While the mainland of the Ninja World was caught up in heated debates over reform or division, time stood still in the Land of Water far across the ocean. The region preserved a cultural atmosphere reminiscent of an ancient Warring States era—simple and untouched, or to put it more bluntly, outdated and stagnant.
Yet this conservatism wasn't without historical reasons.
Unlike the Ninja World mainland—where two Great Ninja Wars had scrambled people's brains—the isolated Land of Water and Hidden Mist had barely suffered during those catastrophic conflicts.
Although during the First Great Ninja War, the Second Mizukage Gengetsu Hozuki died fighting against the Second Tsuchikage Mū, and later in the Second Great Ninja War, small Hidden Mist infiltration units launched raids into the Land of Lightning against Hidden Cloud, overall the scale of mobilization, number of ninja involved, and casualty figures were much smaller compared to the Four Great Hidden Villages on the mainland.
As a result, Hidden Mist has now become the hidden village with the largest clan population and the most intact military strength.
Under the cover of night, guided by ninja from the Hozuki Clan, Hizashi Hyuga—appointed as an official representative by Hyuga Soushu—quietly entered Hidden Mist's main headquarters.
In fact, this visit had been arranged at the invitation of the three major clans of Hidden Mist.
Once dismissed as mindless brutes, the Kaguya Clan—owing to its longstanding alliance with the Hyuga during the Warring States era, along with a secret meeting between the Kaguya leader and Hyuga Soushu in Whirlpool Country that forged a sweeping secret deal—had transformed almost overnight from destitute warriors scraping by on high-risk missions into the biggest new money in Hidden Mist!
Especially after the Konoha ninja clans collectively expanded overseas and the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation was established, the Kaguya—leveraging their overseas connections and the sudden production boom—quickly monopolized the steel supply market of the Land of Water by flooding the market with high-quality steel ingots imported from the Ninja World mainland!
For a rainy, foggy island nation with fragmented terrain like the Land of Water, mining and steelmaking had always posed serious technological and financial challenges. Steel was not only essential for the manufacture of ninja equipment but also a crucial raw material for agriculture and everyday tools. Thus, when large quantities of cheap yet high-quality foreign steel flooded in, local forges with high production costs were utterly powerless to resist, and the market was instantly upended.
But all this directly harmed the interests of Hidden Mist's powerful clans.
However, since the Kaguya Clan—who controlled the distribution business for the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation's steel products—was notoriously aggressive and unyielding, other clans such as the Suiton and Hozuki couldn't openly confront them by force, despite their dissatisfaction. After all, these brainless bone-clan thugs wouldn't hesitate to draw blades, kill, or even spark civil war if provoked.
Given this situation, after deep consideration, the Hidden Mist clans ultimately decided to adopt a wiser strategy.
They unanimously appointed a representative from the Hozuki Clan to negotiate with Kaguya leader Tsunashige Kaguya, requesting him to act as an intermediary and facilitate a meeting between the Mist's noble houses and representatives of the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation. When you can't fight them, might as well join them — not a big deal, really. After all, making money never hurts.
Therefore, Hizashi Hyuga, who originally oversaw the Eastern Coastal Camp and managed civilian trade operations with the Land of Water, was entrusted with this important mission and secretly arrived at the main headquarters of the Hidden Mist Village.
This also marked Hizashi Hyuga's first visit to the legendary "Bloody Mist Village."
Contrary to the widespread rumors describing it as a bloody battlefield plagued by endless internal conflicts, the Hidden Mist Village revealed a peaceful and serene scene under the night sky.
Soft mist, smooth as silk, gently covered the village rooftops, adding an air of mystery. Every home had carefully tended flowers by the door. Though hidden in the dark, they gave off a quiet warmth and peace. Although few people roamed the streets at night, from this quiet beauty one could easily sense that the legendary Bloody Mist Village was actually enjoying the unique peace and serenity of the Land of Water.
"How does the honorable envoy feel about our village?"
After passing through the barrier into the heart of the village, the Hozuki ninja who served as guide noticed Hizashi's expression and smiled while asking.
"Green hills where blossoms blaze like flame; clear waters where birds glide with grace,"
Hizashi didn't hold back his words of praise: "As they say, seeing is believing. The Hidden Mist truly lives up to its reputation as the child of the Land of Water, its beauty unparalleled throughout the Ninja World!"
"Really? Ha ha..."
The Hozuki ninja chuckled awkwardly, sensing something off.
It was like complimenting a pirate on his dancing skills — certainly nice to hear, but hardly meaningful. Yet since powerful clans like the Hozuki had come seeking Hizashi's help, the messenger refrained from further comment and continued leading the way.
After winding through many turns, Hizashi finally arrived at the secret meeting place — a building made of stacked stone that looked utterly ordinary from the outside.
Yet upon crossing layers of security and stepping inside, Hizashi was astonished to discover that beneath the humble exterior of this stone structure lay stunning luxurious interiors. Everywhere he looked, brilliance sparkled from gemstone decorations and golden edging, so overwhelming that even the phrase "jewels shining and treasures glowing" seemed pale and inadequate for fully capturing the breathtaking sight before him!
"Mr. Hizashi, please step inside."
Obviously, the Hozuki ninja had also noticed the unmistakable shock on Hizashi's face, so a subtle sense of pride naturally surfaced on his own expression.
Just like how even the poorest villagers in Hidden Mist would instinctively puff out their chest when someone praised the village's might or noble bloodlines.
However, the Mist clan's charm offensive was akin to flirting with the blind. Hizashi Hyuga felt shock precisely because he could hardly believe such a vulgarly ostentatious place could exist in this world—a lavish display so far beyond normal aesthetic boundaries that it seemed crafted purely through the vengeful mentality of a nouveau riche, wantonly piling on extravagance. To Hizashi, even the natural stone exterior of the building possessed more refinement than this garish interior.
Though these thoughts couldn't be voiced publicly, Hizashi quickly composed himself and maintained a polite smile while following the Hozuki Ninja toward the meeting room of the Mist Clan representatives.
"The Hyuga envoy has arrived," the Hozuki Ninja whispered lightly as he pushed open the grand hall doors.
"Welcome our esteemed guest!"
A genderless voice immediately echoed from within the chamber as Hizashi stepped across the threshold.
The interior décor matched the entrance hall in every way, equally immersed in extreme opulence, like identical twins impossible to distinguish. The only difference came from the massive sea monster heads mounted around the walls—they looked completely out of place, yet also silently testified to their owner's formidable martial prowess.
"First showing off wealth, then power," Hizashi immediately grasped the Mist clan's intentions.
However, as an envoy, one must maintain diplomacy, so Hizashi bowed respectfully toward the three clan representatives before settling into his seat at the guide of the Hozuki Ninja.
"On behalf of House Hozuki, I welcome Commander Hizashi!"
The middle-seated, blue-haired shark-toothed middle-aged ninja raised his cup first in greeting.
"On behalf of the Suiton Clan, may all clans in the ninja world have a bright future!"
Next was the Suiton Clan Head seated on the left, offering well wishes.
"It's been quite some time!" greeted Tsunashige Kaguya, seated to the right of the honored seat.
Sitting there was none other than Tsunashige Kaguya—Hyuga's old friend and business partner from the Kaguya Clan.
But unlike his previous dealings with the Hyuga Clan where he always displayed an affable mix of honesty and shrewdness, today Tsunashige behaved like a crude simpleton, continuing to stuff various grilled meats into his mouth even as he raised his cup toward Hizashi.
"At least show some decorum when receiving important guests!" the Suiton leader frowned disapprovingly at Tsunashige's rude behavior.
Tsunashige simply chuckled, unfazed, and kept acting however he wanted without care.
Thus, Mist's internal discord was clearly on display for everyone to see.
"That's alright," Hizashi intervened diplomatically. "Our Hyuga Clan has dealt with Tsunashige countless times, not to mention the two clans had been close allies during the Warring States era. No need to fuss over trivialities."
"But judging from appearances, the food here in Mist really is excellent! I must admit my appetite has been awakened too."
"Then let's just eat while we chat!"
Tsunashige rudely waved a bone about like a baton, shouting boisterously as he spoke.
They were clearly put off by Kaguya's crude behavior, but both the Hozuki and Suiton Clan Leaders could only sigh in resignation. Seeing that Hizashi Hyuga, the guest representative, had already begun eating heartily, they merely took a few symbolic bites themselves.
Glasses clinked and drinks kept flowing as the banquet reached its peak. The Hozuki and Suiton Clan Leaders had grown visibly impatient when Hizashi finally got down to business: "Might I ask why all of you esteemed clan heads have invited me here today?"
Actually, the invitation letter had already made Mist's powerful clans' intentions crystal clear. Hizashi's question was obviously just for show.
"It's about uniting all ninja clans throughout the Ninja World!"
Suiton Clan Leader's answer sounded grandiose and virtuous.
In response, Hizashi could only force out an awkward smile.
While this slogan indeed belonged to the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation's official propaganda, even Hyuga Soushu himself didn't truly believe such nonsense, let alone these Mist Village elite ninja clans who lacked deep ties with the Hyugas and always carefully weighed their interests. Naturally, the credibility of similar statements from them equated to precisely zero.
Therefore, when such self-evidently decorative slogans—meant purely for show—were solemnly proclaimed by the other party, Hizashi felt so embarrassed his toes could've dug a hole big enough to hide in.
"Ninja Clans are free; interests endure forever. The Hidden Leaf Village is merely a product of its time. Compared to millennia-old ninja clans, perhaps it's nothing more than a mere footnote in family history."
Hozuki Clan Leader's words carried elegance and subtlety—they also subtly conveyed the true purpose behind Mist's powerful clans inviting Hizashi's visit.
To put it simply, those brothers on the mainland of the Ninja World have started making money—don't forget your impoverished overseas friends living on islands. Although now belonging to separate villages and having previously fought bloody battles, this was merely a minor interlude. When there's wealth to be made, some should be shared with those less fortunate overseas companions.
"Clan Leader Hozuki certainly speaks like a cultured gentleman!"
Hizashi genuinely admired and greatly praised him.
This kind of audacious spirit indeed deserved thorough study by the Hyuga Clan, known for excessive concern over personal decorum. After all, even as a stakeholder, Hizashi had never dared describe the corporation's aggressive expansion using such exquisitely poetic language rich with ninja cultural connotations.
As the saying went—we betray, we plunder, we smuggle, we wage wars—yet somehow we're still the good guys in the Ninja World!
Truthfully speaking, when it came to rhetorical skill, the Hyuga Clan did suffer significant shortcomings.
At this moment, Hizashi couldn't help but feel profound emotions.
"Now, several Mist-affiliated Ninja Clans represented mainly by our two families wish to negotiate with the Hyuga Clan. We hope to contribute toward a shared future for all ninja clans through our own efforts."
Suiton Clan Leader continued immediately afterward.
Yet the subtle undertones within his speech inadvertently hinted at Kaguya Clan's somewhat awkward and isolated position within Mist. Otherwise, Suiton Clan Leader wouldn't have mistakenly referred to the three Powerful Clans attending the negotiations as only two.
Hizashi acted as if he hadn't noticed, simply nodding and adopting a thoughtful expression.
His gaze seemed to casually glance at Tsunashige Kaguya, who was still feasting heartily, yet he noticed that the latter showed no sign of noticing anything unusual at all, as if he hadn't even caught the Mist Clan Head's slip of the tongue.
Meanwhile, both the Hozuki and Suiton Clan Heads never spared even a single glance for the Kaguya leader, as if even looking at him would taint their eyes.
"The Mist clans are naturally an indispensable part of the Coalition of Ninja Clans. Regarding this matter, Commander SOUSHU has already given explicit instructions beforehand. We sincerely hope to reach a consensus with these three clans and utilize the platform of the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation to offer feasible assistance to those ninja clans in need."
Hizashi Hyuga first delivered a diplomatic yet empty speech, before suddenly shifting topics: "However, the Kaguya Clan has been a longstanding ally of the Hyuga for generations. Therefore, regarding this issue, I would like to hear Clan Leader Tsunashige's opinion."
"What's the big deal about that!"
Tsunashige Kaguya paused briefly from his meal, his tone slightly more passionate: "The Hyuga Clan isn't what it used to be! The Kaguya won't let you delay important matters because of us!"
"Clan Leader Tsunashige flatters us. Your opinion still carries great weight."
Ignoring the darkening expressions of the other two clan leaders, Hizashi continued earnestly: "Moreover, Commander SOUSHU himself emphasized beforehand that your perspective will be the most critical consideration!"
"If that's the case, then let's just make money together!"
Grinning widely, Tsunashige Kaguya carelessly tossed aside a bone he had gnawed clean and laughed heartily, "Since we've all had quite a bit to drink today, and it's getting rather late, why don't you, Hizashi-sama, take a look around our clan's territory? As for specific details, can we discuss them tomorrow?"
The last question was directed at the two powerful clan heads.
Once things had reached this point, though the heads of the Hozuki and Suiton Clans clearly disliked the situation, seeing Hizashi showing obvious agreement, they found it difficult to voice opposition.
Thus, at least outwardly, both sides appeared to part as the happiest of friends.
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