Chapter 540: A Proof of Loyalty!
Chapter 540: A Proof of Loyalty!
The real issue lies with Yuan Shi, the core of the rebellion plan and the only 'ringleader'.
With him around, Tang Ping doesn't worry about the New Mist Hidden Village at all.
Nor does he fear their betrayal.
Having witnessed the strength of the Heavenly Castle, Yuan Shi understands that the Mist Ninjas are no match for the Castle's forces.
Moreover, the benefits and privileges they currently enjoy are far beyond what the Mist Village can offer.
It's unimaginable that anyone would rebel just to send the Mist Ninjas back to their previous harsh conditions.
Unless one is a masochist, no one would willingly endure such suffering.
With the prospect of a comfortable life, why would anyone sacrifice so much to return to the 'Blood Mist Village' era? Only someone with a screw loose would do that.
With Yuan Shi as the 'inside man' and 'traitor', the rebellion is doomed to fail.
Not to mention, there's also Kagumi's ninja army returning in time to reinforce.
The army publicly announced a month-long mission, but in reality, they returned in less than half a month, catching the rebels off guard with their pre-arranged fleet.
As for Tang Ping, he naturally returned to the Heavenly Castle to prepare for his upcoming 'grand plan'.
This plan significantly impacts his future, so he can't afford to be lackadaisical.
If the Faith + Natural Energy path proves successful, it also means Tang Ping can surpass those who rely solely on Chakra or Natural Energy.
Compared to this, suppressing the rebellion in the Water Country is a minor matter.
At the same time, this is also an opportunity.
For Kagumi, the 'Hexagonal Warrior', to rise to power, they can agree to let Chou Ei Shigen restrain the rebels, but that doesn't mean they won't use them.
However, if she truly wants to ascend, shouldn't she provide a 'proof of loyalty'?
This incident is the perfect opportunity for such a proof.
If she personally deals with the rebellious Mist Ninjas and takes the opportunity to suppress the Water Country's nobility, then in the future, she will have no choice but to follow the Heavenly Castle's path.
It's undeniable that Tang Ping has outmaneuvered them.
By sending the Mist Ninjas to assist the Uchiha, he has achieved multiple objectives in one move.
As for whether Yuan Shi and Chou Ei Shigen know about this, of course, they do!
After all, allowing Kagumi to lead her trusted ninja army alone is a clear signal.
This is intentionally giving her an opportunity.
Both Chou Ei Shigen and Yuan Shi are the type to sacrifice everything for the Mist Hidden Village.
Therefore, in this plan, they will cooperate fully.
How will they cooperate?
Chou Ei Shigen just needs to feign ignorance.
After all, he doesn't need to take action in this incident, nor does he require a 'proof of loyalty'.
His entire being has become the shape of the Heavenly Castle.
Even if he wants to cause trouble, his subordinates will stop him immediately.
After all, their neutral faction has firmly tied themselves to the Heavenly Castle, with no chance of backing out.
As for Yuan Shi, it all depends on his acting skills.
He must drag as many discontented Mist Ninjas and nobles into the fray, creating the biggest spectacle possible, thus providing Kagumi with a larger stage for her performance.
Even if this causes damage and loss to the New Mist Hidden Village, attracting immense hatred, it's worth it.
In fact, the greater the damage and loss, the better!
Without going through such an event, how will the people of the New Mist Hidden Village know who the real 'good guys' are?
One could say that Tang Ping's strategy is a cunning plan, and he isn't worried about a lack of cooperation.
On the ship to the Water Country.
Whoosh!
Kagumi has been standing at the bow of the ship since boarding, her green eyes fixed on the direction of the Water Country.
For this plan, Tang Ping doesn't bother with cryptic messages.
When he sent her to lead the Mist Ninjas, he had already explained the plan, presenting her with a choice.
And she isn't the type to rush into things; naturally, she could understand the underlying meaning behind this move, so she directly gave her response.
Agreed!
If it's a proof of loyalty, she will provide it.
If the Mist Village had just been invaded, she might not have agreed.
Because at that time, the Heavenly Castle would have been seen as 'invaders', and even if she surrendered, it would have been temporary. How could she willingly suppress the rebellious Mist Ninjas and offer it as a 'proof of loyalty'?
After more than a year, she witnessed the transformation of the New Mist Hidden Village firsthand.
The difference was like heaven and earth!
Compared to the past, the village now enjoyed unparalleled happiness.
No longer did they have to fight and kill for scarce resources.
Ordinary people could eat their fill, wear new clothes, and receive medical treatment when sick.
To safeguard this happiness, she wouldn't hesitate to take action against the rogue ninjas from her former village, even if it meant causing damage to the New Mist Village.
Her hesitation stemmed from the plan's requirement for the rogue ninjas to first wreak havoc on the New Mist Village before she could make her move, ensuring that the village would resent the 'old Mist ninjas' and the Water Country nobility.
Without a comparison, how could they showcase the superiority of the Heavenly Castle? There was no room for negotiation on this matter.
Kagumi, as the leader of the suppression operation, had even the stationed ninja army, including Uchiha Shizuka and Uchiha Shousuke, under her command.
A difficult choice!
Intervening early would undoubtedly reduce casualties, perhaps even prevent any losses, but that would be tantamount to defying the Heavenly Castle.
However, if she acted too late, it would result in destruction and deaths, indirectly indicating her approval of the Heavenly Castle.
No matter what she chose, it was a dilemma, and it was no wonder she always wore that expression.
"Mizukage-sama, for the village's future, you must make a firm decision!"
Ao stepped forward to persuade her.
As the Mizukage's bodyguard, he was naturally privy to the inside information and thus made his stance clear.
Even if it meant the loss of many lives, as long as it was for the village's future, nothing was off the table, not even their own lives.
"I... understand!"
Kagumi waved her hand wearily, indicating that she had made up her mind.
Only Chojuro, standing by her side, didn't understand the meaning behind their exchange.
Soon, the fleet arrived near the New Mist Hidden Village and waited on the sea.
Before reaching this point, they had already settled the Uchiha refugees on an island, and only after the incident would these refugees be allowed into the Water Country.
Currently, the fleet was entirely composed of ninjas, specifically those loyal to Kagumi's ninja army.
With a constant stream of information, she could grasp the perfect timing for her entrance.
With Yuan Shi as the 'inside man,' there was no need to worry about inaccurate intelligence or unexpected situations.
Half a day later!
"Let's go!"
Kagumi leaped off the ship, sprinting across the seawater and emerging from the mist.
The Water Country was perpetually shrouded in fog, so it was normal to have mist on the sea surface.
Therefore, the ships had waited at a distance of only a few dozen kilometers from the New Mist Hidden Village to avoid detection.
At the rear of the team, a small squad led by Uchiha Shizuka, along with the Rice Fire and Iron Fire squads, followed.
As for Uchiha Hakuda?
Naturally, he stayed behind with the Uchiha refugees, and they would discuss his situation after the suppression of the rebellion.
Uchiha Shizuka's team, accompanying the main force, served not only as a hidden force but also as the 'informants' for the Heavenly Castle, specifically monitoring Kagumi to ensure her genuine commitment to the 'proof of loyalty.'
After all, the Heavenly Castle wouldn't get involved in suppressing the Mist ninjas and the nobility.
As an external invader, intervening in such matters would severely damage their reputation, so entrusting the task to Kagumi, the Fifth Mizukage, was the best option.
In a case of mutual slaughter, they couldn't very well blame their own Heavenly Castle, could they?
At this moment, the New Mist Hidden Village was like a fiery inferno.
Note that this phrase is not a figure of speech but a description.
The village was engulfed in flames, with battle cries and screams mingling with the soaring inferno, creating an atmosphere akin to a battlefield.
However, the New Mist Hidden Village was still better off compared to the old one, which had been completely devastated.
Not all Mist Village residents were willing to move to the new village. Those who cherished the era of the Mist ninjas or disliked the Heavenly Castle naturally preferred not to live in the new village.
Now, those people were gone.
The rebellious Mist ninjas and the nobility had formed an alliance, slaughtering the old Mist Hidden Village and using it as a base to launch an attack on the New Mist Hidden Village.
The New Mist Hidden Village was now like a fiery inferno in the midst of a war.
(End of Chapter)
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