104 The Sheep Offers Its Wool Voluntarily

"Secret Technique…"

Kyōichi was still pondering over Ice Release.

He had acquired the kekkei genkai of Ice Release, but this did not include the secret technique of Demonic Mirror Ice Crystals.

Of course.

It wouldn't be difficult to derive, but the real question was whether it was necessary.

He pondered for a moment.

No need!

The Demonic Mirror Ice Crystals were strong, but too simple. He could achieve high-speed movement on his own.

With that effort, it was better to think about integrating it into his own system.

For example.

Combining movement and genjutsu with ice mirrors.

Ideas began to crystallize in Kyōichi's mind.

However.

Soon, he had no more time to think about it.

Yamanaka Inoichi arrived.

"Lord Kyōichi, this is all the information we've extracted from Hōzuki Senkei's mind so far. There's no more."

He sighed lightly.

There were too few hands here, and without his presence, they couldn't extract much more.

Kyōichi took the information.

The Yamanaka Clan could extract information from the minds of the deceased, but the information was fragmented due to the impact of death.

Scanning it quickly.

Three points were important.

The Silent Killing Technique, Hidden Mist jutsu, and information about the Third Mizukage.

"The Mizukage is seriously ill and won't live beyond a year."

Kyōichi mused.

"According to the information we acquired , Hōzuki Mangetsu is eyeing the Mizukage's position."

"Is that so?"

It wasn't that Kyōichi underestimated Hōzuki Mangetsu.

From the limited information, it seemed that he had always wanted to attack Nagano Mountain, failing to analyze the enemy's and his own condition properly, much like another individual.

Then there was Yagura.

He pondered for a moment and then asked, "Senior Inoichi, do you think Yagura has returned to the Mist village?"

"Returned to the village?"

Inoichi was momentarily stunned. "It's possible. The Hōzuki Clan is vying for position, and this is his chance for a counterattack."

"What's the situation in the north?"

"Kumogakure is deploying their troops at the border, and there's mutual harassment for now. The Daimyo of Land of Lightning has sent a message asking for our help."

 The Daimyo of Land of Lightning?

Konoha currently lacked the strength to deal with Kumogakure, especially since they were allied with Iwagakure.

The situation was tense not just in the north, but also on the western front.

Moreover.

The sincerity of the Kumo Daimyo was questionable.

Kyōichi ignored it, knowing that there was no one available to assist him at the moment.

"As for Kirigakure, I think we can drag it out a bit longer. They will definitely choose reconciliation."

Inoichi said.

The strength of the five great shinobi villages varied, but over the years, Sunagakure had become the weakest, and Kirigakure wasn't much better. Their Seven Ninja Swordsmen were among their top shimobi.

Even so, they were easily defeated by just three shinobi from Konoha—

a terrifying record that was enough to make Kirigakure think twice before engaging Konoha any further.

As long as Kirigakure was wise, they wouldn't dare to fight to the end.

Kyōichi pondered and finally shook his head: "We can't drag this out. Kumogakure and Iwagakure haven't started a full-scale attack yet. Once they do, Kirigakure's attitude may change drastically. We must completely conquer them!"

"Your meaning is?"

"It's not about them seeking peace talks with us, we need to force them to surrender!"

Kyōichi was adamant.

The Land of Water was strong.

Apart from the current forces of Kirigakure, there were also the Kaguya and Yuki clans. Frankly, in a full-scale war against all three, they might not be able to win.

But.

Once the other two villages attacked, if Kirigakure then came for peace talks, the conditions would be entirely different.

It's essential not to rest on your laurels and become too comfortable.

Inoichi pondered and finally nodded.

He had to admit.

Kyōichi's considerations were sound.

Kirigakure was just waiting for the right moment. Negotiating now and later would mean completely different conditions.

Konoha couldn't hesitate.

Kyōichi, so young yet so comprehensive in his considerations, was truly remarkable.

Thinking carefully.

This young man now had something to say in every field.

Quite incredible!

He admired Kyōichi in his heart, while also pondering.

Since Kyōichi was so determined, yet hadn't made a move, it was clear he was waiting…

Waiting for Uchiha?

No.

The image of Might Duy opening the Seven Gates and unleashing a punch that formed a tiger-shaped taijutsu came to his mind.

Waiting for Duy!

He guessed right.

Duy's physical condition had actually recovered today, but many aspects of his body needed longer to recuperate, otherwise, it could lead to chronic issues.

Kyōichi didn't want to gamble on his future.

So.

Giving Kirigakure a few more days wouldn't hurt.

...

In the northwest, Amegakure.

In the dwelling of Hanzō, a man with orange hair, cloaked in a mantle, entered.

"How's the situation, Yahiko?"

"Hanzō-sama, Iwagakure hopes we won't interfere with their war against Konoha, and they assure us that they will not attack us."

Yahiko spoke respectfully.

Hanzō fell silent.

He weighed the pros and cons. Agreeing and choosing neutrality would indeed keep Amegakure out of the war.

But.

What about the future?

Both Konoha and Iwagakure were formidable.

He sighed, feeling powerless, and after a while, Hanzō turned and looked up, asking, "What do you think?"

"Hanzō-sama, I think we should agree."

Yahiko replied.

Hanzō looked at him, then said, "Have you considered Konoha? Danzō is not easy to deal with."

"I have!"

Yahiko nodded, but he didn't change his stance. "By staying out of it, we have three benefits: Amegakure can recuperate, the surrounding countries are in chaos while we remain peaceful, attracting settlers to the Land of Rain, boosting our population."

"Hmm?"

He paused, and Hanzō looked at Yahiko curiously.

Yahiko produced a map.

The map depicted the distribution of the ninja world.

"Thirdly, without experiencing the agony of war, the minor ninja villages will never agree with our concept of unification. Only by making them endure war and suffering will they unite with us in strength," Yahiko declared with unwavering conviction.

His mind flickered with words once spoken by Kyōichi. During this time, Yahiko had been pondering how to change the current situation. This war had made him fully grasp that phrase, giving him a glimmer of hope.

Hanzo fell into silence.

He was not unaware of Yahiko's ideals. In fact, when the boy first joined, he had spoken of his admiration for Hanzo's philosophy and his desire to contribute to that ideal. Hanzo had always thought it was just an excuse to form an alliance.

Talents were rare in the Amegakure. So, he let Yahiko and his group stay, granting them official ninja status. Unexpectedly...

Yahiko truly wanted to help realize his own vision of peace.

"Peace... I had almost forgotten about it myself. I didn't expect someone else to still remember," Hanzo sighed.

The concept seemed so distant. Yet, he had to admit, Yahiko's words held some truth. Only by experiencing the pain of war would the minor villages cling to and unite with them. Otherwise, they would feel disconnected from the conflict, ready to seek refuge in a more prominent village at a moment's notice. Such a naive viewpoint.

After a long contemplation, Hanzo finally said, "What if the Iwagakure and Konoha decide to join forces against us?"

"Then We'll ally with Suna!" Yahiko responded. "The Sand Village is the weakest. Currently, they're not much different from us. Allying with them, we'll have the most power, and they will need our strength."

"Go ahead," Hanzo said, without further comment.

Yahiko, overjoyed, bowed deeply in gratitude and then hurried out of the office.

After a while, Hanzo stood up and walked towards another location. Someone was waiting for him.

"Lord Hanzo, have you made your decision?"

"We cannot provoke you, but we also cannot afford to provoke the Iwagakure. So, the Amegakure will not take sides in this war. However, we can trade ninja tools and exploding tags with you," Hanzo declared his decision.

Danzo was momentarily surprised, then sneered, "Still clinging to your ideals?"

"I'm just tired. I don't want to be involved in these wars anymore. As for those ideals... heh, who hasn't been young and naive? Danzo, you may leave. The deal for the ninja tools can be discussed with my subordinates."

With a wave of his hand, Hanzo's figure vanished.

Indeed, he too saw Yahiko as young and naive. But who hasn't been? There was a time when he too dreamt of challenging the three great villages with his own strength.

Danzo narrowed his eyes and didn't linger any longer. The result was somewhat unexpected to him. Nevertheless, the neutrality of the Rain Village was better than them aiding Iwagakure.

...

Kyōichi received another reward, albeit a small one. A basic Water Release jutsu, under the guise of a "practical lesson." He pondered over it, unable to fathom the source of this reward.

"The students have grown up. They understand the importance of giving back to their teacher. Not an easy feat!" Kyōichi mused.

It was a modest gift, but the sentiment was significant. Yet, he was only slightly moved. Kyōichi's arsenal of jutsu was already substantial, and the rewards for ordinary Water Release techniques were just so-so.

He would rather focus on perfecting the Hidden Mist technique. And not just for himself. This technique was incredibly practical. In his view, it was best if the whole village learned it; the more, the better.

Not just the Hidden Mist technique, but the Silent Killing technique needed to be included too. The latter was more challenging to master, belonging to the category of 'easy to learn, hard to master'—otherwise, Zabuza's Silent Killing technique wouldn't be so renowned.

In the past couple of days, Kyōichi had been fully engrossed in developing the curriculum. Finally, he said, "Inoichi, please gather all ninjas proficient in Water Release. We will learn the Hidden Mist technique and these training methods together."

"This... Yes!" Inoichi, also adept in Water Release, had been practicing it himself and had made some progress. But upon receiving the scroll, he was impressed. It detailed the Hidden Mist technique far more thoroughly.

Then, Kyōichi handed him another volume—this one on the Silent Killing technique.

"It's not complete yet, but let them memorize it. They don't have to master its application, but at least they should understand how to counter it."

"Yes!"

Inoichi took the scrolls and left. Kyōichi didn't bother to seek rewards for this. His group of Jonin was too clever, and since the Hidden Mist technique was a C-rank jutsu, it wasn't difficult for those proficient in Water Release.

He figured that participating in person would only slightly increase the reward compared to merely writing the curriculum. He'd rather spend that time pondering other matters.