But these old fogies still choose to prioritize dealing with the unknown!

It was precisely because of this sudden, silent infiltration by [Zetsu] that the decision to hastily withdraw the Earth Escapers was made, creating a loophole in the border defenses of the Land of Hot Water. This allowed some rats, who dared not show their true faces, to sneak in.

but,

This is the graveyard of that thing and those rats.

Following the girl's gaze to the dome, a deep purple defensive barrier had been in place for quite some time.

This is Bu Yuan's unique barrier technique, the "Eight Gates Closure," which prevents both outsiders and internal members from entering or leaving this sealed-off capital city without a Command Seal.

Of course, given the amount of chakra energy within him and his individual mental state, maintaining this for two days would be the limit.

"Excuse me, does the Land of Iron need me to send the kingdom's army there?"

"Although it may not be very effective, it is still more deterrent than sending a ninja to mediate."

The person who spoke was Hiroaki Nishitani, the nominal daimyo of this country.

If it had been placed a month ago,

If this had happened during the three days under Uchiha Ara's rule, he would have breathed a sigh of relief upon facing this sudden attack and opened the country's gates to allow outsiders from all sides to enter.

Although the ultimate result of doing so would inevitably be the fall of the Kingdom of Hot Springs and the entire kingdom becoming an appendage of others, at least at that time I would still be able to control the Western District, instead of becoming a completely useless puppet.

But right now,

Seeing the Thunderbolts' peaceful coexistence with the military and civilians after taking over the entire country, witnessing the gradual rise of the ninja academy, and seeing former thugs and bullies transformed into laborers repairing the nation...

All these changes gave Daimyo Nishitani a glimmer of hope.

The hope of making the Land of Tang stand among the top nations!

Instead of evolving into a lowly vassal state like the neighboring Frost Kingdom.

That's why he said those things.

This land beneath our feet shouldn't be left to these ninjas to protect and revitalize.

all of these,

On the contrary, it is the responsibility that he, as a daimyo, should shoulder!

Upon hearing this, Chino subconsciously turned her gaze away, meeting the sincere and earnest look in Nishitani Daimyo's eyes.

This doesn't seem like a deliberate act, nor does it appear to be an attempt to seek an opportunity to collude with the enemy.

However, at this critical moment of life and death, she naturally would not let her feelings dictate her entire situation; she had considered all possible bad outcomes.

"unnecessary."

She coldly refused, leaving no room for compromise in her words.

However, the girl still softened her heart, which is why she continued to add more.

"We promised that sir that we would protect this city."

"So, Daimyo Nishitani, you can relax."

Although he had already anticipated this, a noticeable hint of disappointment still appeared on Nishitani Hiroaki's face after hearing this answer.

He clearly knew that.

This is a manifestation of being excluded and a sign of being distrusted.

But it's understandable, since he didn't take any initiative to express his opinion when that person arrived.

Even so,

"Is there anything I can do to help you?"

"After all, I also hope that this country will develop in a positive direction."

Daimyo Nishitani continued, still somewhat unwilling, and his words became increasingly sincere, even though he felt a little ashamed as he uttered such words.

However, this slight shame was far from enough to cover up what he truly thought in his heart.

"I see."

"In that case, please have Nishitani arrange for his soldiers to appease the residents of the city."

"Leave the fighting to us, we'll handle the blocking."

"We are not as weak as you think."

Chino's voice softened, and her words were filled with absolute certainty and trust.

[Mediation?]

[Bringing Kaguya-Kimimaro over is not just a simple matter of mediation!]

[It's a definitive conclusion: stepping on their territory will result in total annihilation!!]

To fight against a thousand fully armed warriors of the Land of Iron by himself is something that would seem like an impossible and defying-the-sky feat to outsiders.

Because this is no longer just about the individual strength of those who go there.

It also relates to a person's courage, awareness, and whether they can maintain their original intentions!

After all,

Killing, wantonly taking the lives of others,

It is one of the things in the world that most easily makes the strong lose their way.

However, Chino still believed in her decision.

Because that person said before leaving:

If any difficult situation arises, let Kaguya Kimimaro handle it.

You can always trust Kimimaro.

"Okay, I see."

"I will have my soldiers appease the residents of the city."

Upon receiving the order, Hiroaki Nishitani answered affirmatively.

"Of course, I will also personally lead the officials in the city to guard the city tower."

As if to express his determination, or perhaps to revitalize the status of the daimyo, he added a very brief sentence.

Chino did not respond to this, but simply nodded slightly to indicate that she understood.

After all, he clearly knew that neither power, absolute domination, nor ambitious conquest were what the person he followed wanted.

Therefore, it doesn't matter whether Nishitani Daimyo's move was to enhance his own prestige or to truly do something practical as he claimed.

All that person wanted was a place that could be called home, and this place was just a temporary base.

Because someone had already invited him beforehand, and given his personality, once he agreed, he wouldn't go back on his word.

Absolutely not!

As the girl's thoughts settled, a towering fog began to engulf the entire capital city of the Land of Hot Springs. And in her field of vision, a straight figure with long, silver-white hair was already heading north.

That's where the warriors of the Land of Iron approach.

Meanwhile, in the outskirts of the city,

A pair of bright red eyes suddenly opened.

"found it."

"Right under the corner of that ruin."

Soft whispers echoed in a residential house where many atmospheres were suppressed.

"Really,"

"That mouse is really good at hiding."

Upon hearing this, a crisp yet defiant gritted teeth sounded.

What's even more unsettling is that as the words were spoken, a chilling aura of chakra was released.

It was as if her every move was imbued with the most substantial and genuine brutality.

To be able to bypass the defenses set up by the elite members of the Mist Shadows and infiltrate the city silently was a huge dereliction of duty for them.

Fortunately, among that person's followers was a being capable of peering into the void.

"Thanks to you this time, Ranmaru."

"Once this matter is settled, I will speak to that official on your behalf and ask for credit."

The girl carrying the dazzling lightsaber continued.

"No, Yuri-nee, this is what I should do."

The little guy blushed suddenly when he was praised.

A clear sense of shyness rippled through her heart.

Because of these praises, these acceptances, and all these small acts of warmth.

These are feelings he never had when he was regarded as a monster by the villagers!

His once incredibly extravagant recognition,

Yet here it is clearly tangible.

This feeling made her cherish it immensely.

"Hurry up, Yuri-nee, before that guy senses our presence."

To hide the shyness that was showing on her face, Ranmaru hurriedly urged her on.

But only he himself knew the truth.

Once spotted by these special eyes, unless the other party flees the city and this land, there is no way to shake off their eyes!

"Well, we'll talk about that later."

"Earth-遁使, prepare."

Upon hearing this, Ringo Yuuri immediately gave the order.

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