Sarutobi Hiruzen sat on the sofa, unable to hold back his laughter.

Minato Namikaze, on the other hand, looked completely helpless. Just earlier, after learning about Kazuyama Gekkō's movements in Kumogakure, Minato had confidently claimed he could take advantage of the situation. But Hiruzen pointed out that Kazuyama Gekkō was far too greedy to ever let go of wealth once it was in his hands.

"Enough, Minato. I've already told you—trying to get money from him is unrealistic."

"But still, Kazuyama, we're talking about billions here. You really won't give any support to the village?"

Compared to Minato's straightforward request, Hiruzen was much more tactful. He knew that when dealing with someone like Kazuyama Gekkō, force would never work—only a softer approach. After all, this brat was infamously stubborn—the harder you pushed, the harder he pushed back.

"Hmph, old man Sarutobi, I know what you mean."

"Depends on my mood. Let's set this aside for now. Tell me, what's the real reason you called me here?"

Kazuyama Gekkō knew perfectly well this meeting had another purpose. He already had a few guesses in mind.

"Kakashi, you and the others step out first."

"Yes, Lord Hokage."

Seeing that his attempt to demand money had failed, Minato let the matter drop. Once Kakashi and his team had left, the real meeting began.

"Raidō."

Namiashi Raidō gave a nod, then stood up to report.

"Word has come from Amegakure."

"Just a few days ago, the entire village fell into turmoil."

"Hanzō of the Salamander, the Demi-God of the Ninja World, is dead. Amegakure has undergone a change in leadership."

The news struck like thunder, and everyone's expression darkened. It was simply too shocking.

"Has the source been verified?"

"This isn't something to spread lightly."

Nara Shikaku's brow furrowed deeply. The news clearly hit him hard. This was Hanzō of the Salamander, after all—the Demi-God of the Ninja World. That title wasn't self-proclaimed, but earned through countless real battles. For someone like him to die in his own village?

Namiashi Raidō nodded seriously and continued.

"It's been confirmed."

"This was the result of a surprise attack launched by Takigakure."

"They struck Amegakure directly. Hanzō died on the spot."

"Amegakure has already installed a new leader and formed an alliance with Takigakure."

With this single event, the power structure north of Konoha had been reshuffled. Amegakure lost its Demi-God but gained Takigakure as an ally. Clearly, after so many years in hiding, Takigakure was finally revealing its true strength.

"Shikaku, Fugaku, Kazuyama—what do you think?"

Faced with Minato's question, none of the three answered. Shikaku was lost in thought. Fugaku couldn't be bothered and kept his distance. Kazuyama Gekkō stayed calm—after all, this move had been his idea from the start. What else was there to say?

"Takigakure is formidable in both military power and financial strength."

"It may very well be the strongest village outside the Five Great Shinobi Villages. After all, it's the only one besides them that possesses a Tailed Beast."

"But why? What reason would Takigakure have to attack Amegakure?"

Shikaku was puzzled. Even his sharp mind couldn't make sense of it. These two villages had never interacted before—so why the sudden war?

"Facts are facts. Takigakure's strength can't be underestimated."

"And Hanzō's power needs no explanation. Right, Kazuyama?"

Kazuyama Gekkō nodded. No matter what, he acknowledged Hanzō's ability. There weren't many who could ambush him successfully. Hanzō was one of the few—and a particularly effective one. He had come dangerously close to succeeding once. That alone had earned him a place on Kazuyama's hunting list.

"Ahem. What we need to figure out now is the stance of Amegakure and Takigakure."

"These two villages are clearly on the same side now."

"Does Takigakure's sudden rise mean the Ninja World is heading into chaos again?"

At last, Homura Mitokado spoke. His voice carried that same familiar political tone, but his words cut straight to the core of the meeting.

"Under Hanzō's leadership, Amegakure may not have been friendly toward us, but at least it kept the peace."

"Now, with this coup, countless unpredictable events may unfold."

"And Takigakure? A village that always stayed out of war suddenly taking the initiative to attack another village—that alone says enough."

"My advice is to send envoys to both villages immediately. The sooner, the better."

Next came the voice of the Shadow of the Ninja World, Shimura Danzō. His tone was low and filled with displeasure. Everyone knew he had long cooperated with Hanzō—even the previous plot against Kazuyama Gekkō had been orchestrated between them. The sudden death of such a partner left Danzō both shocked and uneasy.

For years now, too many events had defied his expectations. And Danzō hated nothing more than being caught off guard.

"Danzō is right. Given the situation, we do need to send people to contact Amegakure and Takigakure."

"What do you think, Minato?"

For once, Hiruzen agreed with Danzō.

Minato already shared the same thought. In fact, he already had someone in mind. When his gaze fell on Kazuyama Gekkō, the latter immediately protested.

"Seriously, big bro, why is it always me???"

"I just got back from a mission! Can't we switch it up? Fugaku would be perfect—send him instead."

Kazuyama Gekkō flatly refused. He was too lazy for this. Coming back from one mission only to be sent out again? No chance.

"Come on, Kazuyama, the capable bear more. You're the only one besides me who can use the Flying Thunder God Technique."

"Speed is everything. Plus, your presence shows Konoha's sincerity."

Minato's gentle smile and convincing words might have worked on others. But Kazuyama Gekkō was different. Reasoning with him was pointless.

"No way. I'm not leaving the village anytime soon. Let me rest!"

"Give the mission to the ANBU. Let them handle it."

The ANBU? That wasn't out of the question. And aside from them, there were other options as well.

"You… fine. Since you just got back, I won't make you go."

"But you'll need to take over at the Academy and training grounds right away."

"As for dealing with the two villages, I'll assign someone else. Satisfied?"

Kazuyama Gekkō nodded in approval. Exactly—stop making him run all over the place. It was exhausting.