Aoba's voice was not loud, but it carried a reason that Biwa Juzo could not refuse or even object to.
After all.
This operation was planned between Shimura Danzo and Satsuma Rentaro.
They were the only two who could coordinate it.
It wasn't something surprising.
That means.
The next period would see them, the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, along with Aoba, heading to Konohagakure, while the rest of Kirigakure ninjas would retreat to Kirigakure.
"Juzo-sama, you don't need to worry too much about Kirigakure ninjas' retreat. Kumogakure ninjas won't pursue us."
Aoba immediately asserted confidently that his judgment in this area was superior to that of other ninjas. Now, he holds a significant advantage in information, a condition unmatched by others.
This included the current Biwa Juzo.
Biwa Juzo couldn't compete with Aoba in this regard.
Hearing Aoba talk about these matters, Biwa Juzo understood the next steps, but another question followed.
"Rentaro, I have another question. When do you think we should discuss this matter with the Mizukage?"
Biwa Juzo asked a pertinent question, phrased cleverly, not spelling out his words too clearly but hinting, bringing up those issues.
Upon hearing Biwa Juzo's words, Aoba immediately grasped his meaning.
It wasn't about not telling the Mizukage.
But instead, when should we tell the Mizukage?
This implies it could be before the action starts or after it ends, with each timing having its rationale.
"Juzo-sama, do you think the Mizukage would obstruct us?"
Aoba paused to ask, surprised that such a matter would come from Biwa Juzo's mouth, indicating potential conflicts in ideology with the Mizukage, necessitating extra caution.
"I'm not sure."
Biwa Juzo shook his head, his expression becoming grave as he pondered this question. Now that the issue was out in the open and his trust in Aoba was strong, he decided to clarify directly with Aoba.
"I feel like our current attacks on Kumogakure are just a show; Mizukage-sama doesn't seem to be trying too hard," Biwa Juzo whispered.
"What do you mean?" Aoba inquired.
"Our former master died at the hands of Raikage, and whoever takes over as the Mizukage, if they want to alleviate the ninjas of Kirigakure, must attack Kumogakure. This is clear even to me. But Mizukage-sama would rather stabilize Kirigakure. It seems like we're fighting, but not seriously, and in fact, no real pressure is being put on Kumogakure," Biwa Juzo explained.
"You make a good point." Aoba nodded. Indeed, the new Mizukage, just gaining control of Kirigakure, would likely focus on stabilizing the village rather than investing in a battle they couldn't win.
"Through this, I see that assassinating Namikaze Minato might not arouse Mizukage-sama's interest; he might think it's too risky. If it fails, it could create intense conflict with Konohagakure during his tenure, something he might not want to see," Biwa Juzo analyzed.
"Juzo-sama, you're very insightful!" Aoba agreed again, realizing that although Biwa Juzo seemed to be seeking his opinion, he had already decided.
"Rentaro, what do you think?" Biwa Juzo probed.
"Hmm..."
Aoba narrowed his eyes, pretending to ponder though he already had an answer in mind.
A few seconds later.
As if he had just figured it out, Aoba looked up at Biwa Juzo.
"Juzo-sama, I think we should proceed with the action first. If successful, we can then inform Mizukage-sama. If not, I'll return to take responsibility, claiming it was my sole decision and you were not informed. What do you think?"
Aoba quickly crafted a response that Biwa Juzo couldn't refuse, which almost included everything that Biwa Juzo expected and worried about.
"This..."
Biwa Juzo's face tensed with conflict as he heard Aoba's words, his heart leaping with joy, but his expression remained troubled.
"Wouldn't that be too unfair to you?"
Biwa Juzo stared at Aoba with a complex look, his heart already soaring with no more worries, now eager to battle Minato Namikaze.
"Of course not."
Aoba shook his head firmly, his demeanor still very serious, without a hint of dissatisfaction. After all, these were mere promises, better the bigger and more confusing, ensuring Biwa Juzo's trust.
"Juzo-sama, this situation arose because of me. I'm offering this safety net to ensure the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist can carry out their task without worry."
"If successful, the credit is yours!"
"But if it fails, I will bear the consequences."
"I'm not doing this for personal gain."
"But for the future of our Kirigakure!"
Aoba's words were impassioned, and by the time he finished, he had utterly alleviated any concerns Biwa Juzo might have had.
"Rentaro!"
Biwa Juzo moved and clapped Aoba on the shoulder, suddenly realizing that this man truly embodied the spirit of a Kirigakure ninja, unconcerned with personal fame and benefit, having infiltrated Konohagakure for years just to send intelligence back to Kirigakure. For the sake of the village's long-term plans, he was willing to sacrifice his interests to eliminate their worries.
What a broad and formidable spirit!
The more he thought about it.
The more exceptional it seemed!
"I promise you!"
"We, the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, will succeed in assassinating Namikaze Minato!"
"This mission will be a successful one!"
"There will be no problems!"
"This time, we will bring victory to Kirigakure!"
Biwa Juzo declared fervently, each statement more charged than the last, now ultimately showing his determination to lead the charge, even at all costs, to secure the ultimate victory.
"Juzo-sama, don't worry, we won't fight alone. I'll arrange for Konoha's ANBU to attack to ensure the mission's success," Aoba said with a smile.
"That would be excellent!"
Biwa Juzo nodded again, now beginning to envision a bright future. The matter seemed so simple that he could already see himself and Shimura Danzo cooperating to confront Namikaze Minato.
...
Within minutes.
The Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist had gathered.
Each one's eyes brimmed with a bloodthirsty zeal, understanding the upcoming tasks and commands.
Assassinate Namikaze Minato, the future of Konoha!
This battle.
It wasn't merely a simple fight.
It was an assassination that could change the history of Kirigakuree.
"Let's go!"
Biwa Juzo's gaze swept over the other Kirigakure ninjas, and then he leaped up first, dashing through the trees toward the Land of Fire.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh...
Following Biwa Juzo's lead, each member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen leaped out, heading towards the Land of Fire.
Aoba followed behind the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. His pace could have been faster but steady, ensuring they remained within his sight to participate in the operation.
Eight figures flickered back and forth.
Aoba felt the timing was right and suddenly raised his left hand to cover his left eye, only exposing his right eye.
Buzz!
At that moment, Aoba's eyes transformed, shifting from their standard black pupils to the swirling pattern of the Rinnegan.
Instantly.
The images Aoba saw were transmitted to his other shadow clones, who received what Aoba was observing.
These clones of Aoba realized at that moment.
The plan had begun!
...
Land of Fire, Konohagakure.
Danzo sat in his office, not the real Danzo, but a corpse puppet created by Aoba as Tendo Pain.
As for the person next to Danzo, it was one of Aoba's shadow clones, controlling the chakra receiver in Danzo's body to direct his actions.
"It's time to start!"
Aoba's clone smiled slightly, having already set the combat tasks to bring down Root, the Third Hokage, and Orochimaru.
By clearing these individuals.
Konoha would see a new spring.
However.
These tainted individuals.
They kept their stains well hidden!
Aoba knew of their deeds but lacked evidence to confront them. Even if evidence were found, the Third Hokage would protect them, rendering it useless.
In that case.
He would create stains for them.
And use those fabricated stains to take them down!
That was Aoba's current plan!