Chapter 230: Mizuki's Advance
"Let me introduce someone to you all."
Inuzuka-jonin clapped his hands. The sliding door behind him opened, and a ninja entered, kneeling respectfully at his side.
"This is Mizuki. He was originally an instructor at the Academy, but when war broke out, he earned promotion to chunin through his accomplishments."
"When Kazuma led the Guardian Shinobi Twelve here to support us, Mizuki earned his favor and was brought into his inner circle. He's now a jonin."
"With Mizuki's connections, we can align ourselves with Kazuma and pledge loyalty to Lord Sora Tani, obtaining what we need."
"I'm Mizuki. Pleased to meet you all, jonin." Mizuki smiled warmly, projecting an affable, trustworthy demeanor.
"Ah, Mizuki-jonin, please take care of us going forward." Everyone responded enthusiastically.
After exchanging pleasantries, they finally returned to business.
"Mizuki-jonin, you understand our purpose in pledging loyalty to Lord Sora Tani, correct?"
"Of course." Mizuki nodded with a smile. "In fact, Lord Sora Tani volunteered to leave a prosperous place like the capital and come with Kazuma to this backwater village. Naturally, he has his own objectives."
"Everyone here is shrewd and capable. You should be able to guess what Lord Sora Tani seeks."
"Um..." The group exchanged glances, expressions uncertain. No one spoke for a long moment.
"Hehe, I think there's been a misunderstanding." Mizuki explained with an easy laugh: "Honorable men seek wealth through proper means. Konoha Village is currently devastated, and none of your families have surplus resources. How could Lord Sora Tani possibly demand gifts from you?"
"Ah, yes, a misunderstanding!" Everyone hurried to smile apologetically. "Actually, we don't begrudge gold and silver. It's just that with everything in the village currently being rebuilt, if our clans don't quickly seize opportunities, we'll miss out on many lucrative ventures."
"If Lord Hokage would just assign some reconstruction contracts to our various clans, we'd actually be willing to donate more money."
"But watching funds we contributed end up lining others' pockets—how can we possibly feel good about that?"
"Understood, completely understood." Mizuki nodded knowingly. "I don't fully grasp the village's economic complexities. But I at least know that to make real money, you need to find new revenue streams!"
"Keeping your eyes focused only on wealthy people within the village, forcing them to fund reconstruction—Lord Hokage's approach is somewhat... questionable."
"Exactly, exactly!" Everyone echoed in agreement.
"Actually, Lord Sora Tani has some ideas that might open new revenue sources. However, I fear that when he proposes them, they'll carry insufficient weight and won't receive proper support!"
"We'll definitely support him!" Hearing talk of profit opportunities, everyone's eyes lit up instantly. They agreed without hesitation.
But Mizuki refused to elaborate, only smiling:
"Such matters require more than empty words. You'll need to demonstrate your support for Lord Sora Tani through concrete actions."
"How... how should we show support?"
"The sky cannot have two suns. A village cannot have two masters. If you gentlemen want to hedge your bets on both sides, that won't work."
"Um..." Everyone immediately hesitated.
Mizuki didn't press them, simply standing to take his leave with a smile.
"I've said my piece. Take your time deliberating."
Inuzuka-jonin hurried to see Mizuki out, then returned to continue discussions with the others.
"Declaring our position too clearly seems unwise. We don't even know what Lord Sora Tani's plan actually is!"
"But Mizuki makes a valid point. If Lord Sora Tani didn't seek benefits, why would he leave the capital for this place? He most likely does have some profitable scheme."
"That aspect seems trustworthy. But what if he can't outmaneuver Lord Hokage?"
"That Jiraiya—I never realized before, but he actually has real backbone! Daring to threaten us with force!"
"Right! Unless we find a way to make Jiraiya abandon violence, who can possibly defeat him?"
"Let's observe the situation first. Don't rush to commit. Playing all sides—that's how ninja clans survive!"
"Let's wait and see then."
Setting aside their deliberations, Mizuki departed the clan gathering and went directly to Lord Sora Tani's residence seeking an audience.
As Kazuma's trusted confidant, he easily gained entry.
"You're here to see me—has Kazuma sent word about something?" Lord Sora Tani asked through a yawn.
"Not at all. My visit is unrelated to Lord Kazuma. I have matters to report to Lord Sora Tani personally."
"Oh? What matters?"
"Lord Jiraiya has already reconciled with the ninja clans. He's willing to pledge nominal loyalty to the daimyo, but in practice intends to completely sideline your authority, Lord Sora Tani."
"I already knew that." Lord Sora Tani glanced dismissively at Mizuki. "You didn't actually think you were the only one approaching me privately, did you?"
Mizuki maintained his pleasant smile, asking softly: "Does Lord Sora Tani wish to turn the tables and sideline Jiraiya instead?"
"Hehe..." Lord Sora Tani laughed coldly, speaking with impatience: "The Hokage faction has always commanded substantial support. You're not going to claim you have methods to make those people back me instead?"
"Why not?" Mizuki smiled knowingly. "All the world's bustle is for profit. Ninja clans are the easiest group to tempt with benefits. As long as Lord Sora Tani can bring them sufficient wealth, they'll definitely support you."
"Easy to say when you're not the one without funds to offer them!"
"But I have a solution!" Mizuki smiled, reaching into his coat to withdraw a proposal, offering it to Lord Sora Tani.
Lord Sora Tani casually accepted it, glancing through a few pages before his eyes widened. He straightened in his seat, reading more carefully.
After a long moment, he asked hesitantly:
"Will this actually work?"
Mizuki replied with confidence:
"Whether it works—we'll only know by trying!"
"We're not harming anyone. This genuinely allows them to make substantial profits!"
"Once we acquire these external funds, village reconstruction will never lack for resources again."
"Each clan can preserve their family assets for their own rebuilding and market expansion."
"Wouldn't that be beneficial for everyone?"
"I'll coordinate with the ninja clans. If they refuse, we'll simply devise alternative plans."
"Even if outsiders question this, Lord Sora Tani need only claim ignorance. I alone will bear all responsibility. You won't be implicated whatsoever."
Lord Sora Tani's gaze wavered briefly before he raised another concern:
"Even if the ninja clans agree, I doubt Jiraiya will be so easily persuaded!"
"Leave that to me. I guarantee success." Mizuki patted his chest confidently.
Lord Sora Tani burst into hearty laughter.
"Haha! Mizuki, you truly are a man of loyalty and righteousness!"
"Go ahead with your plans. Once this succeeds, I'll ensure you're properly rewarded."
"My gratitude, Lord Sora Tani. I'll take my leave."
Mizuki bowed respectfully, backing out of the hall.
Upon returning to his quarters, Mizuki summoned a ninja cat.
"Tell Lord Yasushi—everything proceeds smoothly. Phase one is complete."
The ninja cat vanished in white smoke, moments later materializing before Uchiha Yasushi.
"HAHAHAHAHAHAAAA!." After hearing the cat's report, Yasushi threw his head back with wild laughter.
"I knew it! Integrity is extraordinarily rare in the shinobi world!"
"Especially among those who seek power—they definitely lack such things!"
"Ah, it seems Konoha Village is rapidly approaching its endgame!"
"Jiraiya, don't disappoint me now!"