Chapter 244 : Hidden Danger!

In the land of the Whirlpool, no, rather, in the land of Red, a revolutionary storm brews quietly, one that will sweep across the ninja world.

However, few are aware of how the reforms in the Land of Red will impact the ninja world. Even within the Land of Red itself, many only have vague notions.

After all, the establishment of a country and a ninja village was ordained by the God of the ninja world, marking the end of the turbulent era of the ninja world.

So, by conventional wisdom, any country without a ninja village is inconsequential. 

Neither of them anticipated that such a nation without a ninja village would pose a threat.

A formidable country must possess a ninja village; ninjas are the backbone of this world!

Kirigakure, Mizukage's Office.

"The Land of Red?" Third Mizukage's brow furrowed as he observed the ninja who had been dispatched to the Whirlpool Country for reconnaissance and to file a report. "The Red Republic?"

What on earth is this?

One must understand that a country without a ninja village is essentially vulnerable to attacks from others. Could it be that Kazuhiko is so audacious as to be ignorant of this?

Could someone who he has truly confronted such a person be so stupid?

Third Mizukage found it hard to believe, yet he couldn't shake off the thought entirely.

However, if that were the case, why did the Land of Red forsake its Ninja Village? What's the reason behind it?

Could it be they intend to relinquish their sovereignty to seek aid from Konoha?

But that doesn't add up, didn't they sever all ties with Konoha?

For a moment, even Third Mizukage couldn't decipher the enigma.

"Keep a close watch on Konoha and the Land of Red's movements," Third Mizukage ordered the ANBU operatives below, "Any developments must be reported promptly."

"Yes!"

The Third Mizukage immediately shifted his attention away from the matter at hand and delved into other official business. He sighed as he opened yet another document demanding reforms in Kirigakure.

However, this document was filled with powerful and bloody suggestions, reflecting the chaotic state of Kirigakure these days. It advocated for a complete overhaul of the Land of Water to surpass other nations, emphasizing the necessity of a harsh environment to forge strong ninjas, even suggesting the implementation of ruthless elimination systems in ninja training.

Unknowingly, such rhetoric had seeped into the very fabric of Kirigakure, with many agreeing that only the most exceptional ninjas could be cultivated in such harsh conditions.

"Strength... but at what cost? I can't allow this. It would plunge the Land of Water into chaos," the Third Mizukage muttered as he stared at the document in his hand, his authority in Kirigakure weakened since his return from injury. Even he struggled to suppress such sentiments.

Kirigakure was akin to a powder keg, the scent of gunpowder hanging thick in the air, with the Mizukage uncertain when it might explode.

Thankfully, due to their trade of the tailed beast sealing technique with the Land of Red, while many high-ranking officials in Kirigakure favored the cruel elimination system, their focus remained on the Jinchūriki.

Rumors circulated that the new Jinchūriki had begun to adapt to the Three Tails within him. However, the Mizukage feared that once the Jinchūriki stabilized completely, attention would shift back to Kirigakure, sparking riots.

Meanwhile, in Kirigakure, an elder serving as the Mizukage's assistant stood in his home's ancestral hall, his expression somber. Before him lay a grayscale photo of a young boy, his grandson, who had perished in the Land of Whirlpools during an invasion.

His son had already fallen in battle, leaving this grandson as his sole companion. Yet, even this bond was shattered when his grandson met his end in what was deemed a safe territory, the Land of Whirlpools.

He had initially hoped that his grandson had been injured and captured by the Land of Whirlpools, but upon further investigation, he discovered the harsh truth.

His grandson had been torn apart at the heart of the explosion because he had rushed into danger...

Someone had witnessed it firsthand!

Since that tragic day, a flame had ignited within him - a burning hatred! Hatred towards the Land of Whirlpools! Hatred towards Kazuhiko! But above all, he loathed the current state of Kirigakure even more!!

Why? Why couldn't Kirigakure prevail against the likes of the Land of Whirlpools? Why was Kirigakure so feeble?

If they couldn't overcome Land of Whirlpools, how could they possibly triumph over Konoha?

He had heard whispers about the brutal elimination system before, but back then, he had considered it too extreme, too harsh...

However, after the loss of his precious grandson, his perspective shifted.

Kirigakure was feeble! It needed a drastic transformation to attain strength!

Perhaps, the brutal elimination system was the potent remedy they needed!

Seizing the opportunity while the Third Mizukage was incapacitated and in a coma, Kirigakure, dissatisfied with the Third Mizukage's defeat, began contemplating ways to bolster their future strength.

These thoughts were echoed aloud, and Kirigakure, already on the brink, readily embraced this notion.

Only within a merciless environment could exceptional ninjas be forged!

At that moment, the elder assistant gazed at the photograph of his grandson and muttered to himself, "Brave soul, your demise has enlightened me to Kirigakure's complacency. Reformations are imperative, and only through cruelty can the mightiest shinobi be born!

"Survival in this world demands it! I was weak before, and that weakness led to your untimely demise! Now, I shall fortify Kirigakure! Yes, many may perish in the process!"

"But, it is a sacrifice worth making!

"As long as Kirigakure stands strong, we will have the Land of Whirlpools at our mercy! And I shall avenge you completely!"

PS: I must prepare to unveil the Blood Mist's secrets in advance for the plot. I've always suspected that the Blood Mist isn't solely a result of Uchiha Obito's covert manipulation of the Mizukage.

Kirigakure harbors profound internal perils, providing fertile ground for such ideologies to flourish, hence the existence of such policies.

Now, with the Third Mizukage's defeat in the Land of Whirlpools these thoughts will catalyze a chain reaction akin to a keg of gunpowder, exploding prematurely like fireworks.

*****

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