Escape From Konoha

Chapter 242: 236: Conspiracy

".....the important facilities, such as the academy and the hospital in the village, are in a state of serious disrepair. Therefore, Hoshikage-sama earnestly requests Daimyo-sama, to allocate an additional 30% to this year's budget for the development of the village."

A ninja from Hoshigakure knelt on one knee in the room, head bowed deeply, conveying these words.

Listening to the Hoshi nin address in the conference room, the Bear Daimyo, lightly touched his chin, wearing a thoughtful expression. 'Which of the women will be serving the bed tonight?'

Seated beneath the Bear Daimyo were six officials, they all appeared with the same peaceful expression as if they were seriously considering the concerns presented by the representative from Hoshigakure.

Half a minute passed by inside the room without anyone breaking the silence. The atmosphere, while slightly calm, hung heavy, almost suffocating with tension.

Still remaining on one knee, the Hoshinin nervously cleared his throat, unable to resist asking, "Daimyo-sama, about this year's budget..."

"Oh..., the budget..."

The Bear Daimyo suddenly recollected and responded to the ninja, "Yes."

Although the ninja felt anger, the individuals inside the meeting room held the economic lifeline of Hoshigakure. For a ninja village to develop, huge financial support was indispensable.

"You mentioned... How much is the proposed increase?" The Bear Daimyo sought confirmation, wanting to ensure he heard correctly.

"An increase of 30%."

The Hoshi nin knew that the Daimyo and other officials weren't fully paying attention to their pleas.

Their minds were probably occupied with how boring the meeting was, they were eager for it to end.

Before the Bear Daimyo could speak, another official interjected, "Asafar as i know, Hoshigakure's military strength has declined as of recent. The number of Chunin and Jonin produced ever year has reduced, accounting for less than 20% of previous years. If you're failing to show decent results, obtaining capital for the village will be a difficult. if the investment doesn't yield a corresponding return, decisions will need to be reconsidered."

"But... it is precisely because of the insufficient funds that the production of Chunin and Jonin within the village decreased."

"Then, let's see some results first."

"But that requires a lot of supplies...."

"That's why I'm saying we can only inject funds if we see the results. The Land of Bear is a small country, and we must use wise judgements to allocate our remaining resources. As long as you show excellent results, and we'll willingly invest the capital in Hoshigakure."

The Hoshi nin discerned that this official wasn't concerned with managing Hoshigakure. He turned his look to the Bear Daimyo, who was lost in thought once again.

"Daimyo-sama, what is your decision?"

Im the end, the daimyo held the final decision. As long as he agrees, it will mostly successful.

"As for increasing the budget by 30%... Well, this is no simple task. Well, you can go back and tell the Third Hoshikage to wait for a while. We will come up with a satisfactory response soon."

The Bear Daimyo addressed the Hoshi nin with earnest consideration.

"But…"

"Alright, that's settled. You can leave for now. After all, a 30% increase in the budget is no small matter, isn't it?"

The Daimyo covered half of his face with his fan, smiled with narrowed eyes.

The Hoshi nin was about to say something when a chill emanated from the corner of the room, enveloping his body entirely.

The Hoshi nin couldn't help but shiver, he was being observed

There were at least a few ninjas secretly monitoring his every move, their concealed presence exuding a silent threat. If he dared to ask once more, his head will fall off within the next moment.

"Yes, I understand. Please make a decision promptly, my lords."

The Hoshi nin gritted his teeth in humiliation and left the conference room in embarrassment.

The Bear Daimyo and all the officials observed the Hoshi nin's departure, and an indistinct sneer echoed.

"Hoshigakure is getting worse?. The bandits in the country haven't been cleared up, yet they seek a 30% yearly budget increase. Where's their dignity?"

"Exactly, it's outrageous. A 30% budget increase, they're likely trying to kill us."

"I'm tired of these yearly budget increase requests. Can't we silence them once and for all?"

Other officials echoed, expressing their discontent one after another.

The Bear Daimyo coughed, restoring order in the conference room. The officials turned their attention to the Daimyo, waiting his words.

The Bear Daimyo set aside his fan and said, "A 30% budget increase isn't a big deal. If everyone comes together, we can manage for the allocation."

"So, you're considering agreeing to their request?" An official expressed slight dissatisfaction.

While Hoshigakure supports the Land of Bears military, the Land of Bears didn't currently seek toexpand their territory. They're sandwiched between two major counties, the Land of Earth and the Land of Wind. So the Land of Bears was content with maintaining the status quo.

Granting too much military expenditure to Hoshigakure could draw objections from the Land of Earth and the Land of Wind.

Unlike the neutral Land of Demons, the Land of Bears isn't neutral. Once a country's ninja village becomes stronger, they susceptible to being targeted by a major power.

They had witnessed the fall of the Land of Rain with their own eyes. Thet comprehended the sadness and powerlessness of a small country embroiled in a war instigated by a major power.

However, facing the overwhelmingly powerful five major countries, they feel helpless.

The one country, one village system established the highest class in the ninja world.

In the past, small countries could resist major powers, but now military strength relied on the power of their ninja village.

From this perspective, they harbored resentment towards the god of ninja who started the one country, one village system.

A major country with their vast land, coupled with an immensely powerful ninja village, further constrained the living space of a small country.

Moreover, they were reluctant to provide excessive support to common ninjas.

Who's to say Hoshigakure won't harbor ambitions to expand after an increase in military expenditure, threatening their power and status?

Having amassed over 90% of the wealth of the Land of Bears, they were unwilling to engage in what they perceived as worthless.

Hoshigakure didn't need to expand its borders; as long as they were contended with the status quo, it would be the greatest support they could offer.

The Bear Daimyo glanced around and said, "Don't worry, hear me out. It would be no problem to increase their budget by 30%, but I've heard some unsettling rumors recently."

"Unsettling rumors? What do you mean?"

"Hoshigakure seems to be colluding with officials from other countries."

The Bear Daimyo said, his face growing slightly gloomy and extremely dignified.

"What!!?"

The officials were wide-eyed, staring at the Daimyo in disbelief, they thought they must have misheard.

"This is a letter written by the Third Hoshikage likely to officials from other countries a few days ago.. It was intercepted by my subordinate. It bears the Third Hoshikage's own handwriting and the official seal of Hoshigakure."

The Daimyo solemnly took out a letter from his pocket, directed the servant to take it, passing it to the six officials below for them to go through.

Opening the letter with suspicions, all the present officials read it carefully. The more they read, the more frightened and gloomier their expressions became.

Although Hoshigakure hasn't openly expressed any rebellious intentions, but secret collusion with officials from other countries undeniably jeopardized the interests of the Land of Bears.

Such action needed be stopped.

If Hoshigakure was getting incited by other countries, it bodes ill for the Land of Bears. Worse yet, the Land of Bears could be destroyed due to these actions. Of course, these assumptions hinged on the premise that Hoshigakure truly intends to rebel.

The handwriting on the letter indeed matched that of the Third Hoshikage, and it bore the official seal of Hoshigakure, which was difficult for outsiders to imitate.

However, ninjas were not measured by common sense. It wasn't difficult to forge handwritings, and with the daimyo's capabilities, obtaining intelligence within Hoshigakure, taking advantage of the Third Hoshikage's unpreparedness, it was easily achievable.

Having their own calculations, nine out of ten, this letter was fabricated, and the strategy employed was notably clumsy. However, they all understood that no clever tactics were required; hitting the theme directly was more important.

What they perceived was an ambitious Daimyo seeking to swallow Hoshigakure entirely.

Whether the strategy was poor or brilliant didn't matter; what counts was the current stance of Daimyo.

All the officials observed with bated breath, and silence settled in the conference room.

The Daimyo understood their concerns, but his plan had reached a point of no return.

"Let's be honest, I need all of your support. Think about the benefits once this is done."

A ninja village completely dominated to their will... All the officials envisioned this with great excitement.

"But the agreement..." An official expressed some worry.

The one country, one village system was established based on the so-called 'contract'.

The Daimyo and nobles provided funds for the development of the ninja village, and in return, the ninja village protected the country's stability when funds were received.

Both parties mustn't exceed their authority.

"Have we violated anything?"

The Daimyo set aside the folding fan and regarded everyone with a confused glance.

All the officials suddenly understood. Indeed, they hadn't violated anything, and the one-country-one-village contract couldn't sanction them.

Moreover, they held the highest positions in the country. Except for the major countries, who could genuinely hold them accountable?

The so-called rules were originally tools to subjugate the lower classes.

Therefore, the audacious plan proposed by their Daimyo indicated that his people had likely infiltrated the core of Hoshigakure.

.....

"Long time no see, Daimyo-sama."

The person privately meeting the Bear Daimyo was Akahoshi, who had discreetly left from Hoshigakure.

He spoke with familiarity to the Daimyo.

From his slightly respectful tone, it was evident that in their interactions, the dominance of the Bear Daimyo prevailed.

As a daimyo, he controlled a large portion of the country's wealth, including power.

The Daimyo's authority extended beyond the ordinary soldiers, encompassing secretly trained trusted ninjas to serve as their personal guards.

Akahoshi also vaguely sensed that there were at least six ninjas lurking in an unknown corner of this luxurious room.

Two of them exuded strong auras, they were undoubtedly Jonin.

"Yeah, it's been a long time. You've came this time, will you not be attracting the attention of the Third Hoshikage?" The Daimyo stared at Akahoshi.

"There are two of my subordinates inside the village covering for me, and they're in support of the plan." Akahoshi said.

The Bear smiled slightly, "You're still so cautious and reliable in performing, which reminds me of the time when you were working on my side."

Akahoshi also missed that time a lot. When he was young, at the village's request, he served as the guard of the Bear Daimyo for a period.

It was during that time he sought refuge in the Daimyo. They were drawn together by their shared ambitions.

Both were ambitious people.

The Daimyo aspired to expand the territory, becoming a hero of his generation.

Akahoshi wanted to secure ruling power for Hoshigakure, utilizing the star to enhance the village's combat effectiveness, breaking the monopoly of the five major ninja villages on the mission market, and elevate Hoshigakure's status.

Due to this, he looked down on the conservative Third Hoshikage. An old man pass his erasl, his thoughts and will had long disconnected from the present era.

"When are you starting?" Akahoshi asked impatiently.

"Things haven't reached that level of urgency yet, have they?"

"No, I'm very worried that the Third will pass on the position of the next Hoshikage to Natsuhi."

"Natsuhi? I've heard of her, she seems to be a highly skilled Jōnin in the Village."

All the high-end combat power of Hoshigakure was well known to the Bear Daimyo.

The female Jōnin by the name 'Natsuhi' held the position of number one in the Village.

Her late husband was also a Jonin. The couple were once renowned figures in Hoshigakure, exerting considerable influence in the village.

"Yes, she is one of the few Jōnin in the village who has mastered the 'mysterious peacock method' to the highest level, and she is a bit stronger than me. Based on my speculation, I'm afraid the third may not be her match." Akahoshi revealed.

"Make her disappear." The Daimyo's eyes turned cold.

A powerful ninja not aligned to his side needed to be eliminated as soon as possible.

"This is easy to do. Natsuhi has a son; just use him as a threat. But before that, you need to get rid of the third and then you can deal with her slowly." Akahoshi suggested.

While Natsuhi was strong, family affection easily entangled her, making her more easier to deal with than the Third Hoshikage.

This was the fundamental reason why Akahoshi wasn't in a hurry to deal with Natsuhi.

In this cruel ninja world, having emotions brought one closer to death.

Only those devoid of emotions, desires, and impervious to any sentiment can be considered true ninjas.

"Okay, when the time comes you can deal with her. As for who to handle the Third Hoshikage, I've already found someone." The Daimyo conveyed with a meaningful look.

After hearing this, Akahoshi was slightly shocked.

In the room, the two exchanged evil expressions.

....

"Ninja-sama, what does the outside world look like?"

Shukichi, in the courtyard today, once again found herself talking to herself.

Perhaps it was because she had minimal interaction with ninjas in the past. Unlike ninjas, most of the guards around her were samurai.

It was said that samurai had now become a downcast class overshadowed by ninjas.

As far back as more than a hundred years ago, samurai held higher status than ninjas. They were loyal to their lords, expanding their territories, and defending their domains.

During that era, being a samurai symbolized honor.

There was silence on her side, but Shukichi knew that the ninja-sama was by her side, ensuring her safety at all times.

This reassuring feeling was entirely new to her.

Shukichi was unable to forget the incident of nearly falling into the pond. She lowered her head, seemingly engrossed in examining ants on the ground, counting their number.

Red Shadow had grown accustomed to the princess talking to herself these days.

For him, protecting someone wasn't that important, what mattered was completing the mission assigned by Shiraishi-sama.

Whether protecting the Bear Daimyo or protecting the princess with all his heart, it was simply a mission entrusted by Shiraishi-sama.

As long as it was a mission, he had to complete it, even if it meant sacrificing his life without hesitation.

"I've heard people say that there are always wars outside... If there's a war, too many people will die." Shukichi expressed with a sad look.

Chiyin found it strange since she had never witnessed the true face of war. Why, then, was she showing such a sad expression? He found women truly strange.

Moreover, casualties in war was supposed to be common knowledge.

There were only three kinds of people who survived during wars. One, the lucky. Second, the resilient. Third, the powerful.

[T/N: The fourth: Otsutsuki Ichiraku-sama]

"I really want to go outside... this place is so small."

The world isn't small, but the world she lived was too small. Her world consisted of such limited surroundings.

Red Shadow didn't take her words seriously..The outside world was dangerous, and delicate flowers in the greenhouse couldn't withstand the ravages of the outside world.

However listening attentively to her words was merely to pass the boring time.

"By the way, why did Ninja-sama become a ninja? Your past story must be exciting."

Life was limited to the books she usually read, but she knew that stories and real life were different.

There were no guards in the worldwho would risk their lives to protect her.

There was mo romantic fairy-tale love .

Not everyone was kind and lovely.

Even ninja-sama protecting her was only following orders.

Yet, perhaps deceiving herself this way brought some solace.

Still hearing no response, she sighed. Sure enough, she still can't speak with ninja-sama.

It was good for passing the boring time, but discussing someone's life so freely seemed impolite.

...

Red Shadow lurking found her words triggering some memories from the past. But those memories were actually what he rejected the most.

His childhood was made up of exploitation, death, war, and wandering. Before meeting Shiraishi, he couldn't see the real world clearly. He was a wild dog at the bottom, only able to bark at the desolate mountain dogs.

To a certain extent, prominent nobles like Shukichi were the kind of people he despised the most.

These people always adorn themselves in gorgeous and colorful clothes, they indulged in delicacies from all over the world, showing no concern for the lives of others. And when in danger, they only screamed in panic waiting for others to rescue them.

They were people from two different worlds.

'This mission... I truly want to finish it sooner.' Red Shadow thought in his heart.

As long as the mission here was completed swiftly, he would be free from this place and continue to follow him, becoming another shadow behind him.

Suddenly, Red Shadow frowned suddenly. Someone was approaching here.

At the gate of the courtyard, a neatly dressed messenger warrior appeared.

....

Kneeling down on one knee in front of the Bear Daimyo, Red Shadow looked like a perfect tool loyal to him.

The Daimyo smiled and said, "Get up. I'm sorry for making you come over suddenly at this time."

Red Shadow stood up.

Besides him and the Daimyo, there was someone else present in the room.

Hoshigakure Jonin, Akahoshi.

Red Shadow had reviewed Akahoshi's information and knew him to be a powerful Jonin with exceptional strength in Hoshigakure.

While Red Shadow observed Akahoshi, Akahoshi also observed Red Shadow.

According to the information from the Daimyo, this youth was the best candidate for assassinating the Third Hoshikage.

Could such a young brat truly do it?

It wasn't that Akahoshi didn't believe, he only wondered at the sheer impossibility. Red Shadow appeared to be a young boy of seventeen or eighteen, and he lacked the dangerous edge about his unassuming presence..

However, being trusted by the Daimyo must mean he was quite strong.

"Red Shadow, this is Akahoshi from Hoshigakure. Akahoshi, this is Red Shadow."

Bear country Daimyo introduced the two.

Akahoshi nodded, stretched out his hand to Red Shadow.

"Nice to meet you."

Red Shadow couldn't refuse, so he reached out to Akahoshi.

Before Akahoshi could say anything, the Daimyo was the first to speak, "Akahoshi, don't underestimate Red Shadow; he is a ninja with rare talents."

The Daimyo appeared mysterious.

'Rare talent?'

Akahoshi frowned slightly. Soon, he understood.

Kekkei Genkai.

'If he indeed had a Kekkei Genkai, then the brat couldn't be judged by common sense,' Akahoshi thought to himself.

"Daimyo-sama, it seems you