At that moment, hanging from Aoi's waist was none other than the famed Sword of the Thunder God.
Despite its legendary title, however, this blade was far from some divine weapon of immeasurable power. In truth, it was simply an exceptionally refined chakra-conducting sword, particularly suited for Lightning Release users.
Its reputation far exceeded its actual destructive capability.
The fact that it was ultimately broken in canon history was proof enough that, while formidable, it was not invincible. Certainly, the limitations of its wielder played a role, but the sword itself was not some unparalleled artifact.
Its true value lay in two factors:
First, it had once belonged to Tobirama Senju, the Second Hokage of Konohagakure.
Second, it possessed remarkable conductivity for Lightning Release chakra, making it especially effective in the hands of capable thunder-style shinobi.
Because of this, Konoha had indeed classified Aoi as a wanted missing-nin after his theft of the weapon. Yet notably, no overwhelming retrieval force had been deployed.
If the blade were truly irreplaceable, someone like Danzō would never have allowed it to remain in enemy hands for so long.
Still, for ordinary shinobi, both the name and prestige attached to the weapon carried significant psychological weight.
With the Sword of the Thunder God in his possession, Aoi's already respectable combat strength was elevated considerably, allowing him to rival many veteran jōnin.
That was precisely why Shisha remained wary.
The subtle glance he cast toward the sword earlier was enough to reveal his caution.
"It's good that this was merely a misunderstanding," Aoi said with a faintly dangerous smile. "Now then, how are preparations progressing? Amegakure has made considerable efforts to honor your invitation, Shisha-san. I trust you won't disappoint us. Otherwise… the consequences may not be pleasant for either of us."
Though spoken lightly, the threat in his tone was unmistakable.
Shisha's expression hardened momentarily before he let out a cold snort.
"You needn't concern yourself with that, Aoi-san. Everything is proceeding according to plan. All that remains is to wait for the proper opportunity."
"Oh?"
Aoi's smile deepened.
"So smooth? It seems Shisha-san's methods are indeed quite impressive. In that case, I'm relieved. Once this operation succeeds, I trust you will fulfill every promise you've made."
Shisha waved dismissively.
"As long as I ascend to the leadership of Takigakure, every agreed condition will be honored."
"Excellent."
Aoi nodded with satisfaction.
"Then let us proceed according to the original arrangement. Allow me to congratulate you in advance, future leader of Takigakure."
"Haha… I'll gladly accept your good wishes."
Though both men smiled, each understood clearly:
This was not trust.
This was merely mutual exploitation.
Afterward, the two carefully reviewed and refined every operational detail.
Timing.
Target priorities.
Attack routes.
Contingency measures.
Only after repeated confirmation did Aoi finally depart with his subordinates.
For now, a full-scale assault remained impossible.
Takigakure, while weaker than the Five Great Nations, was still the strongest shinobi village beneath them.
Its total shinobi force numbered several thousand, with nearly one thousand stationed within the village itself at any given time.
A direct frontal assault would be suicidal.
Even with Amegakure's reinforcements, they would be crushed through sheer numbers alone.
Thus, Shisha's strategy depended on a far more subtle principle:
Lure the tiger away from the mountain.
He needed to draw away the majority of Shibuki's loyal forces while leaving behind only politically neutral or easily manipulated shinobi.
This would allow him to seize the village's political heart swiftly before organized resistance could form.
And in Shisha's eyes, this plan was only possible because Shibuki lacked prestige.
Had Shibuki possessed even half the authority of his predecessor, such a coup would have been unthinkable.
But now…
"I told you before," Shisha muttered coldly as he watched Aoi disappear into the distance. "You will regret everything, Shibuki… and you as well, old man Satoru."
At this stage, Shisha had fully abandoned any pretense of loyalty.
He had become a true usurper.
Once the Rain shinobi had gone, the horse-faced Taki-nin subordinate cautiously approached.
"Lord Shisha… is it truly wise for us to ally ourselves with Amegakure? After all, we still…"
He hesitated, clearly troubled.
This concern had existed from the beginning.
While Shisha's faction certainly desired Shibuki's removal and supported their leader's rise, collaborating openly with external forces was another matter entirely.
To many, it bordered dangerously on betrayal.
It carried the unmistakable stain of selling out one's homeland for personal ambition.
Under ordinary circumstances, such behavior would be difficult for any loyal Taki shinobi to accept.
Moreover, Shisha's staged defection itself had also caused confusion among his own followers.
Why publicly defect first, effectively warning Shibuki, rather than remain within the system until the moment of seizure?
To them, it seemed unnecessarily risky.
But they did not know the full picture.
Shisha had not originally intended matters to unfold this way.
He had been forced into certain moves due to shifting political pressures, miscalculations, and the accelerating instability within Takigakure.
Still, such truths could never be admitted.
Because for a would-be ruler, acknowledging strategic mistakes before subordinates would only weaken authority.
Even if Shisha internally recognized flaws in his decisions
He could never allow his followers to see hesitation.
A leader who admits uncertainty risks losing the very foundation of his power.
And so, Shisha merely narrowed his eyes and answered coldly:
"You think too much. Amegakure is merely a temporary tool. Once I control Takigakure, their usefulness will end. Power is not seized by timid men."
His voice carried absolute certainty.
Whether genuine or fabricated no longer mattered.
For now, his subordinates needed confidence
Not truth.
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