https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-627-The-Assassination-Mission-for-the-Aristocrat-of-the-Land-of-Wind-/12943345/
Chapter 628: The Nara Clan's Reckless Move!
Chapter 628: The Nara Clan's Reckless Move!
Konoha Village!
A few kilometers away in the Airtank District, an airship docked at a platform.
The cigar-shaped airship, compared to ordinary airships, appeared much more refined and well-crafted.
Just like two ships of the same size, one a fishing boat and the other a yacht, the difference was instantly noticeable.
This was a yacht produced by the Heavenly Castle, specifically designed for recreational travel.
It was extremely popular!
The aristocracy would always purchase them.
After all, compared to bumpy modes of transportation like carriages, airships were infinitely more comfortable and faster. There was no need to consider any other option.
As for the cost?
Is that something the aristocracy needs to worry about? Expense is a problem for commoners, not the nobility.
In the entire Shinobi world, the richest were the aristocrats.
It could even be said that with less than one percent of the population, they held over ninety percent of the wealth and resources.
Yes, the aristocracy was this greedy and corrupt. Otherwise, Souhei wouldn't have relentlessly pursued them.
He didn't want to squeeze the common people dry, but he also wanted to develop the country. So, he could only target this incompetent and corrupt class.
Since clearing out the aristocracy, the Heavenly Castle's development speed has been astonishing, growing by leaps and bounds every day.
In terms of tax collection, the Daimyo of the Fire Country did send people to collect taxes, but they all ended up committing 'seventeen kunai suicide in the back.'
The bureaucrats were even more resistant.
After all, the Heavenly Castle had plenty of shrine maidens, so there was no need for bureaucrats to manage things.
Now, the Fire Country's aristocracy couldn't help but feel envious of the Heavenly Castle and the surrounding area within a few hundred kilometers.
Who could blame them? This once desolate and worthless region had transformed into fertile land thanks to the Heavenly Castle's unwavering investment.
Such a desirable location would naturally attract attention.
Even Konoha shared this sentiment, but due to their relationships and strength, they hadn't taken any action yet.
Slap! The side panel of the airship descended, connecting to a wooden tower like a gangplank, allowing people to disembark.
"Lord Souhei!"
Shikaku Nara, who had been waiting for a long time, stepped forward to greet him.
As for his previous disguise and visit to Konoha, he acted as if he had no knowledge of it.
With the invitation for Souhei to run for Hokage, the etiquette was naturally grand.
At this moment, the Heavenly Castle was like a feudal lord of Konoha, one who neither listened to orders nor responded to summons.
If Konoha's strength was superior, they could force the Heavenly Castle to submit.
But now, with Konoha's weakness and its current predicament, they had no choice but to bow down and seek peace.
Therefore, sending Naegara Kuramaru, the 'Leaf Strategist' of Konoha, to greet Souhei was the best choice.
However, among those who came to greet him, there was also a special squad.
Team 10! The team led by Asuma.
Bringing them along on this occasion was an obvious attempt to foster their growth.
If they were ordinary genin, they wouldn't even have a team leader, let alone participate in such an event.
But when they saw Souhei step out of the airship, someone's expression changed.
"How is this possible!"
Yamayuki Ayano's exclamation caught the attention of Naegara Kuramaru, who was casually observing the surroundings. When he saw the 'boy of the same age' leading the group, his eyes almost popped out.
"Kuramaru... Isn't that Souhei, the exchange student?"
Akado Dijji was so shocked that he almost forgot about his snacks.
Their mission today was to welcome an important figure.
But they never expected that the person would be the exchange student they had met before. It was no wonder they were surprised.
"No... There's a problem with his identity!"
Kuramaru's expression turned serious.
Given the current situation, it was clear to him that Souhei's identity was not only problematic but a significant issue.
However, this wasn't something they could handle, so they merely observed silently.
Souhei, after surveying the welcoming party, joked with Shikaku Nara.
"It seems the village attaches great importance to my arrival, sending the renowned Leaf Strategist to greet me."
With his current status and position, making a joke like this was not out of line.
"With your Purifying Flame and the role of Commander of the Southwest Army, you are essentially the Hokage's representative. If he wasn't unwell, he would have personally welcomed them himself!"
Shikaku Nara's words were well-spoken.
However, sometimes it's not about what they say, but what they do.
They have never openly declared their stance, and even their secret dealings are scarce. In reality, they are already making their position clear.
They are even unwilling to straddle two boats.
"I thought the Nara Clan were all smart people, but it seems I overestimated them!"
Tang Ping gave a curt reply.
After acquiring the Maiden System, the Nara Clan naturally became indispensable. But if they could be subdued, it wouldn't be a bad thing. Otherwise, the only option is to send them to their deaths.
And this death refers to the entire clan.
After all, your clan is full of intelligent people. If you become enemies, it's only natural to eliminate you all to avoid future troubles.
"The Nara Clan has always been a part of the Leaf Ninja Clan!"
Shikaku Nara could sense the coldness in Tang Ping's words, but he could only respond with a bitter smile.
Yes, the Nara Clan is deeply tied to the Leaf Village, leaving no chance for them to abandon ship.
"I just hope the Nara Clan won't regret it in the future!"
Tang Ping didn't say more.
After all, he had already tried to persuade them, and if they insist on this path, he won't stop them.
If he were to expend effort and resources to subdue the Nara Clan, it might not be impossible, but that would only bring unnecessary trouble.
With the Maiden System in place, the loyalty and effort of the system will be even higher. If the Nara Clan is gone, then so be it.
Behind Tang Ping, many people arrived from the Celestial Tower.
Izumi, Hyuga Tsukimi, Naruko, Karin, and Kasumi, among others.
Uchiha Mei naturally stayed behind to guard the Celestial Tower.
The Great Shinobi War has already begun. Even if no one dares to openly cause trouble, it's still best to be cautious.
After all, the Celestial Tower suffered significant losses in the Forest of Death, and with the Frogs coveting their position in secret, they can't afford to be careless.
Unfortunately, those Frogs disappeared after leaving the Forest of Death, and no one knows where they are hiding.
If they were found, Tang Ping would definitely deal with them immediately.
But there's no need to rush.
As long as the Toad Immortal is defeated, the biggest threat will be eliminated. The remaining Frogs, no matter how powerful, won't have an endless supply of natural energy. Even someone like Bunta may struggle to maintain their own existence.
So, while the Celestial Tower can remain vigilant against the remnants of the Forest of Death, they won't focus all their efforts on them.
The team arrived at the Leaf Village, not far away.
The atmosphere in the Leaf Village is tense.
Especially with Asuma Sarutobi returning with a defeated ninja army, and with the Stone Village and Cloud Village ninjas invading the Fire Country, the situation is dire.
The Hokage Election!
The village is in full propaganda mode.
It's a way to assert dominance and divert attention.
The villagers' focus on the election dilutes the tension.
As for the assertion of power, it's because no new Hokage, regardless of who takes the position, will be as incompetent in external battles as Enma Hayate, the 'Strongest Hokage'. This is a warning to the other ninja villages to consider the consequences.
It must be said that even under the worst circumstances, the Leaf Village has played a good hand.
At the very least, the Stone Village and Cloud Village's advancement has slowed significantly. They are all waiting for the new Hokage to take the throne and direct their forces against the other side.
"Wait, Sakura, don't leave!"
A loud voice calling out from the street ahead made several people in the team change their expressions.
How embarrassing!
The thought flashed through Izumi's mind.
Yamayuki Ayano's brows furrowed into an 'I' shape, wishing she could punch Naruto for this.
Soon, the two arguing individuals spotted the team, and Naruto greeted them.
"Hey, the one called... Souhei, what brings you to the Leaf Village?"
If they didn't know his personality, they might have thought this was a provocation.
(End of Chapter)
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