"Hehehe..."
After hearing Aoba's words, Biwa Juzo chuckled sheepishly, realizing he had been too excited upon seeing Satsuma Rentaro and had asked too many questions in a rush.
"It's okay, it's okay!"
"Take your time, I'm listening!"
Biwa Juzo was genuinely concerned about what Satsuma Rentaro had been through lately, especially since getting in touch after their separation in Konohagakure had been challenging.
He knew it must have been tough for Satsuma Rentaro!
Now that they were reunited, which was no small feat, the issues were less severe than feared.
"During this time, I've been in Konohagakure, secretly gathering intelligence and even spoke with Shimura Danzo. I've brought a confidential report and now seek Juzo-sama's advice." Aoba said earnestly, his anxious demeanor immediately pulling Biwa Juzo and Suikazan Fuguki into the conversation.
"What confidential report?"
Biwa Juzo immediately dropped his smile, sensing something was amiss. This was not a simple matter.
And for a simple reason.
Biwa Juzo had known Satsuma Rentaro for a long time.
Especially from their first meeting.
Biwa Juzo was deeply impressed by Satsuma Rentaro, viewing him as the future hope of Kirigakure, a view that hadn't changed to this day.
Throughout their interactions, Biwa Juzo had always seen confidence and seriousness in Satsuma Rentaro, never noticing even a hint of difficulty on his face.
But now he saw it.
From the expression of Satsuma Rentaro, Biwa Juzo sensed the gravity of the situation and adjusted his mindset accordingly, taking it more seriously.
Aoba nodded silently, pleased with the reaction of both Biwa Juzo and Suikazan Fuguki, which resulted from the groundwork he had laid during their past conversation, now coming into play.
"Shimura Danzo, whom I spoke with, represents the Third Hokage of Konohagakure, so his words, to a certain extent, represent the Third Hokage himself." Aoba started to lay the groundwork with this statement.
Biwa Juzo and Suikazan Fuguki nodded in understanding, a fact known throughout the ninja world—that Shimura Danzo and Sarutobi Hiruzen were closely allied. However, this was not known to the Konoha villagers.
After all, freedom of speech was restricted within their ranks, not so much for outsiders.
It was something other than what could be discussed within Konohagakure.
But their opponents outside of the village were well aware of this.
This was not a hidden secret!
"There's going to be a coup in Konohagakure!"
Aoba suddenly declared something that neither Biwa Juzo nor Suikazan Fuguki had anticipated.
This statement was genuinely shocking.
So much so that both Biwa Juzo and Suikazan Fuguki couldn't help but look at each other, seeing the shock in each other's eyes.
"Rentaro, such words cannot be said nor believed carelessly!" Biwa Juzo said gravely, his face tense. After many deceptions, he had learned not to trust in intelligence fully, always retaining a bit of skepticism. "Did Shimura Danzo tell you this, or did you discover it yourself?"
With such a question, Suikazan Fuguki also focused on Aoba, understanding the significance of Biwa Juzo's inquiry.
If Danzo said it, it could likely be false, a bluff.
But if it was something Satsuma Rentaro observed on his own, it could mean he had discovered some secret within Konohagakure. Of course, there was also a chance that Rentaro's judgment was off, which was a gamble either way.
Regardless of the scenario.
Biwa Juzo needed to delve deeper.
The potential of a coup in Konohagakure was not trivial; it would affect the entire village's power structure.
"Danzo mentioned it, and I also deduced it. There's no doubt about it; the coup is imminent and could happen at any moment."
Aoba covered all bases, which was more aligned with reality. It wouldn't have been credible if he had mentioned only one aspect.
"Let's hear it."
Biwa Juzo was stunned for a moment before asking. He hadn't had the chance to tell Satsuma Rentaro about Mizukage's appointment. But he thought about it—such a significant event like the Mizukage's appointment, with Rentaro's intelligence capabilities, he probably already knew about it while in Konohagakure.
The pressing issue was the coup in Konohagakure.
This could be a trap or an opportunity. His gut felt it was more likely an opportunity, but that didn't stop him from wanting to hear the detailed explanation from Satsuma Rentaro before making a decision.
"Here's what's happening..."
Aoba's eyes flickered slightly, a sharp glint hidden deep within his pupils. Now that Biwa Juzo was listening to him, the situation was falling into his hands, leading him by the nose.
As long as there were people he could deceive, there was no deception he couldn't pull off. With such a significant information advantage, any intelligence others held was inferior in his presence.
Biwa Juzo, despite his growth during this period, was not in the same league as Aoba.
"The coup in Konohagakure isn't about someone trying to seize the position of Hokage. Rather, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, is unwilling to relinquish his position. Based on this, rather than calling it a coup, it's more about defending the throne." Aoba said gravely.
"???"
Biwa Juzo and Suikazan Fuguki's minds were filled with question marks. They both heard Aoba's words but couldn't understand them. What was this all about? They knew each word individually, but they just couldn't make sense of it combined.
It was all a mess.
Who was seizing whose position?
Was the Third Hokage seizing the Third Hokage's position?
Or was Danzo trying to seize the Third Hokage's position?
Biwa Juzo was utterly baffled; he didn't think deeply, and now he had to step up. If it were a minor issue, he might be able to keep up, but he struggled to keep up with such significant matters.
"Juzo-sama, you probably aren't aware of the current situation in Konohagakure. They've repelled an attack by a large army of ninjas from Iwagakure..."
Aoba began to unfold the story for Biwa Juzo, preparing to explain the stakes involved and set the stage for a belated entrance for the Seven Ninja Swordsmen.