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Akihiko couldn't help but recall the original destiny of the Kamizuru Clan, renowned for their bug-using techniques. They were once a prominent clan in the Hidden Rock Village, similar to Konoha's Aburame Clan. However, as time passed, their influence dwindled, leaving behind only a handful of inexperienced young members. Their decline began during the Third Great Ninja War, where they suffered a devastating defeat against the Aburame Clan. Consequently, they lost their esteemed position and the respect they once commanded within Iwagakure.
Nevertheless, the Grass Village had a welcoming policy toward shinobi, regardless of their clan affiliation, as long as they displayed loyalty and obedience. Akihiko, who had arranged the mission in secret, didn't pay much attention to it afterwards. He entrusted the matter to Mubuki, the senior advisor or consultant of the Grass Village.
It was inconceivable for the Grass Village leader to be directly involved in such activities. The repercussions of such a revelation, spreading throughout Konoha and the ninja world, would severely tarnish the Grass Village's reputation. The Land of Grass would suffer a loss of prestige.
However, even if the mission were to fail, they could conveniently attribute it to the decision made by their senior advisor without the knowledge or approval of the Grass Village. They could emphasize that the Grass Village was a peaceful nation committed to upholding the five basic principles of mutual respect for sovereignty, non-aggression, non-interference in internal affairs, equality, mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence with allies. They would reassure others that they had taken strict measures to punish the senior advisor for his unauthorized actions.
Akihiko sighed as he looked down at the information in his hand. "Mubuki seems to possess quite some usefulness, doesn't he?" he remarked, recognizing the potential value of their senior advisor.
….
Upon receiving the leader's secret mission, Mubuki's expression turned grave. He meticulously examined the mission document, his face displaying a mix of concern and disbelief. He glanced up at the Grass Village shinobi who had delivered the message, unable to contain his incredulity. "What kind of absurd idea has the leader entertained?" he voiced his disbelief.
The notion of poaching ninjas from the Five Great Shinobi Villages seemed utterly ludicrous to Mubuki. The Kamizuru Clan, unlike the Uzumaki and Chinoike clans, held a prestigious position within the Hidden Rock Village. How could they betray their own village and align with the Grass Village, a group of relatively unknown shinobi? Mubuki's indignation overflowed as he exclaimed, "The leader should ponder these matters privately rather than openly discussing them. It's far too easy to incur the wrath of the Five Great Shinobi Villages!"
The consequences they had faced when they previously provided false information to the Five Great Shinobi Villages remained etched in his memory. The Grass Village had nearly been decimated as a result. Mubuki highly doubted that the Five Great Shinobi Villages would allow their shinobi to be easily taken away, even if they harbored discontent within their own villages.
"I knew it. The leader cannot be trusted," Mubuki muttered to himself, a wry smile playing on his lips. "Only those three Sannin from Konoha, who have some peculiar notions, would consider the leader a good person. Can there truly be good people in the Grass Village? How could someone become a leader if they were truly a good person?"
While Mubuki observed the Grass Village shinobi, he noticed one of them taking out a small notebook and jotting down notes. Curiosity got the better of him, prompting him to inquire, "What are you writing?"
The Grass shinobi responded nonchalantly, "Oh, this is a task assigned to me by the leader. He instructed me to document our conversation." The shinobi further mentioned that the leader had expressed it didn't matter if the conversation wasn't recorded in secret.
Mubuki was left speechless, further cementing his doubts. Could the leader truly be a good person? Could someone of good character lead the Grass Village?
In a sudden shift of tone, Mubuki exclaimed with enthusiasm, "Indeed, our leader is exceptional! Far-sighted! What holds the utmost importance? It's the presence of talented individuals! Our leader always emphasizes the value of talent! If the Grass Village lacks talent, what must we do? We must steal… attract talent! Nowadays, the major shinobi clans are dissatisfied with how the villages exploit them. Are they truly nurturing shinobi? No, they treat them as mere tools! They fail to recognize the humanity within shinobi!"
Mubuki stood up, releasing a weary sigh before continuing, "In our Grass Village, led by our esteemed leader, we flourish! Talent is our priority, treasured and nurtured with utmost care. We never view gifted individuals as mere pawns, instead, we embrace a culture of inclusivity and compassion. This is why esteemed clans like the Uzumaki and Chinoike willingly align themselves with us. The foundation of our Grass Village is built upon love!"
As he concluded his passionate speech, Mubuki noticed a peculiar expression on the face of the Grass Village shinobi. It appeared that his time in prison had refined his manner of speaking or perhaps his flattery?
Just then, a member of Mubuki's clan rushed in and informed him, "Lord Mubuki, someone from the Hidden Rock Village has arrived for a visit. They claim to be shinobi from there!"
Mubuki and the Grass Village shinobi exchanged silent glances. The Grass Village shinobi respectfully bowed and said, "I shall take my leave to provide my report. My apologies for the interruption, Lord Mubuki!"
Just as he was about to depart, Mubuki hastily called out, "Wait! Wait! Leave the notebook behind!"
However, it seemed the Grass Village shinobi did not hear him at all. Swiftly, he leaped away without attracting any attention, vanishing from Mubuki's sight.
Mubuki gazed out of the window with a blank expression, a sense of helplessness washing over him. The Grass Village shinobi were truly swift runners, leaving no trace behind.
"Damn it! If the leader causes me trouble later on, I'll make sure to return the favor!" Mubuki muttered to himself, sighing and shaking his head. "Well, it's time to meet these shinobi from the Hidden Rock Village! This time, they have come to see me instead of the leader. Could it be something of great significance?"
With a renewed smile on his face, Mubuki entered the living room and spotted the lone Hidden Rock shinobi waiting there. It was none other than Kitsuchi, the leader of the Hidden Rock Village's team.
Mubuki quickly took a seat and cheerfully exclaimed, "Ah, tea! We must have tea! How could I not offer you some? After all, Kitsuchi-san, you are an esteemed guest of the Grass Village!"
"Oh... There's no need to trouble yourself," Kitsuchi waved his hand dismissively, showing little interest in Mubuki's display of respect.
"But it's necessary! It's necessary!" Mubuki insisted, looking at Kitsuchi, who wore a serious expression. He straightforwardly asked, "May I inquire, Kitsuchi-san, if there is something I can assist you with? Rest assured, we Grass Village shinobi always uphold righteousness, ready to aid our comrades and never betray our allies!"
Kitsuchi's gaze lingered on Mubuki, his face etched with bewilderment. Something about Mubuki's statement felt amiss, and Kitsuchi couldn't help but wonder internally, 'Why doesn't this sound like you guys?'
Kitsuchi's mouth twitched slightly, but he composed himself and spoke with seriousness, "I have come to the Land of Grass at the Tsuchikage's request to establish an alliance with your village."
Mubuki, with a wide smile and exaggerated gestures, responded, "That's wonderful! The Grass Village always welcomes new friends!"
"Advisor Mubuki, you misunderstand me. That's not what I meant," Kitsuchi said, looking at Mubuki's cheerful expression and recalling how their conversations always seemed to veer off track at critical moments. He paused briefly and continued directly, "The Grass Village's geographic location is crucial. It lies between our country and the Land of Fire, serving as a vital passage between the two. In the event of a war..."
Interrupting Kitsuchi, Mubuki's demeanor turned serious as well. "I apologize, I understand your point. However, our leader recently announced a policy stating that the Land of Grass will not participate in any wars between major nations. We are a peace-loving country. Therefore, in the conflict between the Land of Earth and the Land of Fire, the Land of Grass will remain neutral."
Kitsuchi maintained his gaze on Mubuki, rendering him momentarily speechless. He couldn't help but question the validity of the Land of Grass' claim to be a peace-loving country, especially considering their involvement in the First Great Ninja War, where their shinobi had sold false intelligence.
Without giving Kitsuchi a chance to express his skepticism, Mubuki interjected with an air of righteousness, "Moreover, Konoha and the Grass Village share a profound friendship. We are allies, brothers, and cherished companions. Betraying our allies is unthinkable."
Mubuki's declaration caused Kitsuchi's eyelid to twitch slightly. He surveyed the Grass shinobi before him and inwardly sighed, marveling at their audacity. However, this time, he chose not to engage in a lengthy discourse. Resting his hands on the table, he raised his weary face and fixed his gaze unwaveringly on Mubuki.
The prolonged silence made Mubuki squirm uneasily, attempting to find his words. "Um..."
"Advisor Mubuki!" Kitsuchi interrupted Mubuki's faltering speech. This time, he refused to allow the conversation to stray. Speaking with utmost seriousness, he addressed Mubuki, "I know deep down that you harbor dissatisfaction with your leader."
Mubuki's face registered shock and confusion at Kitsuchi's assertion. He stared at Kitsuchi, his expression a mix of bewilderment and disbelief. Internally, he wondered, 'Who said that? I never expressed such dissatisfaction.'
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