Makki had no interest in the internal strife of Kirigakure. Let them fight to the death amongst themselves—what did it have to do with Sunagakure? He didn't care who became the "decision maker" in Kirigakure either. As long as someone was sent to fulfill their obligations, it wouldn't matter even if the leader of the militant faction, Yoake, became Mizukage or the head of the Genji faction.
What truly caught Makki's attention was the underground forces that Siren mentioned. This posed a significant threat to Sunagakure.
Currently, Sunagakure was riding the wave of its major victory over Iwagakure, with morale and public sentiment at an all-time high. Several large-scale projects were underway, and major infrastructure developments were in full swing. The Third Kazekage, Jinghang-sama, planned to complete the full construction of the Yuesi Peninsula and the Yuesha Expressway by next year's Five Kage Summit. This international conference would serve as a platform to showcase Sunagakure's new image and achievements, pushing the village's economic development to new heights.
However, if Kirigakure were to be led by a warmonger during this critical period, any new war or chaos they stirred up would undoubtedly be something Jinghang-sama would want to avoid. As a former member of Sunagakure's ANBU, Makki possessed the strategic foresight to recognize this.
This potential threat had to be nipped in the bud.
"What's your take on Yoake?" Makki asked.
"This man appears humble, but in reality, he's an outright war fanatic. Ruthless and merciless in his actions, he is also remarkably skilled at winning people over. His reputation is especially high among the lower-ranking shinobi in the village," Siren replied with a solemn expression.
"And his strength?" Makki raised an eyebrow.
The best way to solve this problem, of course, would be a physical one—eliminate him.
Siren shook his head. "I advise against such thoughts. Let me put it this way: someone like me wouldn't last even a hundred moves against him. On top of that, he has a special identity."
"What is it?"
"He's the Jinchūriki of the Six-Tails!"
Makki fell silent. He had seen the power of Tailed Beasts firsthand. If Jinghang-sama were here, perhaps he could stand a chance, but Makki himself clearly wasn't up to the task.
"What do you know about Kushimaru Yagura?" Makki asked.
Siren nodded. "It seems you've grown over the years—you've hit the nail on the head. He's currently the leader of the Mizukage faction and the only force capable of counterbalancing the militant faction."
"Oh? Tell me more."
"He's the sole apprentice of the Third Mizukage and a formidable shinobi. While he can't openly contend with Yoake during the Mizukage's illness, he's been quietly gathering strength in the shadows. Many have pledged their allegiance to him, including remnants of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen and promising newcomers like Ringo Ameyuri and Mangetsu Hōzuki. If he were to go head-to-head with Yoake, the odds would be about 40-60."
"And the Genji faction?"
"Ah, most of the Genji faction has already sided with Yoake, myself included. Now, only my senior brother Ao-Peng remains, but he doesn't have much manpower. He's mainly occupied with caring for the paralyzed Genji."
"What about the Three-Tails?"
"The current Jinchūriki of the Three-Tails is a child named Rin. She can't be relied upon."
Makki's questions seemed random, but they touched on all of Kirigakure's active forces. Comparing the information provided by Siren, he realized that even if all the other factions united, they still wouldn't match Yoake's strength.
"Jinghang-sama warned me that Kirigakure is a quagmire. This invitation might not go smoothly."
"Indeed. The Third Kazekage is absolutely right," Siren nodded. "However, he also said that the key to breaking the deadlock lies with Kushimaru Yagura. Can you arrange an introduction?"
"You fool! How can you approach him directly for something like this? You should wait for him to come to you," Siren said with a crooked smile. Under the moonlight, his scarred face looked particularly menacing.
The secret meeting ended quickly. Having gained a preliminary understanding of Kirigakure's complex political ecosystem, Makki bid farewell to Siren and returned to the inn with Hidan.
The two climbed back into their room through the window, only to find Sakumo Hatake and Fugaku Uchiha waiting for them.
Sakumo was casually playing with his chipped and battered sword.
"Heh, it seems I'm not the only one who finds the night long and sleepless. Judging by your attire, you two weren't out hunting snails, were you? How was the haul? Care to share?" Sakumo quipped.
"Who came?"
An aged voice asked.
In a dimly lit chamber, a flickering lamp cast the shadows of two figures—one hunched and frail, the other tall and burly.
"Hatake Sakumo from Konoha, Makki from Sunagakure, and two young subordinates. One of them is from the Uchiha clan," a deep voice replied.
"Sharingan?!"
The aged voice grew excited.
"Yes."
"How old?"
"About eleven or twelve."
"Eleven or twelve?"
The aged voice hesitated for a moment.
"If they're accompanying the White Fang of Konoha, they must be exceptional. Hiruzen Sarutobi wouldn't send just any child. Arrange for Kushimaru Yagura to meet them. Make it seem natural—don't let anything slip."
"Understood. I'll handle it. And us?"
"Us? What 'us' is there anymore?"
The aged voice carried a trace of melancholy.
"Don't despair, my lord. Once Master Whale awakens, we'll still have a fighting chance."
"Yes, but we owe Konoha a huge favor this time. We'll have to repay it someday."
"Indeed. What about Sunagakure?"
"I can't read them. Their leadership is all young; we haven't interacted with them much. It seems Yagura has had some contact with them."
"Yes."
"Then quietly establish contact. Help them if we can, but don't cause trouble if we can't."
"You're saying that Kirigakure's Genji sought Hiruzen Sarutobi's help?"
"Correct. They're old acquaintances who crossed paths years ago."
"And the Third Mizukage isn't ill but under a genjutsu?"
"Exactly. I brought Fugaku here to resolve this issue."
"So Genji's paralysis is also fake?"
"No, that's real. It's just not as severe as it seems. If you see him tomorrow with a crooked mouth and slanted eyes, he's faking it."
"And what role does Kushimaru Yagura play in this story?"
"An ally. He's already allied with the Genji faction and is the main force in this rebellion."
Makki hadn't expected Sakumo Hatake to be so forthcoming, answering every question without reservation. So this was the backstory!
"Why are you only telling me this now?" Makki asked.
"Eh? Didn't your Kazekage tell you?" Sakumo countered. Makki was baffled. What was this about? How did this involve Jinghang-sama?
"He did. My master instructed that if Konoha doesn't speak up, we won't act," Hidan interjected, handing Makki a note. Makki opened it and recognized Jinghang-sama's handwriting.
"A letter to you: Kushimaru Yagura of Kirigakure has sought my assistance in quelling the rebellion. You are to assist him to the best of your ability. For details, consult Hidan. Above all, prioritize safety. Best of luck."
After reading, Makki nodded at Hidan, immediately understanding Jinghang-sama's intent. Whether they helped or not depended on Konoha's stance. If Konoha made an effort, they would assist. If Konoha stood by and watched, so would they. In short, they wouldn't stick their necks out.
"I have one last question," Makki asked.
"Go ahead."
Sakumo maintained his open demeanor.
"What did Kirigakure promise Konoha in return?"
"Heh, not much," Sakumo said, raising a single finger.
"One Tailed Beast."
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
"8 amazing fanfics available on my Patreon.
Support for 200+ advance chapters:
patreon.com/DarkGolds"