The war between Kumogakure and Konoha is continuing and is getting more intense.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, Kirigakure is recuperating and licking its wounds.
Sunagakure and Iwagakure were also just waiting and watching, with no intention of getting involved.
Sunagakure launched the Third Ninja War due to logistical supply problems. They gained very little from the war. In total, they still suffered most losses.
In addition, the fourth generation Kazekage Rasa has just come to power, and Sand Hidden Village is in dire straits. He, the Kazekage, needs to personally intervene in many areas, such as the lack of water and funds, and negotiating with the daimyo of the Land of Wind. .
They had already experienced the power of Konoha in previous wars.
Although Kumogakure was fierce, even after losing the Fourth Hokage Namikaze Minato, Kazekage Rasa did not think Kumogakure could defeat Konoha on the frontal battlefield.
It was precisely because they were opponents that Rasa understood how terrifying Konoha was.
As for Iwagakure, it was purely because there were no available manpower.
Konoha's strength also makes the third-generation Tsuchikage very fearful, and he is already old. Finding a suitable fourth-generation Tsuchikage is more important than assisting Kumogakure in the war against Konoha.
Naturally, there is no need for the ghost country outside to get involved in the disputes between the five major countries at this time.
Focusing on cultivating the younger generation of ninjas, utilizing effective technology, and continuing to enhance the development of the military and people's livelihood are the most important indicators at the moment.
Soon it was the end of December, and the winter of snow, ice and snow arrived.
Plus it was night, so there were far fewer pedestrians on the streets of Ziyuan City.
The fireplace is radiating heat, filling the room with a warm atmosphere.
"How's your body?"
Shiraishi looked at Ayane lying on the bed and asked.
Ayane smiled and said: "Don't worry too much, no matter what, I am also a ninja and I will not be as weak as an ordinary woman."
Shiraishi would not question this.
Ayane's physique has always been better than that of him and Ruri. In a head-to-head confrontation, even Kumogakure's Fourth Raikage was no match for her.
Next to her, there was a newly born baby, its eyes barely open, and it was just moving a little hesitantly, as if trying to understand its current situation.
But lacking sufficient knowledge, he could only rely on his eyes to observe this extremely wonderful world to him.
Ayane gave birth to a healthy boy, but it was unclear whether he had the qualifications to become an excellent ninja.
After all, there are only a few 'freaks' like Yi Ji, and it is impossible for that kind of accident to happen again.
Although there is no way to give him excitement and surprise like Yi Ji, this kind of ordinary child is more reassuring.
However, being too honest like Asuka will make people helpless.
Fortunately, Ichiji is not so bad as to cheat Asuka away from her birthday present, but she will give them the New Year's money after a while... I just hope Asuka can grow up quickly.
"what's on your mind?"
"I'm thinking about Feiniao. I'm going to give him New Year's money soon."
Shiraishi said without hiding anything.
"What's wrong?"
"I feel like I will be defrauded of all my money by Yiji again, yet I come to me with the 'cheap goods' I exchanged from Yiji to show off their brother-sister relationship."
After hearing this, Ayane also laughed.
"That child Ichiji is different, but I think Asuka is not bad either. He can become an excellent man when he grows up."
Ayane said firmly.
"You like him very much?"
Shiraishi paused, this was something he didn't expect.
But if you think about it carefully, it’s not too surprising. Ayane basically spent this year raising her baby at home, and spent more time with Asuka and Kazuki. In addition, Asuka is easier to get in touch with than Kazuki, and she has a good relationship with Ayane. It's also reasonable.
On the contrary, it would be a bit surprising if Kazuhime and Ayane develop a good relationship.
Because the characters of Yiji and Liuli are so similar, domineering, savage, and cold appearance, there is a wild nature beyond ordinary people.
"Flying birds... can grow up freely under the sky. Isn't it a good metaphor for an unfettered flying bird? He might become a great man in the future."
Ayane replied.
Shiraishi didn't answer, but looked at the baby next to Ayane.
Ayane also looked at him. Although she had not yet fully recovered from the fatigue after childbirth and her complexion was worse than usual, the smile on her face did not diminish much and instead covered up the fatigue on her face.
"I always feel that I can no longer be willful in the future."
Ayane said this, with a hint of complaint in her tone.
Looking at this child, I felt a strange sense of responsibility in my heart.
Adding weight to her body was the most annoying thing for Ayane in the past. It would remind her of many unpleasant memories.
But now this kind of 'weight-bearing' makes her disgusted.
Perhaps, the burden once given by the family and the burden given by one's own children are originally different things.
It's more like encouragement and growth than weight-bearing.
So...do you want to learn to be more dignified and elegant in the future?
Ayane was thinking about this.
"Why not? If you want, you can always."
Shiraishi doesn't care about this.
"No, I always feel that many of my previous behaviors were childish."
"Living the way you want, isn't it the future you want?"
Shiraishi asked strangely.
"I thought about it before, but I always feel that after having this child, life is different. I feel that Shiraishi-kun is no longer necessary to comfort me."
Ayane had a sly smile in her eyes.
"..."
Shiraishi smiled slightly.
what is this? Abandoned?
"Just kidding, after all, I don't want to lose to her in this kind of thing."
Ayane suddenly felt energetic and her face became energetic.
"What?"
"The second child."
"?"
"Isn't the Kingdom of Ghosts now encouraging the second child? I am also responding to the call."
Ayane said.
"You want a second child?"
"It depends on the situation. Because Liuli gave birth to Asuka and Kazuki all at once, and she didn't want to lose to her."
"Don't compare on this kind of thing."
"I don't want to lose, I just don't want to lose. Think about it, how many times have I lost to her? When I sparred with her before, I basically never won. Her genjutsu is too strong, even stronger than the Sharingan genjutsu."
Because Ruri's real illusion does not rely on Sharingan to activate, but uses touch to activate.
You can even put illusions on shurikens and other ninja tools, and you can hit the enemy without direct physical contact.
Now Liuli is more mature in using this illusion.
Shiraishi wanted to say, 'just let it go', because he had been here the same way, but after thinking about it, with Ayane's personality, she would probably never bow to Ruri in her whole life.
"But I am also better than her. So, if you want to have a second child, you have to work harder. I can't do it alone."
A smile broke out on Ayane's face.
"let's discuss it later."
Shiraishi shook his head.
Ayane gently picked up the baby next to her and looked at Shiraishi.
"Shiraishi-kun, what kind of person do you think this child can become in the future?"
"What kind of person does he become? Then what kind of person do you want him to become?"
Things in the future are too vague and uncertain, and even good things may change due to unexpected events.
"Hmm... I can't think of it right now. The affairs of the Hyuga clan are a bit complicated, and Konoha hasn't found a chance to take action yet. But I don't want to leave such a heavy thing to my own children to complete."
"Just do what you want."
"That's right. But isn't Ruri planning to do anything to the Uchiha of Konoha?"
Ayane put down the baby and looked at Shiraishi.
"She probably didn't have this intention, after all, she had some unpleasant things happen in the past. Unlike you, after leaving, she cut off all contact with Konoha Uchiha. Moreover, Uchiha's problems are more complicated than those of the Hyuga clan. It’s not that easy to get involved.”
Regarding Uchiha matters, Kakashi could only come into contact with some of the superficial parts. The deeper things had already been sealed off by Konoha's top management, and even the ANBU was not qualified to intervene.
Therefore, he was also at a loss as to what kind of situation Konoha's high-level officials had laid within Uchiha.
However, this has nothing to do with the Kingdom of Ghosts.
The top management of Konoha deduced that there was an insider within Uchiha, so they targeted the Uchiha clan and drove them to the edge of the village. This was actually a wrong decision.
Before Liuli left, he had taken away all his cronies and left no secrets inside Uchiha to monitor Uchiha.
Regarding the information about the Uchiha clan, the Demon Country has not changed it for a long time.
On the contrary, the Hyuga clan, which is more stable in Konoha, has the personnel deployed by Ayane.
There are nails left in advance at the beginning, and there are nails buried through subsequent contact. When necessary, they can give Konoha a fatal blow.
Not to mention that the Hyuga clan was riddled with holes by Ayane, that's pretty much it.
After all, freedom touches the heart...
"Okay, I'm leaving first. You and your child can have a good rest here. Call me if you need anything."
After checking that the time was almost up, Shiraishi took the initiative to exit the room and let Ayane rest in the room.
◎
"Congratulations, Teacher Shiraishi. I heard that Ayane-senpai gave birth to a boy. Mother and son are safe."
In the laboratory, Nohara Lin, who cooperated with Shiraishi in the tailed beast experiment, congratulated Shiraishi.
It has been quite a while since she lived in the Ghost Country, and she has become accustomed to the life here.
In fact, it is no different from her past life in Konoha. She does not need to take on combat tasks, but is responsible for the logistics department, such as medical care and research.
"Thanks."
Shiraishi nodded.
He walked to the front of the cupboard aside, opened the cupboard door, took out the sterilized white coat inside and put it on.
In this laboratory, the limbs of Zero-Tail, One-Tail, Two-Tail and other tailed beasts are stored.
Except for the zero tail, which is complete, the other tailed beasts evolved from the free chakra form and became part of the physical body of the tailed beast.
"By the way, how's things going with you and Obito?"
Shiraishi asked Lin after putting on his white coat.
"well enough."
Lin thought about her answer.
"Do you have any plans to officially establish a relationship with him?"
Shiraishi asked with interest.
"It's not that I'm unwilling, it's just that I want to let nature take its course. Besides, we're not that old yet."
"Really? I thought your thoughts were on Kakashi."
"Kakashi?" Lin tilted her head, then thought for a moment and said, "That's not right, Teacher Shiraishi. I admired and respected Kakashi more than I liked him. Kakashi Xi has been different from us since he was a child. Although he will play ninja games with us, we can't touch his position at all."
"Yeah, he's burdened with a lot of things that he shouldn't be burdened with at this age."
Shiraishi sighed.
"If that's the case, then why does Mr. Shiraishi let Kakashi stay in Konoha? Wouldn't it be better to bring him to the Demon Country for training?"
Lin didn't quite understand this.
"Because of obsession. It's not that I don't want to take him away. Staying in Konoha is his own choice." Shiraishi paused and continued: "If he can't get through this, he won't be able to do it for the rest of his life. Even if you forgive yourself, you will not be able to free yourself from the bondage of the past.”
"It seems that the suicide of Jonin Sakumo was a big blow to him."
"Of course. Watching my father die in front of my eyes, even I couldn't understand how heavy the impact this incident had on Kakashi. It was at that time that he gave up on himself. Support him now All I have survived until now is the resentment accumulated in my heart."
Lin nodded, not sure whether she understood or not.
"Indeed, there are too many regrettable things in this world. The same goes for Minato-sensei. I didn't expect that he would pass away suddenly. It's hard for me to go to Konoha to pay homage to him and Kushina-senpai now."
Lin said with a pity tone.
"There will be a chance, and it won't be too long. But don't you resent me, Lin?"
Shiraishi asked back.
Lin was Minato's student in the past. Although Minato did not die at his hands this time, she still had a certain connection with him.
"Resent? That's just a meaningless thing. I have already died once, and it was Teacher Shiraishi who gave me a second chance to be reborn. Neither Obito nor I mean to resent you. Besides, you don't I just provided information, there must be someone else who actually did it.”
Lin focused on the research in front of her while answering Shiraishi's questions.
For her, Konoha is just a special past in her memory.
Moreover, from Shiraishi's position, it was impossible to show mercy to Konoha.
Now that she has left Konoha, if she asks Shiraishi to be merciful to Konoha, Lin thinks that she does not have that much face, and doing so will only make her look stupid.
It's difficult to survive in this cruel world if you don't even know your current position.
After the small talk, it’s time to get down to business.
Lin held a piece of information and said to Shiraishi:
"Teacher Shiraishi, I always feel that it is difficult to make breakthrough progress in the research on tailed beasts according to our thinking."
The research on tailed beasts is an extremely important topic for the current military of the Kingdom of Demons.
Not only Shiraishi and Lin, but also some researchers from other related departments are also starting research in this area.
I hope that the power of the tailed beast can be used more maturely.
"Yes, the progress is so worrying. A life form condensed with chakra has a seemingly simple structure, but it is very difficult to dialyze, let alone maturely apply this power."
Shiraishi nodded in agreement.
However, he was not surprised. If the power of the tailed beasts was so easy to use, then in the previous ninja wars, Kumogakure would not be the only one to invest in tailed beast weapons.
The history of the ninja world may also be rewritten.
"The key is still uncontrollable."
Lin said.
The power of the tailed beast is a double-edged sword. While it can increase strength, it can also cause great harm to the human body.
If this negative influence can be eliminated, then the utilization rate of the tailed beast's power will be greatly improved.
But this idea is just an extravagant hope. Except for the perfect Jinchuuriki, no Jinchuuriki can make himself unscathed when relying on the power of the tailed beast. There will be some potential harm to the body's life.
"What does the practical department say?"
"Experimental subjects that are hosted by the tailed beast's power will feel hazy in consciousness. If they stay for too long, they will lose their own emotions and become beasts with only the desire for destruction and killing."
"Is this really the case? It seems that we can only ask Yagura for help."
Shiraishi mentioned the name.
"Yakura? Is he the newly appointed Yondaime Mizukage of Kirigakure? I remember that he seems to be an ally with you, Shiraishi-sensei."
Lin said as she remembered something.
It is not a secret for Shiraishi to cooperate with Gotachibana Yagura, the fourth Mizukage of Kirigakure Village.
"That's right. Not only that, he is now Kirigakure's three-tailed jinchuriki, and has passed the tailed beast trial, becoming another perfect jinchuriki after Rabbi Kiri, the eight-tailed jinchuriki."
Shiraishi explained to Lin.
Lin's eyes widened. Let's not talk about the perfect Jinchuuriki. It was incredible that a Jinchuuriki could become the Mizukage.
"Don't look at me like that. He became the Three-Tailed Jinchuuriki, including controlling the Three-Tails. I only learned about it recently."
"No, I just think it's too unbelievable. The Mizukage who became one of the Five Kages as a Jinchuuriki is astonishing to think about."
There has never been a precedent for a Jinchūriki to become a Five Kage in the past.
The Jinchuriki has always been regarded as a symbol of the military strength of the Ninja Village. Because of its excessive and unstable power, it has long been ostracized and monitored.
A Jinchūriki like Yagura who suddenly became one of the Five Kages would be considered a pioneer.
"Rules are there to be broken. He is not a rule-abiding person."
"Having said that, I still think it's a bit crazy. But even if it's true, is he willing to share his experience of controlling the tailed beasts of a perfect Jinchūriki with us?"
This is the method of raising a perfect Jinchuuriki, and its value is immeasurable.
Even in Kirigakure Village, it is the highest level of top-secret information and cannot be easily known to outsiders.
"In exchange for something of equal value, Yagura will not refuse."
Although they have reached an alliance with Yagura, there are some things that cannot be shared for free.
It is because of the alliance that we have reached, and these things are related to the real interests of both parties, so we should maintain a philistine face and haggle over things at the negotiation table.
Just like Yagura sent people to inspect and study here in the Demon Country, Shiraishi's donation is not free, but needs to be exchanged with Kirigakure Village for things that the Demon Country does not have.
Only in this way can the alliance be maintained for a long time.
He and Yagura undoubtedly understood this. Although it is incredible, if both sides always want to take advantage of the other, then the relationship between the alliance will be truly fragile.
"Something of equal value?"
Lin secretly gasped.
If this is the case, then the Kingdom of Ghosts will have to prepare for a massive hemorrhage.
Everything that has been earned from Kirigakure Village so far will probably be poured out all at once, and even part of it will be repaid.
◎
"A way to control the tailed beast?"
The letter written by Shiraishi himself was delivered directly to Yagura through secret channels in less than two days.
Yagura began to think about Shiraishi's desire to acquire Kirigakure Village's tailed beast control technology in the letter.
Tailed beast technology has always been an extremely important research topic in the five major ninja villages.
Only the five major ninja villages are qualified to touch this top-secret technology.
Apart from this, only Takigakure Village has tailed beasts, but it is said that the Nanao of Takigakure Village was lost in an accident more than two years ago, and the Nanao is currently missing.
And Shiraishi's acquisition of Kirigakure's tailed beast control technology at this time... seems to be a hint that the Kingdom of Demons also has tailed beasts.
Tailed beast technology is very important, but the prerequisite for this technology to be extremely important is that the ninja village and country possess tailed beasts.
If there are no tailed beasts, then there is no point in acquiring the technology to control the tailed beasts.
It was obviously impossible for Shiraishi to engage in such a loss-making business, but if the military of the Demon Country also owned tailed beasts, that would be a different matter.
"So, it's very possible that Nanao is in the Kingdom of Demons. It's a good idea to get Nanao in his hands without making any noise."
Yagura sighed.
He didn't have any dissatisfaction with Shiraishi's concealment of Nanao.
It's like he also hid the fact that Shiraishi is the Three-Tailed Jinchuuriki. Including becoming a perfect Jinchuuriki, he didn't reveal anything to Shiraishi before fighting the Third Mizukage.
In terms of their belief in secrecy, he and Shiraishi can be said to be evenly matched.
As for Shiraishi's acquisition of tailed beast control technology, Yagura doesn't have much repulsion.
As long as Shiraishi can give him a price that satisfies him, selling the tailed beast control technology is not out of the question.
But how to negotiate this matter specifically needs to be carefully considered before proceeding. He has not yet thought about what to get from Bai Shi. After thinking about it, it will not be too late to negotiate with Bai Shi.
At this moment, a knock on the door suddenly sounded in the room, interrupting Yagura's thinking.
"Come in."
After Yagura finished speaking, with the sound of twisting the door handle, a tall man walked in from outside.
He has short black hair, no eyebrows, and a cross scar on the right side of his face that symbolizes meritorious service. In addition, he carries a beheading knife over two meters behind his back, giving him a sharp and dangerous look.
As soon as he came in, he saw Yagura sitting behind the desk, opening his mouth, revealing a pair of sharp teeth:
"I didn't expect you to win the position of the Fourth Mizukage in the end, Yagura. It seems that the idiot Watermelon Mountain Fugu Demon is finally dead."
The man said with a smile, mostly teasingly.
Regarding the man's casual attitude, Yagura also responded:
"The Mizukage in my village now has some respect for me, Juzo."
"Have you learned to use Mizukage's identity so quickly to use your power to overwhelm others?"
"Do you really want to be locked up by me? I don't mind changing the owner of the decapitating sword. There are many outstanding ninjas in the village who are eyeing the sword in your hand."
The man named 'Juzang' curled his lips in displeasure.
"I understand, Mizukage-sama. Please forgive me for being rude just now. However, I am also one of the only two remaining members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen in the village. Can you give me some face?"
Hearing Juuzang's request, Yagura stood up from his seat and replied seriously to Juuzang:
"No, as a Mizukage, my face is more important."
"..."
It seems that it will be impossible to pass the test in the future. Juuzang lamented inwardly.
He could already see that Yagura was different from the Third Mizukage who had abdicated. The ambition and iron-bloodedness in his eyes were about to turn into substance and burst out from his eyes.
Even as a member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, Yagura's ambition and iron blood will take the Kirigakure Village down a path that is difficult to predict.
"Now that you're back, come with me to a place."
Yagura stood up from his seat.
"Where?"
Juuzang asked curiously.
Yagura paused and said something that made Juuzang blush:
"The torture room."
