The meeting ended in an atmosphere of high spirits.
Kaguya Soranosuke and Yukinijo, two men who had just been at each other's throats, were now unexpectedly walking together, discussing something in low voices.
It was foreseeable that in the coming days, their two clans would frantically prepare for the upcoming "feast."
The entire high-level leadership of Kirigakure reached an unprecedented unity at this moment.
Soon, only the Mizukage Gengetsu and the Hozuki siblings, who had been standing silently behind him, remained in the conference room.
"Gen, thank you for your hard work," Gengetsu said, personally pouring a cup of hot tea for Gen, his tone filled with emotion.
"You exaggerate, Lord Mizukage," Gen took the teacup, a gratified smile appearing on his aged face. "This old man just did what he should do. For the future of the village, this little bit of hardship is nothing."
"I am just doing my part. The one who truly makes the decision is still you."
"Mm, but..."
Gengetsu's tone shifted, and a trace of worry appeared on his face. "The journey to Kumogakure is long and fraught with danger. Those people in the Land of Lightning are all unreasonable brutes. I really can't rest easy letting you go alone."
"Hehe, it's fine," Gen smiled, saying nonchalantly. "These old bones of mine can still fight. Although the Third Raikage, A, is domineering, he is not a fool. He can distinguish between pros and cons."
"There are no eternal enemies, only eternal interests. The Raikage has no reason to refuse."
Gengetsu's expression became serious. "That being said, we cannot lack the necessary precautions."
Gengetsu shook his head; his attitude was firm.
This mission concerned the future of the entire Kirigakure and absolutely no mistakes could be allowed.
He had to give Gen the strongest support and send out the sharpest blade in his hand.
Gengetsu's gaze slowly fell on the siblings behind him.
"Umitsuki, Shio."
"I order you two, from this moment on, to serve as Gen's personal bodyguards, protecting his safety throughout the journey until the mission ends."
——————
"Yes, Lord Mizukage."
Hozuki Umitsuki's voice was cold and crisp, just like him, without any superfluous emotion. He just bowed slightly to Gen, like a silent statue.
Hozuki Shio, on the other hand, was completely different.
She walked up to Gen, winked her large aqua-blue eyes playfully, and wore a cynical smile on her face: "Lord Gen, don't worry! With us siblings here, let alone a mere Kumogakure, even if it were a dragon's pool or a tiger's den, we could ensure your safe passage!"
Her voice was clear and melodious, full of confidence, as if what was about to begin was not a secret diplomatic mission concerning the pattern of the ninja world, but an interesting trip.
"However..."
The girl's tone shifted. She extended a slender finger, waved it in front of Gen, and said with a grin, "For such an important mission of protecting you... I heard a new dessert shop opened in the village..."
"Shio!"
Hozuki Umitsuki's cold voice came from the side, carrying a warning tone.
"I know, I know, how boring."
Hozuki Shio stuck out her tongue, made a face in her brother's direction, and then returned to her smiling appearance.
Gen looked at the siblings with vastly different styles but perfect tacit understanding, his eyes full of appreciation.
Hozuki Umitsuki, calm and decisive, like an undercurrent in the deep sea, silent but capable of unleashing fatal power.
He was the top ace of Kirigakure's assassination unit, the sharpest knife in the Mizukage's hand.
Hozuki Shio, lively and cunning, seemingly harmless but always able to play the enemy in the palm of her hand in the most unexpected ways.
Her creative development of Water Release amazed even an old man like him.
With the two of them present, the safety of this mission was indeed guaranteed to the greatest extent.
"Hehe, good, good."
Gen smiled kindly. "When the mission is completed, this old man will pay out of his own pocket to treat you to desserts, as much as you want."
"Really? Lord Gen, you can't lie to me!" Hozuki Shio's eyes lit up instantly.
"It's a promise."
"Mm, besides the two of them," Gengetsu continued, "I will also select dozens of elites from the Anbu to accompany you as members of the diplomatic team. They will be responsible for intelligence gathering and security together."
"Lord Mizukage, you have considered everything thoroughly," Gen nodded, very satisfied with Gengetsu's arrangement.
"Then, without further delay," Gengetsu stood up. "Gen, Umitsuki, Shio, go prepare immediately. Assemble at the northern port at midnight tonight and set off on time."
"Yes!"
The three acknowledged the order and turned to leave the conference room.
In the empty conference room, only Gengetsu remained once again.
He walked to the window, looking at the village gradually being swallowed by the night, his eyes becoming incredibly profound.
Gen, plus the strength of the Hozuki siblings, was enough to deal with most unexpected situations.
Now, all he had to do was wait.
Wait for Gen to bring back the result he wanted most from Kumogakure.
...
That night, midnight.
The eastern port of Kirigakure was shrouded in silent darkness.
A medium-sized, disguised fast ship was quietly docked at the pier.
The ship flew no flag and looked like an ordinary merchant ship.
Gen, wearing a simple traveler's robe and leaning on a cane, boarded the deck with Hozuki Umitsuki.
Hozuki Shio, like a cheerful little bird, had already jumped onto the ship and was looking around curiously.
"Wow, this ship is pretty big! Brother, how many days do you think we'll be gone? Does Kumogakure have delicious barbecue? I heard Konoha's barbecue is superb, I wonder how Kumogakure's is."
"Shut up, foodie," Hozuki Umitsuki coldly interrupted his sister's chatter.
"Tch, how boring," Hozuki Shio pouted.
Soon, ten Kirigakure Anbu elites, also dressed in plain clothes with restrained auras, boarded the ship silently.
After bowing to Gen and the Hozuki siblings, they quickly dispersed, each taking up a key position on the ship.
Everything was ready.
"Set sail."
With Gen's order, the ship cast off its moorings and slowly left the port. Like a black ghost, it silently merged into the vast sea shrouded in night and dense fog.
The ship carried the ambition of Kirigakure's rise and its future destiny.
After they left, the compounds of the Kaguya and Yuki clans in the distance were still brightly lit.
Kaguya Soranosuke was on the training ground, selecting the most bloodthirsty warriors.
Yukinijo was in his ice chamber, carving a new work of art named "Whirlpool."
They were all making final preparations for the upcoming feast.
A storm sweeping across the ninja world was quietly brewing.
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