Chiba City, Land of Bears.
Chen Xing arrived at noon. After a brief meal, he headed to the intelligence station maintained by Hoshigakure in the eastern district. The branch existed mainly to monitor the Chiba clan, the hereditary rulers of the Bear Country whose lineage stretched back several centuries despite having little military strength.
That night, after gathering the necessary information, Chen Xing infiltrated the Daimyō's residence—an expansive palace far more elaborate than the Ichijō family's castle he had previously visited.
Inside the main hall, the Daimyō of the Bear Country and his eldest son were discussing the recent rise of Hoshigakure. The young heir argued that allying with the village would strengthen their nation, but the Daimyō cautioned him. As a small buffer state between Wind and Earth, the Bear Country survived only by remaining low-profile.
The Daimyō revealed that Sunagakure's Fourth Kazekage had already contacted him, promising protection for the royal family in exchange for cooperation. The Bear Country intended to side with the Land of Wind against Hoshigakure.
A sudden voice interrupted their conversation.
Chen Xing stood calmly in the corner of the hall. The guards outside had already been neutralized.
The Daimyō tensed, but his son tried to maintain composure.
"Why are you here, Mr. Chen Xing?"
"You plan to support Sunagakure against us," Chen Xing replied. "If I hadn't arrived, would you have waited until Suna's shinobi marched straight into Hoshigakure?"
The heir hesitated, then asked bluntly:
"Do you believe Hoshigakure can withstand Sunagakure's forces?"
Chen Xing answered without hesitation.
"A prolonged war isn't in our favor. Hoshigakure doesn't have the resources for it. If we want to win, it must be swift—Sunagakure must be forced to surrender before the conflict drags on."
The Daimyō realized Chen Xing wasn't here to threaten them, but to negotiate. The tension slowly faded from the room.
---
The Following Morning
No one knew the details of what Chen Xing discussed with the Daimyō that night. But the next day, the Bear Country shocked its officials: the Daimyō abdicated, handing authority to his eldest son.
Suspicion spread quickly—many believed he was being controlled. The royal family's elite shinobi investigated and confirmed the former Daimyō was mentally sound, resolving the dispute.
Within half a month, the new Daimyō purged the older factions and consolidated power. Then came the second shock:
The Bear Country announced a national renaming, declaring Hoshigakure its sole ninja village.
Resistance arose, but with support from Hoshigakure's shinobi, the opposition was swiftly suppressed. Once stability was restored, Chen Xing returned to the village.
---
Hoshigakure
"Fourth Star Shadow? You want me to succeed the position?"
Chen Xing stared helplessly at the Third Star Shadow.
The old man chuckled.
"You've already eliminated most of the rogue factions. They follow you more than they follow me. I'll handle the paperwork for now—you only need to oversee the big decisions."
Chen Xing sighed.
"If everything settles down soon, I might retire early."
---
Sunagakure
In the Kazekage's office, the Fourth Kazekage crushed the intelligence report in his hand.
"That damned Daimyō… He changes the country's name and cuts ties with us?"
His voice was icy.
"Send word to the council. We are holding an emergency meeting."
---