Chapter 140
There was a minor incident on Ōnoki's end, but overall, he was still under Zixu's control. The only thing left was to prepare everything before the conference began.
Although Neji had already been tasked with the preparations, given the gravity of the situation, Zixu felt it was better to remain cautious.
After all, with the Akatsuki actively targeting the Tailed Beast Jinchūriki, the situation was volatile. Moreover, the Hyuga Main Family in Konoha would hardly harbor good intentions toward the branch family. However, Zixu knew Konoha wouldn't openly turn hostile—it simply wasn't worth it over a group of Hyuga branch members.
Meanwhile, the war profiteers of Kumogakure were highly interested in the firearms technology being developed, hoping to mass-produce it. As for Kirigakure, Haku and Zabuza were still considered rogue ninjas. In fact, a significant portion of Kirigakure's population consisted of missing-nin, many of whom had been swayed by Zixu.
And then there was Sunagakure. Zixu had outright abducted all their Jinchūriki, ensuring that he had thoroughly offended every major village.
Yet, beyond the external threats, the village also harbored internal dangers. The most unpredictable factor was Orochimaru. Zixu couldn't dismiss the possibility that the snake Sannin might surprise him at the conference.
"Sigh..." Zixu let out a weary sigh. Had he not poured so much of his effort into building the Land of Whirlpools, he wouldn't have to work this hard.
"What's wrong?" Hyuga Chinano, walking behind him, noticed the slight shift in Zixu's gait and thought he had sensed something unusual.
"Nothing. Let's go." Zixu shook his head and continued walking. Their original plan was to meet up with Haku and the others, as it would be safer. Negotiating with the daimyō was no easy task, after all.
To Zixu's surprise, however, Aburame Hatsuizumi contacted him first, reporting that they had successfully completed their mission and instructing Zixu to return to the village.
Trusting Hatsuizumi, Zixu decided to head back directly, unaware of whether Hatsuizumi and Haku would stir up further trouble.