Chapter Eighty-Two: The Warmonger (Extra Chapter for the Outstanding Master Li Jiayu)

Kahn-san, I truly apologize for calling you back like this.”
When Mei Shin saw Kahn, he apologized sincerely. Kahn waved off his concern and shifted the topic, asking, “Shin-kun, has something happened?”
“There are two matters. First, the craftsmen you mentioned last time—there’s news. That shipyard is on the brink of collapse, with nearly a hundred workers left without placement. Coincidentally, there’s a plan to let it go. I’ve arranged for a cousin of mine, who’s taken a new surname, to purchase it. Once that’s done, it can be handed over to you.”
Kahn’s face instantly lit up with a smile as Mei Shin relayed this information. To gain nearly a hundred skilled workers was far more delightful than recruiting a nameless elite shinobi.
“Thank you, Shin-kun. I’ll send you the agreed payment shortly,” Kahn replied, smiling. He hadn’t expected such a pleasant surprise so quickly. “Shin-kun, what’s the second matter?”
“…The Third Mizukage has become increasingly deranged. It seems he’s lost all reason.”
At the mention of the Third Mizukage, a shadow of fear and disgust crossed Mei Shin’s face. Once he calmed himself, he continued, “Some time ago, two squads were sent on a mission near the Land of Fire. They were discovered, and after combat, two were killed and two captured. The remaining four fled back… only to be executed by the Third Mizukage!”
“Executed? On what grounds?”
Kahn was startled. Was this madness? Sending shinobi to risk their lives on the frontlines, only to kill them upon their return?
“On charges of leaking information. The four survivors failed to kill their captured comrades in their escape, so Konoha might learn the details of their mission…”
Mei Shin’s tone brimmed with resentment and disapproval toward the Third Mizukage. Among the executed was once his teammate.
“That’s not all. The Third Mizukage has extended the Blood Mist policy into the ninja academy. The latest graduating class was given a set number of deaths—of four students, one must be eliminated.”
Kahn interjected, “Are these trials conducted in teams, and are more than half of those eliminated from bloodline clans?”
Mei Shin paused in surprise—he hadn’t said that yet, but Kahn had deduced it. Nodding, he continued, “Exactly as you say, Kahn-san.”
“It seems your Mizukage is about to drop all pretenses in targeting the bloodline clans. Shin-kun, what do you plan to do?”
Mei Shin shook his head, uncertain. “I don’t know. I only hope Master Gen and the others can stop the Mizukage. Our clan is small and shouldn’t be targeted, but I worry for my daughter…”
His daughter had just entered the academy, but now, even that wasn’t safe.
“Placing your family’s fate in the hands of another’s mercy is not a wise plan,” Kahn said, shaking his head. “Internal strife must be resolved, but the Third Mizukage’s methods are far too brutal. Shin-kun, you should find an opportunity to advocate for war. If you die in battle, at least your family can claim honor. The Mizukage is unlikely to persecute the families of ‘fallen heroes’...”
“War? Isn’t that too much? It would bring enormous casualties…”
Mei Shin hesitated, still feeling uneasy.
“Too much? What other choice do you have? Negotiate with the Mizukage? Do you think he’ll listen, unless your entire clan gives up power and submits to him? Or you could rebel, launch a coup and choose a new Mizukage—or redirect internal conflict through war.”
There were many possible solutions, but Kahn felt war suited them best—and also benefitted his interests.
Without war, medicine and other supplies would stagnate in his warehouses; in war, he could profit in countless ways.
As for dealing with the Third Mizukage and the Blood Mist policy, Kahn didn’t know whether the current Mizukage was being controlled or influenced by Madara Uchiha. If not, political means might suffice. But if Madara was indeed in control, nothing short of a coup could save Kirigakure.
Mei Shin had originally wanted only an external ally for his clan—Kahn had connections with Master Gen, so if their clan was targeted, they could seek Gen’s protection through Kahn.
But as the conversation wore on, Mei Shin found Kahn’s words increasingly sensible.
A coup seemed unlikely, unless all the bloodline clans united. Yet the Bamboo and Snow clans never got along—inferior to the animosity between Uchiha and Senju, but not the sort to sit down and talk things out.
Moreover, the Third Mizukage himself was a Kage-level powerhouse, with the Anbu and Seven Ninja Swordsmen at his command, as well as many loyal followers. Mei Shin could foresee the outcome of a coup: the annihilation of his entire clan, including his five-year-old daughter, Mei Terumi.
The more Mei Shin considered, the more troubled he became. Beside him, Kahn seemed to be offering comfort, but in fact was subtly steering him toward war.
An hour later, Mei Shin glanced at the time, realizing it was about time to take his leave.
“Kahn-san, today’s discussion has given me much to ponder. I’ll think carefully about your suggestions.”
Hearing this, Kahn felt the man was almost too honest, and felt a twinge of guilt for manipulating him. So he added, “Shin-kun, if you can no longer remain in Kirigakure, you’re always welcome here.”
Soon, the Blood Mist policy would intensify. Once Obito Uchiha took over from Madara, Kirigakure would be driven into ruin.
By then, the village would be lax in pursuing missing-nin—even Zabuza could roam the Land of Waves with impunity. For Kahn, protecting a few people would be all too easy.
“I understand. Thank you, Kahn-san,” Mei Shin replied, moved. After bidding farewell, he returned to Kirigakure—his departure enabled by a mission and his clan’s cover.
Once Mei Shin had left, Kahn shook his head and murmured, “Ninja are just too easy to deceive…”
He set aside the Kirigakure matter for now; his businesses still required much attention. With his current resources, he could afford to take in more war orphans.
Within the Land of Fire, there was no cause for concern—its stability was ideal for Natsukawa’s growth. Her power had been greatly curtailed, and Konoha could not easily manipulate her any longer.
Kahn now focused on matters in the Land of Waves and the Land of Tea. Once those affairs were settled, he planned to return to the Marvel world for a while.
……………
Konoha Village
Kushina had just left the Barrier Corps, having completed another C-rank mission—helping the unit repair sealing runes.
Her performance naturally drew praise from all. Though only fourteen, Kushina had been taught for years by Mito Uzumaki, Konoha’s foremost sealing master. With her innate talent, there were only a handful in Konoha whose sealing expertise could surpass hers.
“Kushina!”
As she approached the turn to her home, someone blocked her path. Looking closely, she realized it was Minato Namikaze, a former classmate from the academy.
“Oh, it’s you, Minato. What is it?”
Kushina took a small step back, clutching her scroll. Although the cloud-nin spy incident had nothing to do with Minato, she still felt uneasy around him and didn’t want to be friends.
“How about having a meal together? You must have some time, right, Kushina?”
As he spoke, Minato produced a bouquet of flowers from behind his back, forcing a determined look onto his face.
Kushina’s mouth twitched at the sight. She tossed out a curt reply and walked around him, “I don’t have time!”
Minato was flustered, but tried again, “Kushina, I’ll definitely become the strongest ninja, and then…”
Whoosh!
A kunai whizzed past Minato’s hair, embedding itself in a nearby utility pole.
“If you want to act crazy, do it elsewhere. Don’t come looking for me.”
With those words, Kushina hurried away. Fortunately, the street had been empty, or she’d have embarrassed herself.
Minato, still stunned by the kunai, watched her leave. Only after a moment did he pull out a book from his pocket, muttering in confusion, “This isn’t what Jiraiya-sensei said would happen… In the book, the girl agrees, and her personality is just like Kushina’s…”
Baffled, Minato went off to consult Jiraiya, book in hand.
……………………
“What’s with that guy? Is this someone else’s hint?”
Back home, Kushina was still annoyed. She thought to herself that if she were to accept a dinner invitation, it would only be with the boss. Those classmates who once mocked her at the academy now wanted to reconcile as if nothing had happened.
But as she thought of Kahn, Kushina recalled the nights when she massaged his head, and, blushing, fidgeted shyly in the living room. Luckily, Nawaki and Tsunade weren’t home, or she’d have embarrassed herself again.
“But was the boss serious when he said to treat the Tailed Beasts as people, to do business with them even if we can’t be friends… It sounds more like a merchant’s approach, but right now, it’s difficult just to meet the Nine-Tails.”
Recalling Kahn’s advice from that night, Kushina was tempted to try. But she had experienced firsthand the Kyuubi’s violent nature during the transfer—the negative emotions were overwhelming, almost apocalyptic.
“If I can really do it, I might gain control of the Tailed Beast’s power sooner, just like Granny Mito…”
After mulling it over, Kushina decided to try, though she knew it could be dangerous. Her seal was powered by her own chakra, reinforced by Konoha’s sealing team.
If she was overwhelmed by the Kyuubi’s chakra, the village’s seals would be of little help. Even combined, they weren’t on par with Mito Uzumaki. Had someone of Mito’s caliber aided in the transfer, Kushina could now attempt to communicate freely with the Kyuubi.

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Chapter 82: The Warmonger (Extra update for the amazing Leader Li Jiayu)