Ch-78 First phase of plan complete.

(Announcement: I am happy to announce that, as a Tier I Patreon member, you can enjoy a 7-day free trial to read all of my work. )

You can read 10 chapters ahead of everyone on patreon.

Link:https://www.p@treon.com/Hkj822

https://discord.gg/C7s9YjvG3p

...

After a brief wait, a group of young samurais, aged between 16 and 18, gathered in front of Aiko. Without a moment's hesitation, Aiko produced a transparent stone and addressed the assembled young samurais, saying, "Each of you, take one of these stones and infuse it with your Chakra. This will reveal your aptitude for the 'Breathing Technique.'"

(A/N: I know people will once again say "Chinese Element." 😂.)

With Aiko's instructions, the young samurais each received a stone and commenced infusing it with their Chakra.

After evaluating the results of each test, only three of the samurais demonstrated the necessary talent for practicing the 'Breathing Technique.'

Upon receiving the test results, Aiko turned to Tetsuya Hoshigumo and inquired, "Whom do you wish me to instruct in the 'Breathing Technique?'"

Tetsuya Hoshigumo had intended to choose one of the three samurais, but one of them stepped forward and declared, "I wish to learn the 'Breathing Technique.'"

Upon witnessing this young man's determination, Tetsuya Hoshigumo's expression shifted, and he responded, "No, you can't."

"Clan Head, please allow me," the young man implored. "I am determined to master the 'Breathing Technique' and reach new heights in samurai strength. I want to prove to the world that even we samurais can overcome ninjas." This young man happened to be none other than Tetsuya Hoshigumo's own son.

Tetsuya Hoshigumo couldn't stifle a sigh upon hearing his son's impassioned plea. He understood all too well why Haruki was so fervently driven to attain greater strength, particularly in surpassing the elusive ninjas. Haruki had faced humiliation during one of his earlier encounters with ninjas on his journey.

Tetsuya Hoshigumo sighed again and gave a nod, signifying his acceptance of his son's request.

Aiko, focused solely on the task at hand, approached the young samurai without concerning herself with the underlying dynamics. She inquired, "What is your name?"

"I am Haruki Hoshigumo," Haruki replied.

Aiko nodded and immediately activated her Mangekyo Sharingan, gazing into Haruki Hoshigumo's eyes. Haruki slipped into a trance, and after a few minutes, he returned to his senses. Aiko informed him, "I have detected your talent in the 'Thunder Breathing Technique.'"

Acknowledging Aiko's words, Haruki Hoshigumo nodded and offered a slight bow in respect.

Aiko then suggested to Haruki, "You may teach the 'Thunder Breathing Technique' to your Clan Head."

Perplexed, Haruki couldn't help but voice his confusion. "But didn't you mention that we are forbidden from teaching this 'Breathing Technique' on pain of death?"

"I understand, and that's precisely why I want you to demonstrate it in my presence. This way, you won't harbor any doubts regarding the consequences if you ever decide to reveal the secrets of the 'Breathing Technique," Aiko explained, her tone laced with a sense of caution.

Haruki Hoshigumo, comprehending the gravity of the situation, nodded and promptly followed Aiko's instructions. Turning toward his father, he began to speak, "The 'Thunder Breathing Technique' comprises seven distinct forms. The first form is…" Just as he began to elaborate on the first form, Haruki suddenly experienced an overwhelming sensation of suffocation. His Chakra rebelled within him, and he felt as though he teetered on the brink of an explosive, life-threatening eruption.

Aiko intervened swiftly, her eyes locked onto Haruki. "That's enough for now. It's thanks to my presence that you were able to utter even this much."

With her task concluded, Aiko declared, "Hoshigumo Clan Head, you have a mere three months to make your decision. Beyond that, you are fully aware of the consequences." With an electrifying effect, she vanished from the scene, leaving behind a sense of anticipation and the weight of her ultimatum.

----

Several hours later, just beyond the borders of the Iron Country, the elements themselves seemed to converge and come to life. A small bolt of lightning heralded Aiko's arrival, a blazing fire marked Nakamura's appearance, a swirling gust of wind brought Hiroshi into view, the earth itself surged, and Matsuda emerged, while a watery vortex materialized to reveal Emiko.

Nakamura, their appointed leader, inquired, "Did your missions proceed smoothly?"

Emiko swiftly responded, "Yes, without any hindrances. The Ryugawa Clan Head was fully cooperative."

Nakamura nodded in approval and then shared his own success. "My mission with the Amaterasu Clan Head proceeded seamlessly."

Matsuda chimed in, "My interaction with the Fujikaze Clan yielded positive results as well."

Hiroshi reported, "My dealings with the Kasumitsu Clan went off without a hitch."

Aiko confirmed, "My mission with the Hoshigumo Clan also proceeded flawlessly."

With their initial objectives accomplished, Nakamura continued, "Excellent. We've successfully executed the first phase of our plan. Now, we shall patiently await one month before implementing the second phase. During this time, we shall disperse to gather vital intelligence on the inner workings of the Iron Country."

The others nodded in agreement with Nakamura's strategy, and one by one, they departed in the same elemental manner in which they had arrived, vanishing into the unknown.

(A/N: If you like the story please vote power stones.)