Chapter 114 - 9: Shadows of Intrigue
Makki had no interest in the internal strife of Kirigakure. Let them fight to the death amongst themselves—what did it have to do with Sunagakure? He didn't care who became the "decision maker" in Kirigakure either. As long as someone was sent to fulfill their obligations, it wouldn't matter even if the leader of the militant faction, Yoake, became Mizukage or the head of the Genji faction.
What truly caught Makki's attention was the underground forces that Siren mentioned. This posed a significant threat to Sunagakure.
Currently, Sunagakure was riding the wave of its major victory over Iwagakure, with morale and public sentiment at an all-time high. Several large-scale projects were underway, and major infrastructure developments were in full swing. The Third Kazekage, Jinghang-sama, planned to complete the full construction of the Yuesi Peninsula and the Yuesha Expressway by next year's Five Kage Summit. This international conference would serve as a platform to showcase Sunagakure's new image and achievements, pushing the village's economic development to new heights.
However, if Kirigakure were to be led by a warmonger during this critical period, any new war or chaos they stirred up would undoubtedly be something Jinghang-sama would want to avoid. As a former member of Sunagakure's ANBU, Makki possessed the strategic foresight to recognize this.
This potential threat had to be nipped in the bud.
"What's your take on Yoake?" Makki asked.
"This man appears humble, but in reality, he's an outright war fanatic. Ruthless and merciless in his actions, he is also remarkably skilled at winning people over. His reputation is especially high among the lower-ranking shinobi in the village," Siren replied with a solemn expression.
"And his strength?" Makki raised an eyebrow.
The best way to solve this problem, of course, would be a physical one—eliminate him.
Siren shook his head. "I advise against such thoughts. Let me put it this way: someone like me wouldn't last even a hundred moves against him. On top of that, he has a special identity."
"What is it?"