The person in the darkness fell silent.
He couldn't confidently say that he wouldn't turn into the Third Mizukage, causing the Blood Mist Faction to rekindle and continue errors on the basis of mistakes.
"Money... is such a relentlessly practical issue."
The person gave a helpless smile.
"Is this the reason you implemented military unification in the Land of Demons?"
The military forces were completely unified, with no distinction between ordinary people and ninjas, forming a comprehensive military institution.
In this way, the country must rely on the sole military institution for protection. The Daimyo and nobles couldn't find reasons to reduce military expenses, nor could they reduce them.
Because the stronger the comprehensive military institution, the more stable their rule becomes.
But first, how to unify the military remains a question.
The governing model of the Land of Demons has always been unique in the Ninja Realm, being a country without a Daimyo.
Unlike the Five Great Nations, where both Daimyos and those nobles have their private ninja groups.
Although they cannot compare to a complete ninja village institution, the ninja forces they hold cannot be completely ignored either.
If the Five Great Nations wanted to unify their military, military power would become an essential authority to fight for.
Whether to continue letting the Five Kage hold power, outsiders unable to interfere, or have the Daimyo and nobles directly govern, is not something that can change overnight.
Meanwhile, the Daimyo and ninja villages are deliberately avoiding this issue, further complicating military unification.
"That was merely an experiment. Looking at it now, the experiment wasn't a complete failure and can barely continue operating."
"So, you think I'm not trustworthy?"
The other person furrowed his brow.
"Yes." Hakushi nodded frankly, expressing a lack of trust in the promises made by the other person.
Then, Hakushi provided his explanation:
"Your strength is too weak. All those promises are merely empty words. Additionally, Hidden Mist's economy is entirely subject to the Daimyo, relying on meager mission rewards to barely get by. Based on this situation, I genuinely cannot develop trust in you. After everything is settled, stabbing me in the back, discarding me as an ally, is certainly possible."
Hakushi bluntly threw this issue out, leaving the other person to catch it.
The other person's force was too weak, which was also a problem.
In this matter, Hakushi didn't feel like he was the passive partner. If he were to truly intervene in the internal conflict of Hidden Mist, he must strive for initiative.
Even if it's under the guise of assistance, helping the other person achieve the position of Fourth Mizukage cannot simply end with a 'nominal' reward.
"Therefore, I must consider the damage we will face if you go back on your word after the fact, should our information be exposed. You must contemplate this for us, as it is your obligation to us. After all, you are the one requiring my help, not the other way around. If this cannot be assured, the collaboration cannot proceed."
In this matter, Hakushi could not make concessions nor compromise.
Hidden Mist would achieve what it desired, and even if they went back on their word, Hakushi had no recourse besides revenge.
By then, Hidden Mist and the Konoha Alliance could use key personnel from the Land of Demons as leverage to constrain them.
The risk should be commensurate with the reward.
However, the reward Hidden Mist offered did not justify taking on such a substantial risk.
If betrayed by Hidden Mist, the consequences would be unimaginable.
"..."
The person in the darkness furrowed his brows, feeling quite troubled.
Honestly, he didn't know how to respond to the questions posed by Hakushi.
Because he had never encountered such an audacious renegade ninja, bargaining over the distribution of benefits and risks with him.
Hakushi could only be described as 'bold'.
"If I guarantee the safety of your side, what actions are you able to take?"
"At the start of the plan, you can deploy us, even if it's to directly assassinate the Third Mizukage. But you'll need to lure the target to a secluded location so we can take action. Rushing into Hidden Mist Village to eliminate the target amidst the heavy protection of Anbu and Jonin is a bit unrealistic."
"Uh... there's no need to trouble you with that. How to deal with the Third Mizukage is my affair."
Cold sweat dripped.
Was it appropriate for a renegade ninja to boast about taking out the Third Mizukage to a high-ranking Hidden Mist official?
"Alright, if you want to end the Third Mizukage's reign yourself, that's fine. However, don't try to change the subject. You haven't told me how you'll avoid the risk of going back on your word after succeeding. We are different from you; being renegade ninjas, we are already subject to discrimination."
You know you're a renegade ninja, huh. The person vented helplessly.
The aggressive tone just now was completely unlike anything a renegade ninja would do. Directly pressuring this Hidden Mist high-ranking official was truly a first.
"How about using Ninja Techniques for a contract?"
"No, there's a risk of the Jutsu being undone, I can't believe that."
"Then what do you want?"
"I've written the conditions."
Hakushi took out a scroll from his chest and placed it in the other person's hand.
The other person became somewhat impatient, having been drawn into this routine.
After reading the contents on the scroll, even before finishing, only halfway through, the person's aura became even more agitated.
"No way! This is too impractical! If something goes wrong, Hidden Mist will face collective pressure from the Daimyo and all ninja villages, ending up in a state more tragic than the terrifying rule brought by the Blood Mist!"