The situation in the Hidden Rock and Hidden Cloud is quite similar, with stable internal environments, making it highly unlikely to successfully sway them at this stage.
As for the Hidden Sand... there was a chance. However, the Hidden Sand's high-level Chiyo and her sibling successfully turned the internal conflict caused by the Third Kazekage's mysterious disappearance into an external conflict, stabilizing the Hidden Sand's military morale as well.
Upon careful consideration, only the Hidden Mist, currently embroiled in intense internal strife and yearning for a complete institutional overhaul, has the potential to become a 'friend.' Moreover, the possibility is not low.
The prerequisite is to assist the reform faction in successfully overthrowing the Third Mizukage's rule and steer the change in a direction favorable to the Land of Demons. Otherwise, all discussions will be pointless.
The balance in this matter must be carefully managed.
◎
Hidden Mist Jonin Karatachi Yagura received orders from the Third Mizukage to visit the Land of Demons. This event did not cause much of a stir.
Jonin Kuraki, who arrived in the Land of Demons before Yagura, met the Third Mizukage's right-hand man Karatachi Yagura in front of a hospital room in the company building of the Shion Flower pharmaceutical company.
Behind Yagura were several accompanying jonin, whose bloody aura, even when suppressed, lingered faintly in the air, bringing an icy and uncomfortable feeling.
This was the usual aura of those who firmly execute the 'Blood Mist' policy.
Just walking past them, one could smell the nauseating scent of blood.
Among them, Karatachi Yagura was the most outstanding.
Even the renowned Seven-swords Ninja were subdued by his strength. In the Hidden Mist Village, he could be said to be second to none but one.
If nothing unexpected occurs, shortly after the Third Mizukage steps down, he is most likely to succeed as the Fourth Mizukage, becoming the new leader of the Blood Mist Faction.
Therefore, Jonin Somoku and Chukichi from the reform faction naturally displayed a colder demeanor towards Yagura.
"This is the Third Mizukage's order."
Yagura had nothing extra to say to these two, only firmly implementing the Third Mizukage's orders.
"Is it true that Jonin Ringo is being released?"
Jonin Kuraki asked a rhetorical question.
Knowing they had secretly returned to the Hidden Mist beforehand, this question was merely a cover.
Yagura's purple pupils showed no emotional fluctuation as he spoke coldly, "Although I personally wish to quickly eliminate all you reformists, letting Ringo Ameyuri go was a direct order from Lord Mizukage. Be grateful for Lord Mizukage's benevolence. And after returning, behave yourselves and do not oppose Lord Mizukage. After all, both of your Medical Ninjutsu and Perception Ninjutsu are extremely important to the village."
Rather than claiming the Third Mizukage is benevolent, it is more akin to his age rendering him indecisive compared to before.
Additionally, he considered the special abilities of Somoku and Chukichi.
Training an excellent Medical Ninja is not easy, and similar resources and time are required for training Perception Ninja.
While combat personnel can be quickly replaced, losing Medical Ninja and Perception Ninja presents an irremediable shortcoming in the short term.
Even Konoha, with a relatively comprehensive medical system, would not readily abandon a Medical Ninja.
Much less the Hidden Mist, whose medical system is just beginning.
"Understood."
Jonin Kuraki nodded, his expression revealing nothing.
"I won't enter the ward. After all, Ringo Ameyuri might not welcome someone like me. I will first visit Lady Witch Mire of the Land of Demons to discuss the subsequent arrangements for Ringo Ameyuri. You should pack up quickly. By the way, be sure to take the Lightning Blades Fangs. Meet outside Shion City at 3 PM."
The mission upon return is to protect the Medical Ninja, Perception Ninja, and the invaluable Lightning Blades Fangs.
It is for this reason that he, a jonin with substantial influence in the Hidden Mist, was sent here to convey the Mizukage's order.
Upon finishing this statement, Yagura turned and left with the jonin following him.
After Yagura's departure, Somoku and Chukichi heaved a deep sigh of relief.
Overall, the mission was accomplished.
However, the struggle between the Blood Mist Faction and the reform faction will not end here; rather, with time, the conflict between the two factions will intensify, possibly leading to a coup endangering the village's stability.
As Hidden Mist jonin, they cannot extricate themselves from this situation.
◎
Ringo Ameyuri sought treatment in the Land of Demons but succumbed to terminal illness.
This news quickly spread throughout the Ninja Realm, eliciting varied reactions from different villages.
After all, it was a domestic issue of the Hidden Mist and unrelated to them. Moreover, Ringo Ameyuri, the genius ninja of the Lightning Style, had been known to be seriously ill. For the past year, it was unheard of for her to undertake any missions. Her succumbing to her illness now makes sense.
For those aware of the inside story, like Tsunade, hearing this news left her momentarily stunned, followed by a sigh.
Ringo Ameyuri was not afflicted with a terminal illness, but rather suffered from severe poisoning that led to a drastic decline in her bodily functions, making it impossible for her to live as a ninja.
The only person capable of healing her injuries in the Ninja Realm was probably her former student, Chiba Hakushi, who had long left Konoha.
Her recommendation for the Hidden Mist to go to the Land of Demons was merely to alleviate the further deterioration of Ringo Ameyuri's condition, but it unfortunately did not yield significant results.