."
"What if I build a large-scale environntal modification machine?" Kazahana Sōsetsu said.
Nara Shikaku couldn’t help but smile. "If you maintain it for a long ti, how much money would it cost? Or is your pursuit just to satisfy your own vanity, with no intention of letting all your subjects use it?"
"What? Your plan can allow all the subjects of our Land of Snow to use it?" Kazahana Sōsetsu was astonished. Then, he took a deep breath, his face filled with excitent. "Jonin Shikaku, if that’s the case, I am willing to pay a sufficient fee!"
"These are Konoha’s conditions." Shikaku first presented the conditions.
Kazahana Sōsetsu took it, then frowned. Hand over the mining-related business to Konoha? He couldn’t help but look up at Nara Shikaku, an unhappy expression on his face. "What is the aning of this?"
If they wanted to take away their Land of Snow’s mineral resources just as a mission reward, that was too far-fetched!
"Please don’t misunderstand. We hope to receive the commission for your country’s mineral developnt business. In the future, we will help your country develop its mineral resources. The minerals will still be yours," Shikaku replied.
Kazahana Sōsetsu was stunned for a long ti, his mind in a state of confusion. Konoha... wants to co all the way to their country to help them mine? What for?
He looked bewildered. "This, I really can’t understand!"
"I understand, which is why I have provided you with an explanation." Shikaku smilingly handed over another scroll.
Kazahana Sōsetsu took it. After looking down for a few seconds, his expression gradually beca surprised. Konoha and the Sand are joining forces? Using Magnet Release to develop mineral resources.
Such an idea... "Does the Sand Village have this ability?" Kazahana Sōsetsu couldn’t help but feel doubtful. Magnet Release was good, but as the Kazekage, how much ti could Rasa have to get involved in mining?
"That is sothing the Sand Village needs to consider. If they can’t do it, our Konoha can provide the service for you alone. We also have similar ninjutsu," Shikaku explained.
Kazahana Sōsetsu nodded, then continued to read the docunt. He fell into deep thought. As the daimyō of a country, Kazahana Sōsetsu was not a muddle-headed person. He quickly considered the pros and cons of having Konoha handle this work.
Miner casualties could be greatly reduced. With ninja providing the service, work efficiency might also be greatly improved. The price was—a more expensive expenditure. Also, what would the redundant people do?
His gaze gradually returned to the other scroll in Shikaku’s hand. The Land of Snow’s "Spring Project." Konoha seed to be extrely confident in this proposal.
He pondered for a mont, then nodded. "If this docunt of yours is truly effective, the commission for the mineral resources will be entirely undertaken by Konoha in the future. If that cooperation is effective, my Land of Snow can pay separately."
"Thank you, Your Excellency. In that case, our Konoha can also make a concession. The improvents to this commission in the future can be discounted, and we can provide maintenance services completely free of charge under certain conditions," Shikaku replied.
The most expensive part of the "Greenhouse Project" in the Land of Snow was not the construction, but the long-term maintenance and improvent. If Kazahana Sōsetsu made a concession, he could also make a concession on behalf of Konoha.
Kazahana Sōsetsu nodded and agreed. Then, he looked at the proposal. The first line was a summary—Greenhouses, geothermal heating.
Kazahana Sōsetsu swallowed and then read on carefully. The more he read, the more excited he beca. This proposal was indeed better and more perfect than his! If it could be done, although it couldn’t bring spring to the entire Land of Snow, it could benefit every household, allowing everyone to experience the joy of spring. Many people could get jobs and opportunities to survive in the process!
Kazahana Sōsetsu took a deep breath, then suppressed the excitent in his heart. "Can this plan be optimized further?" In his view, the plan presented by Konoha was already nearly perfect and impeccable. Kazahana Sōsetsu couldn’t imagine what a more perfect plan would look like.
"I don’t know. That question has to be asked of the plan’s creator."
"Who is it?"
"Kyohiko. I don’t know if you’ve heard of this na."
"Of course!" Kazahana Sōsetsu nodded. The young but famous genius of Konoha! Even if the Land of Snow didn’t have ninja, he had heard of the other’s na more or less. Then, a trace of amazent arose in his heart—this plan was actually from the hands of Ryoho Kyohiko.
Is there anything he can’t do?
***
[Your Land of Snow strategy has been recognized by Kazahana Sōsetsu!]
[Konoha has obtained trade and long-term commission profits from the Land of Snow. The entire village of Konoha can benefit from it.]
[Reward: Secret Technique: Smoke Transformation has been upgraded to Grandmaster]
Grandmaster-level Smoke Transformation. Kyohiko glanced at it. Although he was in a blizzard, he still chose to rge the mories. He had researched this ability before, but it had stalled at the expert level and was difficult to improve. Later, the appearance and perfection of the Amber Technique made him need this ability even less. To this day, he had not studied it further.
But, Grandmaster-level Smoke Transformation... that was a different story!
On the side, Kazahana Dotō, trapped in the amber, was now tired and hungry, but he didn’t dare to sleep, afraid that if he fell asleep, it would be for a lifeti. Seeing Kyohiko sitting cross-legged in the snowstorm, he thought the other was undergoing so kind of training.
After a full half hour, the heavy snow had buried both of them... He was about to suffocate.
At this mont, the person beside him moved. Kyohiko grabbed him and instantly left the snowfield via Flying Thunder God. The next second, when Kazahana Dotō woke up, what he saw was a familiar building.
This was the capital of the Land of Snow!
"Land of Snow..."
"We’re back. Didn’t you say you could kill your brother? Do it for to see," Kyohiko said lightly.
Kazahana Dotō was stunned for a long ti, then nodded lightly. "Alright, alright, I’ll do it right away!" He was beaming with excitent and imdiately ran off, still wearing the chakra armor.
A long ti after he left, Yūhi Kurenai ca out from behind Kyohiko, breathing out puffs of cold air. "I didn’t expect you to leave the Flying Thunder God marker on . I thought it would be on your clone or Shikaku-senpai!"
"It’s safer to leave it with you," Kyohiko turned his head.
Yūhi Kurenai rubbed her hands. "How did it go?"
"He went after the bait. Don’t worry. Now we’ll just see how many people he can fish out," Kyohiko replied. Then, he smiled. "I hope His Excellency the Daimyō will be satisfied with this big gift!"
"I’m afraid it’s more of a shock," Yūhi Kurenai rolled her eyes. Then, she said, "You need to be careful. His Excellency’s wife is about to give birth. Don’t cause any problems."
"Don’t worry, nothing will go wrong with this," Kyohiko said, smoke swirling between his fingers. Grandmaster-level Smoke Transformation was much more convenient than before.
The main point was—it could be coordinated with the Amber Technique. When needed, he could quickly release the amber from a distance and release the chakra inside. It could also serve as a coordinate for so special ninjutsu. For example, Flying Thunder God, or the Telescope Technique.
Therefore, Kazahana Dotō’s best choice was actually to go to Kazahana Sōsetsu and report... But would he do that?
***
"Dotō-sama, is what you said true?"
"Of course!" Kazahana Dotō said decisively. In reality, he wasn’t very confident, but at this mont, regardless of whether Konoha was really helping him or not, he had to say so to get these people’s help.
He had to succeed! As long as he beca the daimyō, Konoha would have to cooperate with him. They couldn’t possibly kill him. For this... his brother had to die!
A fierce glint flashed in Kazahana Dotō’s eyes. He raised his head and laughed. "See the armor on ? This is the chakra armor I’ve researched for many years. With it, my strength is even greater than before!"
With that, a black dragon quickly ford in his hand. Before, it required long hand seals to do, but now he could control it with ease. This was the proof.
Everyone’s eyes lit up. "Dotō-sama, just say it, what should we do?!"
"It’s simple. You wait for to beco the daimyō, then convince the other nobles to support . You don’t need to do anything else," Kazahana Dotō replied lightly.
He could deal with Kazahana Sōsetsu by himself!
The smiles on everyone’s faces were even brighter than before. No need to pay a price... that was of course the best!
***
Inside the Daimyō’s Residence, Kazahana Sōsetsu coughed repeatedly in anger.
"Kurenai."
"Yes, Your Excellency. Let take a look for you." Yūhi Kurenai quickly stepped forward to help soothe his cough.
At this mont, Kazahana Sōsetsu’s eyes were filled with deep sorrow and indignation. He never would have imagined that the brother he trusted and valued was secretly planning to overthrow and kill him, and had even made all the preparations for it.
After a long silence, Kazahana Sōsetsu said, "But, why would you..."
"Your Excellency, I need you to understand that these nobles are only here for profit. They will support whoever can give them benefits. What you can give, Kazahana Dotō can also give," Kyohiko said.
Kazahana Sōsetsu was silent, then looked at Kyohiko. "Then, what should I do?"
"First, you need a ninja force strong enough to protect you. Only with strength can you protect yourself and your family. Otherwise, if you fall... do you think your wife and children can be spared?"
"Yes, you’re right." Kazahana Sōsetsu looked at a crystal ball not far away, his face grim. He couldn’t imagine. If he died, what would be the fate of his wife and family?
At this mont, Kazahana Dotō had already left his subordinates and was heading towards the Daimyō’s Residence, clearly coming for him.
"Your Excellency, we’ll head to the back first."
"Alright." Kazahana Sōsetsu nodded. He knew that Kazahana Dotō was doing this partly because of Kyohiko’s instigation, but more so because Kazahana Dotō had his own ideas. Those nobles and the chakra armor couldn’t have been prepared in a short ti.
Dotō had been plotting for a long ti! Blaming Kyohiko was purely deceiving himself. Kazahana Sōsetsu was not that stupid.
He looked outside with a cold expression. After a mont, a samurai ca and reported that Kazahana Dotō was requesting an audience.
A dozen seconds later, Kazahana Dotō ca from outside.
Kazahana Sōsetsu looked at him. "Dotō, what is it this ti?"
"I want the position of daimyō. Give the position to !" Kazahana Dotō raised his hand, chakra gathering.
Kazahana Sōsetsu squeezed out a look of astonishnt, then he said, "If I let you do it, will you spare my wife and descendants?"
"Of course!" Kazahana Dotō grinned.
Kazahana Sōsetsu’s heart grew even more sorrowful. This guy’s expression... was clearly a lie! He valued and appointed him, yet this was the end he got. If not for the Konoha ninja’s information, he would still think Kazahana Dotō was on his side.
And now... Kazahana Sōsetsu sighed and silently tapped his chair.
Two "black dragons" attacked. But the next mont, a sword directly cut through the black dragons. At the sa ti, a puff of smoke dispersed from Kazahana Dotō’s body, transforming into a set of shackles that quickly bound him.
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