Yes, the Hokage

"Without your support, we wouldn't have been able to injure Yagura so quickly," Mei Terumi said calmly. "But since Fenglan has said so, you'll have to change your strategy of fighting to the death."

“Actually, I am very grateful to Mr. Fenglan.” Nagato said breathlessly, “The more I use the Rinnegan, the less I feel like myself. If I hadn’t remembered Mr. Fenglan’s mission at that time, I probably would have been addicted to this power.”

He looked at his trembling hands: "That power... is too strong, too tempting. Once you've used it, it's hard to control yourself from craving more. I think Mr. Fenglan must have anticipated this, which is why he deliberately put restrictions on me."

"Hmph, that guy is surprisingly gentle," Kisame said with a cold laugh. "He protected three people with just one order."

"They're just using us as pawns to protect us." Mei Terumi turned her head away. Feng Lan wanted to protect Pakura because she was going to rule Sunagakure in the future, he wanted to protect Nagato because he was going to rule Akatsuki, and he wanted to protect himself because he was going to rule Kirigakure.

As for why he didn't protect Kisame? With Samehada constantly restoring his health and mana, he could quickly heal even if Killer Bee ripped open his belly with a Lightning Blade. As long as he didn't do something stupid, he would never die.

"Hey, this boring partner game should probably end soon enough," Kakuzu said coldly. "Where's the money? When you recruited me, you agreed that I would be paid for every action!"

"That's right, let's keep chasing!" Bakuto excitedly waved his handiwork, "Let's bombard Kirigakure directly! This is art on par with annihilation!"

Although Scorpion didn't speak, his gaze kept darting back and forth between the several relatively intact corpses.

Yahiko's heart sank at the sight. Clearly, with Nagato's strength waning, these unruly masters were starting to lose control again.

But at that moment, Pakula stood up and gave the order in an unquestionable voice: "Clean up the battlefield immediately, then lead the resistance back to the temporary stronghold. We can discuss anything else and the next tactical issues once we get there!"

She directly issued orders on behalf of Yahiko, and after the several experts looked at her for a few seconds, there was no further conflict.

Firstly, Pakura's strength had already been demonstrated, and directly confronting her would definitely not bring any advantage. Secondly, Nagato is a member of the Uzumaki clan, and although he looked panting just now, he can now stand up. Thirdly, and most importantly, Pakura has Fenglan behind her.

As the saying goes, even when beating a dog, one must consider its owner. After the Five Kage Summit, Feng Lan's name has spread throughout the entire ninja world. Even the most fearless rogue ninjas have to be wary of him. After all, you may not take Feng Lan seriously, but you cannot ignore the Yellow Flash.

Seeing that everyone in the Akatsuki organization had accepted the order, Mei Terumi looked at Kisame. At this point, she had already begun to deliberately cultivate Kisame's prestige within the Revolutionary Army.

Kisame nodded: "Help me, then follow them."

"Yes!"

It can be seen that Fenglan's previously proposed strategy of sending divine soldiers to the scene was quite effective. Although Kisame's personality doesn't allow him to say anything fancy, his simple command still received a response from at least half of the people.

Pakula then waved for Mei Terumi to come over: "Tell me about the specific terrain and troop deployment of the Land of Water."

She needed to compare Mei Terumi's intelligence with Tobirama Senju's to determine the best attack route and... whether the other party was lying. As the supreme commander, Pakura would not forget that she was on MapleStory's side, while Mei Terumi was not, so she always kept a degree of wariness towards this woman.

Mei Terumi glanced at the girl in front of her with a hint of surprise. From criticizing her for dereliction of duty to being moved by Feng Lan, and then quickly recovering her strength to lead the Akatsuki organization and ask for her information, this girl was growing at a terrifying speed.

She couldn't help but wonder what kind of magic Feng Lan possessed that made those who were his pawns so desperate.

……

Meanwhile, as a tug-of-war raged within the Land of Water, a sudden piece of news ignited the entire ninja world.

The Uchiha clan brazenly broke into Takigakure and stole the Seven-Tails Jinchuriki, Fu!

This news caused a huge stir. Konoha already had the strongest Jinchūriki, the Nine-Tails, so what were they planning to do by taking the Seven-Tails? Dominate the ninja world?

For a time, countless small countries were filled with fear and anxiety, watching helplessly as the great powers they depended on intervened to uphold justice, otherwise Konoha might become a demon.

Unfortunately, Feng Lan chose the perfect time. Kumogakure was entangled with Sunagakure, Kirigakure was preoccupied with its own internal war, and only Iwagakure was intact. However, Onoki had personally witnessed the power of Hashirama and Madara, and he would not dare to provoke Konoha until the Impure World Reincarnation was lifted.

Therefore, the situation was completely different from what Takigakure had predicted.

They thought that once these words were revealed, Konoha would at least be condemned by all sides, if not the public enemy of the ninja world. But why... did nothing happen?

The other four great nations remained silent, and the smaller nations that depended on them naturally dared not speak up. A few neutral nations, who were adept at playing both sides, were the first to jump up and shout. However, after shouting for two days, they found the ninja world to be extremely quiet, and were so frightened that they almost wet their pants. They hurriedly sent an envoy with gifts to Konoha to apologize.

While things were already chaotic outside Konoha, things inside the village were in complete disarray. Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu stormed into the Hokage's office: "Minato, you've really gone too far this time! What are you trying to do by stealing the Seven-Tails Jinchuriki?!"

However, what they were met with was Minato's innocent gaze: "What a coincidence, I wanted to ask the same question."

Upon closer inspection, F3 realized that Feng Lan was bound in a "V" shape in the office, looking like he was about to be interrogated. If he were to utter a FaQ at this moment, it would definitely be a philosophical scene.

Although the so-called binding ropes were as loose as an old lady's waistband, and Feng Lan lay there as if she were sleeping, at least she still had some attitude.

"Feng Lan." Mitomon Homura knew that Feng Lan must have orchestrated this. "What were you thinking? Taking over the Jinchūriki of another village is no joke!"

"My lord, I'm innocent!" Feng Lan looked as if she had just been severely tortured by Minato. "This was clearly all instructed by Lady Utatane Koharu!"

"You!" Xiaochun, who was turning dorm mates, was stunned. "You're spouting nonsense!"

"Of course I'm not making baseless accusations, I have evidence!" Feng Lan began to reveal her true intentions.

"Oh?" Minato stopped pretending altogether. "Tetsu, let him go and make him produce the evidence. I want to see just how solid your evidence is!"

"Everyone, please take a look!" Feng Lan pulled out the thick, brick-like document. "Inuzuka Tetsu! Who instructed you to write this document?"

Inuzuka Tetsuya, caught up in his acting: "Reporting to you all! It's Lady Koharu Utatane!"

Koharu Utatane immediately noticed a bright red "Danger" sign hovering above her head and shouted sharply, "Inuzuka Tetsu! I advise you to watch your words and actions!"

But Inuzuka Tetsu is now a complete member of the Minato faction, and his ambition has just been stirred up by Fenglan. He feels that this moment is closely related to whether he can get a promotion, a raise, marry a rich and beautiful woman, and reach the pinnacle of life. Therefore, he immediately cried out as if he had been burned: "Absolutely right, it was Koharu Utatane-sama who instructed me to write it. There are even parts that she personally wrote!"

Koharu Utatane couldn't refute this point, because Tetsu Inuzuka didn't write such "perfect reports" at first; she personally handled many parts, and her handwriting was easily recognizable.

Her lips twitched slightly: "Although I wrote the report, my point is that Takigakure has always been on good terms with Konoha, so we don't need to do anything!"

"Oh, Lady Koharu, you are too modest." Feng Lan had already entered her smiling tiger mode. "Lord Minato and I have already understood the implied meaning in your report, which is on page 197."

He picked up the report and read: "...Although all diplomatic projects with Takigakure are currently very stable, considering that after distributing the Seven-Tails, the village actually sent its elite Jonin Kakuzu to assassinate the First Hokage, it is also important to take limited precautions against the village and regulate the activities of its Jinchūriki."

Koharu's expression suddenly changed: "Th-that... I only meant routine precautions, I didn't mean anything by it..."

"Wouldn't it be the best way to regulate the situation by having the Seven-Tails Jinchuriki operate within Konoha Village?" Feng Lan added with a smile.

"You, you... this is taking things out of context. The complete paragraph is clearly about daily precautions!"

Koharu was so angry that she almost had a heart attack. F3 had been bullying Minato with all sorts of seemingly useless thick documents for too long, so long that they had overlooked the fatal danger that such things could be taken out of context.

Admittedly, Koharu Utatane's original intention in saying that the Takigakure was fine and didn't need to be bothered, since her entire statement was that the Takigakure was fine and didn't need to be bothered. However, if one day the Takigakure really had a relapse and provoked Konoha, this document could become evidence that could be used to attack her, since this document was not kept by the Third Hokage, but given to Minato.

That's why she deliberately added that useless, pointless sentence, so that if Fenglan ever used that sentence to question her in the future, she could directly say, "I told you to be wary of Takigakure, it's your own fault for not doing so."

However, Fenglan seized upon this statement, twisted and distorted it, and took it out of context, ultimately creating the story that Koharu Utatane suggested Konoha seize the seven Jinchuriki. As for the truth... does it matter?

It's worth noting that even the phrase "to take things out of context" was taken out of context from "not to take things out of context."

And he was much faster and more ruthless than Minato!

"Please rest assured, Lady Koharu Utatane, I specifically instructed the Uchiha clan to severely criticize those idiots in Takigakure in your own words after taking the Seven-Tails Jinchuriki, telling them that if they dare to be two-faced again, Lady Koharu Utatane will make them pay the price."

Upon hearing this, Koharu Utatane felt her head buzz and almost fainted. The reason she had been covering up diplomatic records with Takigakure was because she had taken advantage of her power over the entire medical industry in Konoha and monopolized the entire medical system of Takigakure.

For a long time, they couldn't produce a single medical ninja or even a doctor there, and they had to rely on Koharu Utatane to send people over. And for each person sent over, she could earn amazing benefits from it.

Although Takigakure was furious, there was nothing they could do. Besides, this was a kind of pledge of allegiance, allowing Konoha to maintain a very relaxed diplomatic relationship with Takigakure, implicitly acting as their protector. Relying on Konoha's reputation and the Seven-Tails Jinchuriki, they had bullied many small neighboring countries.

But now! Feng Lan directly snatched the Seven-Tails Jinchuriki and even claimed that it was Koharu Utatane who made it happen. No matter how cowardly Takigakure is, they will absolutely not continue to trade with her!

And if the other party is willing to fight to the death, the first thing they will inevitably do is...

"Speaking of which, the other side was quite angry when they heard that." Then Feng Lan smiled and took out a large box. "They seem to have provided a lot of things... that they claim to be evidence."

Chapter 148 I want to see the Hokage!

Feng Lan is truly ruthless and vicious in her actions.

If it's just a matter of taking things out of context, Koharu Utatane might be suppressed for the time being, but she'll soon find a way to retaliate, or at least shirk responsibility and not take too much blame.

However, Feng Lan's tactic of taking things out of context was not for internal purposes, but for external ones!

He used out-of-context statements to spread rumors to Takigakure in the name of Koharu Utatane, making Takigakure mistakenly believe that the theft of the Seven-Tails was at Koharu Utatane's behest. As a result, Takigakure completely turned against him and took the initiative to submit evidence, allowing the Minato faction, who were completely unaware of the diplomacy of small countries, to obtain the most crucial information.

At this moment, Koharu Utatane has been given a host of weaknesses by Kaede, and is no longer the aloof and flawless advisor.

“Well then…” Feng Lan maintained her smiling demeanor, “I’m going to open the box now, everyone count down together, 3, 2,…”

"Snapped--!"

With a hand on the box, Mitokado Homura, despite the pressure on his face, still spoke up to defend her: "Minato, Furan, even if Koharu was confused for a moment, she wouldn't really go to such extremes."

"Is this considered going too far? I haven't even..."

Feng Lan was beaming with excitement, her face full of boyish delight, and then it was Minato's turn to speak: "What Mitokado Homura-sama said makes sense. After all, Utatane Koharu-sama has indeed made great contributions to the village."

Upon hearing this, Xiaochun, who was on her deathbed, was jolted awake and placed all her last hope on her old teammate.

"So, what does the Fourth Hokage mean?" Feng Lan rarely addressed Minato by his title, and he looked very serious.

"In my opinion, why not appoint Koharu Utatane as Konoha's resident ambassador to Takigakure, so that they can keep a close eye on Takigakure and prevent them from having any more wicked ideas? What do you think?"

Hearing Minato's gentle yet insidious words, Koharu Utatane felt her vision go black: "You, you can't punish me like this! I can't go to Takigakure!"

"Don't be silly, Lady Koharu." Minato also showed the same smiling expression as Fenglan. "How can this be a punishment? Being able to serve Konoha loyally should be your honor."

“But they will hate me and even assassinate me!” Koharu Utatane was really anxious and blurted out, “They think I’m on Konoha’s side.”

"Huh?" Minato looked surprised. "I thought you were on our side!"

"No, of course I'm on Konoha's side, but I'm a Jinchūriki..."

“Yes, it just so happens that after you go there as ambassador, you can properly explain the reasons why Konoha took away the Seven-Tails Jinchuriki.” Feng Lan also had that smiling expression. He and Minato, one standing and one sitting, were like the Haier Brothers and Shuke and Beta.

"No, no!" Koharu Utatane was completely numb at this point. "I have served the Land of Fire, I have shed blood for Konoha, you can't do this, I want to see the Hokage!"

"Isn't the Hokage right in front of you?" Seeing that the time was almost up, Feng Lan slammed his hand on the table to signal, "Or is it that, Lady Koharu, the Hokage in your heart is someone else?"

Just as the two elders were suffering repeated defeats, the door to the Hokage's office was suddenly pushed open, and the Third Hokage slowly walked in.

"Hiruzen—!"

At this moment, Mitokado Enoki and Utatane Koharu almost cried out.

"Minato, Fenglan." The Third Hokage, unusually, did not pick up his pipe, but instead wore a very serious expression. "It is true that Koharu was at fault in this matter, but considering that she has devoted her entire life to Konoha, let's treat her leniently."

Koharu, who was turning over a new bed, nodded repeatedly, hoping for leniency, since she would be completely ruined if the contents of the box were opened.

Fenglan and Minato exchanged a glance: "So, what does the Third Hokage want?"

The Third Hokage emphasized, "Koharu was born in Konoha, grew up in Konoha, and will be buried with us in Konoha in the future. She... is not going anywhere."

Minato and Maple's gazes narrowed slightly, but neither of them spoke.

The third generation remained silent, standing in front of the desk, creating a tense atmosphere that made Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu afraid to speak.

“She can stay, and the box doesn’t need to be opened, but we have conditions.” After a long pause, Feng Lan spoke.

Upon hearing this, the atmosphere immediately relaxed, and the Third Generation took out a pipe from his pocket: "Speak."

"First, relieve Koharu Utatane of her duties as an advisor to the elders' council."

"it is good."

The answer came from the third generation. Koharu's cheek twitched, but she didn't say anything.

"From now on, the medical system will be taken over by Lady Tsunade. She will have absolute control over the relevant personnel and finances and will only be responsible to the Hokage's office."

The third generation nodded: "Okay."

Koharu's face almost shrank into a ball, but she still lowered her head to acknowledge it.

"Finally, the dorm-switching group..."

"I'll forgive my mistakes and accept the punishment, but what have my clansmen and descendants done wrong?!" Koharu Utatane finally couldn't help but speak up.

"Lord Koharu Utatane," Minato replied this time. "After meeting with Koji-kun, I have a good understanding of the level of Konoha's high-ranking officials. The Utatane clan can continue to be active at the grassroots level, and outstanding members can continue to serve in the middle ranks, but the high-ranking officials... all of them must be investigated."

This time, the Third Hokage didn't answer on behalf of the others. Instead, he looked at Koharu Utatane, the only female member of the F4, whose body was trembling violently and whose teeth were grinding together. Finally, she said in a deep voice, "Yes, Hokage."

……

Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu came over in a huff to confront them, but could only slink away in disgrace. From that moment on, Konoha's F3 had become F2. Utatane Koharu, who walked out of the Hokage Building, suddenly transformed from a radiant and sprightly old lady into a frail old woman, needing Mitokado Homura's help to walk.

After his two teammates left, the Third Generation took a puff of his pipe and said, "Feng Lan, you really are ruthless."

"How can we eradicate these deeply entrenched powerful families without taking drastic measures?" Feng Lan replied with a smile, her words carrying a hint of veiled criticism.

The Third Hokage pretended not to hear: "What are you going to do with the Seven-Tails Jinchuriki now?"

"Naturally, after a sincere and detailed long talk between the Fourth Hokage and the envoy from Takigakure, the two villages reached a new effective agreement, and Konoha is willing to return the Seven-Tails Jinchuriki."

"Hmm?" The Third Hokage's gaze sharpened. "I thought you would simply leave the Jinchuriki behind."

"Why stay in Konoha? To be bullied by those scoundrels?" Feng Lan shrugged. "Konoha's strength is already sufficient. We don't need another Jinchūriki. Besides, even if the Seven-Tails is in Takigakure, would they dare refuse when I need to use it in the future?"

This surprise attack by the Uchiha clan was a warning to Takigakure not to be arrogant and complacent. After losing Koharu Utatane as a connection, they could only become vassals of Konoha.

As for those small countries next to Takigakure? They're just vassals of vassals. And this isn't the Western Middle Ages. In the world of ninjas, the rule that "the vassals of my vassals are not my vassals" doesn't apply.

"Fenglan." On this point, the Third Hokage reacted the same way as Minato, "Don't use that name."

"Alright, I'll try not to use it (in front of you) in the future." Feng Lan shrugged. "So, Third Hokage, are you satisfied with your heroic entrance?"