NOVEL NEXT Chapter 184: Chapter 184: Departure
"Kazuki, have something to eat."
Yūgao entered the study with a bowl and spoke to Kazuki.
When she got up, she found Kazuki staring intently at the map on the study wall. Rather than disturb him, she silently went to the kitchen to make him a bowl of noodles.
"Thank you."
Kazuki took the bowl naturally, slurping his noodles while his gaze remained glued to the map of the Ninja World, never shifting.
Yūgao looked at the map for a moment, trying to understand, but with no luck. Finally, she asked,
"What are you looking at so seriously?"
"I'm thinking of how to handle the issues with Amegakure and Konoha," Kazuki replied.
"And… what did you promise that person from Amegakure?" Yūgao asked.
"To help protect Amegakure."
"So, you're asking the Hokage to step in and help?"
"What else could I do? I wasn't planning to manage Amegakure myself. I just wanted someone to watch over it for a while—didn't expect it would come back to haunt me."
Yūgao thought for a moment, then asked cautiously, "Can't you refuse? Or find another way?"
Kazuki shook his head. "No, there's no other way."
He briefly considered sending Sasuke to do it, but Sasuke was currently in the Daimyo's territory, watching over the Daimyo for him.
As for Orochimaru, Kazuki didn't trust him at all. For one thing, Orochimaru was absorbed in his research and wouldn't have the time to handle all the affairs of Amegakure. For another, after leaving Konoha, Orochimaru was beyond reach—Kazuki wouldn't be able to oversee his actions. Who knew if Orochimaru might betray him? Failing to protect Amegakure and giving it to Orochimaru would only drive Konan insane!
"I've thought of only one solution!"
"And that is?"
"Take down both Iwagakure and Sunagakure!"
Hokage Residence,
"What? Take down both Iwagakure and Sunagakure?"
Himan looked at Kazuki in disbelief, as though he were seeing a different Kazuki before him.
"Kazuki, have you forgotten Konoha's policy? We avoid war and prosper in peace! If we go to war, not only will it be difficult for me, but for Konoha as well!"
"I didn't say Konoha would send troops!"
Kazuki sipped his tea, wearing a confident smile.
"If not Konoha, then who? You're not seriously considering mercenaries, are you? Even if they're skilled, they wouldn't stand a chance against two great ninja villages!"
"That's not your concern. You just need to take care of Konan's request. As for the two villages, I'll handle them."
"And… the Daimyo?"
"The Daimyo has no objections! I said so!"
Hearing this, Himan had no choice but to bow his head. He knew that no matter what he said, it wouldn't change anything. Kazuki had even gained control of the Daimyo, leaving him with no other option.
After instructing Danzo to fulfill Konan's request swiftly, Kazuki left Konoha to handle the affairs of the two ninja villages.
His plan to end the conflict was simple: overwhelming force!
If he could eliminate all their high-ranking ninjas, then whatever remnants were left would be powerless.
Kazuki dubbed this plan—the "Sand and Stone Decapitation Operation!"
He drew inspiration for this strategy from the Akatsuki and Danzo. The Akatsuki was known for challenging ninja villages with a small team of elite ninjas, while Danzo had partnered with Orochimaru to eliminate Sarutobi in his quest for Hokage.
Kazuki intended to do something similar.
Using the power of elite ninjas, he would decapitate the leadership of the two nations, leaving them unable to initiate war.
Since this mission would be challenging, Kazuki only brought Karin along.
On their journey, they indulged in delicious food, packed extra whenever they found a good restaurant, and even lingered for days in interesting places.
They weren't traveling on a mission—it felt more like a vacation.
Half a month later, they finally arrived in the Land of Wind.
The Land of Wind was a country of vast deserts, and Kazuki and Karin's light clothing and minimal luggage drew attention on such terrain.
With temperatures sweltering by day and freezing by night, they arrived at a small town.
This small town, spanning only a few hundred meters, housed just over a dozen families. Karin soon found out that the town's water supply came from a single well, limiting the town's size.
Kazuki met with the town's head and traded food for some water, also inquiring about the way to Sunagakure.
"Do you know the way to Sunagakure?"
"To where?"
"Sunagakure!"
"Which village?"
"Sunagakure, the Hidden Sand Village."
"What Sand Village?"
"Never mind. We're leaving."
After getting nowhere with the town head, Kazuki and Karin asked other villagers. But they received conflicting directions—some said it was south, others north, east, or west. No one seemed to tell the truth.
"They're wary of our motives, so they're reluctant to share," Karin observed.
"True. In such a barren place, two strangers asking about their military base would naturally raise suspicion," Kazuki said, then formed a series of hand seals.
With a puff of smoke, he summoned Pakkun.
"Woof woof, it's been ages since you summoned me,Kazuki! Eh? Where is this? Endless desert… You're in the Land of Wind? It's scorching!"
Ignoring Pakkun's groveling, Kazuki kicked him aside and threw a jug of water in front of him.
"Drink."
"Thank you, Kazuki!!!"
Without hesitation, Pakkun downed the entire jug. Kazuki and Karin watched as he drank it all.
"Refreshing! That hit the spot! So, Kazuki, what do you need from me? Whatever it is, I'm all in!"
"You already helped me." Kazuki said calmly, sealing the jug again.
"Huh? Helped? I drank the water, but…" Pakkun's eyes widened as he remembered Kazuki's habit of using him as a poison tester.
"Don't tell me… Kazuki, did you just make me test for poison again?!"
"Enough! You're fine, aren't you? Dismissed!" Kazuki cut off Pakkun's complaints with another swift kick.
"Since Pakkun's okay, the water is safe," Kazuki said.
"Right, if they had poisoned the water, I wouldn't let it slide," he added, shaking his head. With Karin by his side, they headed east.
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The fanfic is finished on p@treon/tambeerg