Chapter 150

What is causing this commotion?

The Third Mizukage may not have fully grasped it before, but now he understands it all too well. Looking at these normally aggressive and cold Kirigakure shinobi, now kneeling one by one in a desperate attempt to gain his favor, he knows exactly what is driving this frenzy.

The allure of wealth.

Inside the Mizukage's office in Kirigakure...

"Mizukage-sama, please allow us to join the expedition. We have the skills and resources," a shinobi clan leader pleaded, bowing his head and expressing his sorrow.

To an outsider, it may appear as undying loyalty to Kirigakure.

"No, Mizukage-sama, let me go. I am a commoner, and I am loyal to you. Moreover, my neighbor is a Shinigami. We dig up the land together and search for spoils of war. That's the spirit of all the Hidden Villages," a Jonin from a commoner background shouted loudly.

"Ah, enough of this shamelessness! Mizukage-sama, let us Hozuki Clan join. We can provide hydration and an advantage. Besides, the Moon Lord sacrifices for the village, so we need to replenish our blood," the Hozuki Clan leader shamelessly offered his services.

"You shameless Hozuki Clan! When it comes to intimacy, the Yuki Clan is far superior. Kuchiki, I am your granduncle. Let the Yuki Clan go. We excel in ninjutsu, loyalty, and dedication to the Hidden Villages. We are the true representation of the Yuki Clan," a gray-haired Yuki elder, his face filled with sorrow, threw away his crutches and knelt on the ground, wailing loudly.

It seemed that Third Mizukage was an unfilial figure in their eyes.

"You old fogey, don't speak of Mizukage-sama in such a disrespectful manner. Mizukage-sama, our Terumi Clan is excellent. We speak politely, so please allow us to join. And if you have the time, come visit us at home. Xiao Mei misses you, and we can learn foreign languages together," the female clan leader of the Terumi Clan winked madly at Third Mizukage.

"You shameless woman!"

"You old fogey, stop acting like a hooligan!"

"Fangfang, you're no longer the Mizukage. It's time to stop this nonsense."

The Mizukage's office descended into chaos, resembling a bustling marketplace. All those involved in the quarrel were highly respected individuals with considerable strength and status in the Hidden Villages. However, their desire for wealth had driven them to abandon all decorum.

...

"Enough! Look at the pitiful state you're all in now. Each of you is willing to throw away your dignity and fight over a meager sum of money. Scolding each other like street shrews, it's disgraceful," Third Mizukage scolded the kneeling shinobi clan leaders, elders, and commoner Jonin, his anger palpable.

"You, as the leaders of the shinobi clans and heroes of the commoners, should be setting an example. Yet here you are, disregarding all sense of honor for a little profit. Your behavior is ugly."

Third Mizukage scolded them mercilessly, leaving them ashamed and unable to face him.

He felt that if he continued scolding them like this, he would need to hide his head in his crotch.

But those individuals, maintaining a calm demeanor, accepted Third Mizukage's verbal onslaught without regret. Their expression seemed to say, "If you disagree with us today, we will kneel here until we die."

Utterly shameless.

Since Yagura returned with shipments of fine jade jewelry and various supplies, the atmosphere in Kirigakure had changed. Everyone had become obsessed with wealth, constantly seeking opportunities to join the team expanding Kirigakure's territory.

Furthermore, Third Mizukage, based on his own experience, could understand the sentiments of Shimura Danzo and Sarutobi Hiruzen.

One by one, these shinobi clan leaders had formed elite teams.

Third Mizukage was astonished to learn that the Yuki Clan, despite their claims of being a small family with limited combat capabilities and a reliance on beauty, had sent out several Jonin. The Kaguya Clan, known for their simplicity, violence, and love of battle, had offered a dozen Jonin and several elite Jonin.

Not to mention the Hozuki Clan and other shinobi clans.

This incident had successfully tested Third Mizukage's tolerance.

"I've been foolish. I've kept reserve forces to defend Kirigakure every day, fearing a surprise attack. But our hidden forces are more than capable of fighting an elite battle," Third Mizukage mused, leaning back in his chair.

The Mist Ninja kneeling before him observed the change in his demeanor. They looked at each other, realizing that Third Mizukage was no longer agitated.

Regardless of how close they were, how they related to one another, or their language skills, they knew that the person sitting before them was Mizukage, their leader. He possessed Kirigakure's most elite unit, the ANBU, and had the strength to destroy a shinobi clan at any time.

"Forget it. I no longer hold any hope for you. Now go back and provide me with a list of how many individuals each clan can contribute. We will divide the benefits of the islands evenly between the Hidden Villages and the shinobi clans. I don't care how you distribute them, but I don't want to hear any complaints about unfair distribution later," Third Mizukage finally relented, setting the tone for the matter. He then waved his hand, urging them to leave quickly and stay out of his sight.

Though Third Mizukage's attitude was harsh, they should have expected it.

Now, as long as the benefits were in place, Third Mizukage planned to negotiate with their clans. They could find the most beautiful young women to speak with and gain favor. It seemed that they were willing to turn the other cheek, all in the pursuit of wealth.

The wealth accumulated by their clans over several decades was far more tempting than any righteous cause.

Third Mizukage was not alone in facing this dilemma. Third Raikage, after seeing the spoils of war brought back by his son, also contemplated the same idea. Even the leaders of Kumogakure, after witnessing the spoils of war acquired by Fourth Raikage Ai and the loot amassed by the Chinoike Clan, were consumed with envy.

The Kumogakure shinobi, who lived in the mountains and ate soil all year round, had rarely witnessed such prosperity in the world. When they laid eyes on mountains of gold and silver, their covetousness knew no bounds.