Konoha cat breeder

Chapter 164: The Daimyo of the Land of Fields

Among the ninja of Iwagakure capable of using Boil Release, there was only one name that came to Tonari's mind: Han, the Jinchūriki of the Five-Tails.

Like how Kumogakure boasted the Two-Tails and Eight-Tails, Iwagakure was home to the Four-Tails and Five-Tails.

Unlike Roshi, the Four-Tails Jinchūriki known for his strained relationship with the Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, Han remained a relatively mysterious figure.

Even for Tonari, who had some prior knowledge of this world from his previous life, information about Han was sparse. What he did know was that Han was immensely powerful, and the Five-Tails itself ranked mid-tier among the Tailed Beasts, neither weak nor overwhelmingly dominant.

The pressing question was whether Han was a Perfect Jinchūriki at this point. If he was, Tonari suspected that even the combined efforts of their entire team wouldn't suffice to defeat him.

However, based on the current timeline, Han shouldn't have achieved the status of a Perfect Jinchūriki yet.

Still, the fact that Han had injured Night Fox so severely suggested that he was already capable of using a significant portion of the Five-Tails' power.

Han was not like other Jinchūriki. He fully understood the abilities of the Five-Tails and had developed techniques to harness its power effectively, including crafting specialized armor to complement his abilities.

Despite his relative obscurity now, Han's fame would rise significantly during the Third Shinobi World War.

---

When Night Fox mentioned Iwagakure and Boil Release, Akagane's calm demeanor betrayed no surprise.

This reaction meant one of two things: either Akagane was exceptionally composed, or he already knew about Han and his capabilities before the mission began.

To Tonari, the latter seemed more plausible. Akagane likely had prior knowledge about their potential opponents and had deliberately withheld it.

Tonari's greatest concern was the presence of Iwagakure ninjas, especially someone as formidable as Han, in the capital of the Land of Fields.

Wasn't this country supposed to be a loyal ally of the Land of Fire?

Clearly, the situation was more complicated than Tonari had initially thought.

"A mission important enough for Danzo to personally oversee… It was bound to be unusual," Tonari mused while treating Night Fox.

---

"Can he still fight?" Akagane asked abruptly, interrupting Tonari's thoughts.

Tonari hesitated for a moment before responding, "It's unlikely he'll regain full combat capabilities immediately. At least one full day of recovery is necessary before he can move adequately."

The atmosphere grew tense at this news.

"That won't work," Akagane declared. "We need him to recover by sunset today, even if it's just enough to provide support in combat. Can you accelerate the process?"

Tonari frowned, about to object when Akagane cut him off.

"If you can't, I'll handle it. Root operatives are prepared for such measures—you don't need to worry about his well-being."

Akagane's tone was cold and matter-of-fact, a reflection of Root's philosophy. Root operatives were tools, and their well-being was secondary to the success of the mission.

Taking a deep breath, Tonari reluctantly nodded.

With a sharp "crackle," electricity surged around his hands as he activated his Lightning Release chakra.

Night Fox's body visibly tensed, convulsing slightly from the electrical stimulation.

The Lightning Release chakra coursing through Night Fox wasn't just a physical shock—it was a method Tonari had adapted from the Cloud Village's Lightning Armor technique. By directing lightning into someone else's body, he could stimulate cellular regeneration, accelerating healing.

It was far from a gentle process. Surface wounds charred and scabbed over almost instantly, accompanied by a burnt smell.

Tonari knew the risks of this technique. Human cells had a finite capacity for division, and forcing rapid regeneration would inevitably shorten a person's lifespan.

Tsunade's Creation Rebirth technique operated on a similar principle, albeit more advanced and far more taxing. The technique accelerated cellular regeneration to the point where it visibly aged the user's body. Without her Yin Seal to mitigate the effects, Tsunade's true age would have been evident long ago.

Though Tonari's method wasn't as advanced as Creation Rebirth, it was still harsh. By the time he finished after an hour, even his reserves of chakra were nearly depleted.

Fortunately, the treatment worked. Night Fox regained enough strength to move on his own, though he'd need time to restore his chakra.

---

With Night Fox stabilized, Akagane finally revealed the mission's details.

"Now that we've confirmed the situation, I'll explain the mission and your specific roles," Akagane began.

Tonari listened intently, his eyes closed as he focused on recovering his chakra.

"The former daimyo of the Land of Fields passed away suddenly two days ago. Cause of death: unknown. However, it's suspected to be an internal matter—likely orchestrated by his eldest son, the first in line to succeed him."

In the shinobi world, daimyos held a unique status. Ninja, even from rival nations, rarely targeted them directly. However, internal power struggles within a country were a different matter entirely.

The eldest son, poised to take the throne, was rumored to have ambitions vastly different from his father.

"Unlike his predecessor, the soon-to-be daimyo is not a passive, submissive figure. Intelligence suggests he harbors significant ambitions, most notably the desire to establish a ninja village for the Land of Fields."

Tonari's eyes snapped open at this revelation.

For the Land of Fields, establishing a shinobi village was a monumental step toward self-reliance and independence. However, for the Land of Fire and Konoha, it posed a direct threat to their influence.

The Land of Fields had long been a subordinate ally, reliant on the Land of Fire for protection. The creation of a ninja village signaled a desire to sever those ties.

Such a move would undoubtedly strain relations and potentially create a new adversary right at Konoha's doorstep.

"Establishing a village isn't easy," Tonari thought. Even small nations need resources, skilled personnel, and external support.

Unsurprisingly, the Land of Fields had sought assistance from Iwagakure.

"The presence of Iwagakure ninjas, and Han in particular, confirms their involvement. They aim to support the eldest son's ascension and the establishment of a new village."

Akagane's tone grew steely. "Our mission is to ensure that doesn't happen. We will eliminate the eldest son and pave the way for the second heir—a more compliant individual—to assume power."

---

As Akagane outlined each operative's role, Tonari's mind churned with unease.

Assassinating a nation's daimyo, even one who hadn't officially ascended, was a severe violation of shinobi ethics.

"It's not a violation if he's not yet the daimyo," Akagane countered Tonari's unspoken concern, his voice as cold as ever.

Tonari had no choice but to suppress his objections. He knew that such morally gray missions were precisely why Root existed.

Still, the presence of Han, the Five-Tails Jinchūriki, loomed over them like a shadow.

"What about Han?" Tonari finally asked.

"Someone will handle him," Akagane replied cryptically.

Tonari's unease deepened. There weren't many in Konoha capable of confronting someone like Han.

---

As dawn approached, the team infiltrated the capital city of the Land of Fields, blending seamlessly into the bustling crowds.

Tonari used his Facial Transformation Technique to disguise himself as a local villager.

The upcoming succession ceremony had drawn many of the city's residents to the palace grounds, eager to witness history.

Tonari's task was to mingle with the crowd and get close to the eldest son. The rest of the team would handle other aspects of the operation.

Akagane assured them that someone else would neutralize Han, though this mysterious ally had yet to appear.

By the time the sun broke over the horizon, the palace grounds were teeming with people. The ceremonial platform was ready, and the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation.

For Tonari, this was the perfect moment to strike. Amid the chaos and the crowd's focus on the ceremony, he would have his best chance to eliminate the target.

However, as the final preparations for the ceremony unfolded, Tonari couldn't shake the nagging sense that something was about to go terribly wrong.

---

Inside the Palace

In a lavish chamber overlooking the city, a man in his thirties, dressed in black robes, gazed out the window.

Beside him stood a towering figure clad in crimson armor, his face obscured save for his piercing eyes. The man's forehead protector bore the symbol of Iwagakure.

"How does the capital of the Land of Fields compare to Iwagakure?" the black-robed man asked.

The armored figure, Han, replied bluntly, "It doesn't.

"However, for a minor nation, it's relatively prosperous."

The black-robed man didn't seem offended by Han's candor. Instead, he smiled faintly.

"Do you think we'll face trouble tonight?"

"Only if Konoha sends one of their elites," Han replied, his tone calm yet assured. "Otherwise, I can handle anyone they send."

"Good," the man said, his gaze hardening. "Tomorrow, I'll officially take my place as daimyo. By then, it will be too late for anyone to stop me."

---

As the city prepared for the ceremony, shadows moved unseen. For many, it would be a day of celebration. For others, a day of reckoning.

(End of Chapter)

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