On the cargo ship heading from the Land of Waves to the Land of Water, Rinjin and Hozuki Gengetsu sat in the cabin, discussing their mutual gains.
Hozuki Gengetsu completed the second mission issued by Kirigakure, taking down the target's head.
As for Rinjin, although he didn't achieve his set goal, he gained a deeper understanding of what he truly was. He believed that soon, he would figure out exactly what he was.
As for that old man Uzumaki Arina, Rinjin escaped using the Flying Thunder God Technique after breaking free from the adamantine chains.
The cargo ship rocked and swayed on the ocean.
In the blink of an eye, two days passed.
Rinjin and Hozuki Gengetsu returned to the mist-covered Kirigakure.
At this moment, the Mizukage building had been restored to its original state, with large blocks of light gray bricks forming this somewhat grand building.
After handing over the scroll sealing the corpse to the nearby ANBU, Rinjin calmly walked out of the Mizukage building and returned home.
It had been more than half a year since he left Konoha.
The established plan was well executed, effectively integrating into Kirigakure from Konoha, and now, the next step was to climb to the upper echelon, gaining the trust of the Third Mizukage.
Thinking of this, Rinjin looked out at the mist-covered window.
In the fog, Hozuki Gengetsu walked downstairs, unnoticed by the people around him.
Soon, a man with a small mustache wearing a robe pushed the door open, his face full of resentment.
"Damn it, Uchiha Madara's genjutsu is impossible to break!
The Third Mizukage has been controlled for so long that he's already subconsciously accepted the instilled beliefs!
..."
Glancing at the incessantly complaining Hozuki Gengetsu, Rinjin squinted his eyes, raised his eyebrows, and chuckled softly, "What do you plan to do now?"
Hearing this, Hozuki Gengetsu pursed his lips in frustration.
What to do?
Although Gensui controlled the village's finances, he ultimately wasn't a ninja and lacked strong power; perhaps he could provide some help in certain areas, but it was very limited.
Moreover, even though he brought back most of his power to the ninja world, the resurrection of the dead was too shocking.
He wasn't suitable to appear in the open.
As for the ninjas Gensui could mobilize, frankly, he felt none of them were as reliable as Rinjin.
Thinking of this, Hozuki Gengetsu spread his hands, helplessly said, "I don't know what to do either? How about we team up and take down Uchiha Madara?"
"Come on, teaming up? Even if we team up, we might not be able to defeat him, and do you know where he's hiding?"
If I could open the Eighth Gate for a long time, burning youth, Night Guy freely unleashed, perhaps there would be a chance.
But right now, I can only open the Eight Gates to the Seventh Gate, and the Eighth Gate can only last for ten seconds.
After ten seconds, there's at least a four to five-second gap.
In this situation, if we can't deal with Uchiha Madara, we'll be dealt with by him.
I never underestimate any opponent, especially someone who has fought all the way from the Warring States period to now, strong enough to blow up his pants.
After thinking for a moment, Rinjin shook his head, rejecting Hozuki Gengetsu's proposal.
"I refuse.
First of all, the two of us might not be able to defeat him;
Secondly, we can't find Uchiha Madara's location;
Finally, even if we can defeat him, we might not be able to keep him;
Kirigakure being targeted by him is inevitable, given that it's separated from other major nations by the vast ocean, making it the easiest target!
Besides, I'm just here to complete missions, and you're just a dead man, can you protect the village forever?"
Hearing this, Hozuki Gengetsu slapped his forehead, exclaiming.
"Ah!!!
I'm dead and still have to worry about the village's affairs, can't these juniors give me some peace of mind? Truly making me die with regrets!
So, what do you suggest?"
Seeing the small mustache twitching in anger, Rinjin grinned.
"It's both difficult and simple.
Just weaken his power, take his eyes, and the problem will be solved, right?"
Upon hearing this, Hozuki Gengetsu's troubled expression instantly faded, his mouth curled into a meaningful smile, staring intently at Rinjin.
It seemed his previous bitter expression was all an act.
"Good boy, got you! You actually want those Sage Eyes!
And you say it's a mission, is that really a mission? You're clearly craving his body!
You're despicable!"
Hearing this, Rinjin rolled his eyes in exasperation.
Despite the words, Hozuki Gengetsu was clearly very interested in Rinjin's plan, or rather, he was also very interested in those eyes.
His eyes quickly darted around, the unpredictable Second Mizukage spoke.
"Alright, tell me your plan in detail, see where I can help;
Your goal is those eyes, my goal is for the village to return to peace, we have no conflict;
Since that's the case, let's cooperate for mutual benefit, let's discuss."
It must be said, although this guy seemed carefree, he was indeed quite cunning.
Glancing at Hozuki Gengetsu, Rinjin felt a slight joy in his heart.
He didn't care about Hozuki Gengetsu's schemes, nor did he care what tricks this guy had up his sleeve.
What he cared about was the initiative;
Hozuki Gengetsu represented a part of Kirigakure, and cooperating with this part was most important for the initiative.
Previously, Rinjin resurrected Hozuki Gengetsu with the Edo Tensei, wanting to cooperate with him;
Now, Hozuki Gengetsu understood Kirigakure's predicament and actively sought cooperation with Rinjin.
It seemed like cooperation, but the essence was vastly different.
Thinking of this, Rinjin decisively nodded.
"Alright, cooperation for mutual benefit."
Upon hearing this, Hozuki Gengetsu's mouth slightly curled up.
He had already planned, although he was summoned by this guy, the village's interests were clearly more important;
First, understand this guy's plan, then fish in troubled waters, trying to gain as much benefit as possible without offending this guy.
Of course, if he could get this guy to confront Uchiha Madara, resulting in mutual destruction, that would be even better.
Rinjin didn't know Hozuki Gengetsu's hidden thoughts and slowly explained his plan.
"For someone like Uchiha Madara, whose strategy and strength are both top-notch, any flashy plan can easily go wrong;
So my idea is to become an upper echelon in Kirigakure, subtly hinting to the Third Mizukage through words, then slowly approach Uchiha Madara."
"Words?" Hozuki Gengetsu asked in confusion.
"Words!" Rinjin firmly affirmed.
"Have you heard of the Jashin Cult? Seen the methods of those cultists? Know how those fanatics are born?"
Throwing out three questions in a row, Rinjin didn't wait for Hozuki Gengetsu to answer, he explained:
"There are two types of people in the world who are most easily bewitched and brainwashed;
The first type is empty-headed, short-sighted people, they may not be wise, but they are definitely not lacking in cunning;
Why are these people bewitched? Because they are simple, moved by a few words;
The second type is those whose wisdom and strength are at the pinnacle, their abilities are strong, but their pursuits often exceed the era;
At this time, unable to find answers or powerless to seek answers, they ultimately attribute all problems to God.
The Third Mizukage's loyalty to Uchiha Madara?
Or does the Third Mizukage belong to the two types I mentioned? Clearly, he doesn't belong to either.
This means his loyalty has room for exploitation!"
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