Chapter 8: The Cloud Ninja

Political demands and action guidelines were unfamiliar concepts to Shisui. In fact, they might be foreign to most people in the ninja world. Even if they were already practicing them, they likely weren't aware of these terms.

Take the Akatsuki, for instance. They had clear political demands and action guidelines. Their demand was for peace in the ninja world, and their action guideline was to use force to compel unity, thus creating peace. Despite the varied and often self-serving motives of its members, under Nagato's leadership, the Akatsuki pursued these goals.

Today, Yuhara clearly articulated these concepts, leaving Shisui not only shocked but also increasingly respectful. Shisui realized that Yuhara had done his homework, understanding exactly what he wanted and needed to achieve. This clarity of thought deepened Shisui's respect for Yuhara.

"My thinking is too narrow. Yuhara is already at a higher level," Shisui mused.

Having grasped these concepts, Shisui refrained from asking Yuhara for detailed strategies. He felt he had enough information for now and needed time to absorb it. He also wanted to ponder how he would handle the dual pressures of clan and village if he were the clan leader. What would his political demands and action guidelines be?

With Shisui falling silent, Yuhara was quite content. If Shisui had continued asking, Yuhara feared he might overwhelm him. After all, Shisui had asked what he would do as clan leader, but how could he truthfully respond? He couldn't exactly say he would keep the obedient ones and send the rebellious ones to the Pure Land, could he?

Before becoming the clan leader, he would likely have to deal with the extremists, especially the spiritual leaders who posed the greatest threat. If they didn't accept his ideas and stubbornly sought to realize their extreme ideals, he would have no choice but to act.

"Some things are better left unasked if one isn't mentally prepared," Yuhara thought.

They continued their journey, with Shisui occasionally asking questions. These questions were no challenge for Yuhara, who answered them straightforwardly and accurately, leaving Shisui with much to ponder. Over time, Yuhara noticed Shisui's gaze increasingly filled with admiration and respect, which he couldn't hide.

However, Shisui had no more questions once they reached the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Hot Water.

"This should be it," Shisui said.

Their target was a rogue ninja from the Hidden Cloud Village, skilled in lightning techniques and of unknown reasons for defection. The rogue ninja had been detected by Konoha's Anbu upon entering the border of the Land of Hot Water, but no one had acted against him yet. However, he wasn't one to stay quiet, having forcibly taken over a village and attacked passing merchants, causing panic among them. The merchants turned to Konoha for help, and Yuhara, through Shisui's Anbu channels, gathered more information, making this rogue ninja his first target.

As they approached the village, both exhibited cautious expressions. It was eerily quiet, unlike a normal village, and a faint scent of blood lingered in the air.

"This village might be in trouble. We aren't the only ones after him," Shisui whispered, pulling out a kunai.

"Someone probably got here first," Yuhara's face darkened. This rogue ninja was crucial for his plan to awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan. Losing him would be unacceptable.

"Could it be the Hidden Cloud?" Yuhara asked, trying to calm himself. "He is their rogue ninja after all."

"If it's the Cloud, that's bad news," Shisui agreed. The tension between Konoha and the Hidden Cloud was at an all-time high. The Second Hokage had died at their hands, and during the Third Great Ninja War, the Cloud had attacked Konoha. Five years ago, they even forced Konoha to hand over Hiashi Hyuga by threatening war. Though Konoha sent the body of Hizashi Hyuga instead, the event tarnished Konoha's reputation while giving the Hidden Cloud significant prestige, surpassing Konoha to become the leading ninja village.

"Actually, if it is the Cloud, it might be to our advantage," Yuhara said quietly. "Remember, we're in the Land of Hot Water."

"You mean..." Shisui paused, then nodded, understanding. "But what if we're discovered?"

"Then we make sure to leave no trace."

Seeing Shisui's agreement, Yuhara continued, "First, find out how many there are. You quickly take out the weaker ones while I hold off their leader. Once you're done, come back to help me."

Shisui, a veteran of war, quickly agreed despite being a pacifist at heart. They moved stealthily, confirming that there were only four enemy ninjas. However, they also discovered something troubling: the leader was no ordinary ninja.

"If I'm not mistaken, that's Troy, the wielder of magnet release from the Hidden Cloud," Yuhara noted grimly.

Check out my Patreon for more advanced chapters at patreon.com/Anime_kingdom

(40 Advance chapters)