The order of the ninja world is simply this realistic; self-interest is the core of conflict. When someone lacks overwhelming power, keeping things balanced becomes crucial. Due to Deidara's unexpected capture, a series of changes occurred, making the joint operation among Konoha, Sunagakure, and Iwagakure possible. Frequent interactions made Kumogakure, which had always pursued a policy of military expansion, feel threatened. Especially the alliance with Kiri clearly disrupted the fragile balance within the ninja world. In light of this, Kumogakure would definitely not allow itself to be excluded at such a time. Still, even though Cloud Village lagged slightly behind Konoha in overall strength, it still wasn't powerful enough to single-handedly fight the entire ninja world as it had during the first three Great Ninja World Wars.
Mizuki had no interest in these intrigues and power plays between nations and the Five Great Ninja Villages. Although he wasn't sure how things truly developed in the original storyline without his interference, from what he could recall, Kiri eventually formed an alliance with Konoha in the original storyline as well. Whether they allied so quickly at such a sensitive time was unclear, but one thing was certain—there had never been friendly exchanges between Kumogakure and Konoha in the original plot. Nevertheless, Mizuki couldn't help but feel some concern that these limited changes caused by his actions might ultimately lead toward a shift in the established order across the entire ninja world.
"The future has become increasingly unpredictable..."
"We understand the situation. What exactly do you need us to do?" Might Guy asked curiously. "Is it something related to the Hyuga?"
Becoming a jonin, Might Guy was far from being as simplistic inside as his rough exterior might suggest. He possessed a keen mind and instantly noticed the common link between himself and Mizuki.
Tsunade nodded in reply. "Kumogakure's desire for the Byakugan isn't anything recent; it caused major problems several years ago. This time, I expect everyone to maintain cautious composure. Within the Hyuga clan's main house, Hanabi Hyuga is protected by her family, but those Hyuga officials who often need to surface publicly should take extra precautions. This especially goes for you, Mizuki."
Tsunade seriously instructed Mizuki further, "Though Hinata Hyuga isn't favored by her father and might not even inherit the clan head position, she is currently still the eldest daughter of the main house. For someone seeking a Byakugan free of the Caged Bird Seal, she represents the best opportunity. From now on, you must stay vigilant and prevent those with ill intentions from exploiting any weakness."
"I understand," Mizuki replied with a nod.
Then Tsunade spoke to Might Guy: "Neji Hyuga's father died because of Kumogakure; naturally, Neji may harbor resentment. You must not only ensure his protection but also prevent him from acting recklessly. Although we aren't afraid of Kumogakure, we should avoid unnecessary troubles too."
"Understood."
With two hostile ninja villages, even small problems could spark serious fights. Nipping problems in the bud was exactly Tsunade's philosophy. Considering how stretched thin Tsunade was, her caution wasn't hard to understand.
After finishing her instructions, Tsunade continued, "Since the Genin teams under your leadership haven't changed, they'll definitely participate in the next Chunin Exams. You two have a big responsibility—don't let training slip. Team 7 and Team 10 will be more problematic. Naruto Uzumaki is going on a journey with Jiraiya, and Shikamaru Nara has already become a Chunin and even taken up one of the organizing roles for the Chunin Exams. With these two absent, replacements will be needed for both Team 7 and Team 10 to qualify for the exams. They haven't picked replacements yet, and there could be issues forming new teams, so the results are hard to call. How Konoha performs in this Chunin Exam largely depends on how well your two teams' Genin do."
"Understood. Leave it to us," Might Guy assured confidently, thumping his chest.
"That's all for now, Guy. You're dismissed. Mizuki, stay behind. I have something to ask you…"
Once Might Guy had left, Tsunade asked, "About Karin—you've had some contact with her. What do you think of her?"
"Karin…" Mizuki smiled slightly as he replied, "I'm sure Lady Tsunade and Shizune already know quite a bit about her. Which aspect are you interested in?"
"Her abilities and temperament."
"In terms of raw skill, she's actually a bit below average—even the basics aren't up to par with recent graduates from our academy."
"Just that? Anything else worth noting?" Tsunade already roughly knew the basics and wanted clarification on other matters.
"Karin's current strength isn't impressive, but her potential is truly outstanding. She's sharp-minded, gets along well with others, and knows how to make full use of her strengths and specialties. Making it all the way to Konoha alive shows she's anything but ordinary."
[Immortal Descending from the Heavens!] Her ability to escape from highly volatile and dangerous situations is truly extraordinary.
"She has high potential? Did you discover anything specific?" This point seemed particularly interesting to Tsunade.
"Firstly, her physical condition—as a descendant of the Uzumaki clan—her Chakra reserves, although still far below Naruto's level, exceed those of average ninja by a large margin. Moreover, by being bitten and channeling her chakra into restorative energy to heal wounds, her recovery capabilities are simply amazing. This very skill has enabled her to survive alone until now—I believe Lady Tsunade has already looked into this."
Tsunade nodded in acknowledgment.
"Besides her recovery ability, another noteworthy hidden talent is that Karin's sensory perception is exceptionally keen," Mizuki added after thinking for a moment. "At least so far, I haven't managed to detect the limits of this young girl's sensing range. It might even surpass my own detection radius when I combine barrier techniques and Summoning beasts for reconnaissance."
"A sensory range that extensive? Are you sure you're not mistaken? Such an ability could rival even the Byakugan."
It wasn't that Tsunade doubted Mizuki's words—it was just that such a wide-ranging sensory ability was too astounding. A person with this kind of sensing range can't just be labeled as 'talented'—that's an understatement.
"In fact, confirming this isn't difficult. Lady Tsunade can gradually test it yourself."
"Extremely certain," Mizuki declared confidently. "Moreover, her Sensor abilities regarding chakra (the energy force used by shinobi) are remarkably acute. I estimate that aside from being unable to see the chakra flowing within a Ninja's body and meridians (the chakra pathways), she might even surpass the Byakugan in terms of practical reconnaissance utility."
"In that case, she must have quite some talent. Her potential really is impressive, I suppose," Tsunade seemed convinced by Mizuki's words. "Now you've placed her together with Sakura Haruno, haven't you? They seem to be getting along well. However, that alone isn't enough. She needs a dedicated teacher to provide her serious catch-up training..."
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