The next day.
In the Mizukage's office of the Hidden Mist Village.
An oppressive atmosphere spread.
The Anbu ninja kneeling on the ground felt anxious, his back already drenched in
sweat.
He had just reported to the Third Mizukage about what happened at the Kuja
Pirates' base last night.
"What do you mean all eighteen people disappeared?"
The one who spoke was an old man.
He was the Hidden Mist Village Elder, Genji.
In terms of status, he was not inferior to the Third Mizukage.
In the original work, after the Fourth Mizukage, Karatachi Yagura, passed away,
he was the one who managed the Hidden Mist Village.
He was also the one who supported Terumi Mei, making her the Fifth Mizukage.
The reason he appeared now was because it involved the disappearance of two of
the Seven Ninja Swordsmen.
This was an unprecedentedly major event for the Hidden Mist Village.
Besides Genji, the other higher-ups of the Hidden Mist Village were also
present.
"With their strength, it's impossible for them to disappear without a trace."
The Third Mizukage said slowly, "But for such a thing to happen, there is only
one possibility: they were all captured or killed."
Hearing this, a commotion inevitably arose among the crowd.
"Eighteen people, including two of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. Unless the Five
Kage came in person, how could they all be captured or killed?"
Kuriarare Kushimaru asked with a look of incomprehension.
As one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, he naturally understood the strength of
Suikazan Fuguki and Biwa Juzo very well.
The others nodded in agreement upon hearing this.
"Perhaps that is truly a possibility."
The Third Mizukage narrowed his eyes and said.
The crowd couldn't help but reveal expressions of astonishment.
"Lord Mizukage, are you saying that behind the Kuja Pirates is one of the Five
Great Ninja Villages?"
Genji gripped his cane and asked thoughtfully.
"Correct. If it truly is one of the Five Great Ninja Villages, then everything
makes sense."
The Third Mizukage nodded and said.
"Why would they target us?"
Karatachi Yagura frowned and asked, "Are they trying to start a war with us?"
Although the Second Great Ninja War had ended, the higher-ups of the Five Great
Villages all knew that the Third Great Ninja War was inevitable.
Because ambition cannot disappear.
Especially now that the ninja world lacked unbelievably powerful ninjas like
Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara.
The Five Great Ninja Villages were all about the same in strength, so war was
only a matter of time.
"Which hidden village could it be?"
Genji pondered for a moment and asked, "The Hidden Cloud Village?"
The Hidden Cloud Village's style was known to everyone.
Coupled with the fact that they didn't participate in the Second Great Ninja
War, if there really was a Third Great Ninja War, they definitely wouldn't miss
it.
And there was a high probability they would be the first hidden village to
participate in the Third Great Ninja War.
"It's possible."
The Third Mizukage agreed.
"But we have no proof."
Karatachi Yagura said in a deep voice, "Even if we go confront the Hidden Cloud
Village, it won't have any effect."
"The Kuja Pirates have already abandoned their base, and their current
whereabouts are unknown."
The Third Mizukage said expressionlessly, "If there really is a Five Great
Village behind them, there will definitely be new movements."
Just then, a knock sounded on the door.
"Come in."
The Third Mizukage looked up.
Everyone also looked at the door of the Mizukage's office.
"I'm late, I apologize."
A young man walked in and explained, "I was delayed going back to get the ninja
sword summoning scroll."
His name was Hozuki Mangetsu, the current head of the Hozuki Clan.
The Hozuki Clan held a pivotal position in the Hidden Mist Village.
Because the Second Mizukage was named Hozuki Gengetsu.
Besides that, the Hozuki Clan had safeguarded the summoning scroll that could
summon the seven ninja swords of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen for generations.
In the original work, the Hozuki Clan had declined, leaving only Hozuki
Suigetsu.
Hozuki Suigetsu was even captured by Orochimaru for experiments.
Ultimately, it was Uchiha Sasuke who saved him and let him join Team Taka.
"Summon the Kubikiribocho and the Kabutowari right now."
The Third Mizukage instructed.
"Yes, Lord Mizukage."
Hozuki Mangetsu immediately opened the ninja sword summoning scroll.
He pressed his hands on it and used the Summoning Jutsu.
With a poof.
A puff of smoke flashed by.
But what made Hozuki Mangetsu's face stiffen was that the expected two ninja
swords didn't appear.
Without hesitation, he used the Summoning Jutsu again.
The smoke cleared, and it was still completely empty.
"Lord Mizukage."
Hozuki Mangetsu stood up and said in a heavy tone, "Those two ninja swords are
most likely sealed."
"A Fuinjutsu capable of blocking the Summoning Jutsu is not simple."
The Third Mizukage analyzed, "In the current ninja world, only the Fuinjutsu of
the Five Great Ninja Villages can achieve this."
"This is clearly looking down on our Hidden Mist Village!"
Kurosuki Raiga said viciously, "The next time the Kuja Pirates appear, we must
teach them a lesson!"
"Daring to use our Hidden Mist Village as a breakthrough point, they must be
prepared to fail!"
Kuriarare Kushimaru said sharply.
The others were also filled with righteous indignation.
Among the Five Great Ninja Villages, they specifically chose the Hidden Mist
Village. This was undoubtedly saying they were the weakest.
"Elder Genji, I must trouble you to make a trip to the metropolis of the Land of
Water and explain the situation clearly to the Daimyo."
The Third Mizukage raised his hand, stopping them, and instructed, "The Hidden
Mist Village will use all its power to find the traces of the Kuja Pirates."
"Yes, Lord Mizukage."
Genji and the others answered in unison.
Meanwhile, in the Hidden Sand Village of the Land of Wind.
"What do you guys think?"
The Third Kazekage asked.
"To be able to make two of the Hidden Mist Village's Seven Ninja Swordsmen and
four Anbu ninja squads disappear, the Kuja Pirates' strength is very
formidable."
Reki thought for a moment and said, "They must have at least ten Jonin."
"If they have a Kage-level powerhouse, one is enough."
Rasa added.
"Whether it's ten Jonin or one Kage-level powerhouse, neither should be a
composition a pirate crew can possess."
Baki said in a deep voice, "I suspect one of the Five Great Ninja Villages is
behind the Kuja Pirates."
"Pakura."
The Third Kazekage looked at Pakura, who had been silent, and asked, "What are
your thoughts?"
"This might be a good opportunity for us."
Pakura snapped out of her thoughts and said, "We can watch them fight."
"Correct."
The Third Kazekage nodded and said, "No matter who is targeting the Hidden Mist
Village, a fight will eventually break out, and perhaps both sides will suffer
heavy losses."
Although the Hidden Sand Village suffered heavy losses in the Second Great Ninja
War, they had recovered significantly now.
This was thanks to Pakura and the rainwater business with the Land of Rain.
Of course, the Hidden Sand Village hadn't fully recovered yet.
But they already possessed the strength to participate in a war again.
"But we must be careful of the other hidden villages."
Chiyo reminded, "They probably have the same idea as us."
"Mm."
The Third Kazekage gave a sound of agreement and added, "I just don't know who
is targeting the Hidden Mist Village. It would be best if it's the Hidden Stone
Village or Konoha Village."
To the north of the Hidden Sand Village was the Hidden Stone Village, to the
east was Konoha Village, and to the south was the Hidden Mist Village.
The reason the Third Kazekage said this was because the Hidden Sand Village was
close to these three hidden villages.
If they started fighting, it would be easier to take advantage of the situation.
Of course, based on past grievances, he hoped it was Konoha Village.
Hearing this, Pakura thought to herself, you guessed right.
Previously, during the gathering of the Fourteen Moons of the Akatsuki
Organization, she had met the three Snake Princesses.
At that time, they introduced themselves as the leaders of the Kuja Pirates.
Obviously, it was Natsuki who took action and killed Suikazan Fuguki and Biwa
Juzo.
After all, he had Kage-level strength.
Besides the Hidden Sand Village, the Hidden Stone Village and the Hidden Cloud
Village also received relevant intelligence almost simultaneously.
Just as Chiyo said, Onoki and the Third Raikage had similar thoughts to them.
They all believed that the Kuja Pirates were supported by one of the Five Great
Ninja Villages.
At the same time, they also felt they could wait and see how things developed to
find a suitable opportunity to pick up the scraps.
Lastly, it was Konoha Village.
This intelligence also arrived in Orochimaru's hands.
His thoughts were also similar.
But he was busy with experiments, so he ordered Natsuki to investigate the
matter.
And Natsuki had already arrived at the Daimyo's mansion in the Land of Sea.
[Congratulations to the host for unlocking Boa Hancock template ability two,
Love-Love Fruit.]
Natsuki raised an eyebrow, feeling a massive amount of information flooding in.
He thought to himself, just as expected.
After dealing with the Hidden Mist Village's targeting, he successfully unlocked
the Love-Love Fruit.
In the ninja world, if one wanted to become famous quickly, they had to find a
way involving the Five Great Villages.
The only problem was that the risk was very high.
If the Kuja Pirates were an ordinary pirate crew, facing Suikazan Fuguki and
Biwa Juzo, annihilation would be the only outcome.
Natsuki quickly finished digesting the information.
It was exactly as he guessed; there was only the Love-Love Fruit, without any
corresponding abilities.
This meant he had to develop the abilities himself.
But that was fine.
Hancock had demonstrated many ways to use it in One Piece; he could just copy
them directly.
"Master, I feel like you suddenly became much more handsome."
Ichikishimahime's eyes lit up, and she subconsciously licked the corner of her
mouth.
"Although your appearance hasn't changed, your aura is different from before."
Tagitsuhime evaluated Natsuki, giving her assessment.
Natsuki was slightly taken aback, somewhat surprised.
He reached out and used Ice Release to condense a mirror.
Looking at himself in the mirror, Natsuki indeed felt a change.
He couldn't help but fall into thought.
This kind of thing had precedents in One Piece.
The most classic example was the Slip-Slip Fruit.
Alvida was originally a large, freckled, fat woman, but after eating the
Slip-Slip Fruit, she became a tall, peerless beauty.
And the Love-Love Fruit could charm men, women, old, and young alike.
Although Hancock herself was very beautiful, it wasn't to the point where a
single glance could charm everyone.
The most likely possibility was that the Love-Love Fruit amplified her charm.
Natsuki casually dispelled the ice mirror.
How should he put it?
An increase in charm wasn't a bad thing.
Anyway, his appearance hadn't changed.
If his appearance had changed, it would be hard for him to explain to Yakushi
Nonou and the others.
Moreover, the Love-Love Fruit was ineffective against those with no wicked
thoughts, those immune to the temptation of beauty, or those whose attention
wasn't on the ability user.
In One Piece, Luffy was immune to the Love-Love Fruit because he had no interest
in beauty.
In other words, those who could feel he had changed probably had thoughts about
him.
"Back to business."
Natsuki thought for a moment and said, "Next, the Kuja Pirates will pause
robbing merchant ships."
With the deaths of Suikazan Fuguki and Biwa Juzo, the Kuja Pirates and the
Hidden Mist Village were in a fight to the death.
If the Kuja Pirates showed their faces again, they would inevitably face a
devastating counterattack from the Hidden Mist Village.
But apart from the three Snake Princesses, the Kuja Pirates completely lacked
the strength to withstand the Hidden Mist Village's counterattack.
And Natsuki couldn't possibly intervene every single time.
Most importantly, he had already unlocked the Love-Love Fruit, so the purpose of
establishing the Kuja Pirates had been achieved.
The remaining task was to liberate the slaves of the Land of Water.
Natsuki planned to do this together with another task: establishing the Seven
Warlords of the Sea and gaining the recognition of the Daimyo of the Land of
Water.
Without resorting to genjutsu to control the Daimyo of the Land of Water, there
was only one method left: provoking conflict between the Daimyo of the Land of
Water and the Hidden Mist Village.
Making the Seven Warlords of the Sea become something akin to the Daimyo's
Guardian Ninjas, or directly replacing them.
In a sense, it was also fitting their expertise.
After all, the Seven Warlords of the Sea in One Piece obeyed the orders of the
World Government.
Provoking conflict between the Daimyo of the Land of Water and the Hidden Mist
Village wasn't particularly difficult either.
As a Daimyo, the most detested things were the hidden village not following
orders and being incompetent in executing tasks.
Starting from these two aspects, there was a lot that could be done.
For example, after Hidden Mist Village ninjas accepted a mission from the Daimyo
of the Land of Water, intentionally causing trouble to make the mission fail.
If this happened a few times, the Daimyo of the Land of Water would naturally
become dissatisfied.
It would be best if it was a mission with massive losses.
Even a powerhouse like Hatake Sakumo would be punished for that.
As for liberating the slaves of the Land of Water, Natsuki planned to control
Hidden Mist Village ninjas to do it.
He could also start from the missions, making their missions fail while
accidentally releasing the slaves of the Land of Water.
Besides that, there was one more crucial matter.
After the Daimyo of the Land of Water reprimanded the Hidden Mist Village
multiple times, Natsuki could manipulate Hidden Mist Village ninjas to
assassinate him.
Even if the Hidden Mist Village quickly cut ties and cleared their name, the
Daimyo of the Land of Water would definitely lose trust in the Hidden Mist
Village.
At this point, the Seven Warlords of the Sea could make their entrance.
"Go investigate the Guardian Ninjas of the Daimyo of the Land of Water."
Natsuki looked at Tagorihime and said, "While you're at it, find out through
what channels they joined the Guardian Ninjas."
"Yes, Master."
Tagorihime immediately said.
"Your task is to control or mislead the Hidden Mist Village ninjas."
Natsuki then looked at Tagitsuhime and said, "Ensure that important missions
related to the Daimyo of the Land of Water cannot be completed smoothly."
"Yes, Master."
Tagitsuhime puffed out her chest and said, "I guarantee the mission will be
completed."
"Master, what about me?"
Ichikishimahime asked impatiently.
"You go investigate what slaves there are in the Land of Water."
Natsuki said casually.
"Yes, Master!"
Ichikishimahime immediately said, "I will definitely do a better job than
Tagitsuhime!"
"Hmph, little brat!"
Tagitsuhime retorted bluntly.
"Stop arguing."
Natsuki stopped them and said, "The name Kuja Pirates is no longer suitable.
Change it to the Seven Warlords of the Sea."
"Yes, Master."
The three Snake Princesses said in unison.
"Have the crew members stay in the Land of Sea and take control of the country
through the Daimyo."
Natsuki added.
The situations the Seven Warlords of the Sea would face were more dangerous than
the Kuja Pirates.
The previous thirty crew members, except for two Special Jonin, couldn't handle
Hidden Mist Village ninjas.
In short, the Seven Warlords of the Sea needed to recruit more Jonin.
Although he could transfer Jonin from the Akatsuki Organization, the Akatsuki
Organization had just taken control of the Hidden Rain Village and also needed
Jonin.
Moreover, the number of Jonin was inherently small, basically concentrated among
the Fourteen Moons, the higher-ups of the Akatsuki Organization.
Natsuki stroked his chin.
Where could he find Jonin?
Fortunately, he had the Blood Curse, so he didn't need to worry about the
loyalty of these Jonin.
Thinking about it carefully, non-Five Great Village ninjas would be best.
Because the Hidden Mist Village would recognize ninjas from the Five Great
Villages.
But it wasn't impossible either.
Natsuki could go find ninjas from the Hidden Stone Village and the Hidden Cloud
Village.
Then he could sow discord.
"Go execute your missions."
Natsuki raised his hand, opened an Air Door, and said, "If you encounter any
problems, use the Reverse Summoning Jutsu to summon me."
After speaking, he walked into the Air Door.
Natsuki arrived at the Hidden Sand Village.
Finding Jonin could wait.
After all, it would only be needed after a crisis of trust arose between the
Daimyo of the Land of Water and the Hidden Mist Village.
He still had another thing to do.
Natsuki walked towards the sofa.
He didn't wait long before Pakura returned home.
Seeing Natsuki, she was slightly taken aback, feeling that his aura had changed.
She had to admit, he was indeed the best-looking ninja she had ever seen.
"I just finished a meeting."
Pakura suppressed the thoughts in her heart and volunteered, "It was about the
Kuja Pirates."
She then briefly recounted the contents of the meeting.
"You don't need to worry about this."
Natsuki shook his head and said, "I have another task for you. Help me find some
precious materials."
"What materials?"
Pakura froze for a moment and asked.
"Materials that can be used to forge ninja tools."
Natsuki added, "The more precious, the better."
"I understand. I will send people to do this."
Pakura nodded and said.
"It seems you haven't forgotten my order."
Natsuki changed the topic, looked her over, and said, "You didn't wear that
backless outfit today."
Pakura was instantly silent.
"Next time I come over, I'll buy you some clothes."
Natsuki stood up and walked into the Air Door again.
He arrived at the metropolis of the Land of Rain.
He repeated the same order to Yahiko and Kakuzu.
Whether it was the Hidden Sand Village or the Akatsuki Organization, both had
enough manpower and money.
Having them search for forging materials would definitely yield a lot.
It's worth mentioning that Yahiko and Kakuzu didn't notice his changes.
Natsuki didn't stay long, turning and returning to the Senju Clan compound.
"Natsu..."
Uzumaki Kushina had just shouted a syllable when she abruptly stopped.
Looking at Natsuki, she only felt her heart racing.
"What's wrong?"
Natsuki stepped forward, pinched her cheek, and asked.
"You feel a bit different today."
Uzumaki Kushina looked up at him and said.
"Did I become more handsome?"
Natsuki couldn't help but laugh.
"A little bit."
Uzumaki Kushina said with a look of confusion, "It's really strange, your
appearance clearly hasn't changed."
"Maybe it's your imagination."
Natsuki patted her head and said, "Alright, don't dwell on such meaningless
things."
"Mm."
Uzumaki Kushina gave a sound of agreement.
But during their subsequent training, she was somewhat distracted, stealing
glances at him from time to time.
At dusk, Tsunade and Yakushi Nonou returned from Konoha Hospital.
Seeing Natsuki, both were taken aback.
Yakushi Nonou didn't think much of it.
She was currently in the honeymoon phase and thought this was normal.
Tsunade, however, was somewhat suspicious.
Had she also reached the age of longing for love?
Seeing Natsuki today actually caused a ripple in her heart.
But she wasn't a young girl after all, and quickly returned to normal.
After all, Natsuki wasn't her peer; reason pulled her back to reality.
_________________________________________________
Read Advanced Chapters on : patreon.com/Kaizo247
~ Every 150 PS = Bonus Chapter
~ Push the Story forward with your [Power Stones]