In White Zetsu's eyes, Mingyue killed Ao because the one-eyed man saw something he shouldn't have. But in reality, the reason was far more complex than that.
Ao was arguably the strongest ninja under Genshi's command. His death was equivalent to severing one of Genshi's arms. Genshi would never let this go.
In this situation, the two sides would have at least one conflict, whether overt or covert. If this conflict was large enough to eliminate one of the factions, Mingyue would undoubtedly be happy to watch.
Because in Mingyue's eyes, Kirigakure was his to take. Both Obito and Genshi were targets for elimination.
Mingyue was not like Namikaze Minato, who clearly became Hokage but still shared power over Konoha with the old man Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Sarutobi Hiruzen euphemistically called it "guiding the young Hokage."
Pah!
Mingyue didn't know if Sarutobi Hiruzen was sincerely guiding Namikaze Minato or was just unwilling to let go of his power. In any case, Mingyue would never allow some old man to divide his authority. He would kill anyone who dared to try.
Inside the mansion, hearing Genshi's words, the two Jonin, Heki and Gonbee, were suddenly startled and hurriedly tried to dissuade him:
"Lord Genshi! Please calm down!"
"Yagura has many experts like the Seven Ninja Swordsmen under him, and now there's that 'Ming' whose background we don't understand. This is not a good time to start a war!"
Originally, his faction was on par with Yagura's.
But now, with Ao's death, their side had lost a significant fighting force. The opposing side, however, had gained a mysterious expert who was at least at the elite Jonin level.
Choosing to start a war under these circumstances was undoubtedly a very dangerous thing.
However, facing the dissuasion of his two trusted subordinates, Genshi gave a cunning smile:
"Heh, have you forgotten about the Kaguya clan, who were driven out of the village a year ago?"
Heki and Gonbee's expressions changed abruptly.
The Kaguya clan, Kirigakure's most famous clan of battle fiends. If not for their innate Kekkei Byo, which meant most members didn't live past 30, they might have surpassed the Hozuki clan to become Kirigakure's strongest.
But a year ago, the Kaguya clan was expelled from the village by the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi, on trumped-up charges.
Because the clan was naturally brutal and had a reputation even worse than the Uchiha clan in Konoha, no one spoke up for them when they were expelled.
With a cold expression, Genshi said indifferently:
"After being framed and exiled for over a year, the Kaguya clan's anger must be at its breaking point. If we join forces with them against Yagura, what do you think our odds of winning are?"
After hearing Genshi's words, Heki and Gonbee's expressions gradually turned from shock to joy.
That's right!
If they could ally with the battle-crazed Kaguya clan, their chances of victory would definitely increase greatly.
"But, Lord Genshi, the Kaguya clan is extremely xenophobic. It's uncertain if they'll cooperate with us."
Heki hesitated for a moment before speaking to Genshi.
"There are no impossible allies, only mismatched interests."
Genshi said lightly:
"Promise them that as long as we can seize power in Kirigakure from Yagura, not only will we let them return to the village, but we will also give them full control of the Mission Assignment Department."
The Mission Assignment Department was the name of the division responsible for handling ninja missions. Controlling its power meant having priority in choosing missions. It was definitely the position that the battle-loving Kaguya clan coveted the most.
Genshi looked up at Gonbee and said:
"Gonbee, under the pretext of a mission, leave the village to persuade the Kaguya. Be careful not to be discovered by Yagura's people."
"Yes, Lord Genshi."
Gonbee quickly exited the hall.
Heki turned to Genshi and asked:
"My lord, about Ao's death..."
When this topic was mentioned, Genshi's old face, which had just regained some color, darkened again. He said coldly:
"This insult, I'll swallow it for now. In the future, I will make that boy Yagura and that fellow 'Ming' pay back tenfold!"
Although Genshi was certain in his heart that the ANBU member codenamed "Ming" was the one who killed Ao, he could only swallow his anger for now.
Because he had sent Ao to spy on the other party, and Ao was killed in return. Although Genshi was old, his mind wasn't addled. He couldn't possibly announce the truth, could he?
...
...
In the end, the death of Ao, the top ninja under Genshi, was left unresolved and forgotten by everyone.
This was also within Mingyue's expectations.
When he killed Ao, he had determined in his heart that Genshi would never dare to investigate the matter deeply.
At times, time is often the most terrifying weapon.
For example, as time passes, even someone of Sarutobi Hiruzen's level can be crowned with the title of "The Strongest Hokage in History."
I wonder how Namikaze Minato and Tobirama Senju would feel.
Hashirama Senju, who played with the Nine-Tails like a puppy, would probably cry if he heard that, right?
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