At this moment, the forty-three clan leaders of the various bloodline clans of Kirigakure were also in the conference room.
They all wore expressions of schadenfreude as they looked at this miserable, defeated man.
As for speaking up for Fuguki Suikazan? That was impossible.
When the Seven Ninja Swordsmen were alive, they were practically untouchable within Kirigakure.
Even the bloodline clans—despite their noble status—received absolutely no respect from them.
Because of the overwhelming power of the Seven Swordsmen, the bloodline clans could only swallow their resentment and never dare speak out.
Now that the Seven Swordsmen had been beaten to this state…
They were secretly delighted. Why would they defend Fuguki Suikazan?
"Green Mountains and Flowing Clouds…"
Yagura muttered Aoyama Liuyun's name under his breath.
Although he already knew the commander on Konoha's side had been changed to Aoyama Liuyun…
He had not expected that upon arriving, Liuyun would immediately give him such a "big gift."
Because of that, Yagura now harbored a deep grudge against Aoyama Liuyun.
…
Over the next few days, Yagura Karatachi prepared to devise a strategy to deal with Konoha's Aoyama Liuyun.
After all, the Seven Ninja Swordsmen were wiped out.
Yagura would never forget that humiliation.
However, before Yagura could come up with a solution—
Konoha, under Aoyama Liuyun, declared war on Kirigakure directly.
"What?! What did you say? Konoha has already assembled its forces and is approaching?"
"Yes! The Konoha ninja are less than a kilometer from the Kirigakure encampment!"
"…"
Yagura was stunned.
What the hell?
He hadn't even started attacking yet, and they were already charging straight in?
The other Kirigakure shinobi who heard the report wore the same shocked expressions.
"Does this 'Green Mountains and Flowing Clouds' think that defeating the Seven Ninja Swordsmen allows him to look down on the Hidden Mist?!"
This attitude from Aoyama Liuyun…
Yagura felt completely disrespected.
The clan heads standing nearby stepped forward without hesitation.
"Lord Mizukage, since they have come this far, let's bury them here!"
"What's so impressive about some 'Green Mountains and Flowing Clouds'?!"
"Lord Mizukage! Give the order to fight!"
Yagura slammed his fist onto the table and stood up.
"Good!"
One voice after another rose in approval.
Yagura's mood surged with rising fury and excitement.
"Let's see what's so great about this Aoyama Liuyun!"
Under Yagura's command, the Kirigakure forces quickly mobilized.
They rushed forward to confront Aoyama Liiyun's approaching army.
…
"You nervous?"
On the other side, from Aoyama Liuyun's position, the Kirigakure encampment could already be seen in the distance.
Glancing at Might Duy, who was drenched in sweat beside him, Aoyama Liuyun asked with a smile.
Might Duy didn't pretend and nodded honestly.
"Yes."
He had always been stationed with genin, and now he was suddenly a jōnin preparing for real war.
It would be strange if he wasn't anxious.
"Haha! You'll get used to it."
Aoyama Liuyun just smiled and patted Duy on the shoulder.
Meanwhile, the Kirigakure forces, led by Yagura Karatachi,
Had already assembled and approached to within a hundred meters of Aoyama Liuyun's army.
"Green Mountains and Flowing Clouds! We finally meet!"
Yagura, face full of hostility, glared at Aoyama Liuyun standing at the front of Konoha's formation.
Aoyama Liuyun seemed utterly unfazed by that resentful glare.
He tilted his head, sized up Yagura Karatachi for a moment, and said casually:
"This battlefield isn't a playground for children. Go home and call your father out."
"You—!"
Yagura's eyes widened. For a moment, he didn't even know how to respond.
"Hahahaha!"
As soon as Aoyama Liuyun spoke, the Konoha shinobi burst into laughter.
Even a few Kirigakure shinobi couldn't help but snort.
Because of Yagura's position as Mizukage, none of them dared say anything openly.
Although Yagura Karatachi had a baby face and looked like a child,
He was, in fact, a grown man.
"You bastard!"
Ever since becoming Mizukage, no one had dared mock Yagura Karatachi's baby face.
Aoyama Liuyun was the first.
"Lord Mizukage, allow me to go first!"
Noticing Yagura's anger, Fuguki Suikazan stepped forward.
Ever since the destruction of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, the lone survivor—Fuguki Suikazan—had seen his status plummet.
Fuguki was ambitious.
Naturally, he wanted to regain his lost authority.
Fuguki had his reasons for volunteering first.
Aoyama Liuyun was Konoha's commander, and Yagura hadn't made a move yet.
It was unlikely Liuyun would act first.
So this was the perfect opportunity to gain face—
Without directly facing the monster known as Aoyama Liuyun.
I'm brilliant!
A perfect plan!
…
"Mm."
Yagura nodded slightly.
He clearly understood what Fuguki was thinking.
But he still gave him the chance.
Furthermore, Fuguki Suikazan was indeed strong—more than qualified to lead the charge.
After Kirigakure sent out Fuguki Suikazan,
Aoyama Liuyun ignored Uchiha Fugaku and Hyūga Hiashi, who were eager to show their strength.
Instead, he looked straight at Might Duy.
"Duy. He's yours."
"Eh?!"
"Is there a problem?"
"Absolutely not!"
Might Duy froze for a moment when he heard his name called.
But seeing Aoyama Liuyun's seriousness, he immediately responded.
Ever since Aoyama Liuyun promoted him to jōnin,
Might Duy felt a heavy pressure—
Because he had never accomplished anything worthy of that rank.
And now, Duy wanted to prove himself.
He wanted to prove that Aoyama Liuyun's judgment was correct.
"Alright. Go."
Visit patreon.com/Akeyno to get 30+ chapters