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Chapter 165 - Chapter 165

"No more discussion," the Third Hokage said firmly, shifting the topic. "What are your thoughts on Tsunade's proposal?"

"I think it's feasible," Mitokado Homura responded first.

Utatane Koharu hesitated for a moment before speaking. "The plan could work, but it requires selecting the right people. Their strength must be formidable. The Oasis is the lifeblood of the Land of Wind. If it's destroyed, we can expect a fierce retaliation from Sunagakure."

"And weak operatives won't be able to make a significant impact on the oasis," she added.

After nearly a year of deliberation and delays, Tsunade's plan for striking back at Sunagakure by targeting their oasis had finally reached the discussion table. The prolonged war and its mounting toll on Konoha had forced the Third Hokage to consider it seriously.

Striking the Sand Village would boost Konoha's morale and offer an explanation to the Daimyo, whose confidence in Konoha had been wavering. Ever since parts of the Land of Fire had been ravaged, the Daimyo's support had been lukewarm at best. Funding was being allocated sporadically, like squeezing toothpaste—never enough and always with reluctance.

The higher-ups were feeling the pressure.

"So, who do we send?" The Third Hokage looked around, pausing before adding, "I have someone in mind."

Utatane Koharu glanced at Mitokado Homura, silently prompting him to speak.

Homura sighed, exasperated by their covert behavior. The three of them were in the Hokage's office, yet they acted like conspirators.

"Shinki seems the most suitable candidate," Homura finally said. "First, as the deputy director of the Anbu, he has the authority to manage the unit in Tsunade's absence. Second, his combat strength is undeniable—defeating Hanzo of the Salamander is proof enough. Lastly, his puppets provide a tactical advantage; even if Sunagakure retaliates, he can withdraw without compromising the mission."

Although there had been friction between him and Shinki, Homura recognized that for a high-stakes mission like this, Shinki's survival was critical. A successful strike followed by a safe return would maximize Konoha's strategic gains.

"Unlike the case of Chiyo's son and daughter-in-law," he continued. "They caused significant damage to the Land of Fire but died in the attempt. Sunagakure couldn't celebrate or publicize their deeds. If they had survived, it would have been a different story."

Having said his piece, Homura looked down, signaling that he was done. He had no intention of being the one to persuade Shinki—this was a task for the Hokage himself.

Utatane Koharu shared the sentiment and remained silent, avoiding the Third Hokage's eyes.

"..."

Realizing that neither of his old advisors wanted to take on the responsibility, the Third Hokage understood that he would need to handle it personally. Normally, he could simply issue an order, but this was Shinki.

Convincing him required more than an official directive. Shinki would only accept a mission if he found it reasonable; otherwise, even the Hokage's command would be met with refusal.

"I'll give it a try."

If it were anyone else, the Third Hokage might have felt more confident, but with Shinki, there was no guarantee.

---

In the Anbu headquarters, Shinki was in his workshop, using specially prepared materials to craft new puppets. The older puppets, made from ninja corpses, would gradually be replaced and repurposed as expendables. His recent trip to the Land of Rain had brought in valuable resources, thanks to Nara Shikashin's assistance.

The Anbu and the Ino-Shika-Cho clan continued to procure materials for him—an unusual task for such a prestigious family.

One puppet after another took shape, infused with chakra and brought to life through Shinki's techniques.

These new puppets were different: clean, natural, and free from any unpleasant odors.

"Senior, is there something you need?" Shinki asked without turning around as he sensed someone approaching.

"It's not from me," Nara Shikashin said, watching the process with fascination. Despite being mentally prepared, he couldn't help but be amazed.

He felt a twinge of embarrassment remembering how he'd once joked that Shinki wouldn't be able to make puppets from basic materials. If the puppet masters of Sunagakure knew about this, they would likely be speechless.

Shinki had managed to create them using inexpensive materials and produced them in bulk.

It was uncanny—like witnessing something supernatural.

"But the Hokage needs to see you," Shikashin continued. He'd been enjoying a quiet cup of tea in his office when the Third Hokage asked him to deliver the message. The Hokage himself couldn't enter the Anbu headquarters uninvited, nor could anyone else. The defensive puppets stationed at the entrance would ensure that.

"Oh?"

Shinki paused. "I didn't sense anyone from the Hokage's office arriving."

The puppets would have alerted him to any outsider's approach. As their creator, Shinki would know if they moved.

"They didn't come themselves," Shikashin said sympathetically. As Hokage, not being able to enter the Anbu's base without permission was a rare humiliation.

But it was a situation of the Third Hokage's own making.

"I had my family pass along the message, so here I am," Shikashin explained.

"Ah, that makes sense."

"It must be important."

Shinki nodded but continued with his work. Shikashin stood at the door, hesitating. This was the Hokage's order. Anyone else would have rushed to comply, but Shinki showed no such urgency, finishing his task before responding.

It was remarkable, even audacious.

Shikashin couldn't help but think back to Tsunade. Even if she disliked the Hokage, she would prioritize urgent matters—unless, of course, they didn't suit her mood.

After an hour, Shinki completed his task and made his way to the Hokage's office. There, he found the Third Hokage, Utatane Koharu, and Mitokado Homura waiting with expressions that were less than pleased.

"Shinki, we've been waiting for two hours," the Third Hokage said, barely masking his irritation.

"Really? Has it been that long?" Shinki replied, feigning surprise. "Apologies. An urgent matter in the Anbu needed my attention. Once that was resolved, I came as quickly as I could. What can I help the Hokage and esteemed elders with?"

Stay calm.

Now wasn't the time for anger.

Homura cast subtle glances at Koharu, silently urging her to hold back her temper. The last thing they needed was an argument with Shinki, who they were counting on for this mission.

--- 

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