Yes, the Hokage

"Thank you, Fourth Hokage." Mitokado Homura quickly accepted the gift with both hands and breathed a sigh of relief.

"And, there's another question." He was no longer as arrogant as before. "May I ask who the real treasurer is?"

"Of course it's you, Lord Mitokado Homura," Minato replied with a smile.

Hearing this, Mitokado Yan's nerves, which had been tense all day, finally relaxed, and she almost collapsed onto the sofa.

"...However, it could also be Shikaku." Unfortunately, Minato had more to say.

Her nerves, which had just relaxed, tensed up again, and Mitokado almost jumped up.

"Or perhaps, it's a high-ranking official I admire." Minato gestured towards Koharu Utatane with his head slightly. "In any case, it hasn't been officially decided yet."

The next second, his smiling expression suddenly turned serious: "But whoever it is, it's the Fourth Hokage's decision, isn't it? Lord Mitokado Homura?"

At this moment, Mitokado Homura, who had never thought highly of this young Hokage, truly felt what it meant to receive both thunder and rain, all of which were divine grace. Unbeknownst to him, the puppet that he could only manipulate from behind the scenes had been trained by Feng Lan to be so suffocating.

He dared not utter another word of rebuttal, and could only tremble as he said, "Yes, Hokage."

However, no sooner had Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu left than the serious, sharp, and even slightly murderous Minato transformed back into his blond-haired self: "Fenglan, Fenglan, how many points did I get on this exam?"

"Hmm~~" Feng Lan shrugged, "Overall it's pretty good, I'll give it an 80."

"Hmm~~" Minato puffed out his cheeks subtly, "How come it's only eighty?"

"We weren't ruthless enough. If it were me, Mitokado Homura would be in jail by now." Feng Lan yawned and lay back down on the sofa.

“This…” Minato frowned, “Isn’t this going a bit too far?”

"When they were bombarding you with mountains of documents, they never thought they were going too far," Feng Lan said lazily. "But... that's just you, isn't it? I'll give you another ten points, ninety points should be enough, right?"

"You're being far too casual in giving me the grades!"

“It’s not that we’re doing this casually,” Feng Lan shrugged. “It’s just that Mitomon Yan’s position really shouldn’t be changed right now. Financial power isn’t something you can just seize and figure out immediately. You have to infiltrate it little by little.”

He yawned again, but his eyes flashed with a cold light as he opened and closed them: "The next one to deal with should be Koharu Utatane. After all, Lady Tsunade can sit in that position, and it can be passed on to Shizune in the future."

"We just got back, and you're already causing trouble again?" Minato pouted.

"It's not that I want to cause trouble. They're the ones who did a lot of things while we were away. I'm just trying to correct them." Feng Lan picked up the large brick he had just used as a pillow. "Do you know what these guys did to Taki no Kyu behind our backs?"

"Uh... I don't know." Minato looked at the thing that was thicker than a dictionary and felt dizzy.

"Alright, it's almost time to get off work, and Kushina will be going home soon too. You should go home first." Feng Lan picked up the documents in her hand. "I'll get a good night's sleep tonight and then we'll talk in detail tomorrow."

……

Let's rewind a little, to the Land of Rain.

"Well, it finally came."

After Pakura and Mei Terumi explained their purpose, Yahiko sighed, "Although I had already guessed that the day was not far off when I saw Kisame arrive, I did not expect that he would make his move so soon after the Five Kage Summit had just ended."

“I wonder which one is Nagato.” Pakula took out a second letter. “This is from Lord Fenglan.”

"Given it to me, it's not enough... You have to give it to Nagato separately?" Yahiko frowned, gesturing for Nagato to take it first, and they could look at it together after everyone had left.

"There is one last letter that I need to deliver to those two gentlemen."

Although Pakura didn't say it directly, Yahiko knew it was the Edo Tensei Twin Shadows: "Konan, take her there."

“Okay.” Xiao Nan’s eyes also showed worry. She knew that the Akatsuki organization was about to get involved in the civil war between major powers, which would definitely be extremely dangerous, but they had no power to refuse.

"Where's Kisame? I have something to say to him." Mei Terumi naturally wanted to find someone who shared her views.

Yahiko then sent another subordinate to take her away, and then tore open his own letter.

"Hmph, as expected, it's a series of orders. They really don't hold back at all. Making that Pakura the leader... I really didn't expect that." Yahiko frowned. "Fortunately, everyone outside is saying that our Akatsuki has captured the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, which has increased our reputation and attracted a group of skilled fighters to join us. Let's just treat it as training."

Although he knew many people would die, he couldn't give up now: "Nagato, what about your side?"

“Uh…” Nagato shrugged. “Actually, it’s just a very short sentence.”

"Let me see?" Yahiko took the letter and, after scanning it, couldn't help but scoff, "Tch, that guy is really something, all he knows how to do is make these kinds of difficult requests."

"It's not too difficult for anyone." Nagato clenched his fist. "Fenglan is right. I do need to train my Rinnegan abilities properly so that I can better help you protect the village. Although our strength is still weak compared to the Five Great Nations, the Akatsuki has already become famous in those smaller countries, hasn't it?"

"If we continue to develop step by step like this, we will definitely be able to change the world in the end!"

"Well, I definitely will!"

Yahiko smiled and bumped fists with Nagato, but inwardly he sighed: [I'm afraid we've only just reached our full potential, and Fenglan is already reaping the rewards.]

Chapter 138 Akatsuki Members

"Hmm... well done, very well."

After reading the letter in his hand and learning about Feng Lan's series of actions from Pakura, Tobirama couldn't help but praise, "In this way, Kirigakure won't pose any threat to Konoha for a while. If we can really control it from within, hmph..."

Thinking of this, he even felt a little itchy to try his hand at it, wishing he could just take control of Pakura and put it to the test himself. Tobirama believed that if it were him, he would definitely be able to take over the entire Hidden Mist Village and give Fenglan an unexpected surprise!

Unfortunately, the image of Madara's face, which he loathed, flashed through his mind. He then turned to look at Hashirama—his stupid older brother hadn't even finished reading the entire letter. After confirming that "Killer Bee was sent to Sunagakure," he had already shown a sentimental expression and started reminiscing about his past with Madara.

Clearly, he couldn't wait to set off to find Prisoner.

"Seriously." Tobirama barely managed to refrain from rolling his eyes at his older brother before his gaze fell on Pakura. "But... why did Fenglan send a Sand Village ninja to be the commander-in-chief?"

Pakula was not flustered, because she had expected to be asked this question. She simply gathered her thoughts, lowered her head and recounted her experience, and finally added, "Lord Fenglan believes that I am capable of this task."

"What does he think?" Tobirama scoffed. "What criteria does he use to judge your competence? Does he know how many battles you've commanded? Does he know if you've fought against Kirigakure? Does he know how many of your men are willing to die for you?"

“When I was in Sunagakure, I fought against Kirigakure for six whole years.” Pakula’s voice was still relatively calm. “I commanded seven large-scale battles, seventeen small-team infiltrations, and three complete routs. My Scorching Release killed more than a hundred Kirigakure ninjas.”

Tobirama glanced at her but said nothing.

“But that’s not the whole reason why Lord Fenglan sent me here,” Pakura continued. “During the Five Kage Summit, Konoha and Sunagakure had already publicly formed an alliance. If the legitimacy of the new leader after the Kirigakure coup can be linked to Sunagakure’s involvement, other villages will be more likely to accept that this is a multi-party action, rather than a unilateral expansion by Konoha.”

"This is something Fenglan taught you to say, isn't it?" Tobirama sneered. "Do you think I wouldn't have thought of something like this?"

Pakura fell silent. She could sense Tobirama's distrust, which was understandable. There would never be another person who would trust a ninja from another village as much as Lord Furan did.

She was wondering what she should do.

The simplest solution was naturally to take his leave. After all, he was going to Kirigakure, and the other two were going to Sunagakure. No matter how much Tobirama suspected, it wouldn't interfere with their subsequent actions.

The second method, which is the approach Pakula would have used in the past, involves talking about how Lady Fenglan trusts him, his predicament of having nowhere to go, and how she will repay his kindness with practical actions, etc.

But just before he did so, Pakula heard Fenglan's words echo in his ears: "Don't be a pawn, be a player."

She didn't know what a qualified chess player would do in this situation, but she knew that if Lord Fenglan were in her current position, he would never say such useless nonsense.

He will try to... obtain more intelligence.

“Of course, I only fought against Kirigakure on the border of Sunagakure; I haven’t truly ventured deep into the heart of the Land of Water.” Pakura wasn’t particularly cunning, nor could she formulate any elaborate rhetoric, so she could only sincerely and clumsily lower her stance. “Small-scale battles are completely different from a full-blown civil war. If the Second Hokage, who experienced the First Shinobi World War, could offer some guidance, perhaps…”

She was speechless. When it came to obtaining information, Fenglan usually used verbal inducement or exchanges of benefits. Pakura didn't have the former, and as for the latter... she couldn't offer anything to Tobirama in exchange.

In the end, Pakula could only bring up Fenglan: "Perhaps this can be of some help to Lord Fenglan's plan."

"Heh, my agreement with that kid is over, why should I help him?" Tobirama sneered.

“Don’t say that, Tobirama.” Hashirama frowned. “Telling her won’t cause her much harm.”

"Shut up, brother!"

Tobirama unceremoniously told Hashirama to hide in the corner and continue reminiscing about Madara, then looked at Pakura again: "Using Maple Storm to suppress me is useless, think again."

[Should I rethink...?]

Kula sensed the unspoken meaning behind the other party's words. Although Tobirama refused to reveal information, he did not directly drive her away, but instead asked her to reconsider.

In other words, intelligence can be revealed to oneself, but the method is wrong.

[If it's Lord Fenglan, if it's Lord Fenglan here...] Pakula took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and began to recall Fenglan's every move in her mind. [The bargaining chip, the most important bargaining chip, my bargaining chip... what is it?]

Pakura's mind started working, and soon her eyes lit up. The answer to this question wasn't hard to come by, because the other party was the Second Hokage of Konoha.

“If the Second Hokage can provide me with intelligence, Konoha can gain a deeper control over Kirigakure.” Although Pakura’s stance was on Fenglan’s side, she knew she had to speak of Konoha at this moment. “And I… am also a pawn sent by Lord Fenglan to gain experience. If I can control Sunagakure in the future, then both great nations will be under Konoha’s control, and nothing in the entire ninja world will be able to threaten your beloved village.”

"Hmm..." Tobirama's expression softened considerably. "Does Fenglan still intend to use you to control Sunagakure?"

“My lord does have this intention, but I am not mature enough.” Pakula lowered his head and spoke the truth. “That is why he sent me here to gain experience and learn how to be a chess player instead of a chess piece.”

"Hmph, for a chess player, you're quite clumsy," Tobirama said calmly. "But so be it, it's beneficial to Konoha after all..."

His eyes were fixed on Pakula, exuding an indescribable pressure: "Now that Feng Lan has given you a place to stay, don't be fickle anymore. Focus on serving him wholeheartedly, understand?"

“Yes…” Pakula bowed deeply.

“Very good.” Tobirama finally spoke up to give guidance, “The Mizukage’s direct troops of Kirigakure are stationed on the east side of the village, distributed along the waterway, and are the main guard force; there are three lines of guard around the village, the closest one is about five kilometers away from the village, and the furthest one is near the coastline; the ANBU of each village mainly enter and exit through Kirigakure’s trading port, and the patrols at the trading port will be at least twice as many at night as during the day.”

As he spoke, he picked up a pen and paper and quickly drew a map: "Of course, this is all information I obtained during World War I. It is certainly different now, but you can use the map and the current strength of the Hidden Mist to deduce the possible situations yourself."

Pakula listened very attentively. Tobirama was, after all, a tactical master, and even a casual remark from him could greatly benefit her.

【Lord Fenglan, I will definitely not let you down!】

……

Meanwhile, in the warehouse of Amegakure, Hanzo's men had already emptied it. The supplies that came later were stored elsewhere, so this place was simply used as a temporary meeting place.

Kisame sat steadily on the wooden box in the corner, gently stroking his spiky skin. The sword, which had its own life and consciousness, made a comfortable "purring" sound, like a dog that had received a bone.

When Mei Terumi pushed the door open and came in, he didn't look up. He was exhausted from traveling day and night. He casually dragged a wooden box over and sat down opposite Kisame, getting straight to the point: "The resistance has been exposed."

Kisame stopped stroking him and looked up: "You've seen him?"

"Ah."

How are you feeling?

“Just like you said.” Mei Terumi sighed. “Bastard is not enough to describe him. That guy is a complete devil.”

"And you, did you also make a deal with that demon?" Kisame didn't need to ask too much. The fact that the resistance had been exposed and that Mei Terumi was here was enough to explain a lot.

“That’s right, I understand what you’re saying now. Even if it’s a deal with a demon, as long as there’s a sliver of hope, I’ll do it for the village.” Mei Terumi’s gaze was firm. “Right now, the last hope for Kirigakure is you and me.”

"Hmph, thinking back to the confident look on your face when you saw me off, it's actually quite ironic." Kisame grinned, but his expression was sad. "It seems we're on the same side now."

“Indeed, looking back at my confidence, it’s quite laughable,” Mei Terumi said coldly. “No wonder you mocked me back then, but now… we really have to stand together.”

"Tell me his plan." Kisame gripped his sword tighter.

“He plans for us to strike when the resistance is defeated, in order to gain the most benefits and suffer the least losses.” Mei Terumi took a deep breath and laid out the plan in its entirety. “Konoha will not directly intervene in this civil war, but it will involve Akatsuki. How long have you been here? How much do you know about them?”

“There weren’t many decent people in the original organization, and not many could even reach the level of Jonin,” Kisame said calmly. “But after the Cloud Thunder Gorge incident, this place became famous and attracted many skilled people, including well-known wandering swordsmen and rogue ninjas like me who had nowhere else to go.”

Mei Terumi frowned: "So, the Akatsuki is just an empty shell? Even with Konoha's backing, without sufficient means, why should these unruly guys obey your orders?"

“The Rinnegan.” Kisame closed his eyes, seemingly lost in memories. “When I first arrived in Amegakure, I was quite unruly, openly defying the leader named Yahiko, but then Nagato, one of his subordinates, made his move…”

"One strike, just one strike and I've already lost consciousness. As expected of the Eye of the Immortal... How could an organization that Feng Lan would choose not have some skills?"

"I didn't expect it to be the Rinnegan." Mei Terumi couldn't help but sigh. "At least this way, we have a way to fight against Yagura's tailed beast transformation."

"It's not just Nagato. Yahiko, who received funding from Fenglan, has become quite wealthy lately. He spent a fortune hiring the bounty hunter Kakuzu, and using the information he obtained from Kakuzu, he recruited Sasori of the Red Sand. The day before yesterday, a young man from Iwagakure who claimed to be an artist also came over..."

“These three guys are no ordinary people. They are at least Kage-level strength. Without Nagato, they would definitely not be able to control them.”

"I didn't expect them to be this strong." Mei Terumi's gaze sharpened. She finally understood why Feng Lan was so confident. With so many strong individuals, they were indeed not afraid even if they faced Kirigakure.

"Tell me what he wants," Kisame steered the conversation back on track. "Since that guy was willing to help, you must have paid a high price."

"Yes." Terumi Mei sighed and told Feng Lan all her conditions.

Kisame frowned and asked the exact same question she had asked back then: "What's left of Kirigakure?"

"In his words: there is still one village left that no longer kills its own people, and there is still one way to survive." Mei Terumi gave a bitter smile. "If Yagura returns to Kirigakure, your resistance will be completely wiped out, Kirigakure will continue to sink into the Blood Mist Village, and eventually, after being consumed by internal strife and losing the ability to resist, it will be directly slaughtered by others, and from then on, the five great nations will become four great nations."

"I won't let this guy succeed..." Kisame squeezed Samehada so hard it made it gurgle. "Even if I have to submit to him for now and use his power to eliminate the Blood Mist Village, I will definitely find a way to free Kirigakure from Konoha's control!"

Mei Terumi observed silently. She didn't have a deep relationship with Kisame. Although it was a righteous act for him to kill Suigetsu Hozuki, she chose him as the Mizukage out of necessity, as there was really no better candidate.

Now it seems that if this guy can maintain his firm belief in resisting Konoha, then I haven't completely entrusted him with the wrong person.

There was no time left to find a better option, as the crisis facing the resistance was imminent. Mei Terumi took a deep breath and tried to keep her tone calm: "I didn't come away empty-handed; at least I gained some benefits."

"for example?"

"For example, the water shadow's right to appoint independently."

"Ha, what kind of benefit is this?" Kisame chuckled self-deprecatingly. "If Kirigakure even has to let Konoha appoint its Mizukage, they might as well just submit to them!"

“And this too.” Mei Terumi took out the scroll.

"These are... the remaining ninja swords?" Kisame was initially delighted, then startled. "How come one is missing?"