“Hey, monk, you’re going too far.
Why am I the one researching all the ninjutsu while you only meditate and practice Zen.”
With a rumbling sound, flowing sand surged on the ground in front of Bunpuku, and then this flowing sand formed a giant tanuki roughly the size of a small mountain.
Shukaku looked at Bunpuku impatiently.
He felt he was taking a loss; he wholeheartedly researched ninjutsu, but when this monk went out to show off and talk, he only had to work without complaint.
“Mind and power are different.
I am responsible for cultivating the mind, and you are responsible for cultivating power.
My everything is built upon you.”
Bunpuku opened his eyes and replied calmly, without any ripples.
His whole person was like a pool of still water.
“What’s more, Lord Kazekage promised to build you a statue for the people of the world to revere.”
Bunpuku indicated: I know you too well, you are just a king of talking big.
“Alright, alright, let’s continue today’s sutra lecture.
Anyway, I can’t out-talk you.”
Hearing that Yun Qing would build a statue for him for the world to revere, Shukaku immediately felt much more spirited.
Towards Shukaku’s reaction, Bunpuku had no issues at all.
After decades of getting along, there was nothing he didn’t understand.
The Four-Tails and Roshi could play a nearly perfect Jinchuriki after decades together.
He and Shukaku had been together for decades, plus Yun Qing’s “teaching”, there was nothing they didn’t understand.
Shortly after, the sound of sutras echoed in this conscious space, and Shukaku and Bunpuku sat opposite each other, appearing exceptionally harmonious.
…
A few days later, Ebizo looked at the cleared-out port and nodded in satisfaction.
He gestured to Bunpuku, who immediately summoned a piece of floating sand, carrying Ebizo and four Jonin, and flew towards the sea.
As the floating sand took off, strands of barely visible dust drifted everywhere from the shore, centering on the floating sand where Bunpuku and the others sat.
“Ha, monk, how is it?
This is the latest ninjutsu I invented.
At sea, we can also maintain extremely high combat power.
Most importantly, I can reassemble my true body at any time, and it can also be used for scouting and attacking.”
As soon as the floating sand reached the sea, Bunpuku sat there and began conversing with Shukaku.
Mainly, Shukaku started his unilateral showing off.
The four fully armed Sunagakure Jonin stood in four directions, watching all six directions and listening to all eight, guarding Bunpuku and Ebizo.
“Don’t be too nervous.
The chances of us meeting Kirigakure are very small.
Moreover, our departure wasn’t hidden in the first place.
Kirigakure should already know.”
Light of wisdom flashed in Ebizo’s eyes as he advised the four Jonin.
Glancing at Bunpuku resting with his eyes closed beside him, Ebizo felt even more confident.
Before coming, Yun Qing had guaranteed that Bunpuku definitely couldn’t kill the Kirigakure forces led by Gengetsu Hozuki, but if Bunpuku took them and ran, Gengetsu Hozuki wouldn’t be able to catch up even if he tired himself to death.
The four Sunagakure Jonin looked at Ebizo helplessly.
They felt that Lord Ebizo had violated the iron rule of ninjas.
Shouldn’t ninjas hide in the dark?
Why, with you, did it turn into us telling the other party our itinerary.
“Lord Elder, aren’t we in great danger?”
A young Sunagakure Jonin asked confusedly.
“Danger?
Why would we be in danger?
What’s more, as ninjas, is there any mission that isn’t dangerous?
And right now, the one worrying about danger is not us, but rather Kirigakure.”
Ebizo looked smilingly at the young Jonin and instructed.
If the Kage-level Bunpuku wasn’t present, they would be extremely dangerous and could die at any time.
With the Kage-level Bunpuku present, the situation was completely different.
If they caused trouble, only harassing and not attacking, playing Gengetsu Hozuki to death was just a matter of time.
Most importantly, if Gengetsu Hozuki attacked them, it would trigger a war between the two great ninja villages.
The young Sand ninja wanted to say something else, but his mouth was stopped by an older Jonin beside him as soon as he opened it.
Being contrarian is not a good habit, especially arguing with your superior.
“Young man, learn more.
When you have time, read the books written by Yun Qing more, it will be helpful for the changes in your thinking.”
Ebizo said with a smile to the young Sand ninja who had been warned by the person next to him.
Born during the Warring States period, having experienced the First and Second Kazekages, Ebizo was not a conservative.
Years of battlefield slaughter and the power struggles among the major ninja villages had given him strong nerves, allowing him to easily accept the changes brought by Yun Qing.
“The Sand ninjas sent to the Land of Whirlpools should have already arrived, right.”
Ebizo murmured.
When people of his and Bunpuku’s level go on a diplomatic mission, someone needs to notify them in advance, and Uzushiogakure of the Land of Whirlpools also needed to prepare in advance.
“Yes, the sand I left on his body shows that he has reached the Land of Whirlpools.
Uzushiogakure should be starting their preparations.”
Bunpuku opened his eyes and responded.
Not taking precautions is not their personality.
……
On the other side, the Kirigakure fleet from the Land of Water.
Kirigakure ninjas piloted fast small boats around the fleet, and on the ships, numerous ninjas stood steadfast at their posts.
The largest ship at the very front flew the symbol flag of Kirigakure.
Inside the captain’s cabin, Gengetsu Hozuki sat opposite Kuchiki Minazuki with a gloomy face.
“That guy Ebizo really played a good hand.”
Gengetsu Hozuki said through gritted teeth.
He guessed Sunagakure would interfere, but he didn’t expect it to be so direct.
“Ever since the Third Kazekage took power, everything Sunagakure has done has been head-on collisions.
Seemingly barbaric, but actually containing great wisdom.
Their use of sowing discord and borrowing strength to hit others is exceptionally skilled.”
As the brains of the operation, Kuchiki Minazuki seriously analyzed Sunagakure’s actions.
He firmly believed that a leader’s style would affect the style of the people below.
“It’s a hassle, but what do they want?
They must be after something, and the benefits of what they want far exceed the cost paid.
I really can’t think of any benefit greater than the cost of starting a war with our Kirigakure.”
Gengetsu Hozuki frowned deeply.
He needed to think about many things.
He saw more than others, and what he needed to consider was also more than others.
Sunagakure didn’t lack sealing jutsu, everyone knew that.
Sunagakure didn’t lack population, or rather, their food limited their population.
Sunagakure should rest and recuperate, quietly waiting for the next great war to start.
“Sunagakure’s current slogan is economic development.
The relationship between Sunagakure and the Daimyo of the Land of Wind is quite bad, and the Third Kazekage publicly recruited people in the Land of Rain.
I believe what attracts them in the Land of Whirlpools is population, especially those with special skills.”
Linking Sunagakure’s recent behavior, Kuchiki Minazuki offered a reminder.
“Then that’s interesting.
However, it’s no big deal.
If that’s truly the case, Ebizo and the others shouldn’t help too much.
Their Sunagakure doesn’t want to take in a group of arrogant masters either.
Land, sealing jutsu, these things will ultimately still be ours.”
With the reminder, Gengetsu Hozuki smiled coldly, instantly understanding.