Chapter 377: Dealing with the Daimyō of the Land of Waterfalls

Kazuyama Gekkō, ever the sharp one, instantly saw through the daimyō's intentions.

He just wanted to test the medicine's effects, didn't he? Hmph, no one who rises to the rank of daimyō is simple—every one of them has a sharp mind.

Tch, speaking of daimyōs, Kazuyama couldn't help but think of the one from the Land of Fire. That guy actually wanted to build his own ninja force. No idea if he succeeded. If he did, would Asuma have joined?

"Kazuyama, what was that medicine you gave the old man?"

"Why does he look so happy?"

Chōmei knew Kazuyama carried medicine, but he'd never asked about it. After all, it wasn't something he needed.

Still, he didn't get why the daimyō, who wasn't even a ninja, cared so much about it.

"Hehe, men are always particularly interested in certain kinds of medicine—especially at his age."

"It's not anything too special. Just something to boost blood flow and physical vitality. Might even temporarily enhance some abilities."

"Anyway, doesn't matter. As long as he likes it."

"Besides, it was made by Orochimaru himself."

He clearly remembered the helpless look on Orochimaru's face when he asked him to make the drug.

Getting a scientist like him to research... this kind of medicine was a total waste of talent. But to win over the daimyō of the Land of Waterfalls, Kazuyama had no choice. He had to get it done.

It even made Orochimaru start thinking about taking on another apprentice...

He really didn't want to keep making this stuff.

"I wonder how Yahiko is doing now. Takigakure's probably under his control by this point."

"With Konan and Akatsuki backing him, and me offering some help here and there, if I pass on the Third Mizukage's techniques to him, with his talent, he could become Kage-level."

"With that, the groundwork in Takigakure would be complete."

Kazuyama leaned back against the hot spring, deep in thought...

In the Takigakure conference room—

"Everyone knows the current state of the village. We've been invaded by outside enemies, and the previous Village Head was killed by the missing-nin Kakuzu."

"I propose Yahiko as the new Village Head."

This meeting had one goal: to choose a new leader. There were three candidates.

Yahiko, who had risen quickly in recent times, and the village's original senior Jōnin, Takima and Gen.

The one who just spoke wasn't Konan—it was a villager who supported Yahiko.

Over the past year, Yahiko had made a strong impression in Takigakure, earning admiration and becoming a natural leader in many people's eyes.

That innate leadership quality was one of the reasons Kazuyama valued him.

"But Yahiko hasn't been part of the village for very long. Making him Village Head now feels premature."

"I still stand by my recommendation—Takima should take the role."

"He's proven his strength and competence over many years. He has both the experience and the ability."

The meeting split into two clear camps: those supporting Yahiko and those backing Takima.

Konan glanced at Yahiko, who remained silent. She knew he was weighed down by Akaashi's capture. Out of all their old comrades, only the two of them were left now.

That was enough to strengthen her resolve—she would help Yahiko rise to power, for Akaashi's sake, and for Nagato's.

"Yahiko may be young, but over the past year, everyone has seen his strength and capabilities."

"I know what you're all worried about—but what if Yahiko can bring even greater benefits to the village? What if he can help it grow and thrive?"

"If that happens, would anyone still have doubts?"

Konan's words immediately drew everyone's attention. Even Yahiko looked at her, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.

He hadn't expected her to speak up—much less to say something like that to support his candidacy for Village Head.

Their eyes met. From Konan's gaze, Yahiko saw firm resolve, and he silently cursed himself.

At a time like this, even Konan was more determined than he was.

Akaashi, Nagato… just wait. I'll definitely bring you both back!

"Yes, Takigakure may have stayed out of wars for a long time, but that doesn't mean we'll let outsiders push us around."

"Akaashi is my friend. I hold responsibility for his capture. I won't let something like that happen again."

"Strengthening our village is urgent!"

"I may be new, but I have the resolve. If I fail, I'm willing to give up the title of Village Head."

Yahiko's natural charisma surged again. Confidence radiated from him, energizing those who already followed him.

Even some of those who hadn't supported him before were clearly moved.

Takigakure was the only village outside of the Five Great Nations that had a Tailed Beast—they weren't weak!

"Well said!"

"Takima, I'm sorry. You're my brother, but the village's interests come first."

"If Yahiko can really lead Takigakure to glory, what reason is there not to support him?"

The one who spoke wasn't just anyone—it was Gen, a fellow Jōnin like Takima.

He was the genjutsu user who had fought alongside Yahiko and the others against Muren Uchiha, the one who used the Binding Technique.

After witnessing firsthand the threat from outside forces, he desperately wanted to see the village grow stronger.

His stance shook many of Takima's former supporters.

"Well then, I've got nothing more to say."

"Yahiko, I hope you'll lead the village forward. I'll be watching. If I see you doing anything that endangers the village, I won't hesitate to stop you."

In the end, Takima gave in.

Yahiko gave a solemn nod, with Konan standing at his side.

They both understood—they had completed the task Kazuyama had entrusted to them.

...

The next day, Masaru Shibukawa, the Daimyō of the Land of Waterfalls, summoned Kazuyama once again.

This time, the Daimyō's face was glowing with satisfaction. Just from his expression, Kazuyama could tell—he was completely hooked.

"Your Highness, looks like you had a good rest last night?"

"Hahaha! More than good—it was fantastic!"

Masaru Shibukawa ordered food to be brought in, then raised his cup and looked at Kazuyama.

"Kazuyama, I accept your proposal. As long as your teacher, Orochimaru, can regularly supply a certain amount of medicine to the Daimyō's estate…"

"You may carry out your research anywhere in the Land of Waterfalls."

Kazuyama gave a slight smile. Before the Daimyō could say more, he responded first:

"Thank you, Your Highness. My teacher's only goal is research. He won't disrupt anything in the Land of Waterfalls."

"He won't cause you any trouble—please rest easy."

"As for the medicine, I'll have him send a batch as soon as possible. Looking forward to working with you."