Every plan Rengoku came up with was highly far-sighted. Because of that, Minato would always move to carry them out without hesitation.
Next, the topic shifted to Ajisai. Minato had actually known for a long time that both Ajisai and Tenten possessed exceptional talent in spatial techniques.
However, the chakra within these two girls wasn't that abundant yet, and learning the Flying Thunder God Technique not only required a huge investment of time and energy, but would also place a heavy burden on their bodies.
"Given their current condition, wouldn't trying to learn the Flying Thunder God Technique be a bit too rushed?", Minato showed a trace of hesitation as he asked.
Rengoku, however, held a completely different view, "In my opinion, Ajisai's talent in combat is limited."
"Even if you give her a few more years to grow and train, her overall strength probably won't improve much."
"In that case, it's better to focus on developing her other potential abilities."
"Tenten is the same. It's just that she's busy delivering goods, I haven't even seen her since I got back."
When Minato thought about it, that was indeed the case.
"They're both very talented kids, but whether they can learn the Flying Thunder God will still depend on whether their spatial aptitude is good enough."
Rengoku didn't comment much on that, only saying calmly:
"It's fine. There's no harm in trying."
Then he said to Minato, "Go pick up Sasori and Chiyo, and take them to Orochimaru's laboratory."
Although Rengoku didn't know where Sasori was, he knew Minato must have left a Flying Thunder God mark on him. In that case, it was most appropriate for Minato to go.
After hearing this, Minato didn't hesitate at all. He simply nodded slightly in agreement.
Then his figure flickered, and he vanished from the spot in an instant.
———
[Fire Nation Daimyo's Residence]
Although the Fire Nation Daimyo's prestige was no longer as great as before, the place still presented a scene of singing and dancing, peace and prosperity.
The Daimyo still lived a life of indulgence, feasting and pleasure every day.
As for whether he worried that the Hokage of Konoha might eventually replace him, honestly, even if he worried, what could he do?
After all, he himself had no combat ability whatsoever, and the soldiers he had could only deal with ordinary people. When facing powerful ninja, they were completely helpless.
Under such circumstances, the only thing he could do was pretend not to know anything and continue to indulge in the comfort before him.
Just as the Daimyo was leisurely tasting fresh fruit and watching the graceful dancers perform with great interest, a stern-faced aide quietly leaned close to his ear and whispered, "My lord, he's here again."
The Daimyo already knew who had come, but his expression didn't change at all. He remained calm, continuing to enjoy the food and the dance.
Seeing that the Daimyo didn't react, the aide softly added, "This time, Chiriku came with him as well."
Hearing that name, the Daimyo lowered his gaze slightly, as if thinking for a moment, before slowly raising his hand and giving a light wave downward.
The dancers below, who had been performing energetically, immediately understood and stopped, quickly and orderly withdrawing from the stage.
The Daimyo then stood up and walked steadily toward the inner room.
As soon as he entered, he saw two people already waiting quietly inside. One had a head full of snow-white hair, with a ferocious scar running across his face; the other was completely bald.
These two were none other than Kazuma and Chiriku.
Upon seeing the Daimyo arrive, Kazuma and Chiriku immediately bowed deeply and spoke in unison, "We pay our respects, my lord!"
The Daimyo smiled and waved his hand, signaling that there was no need for formalities, then casually asked, "Chiriku, what brings you here as well?"
Chiriku first glanced at Kazuma beside him, then respectfully replied, "My lord, as members of the Twelve Guardian Ninja, we bear the responsibility of protecting your safety. Naturally, we should be ready at all times."
That statement carried deeper meaning. After all, both of them had once been members of the Twelve Guardian Ninja.
This organization had been formed during the Third Great Ninja War.
At that time, when the entire ninja world was in chaos, the Daimyo lived in constant fear, worried that he might be assassinated at any moment. And so, the Twelve Guardian Ninja came into being.
Speaking of which, back then Asuma had been on bad terms with the Third Hokage, Hiruzen. In a fit of anger, he had joined this organization.
Unfortunately, the good times didn't last long. Before long, due to ideological conflicts among its members, the organization inevitably split apart.
After that, Asuma could only return to Konoha in frustration.
Time passed, and things had long since changed.
Most of the once-glorious Twelve Guardian Ninja had already died, leaving only the two in front of him.
And now, the two of them still identified themselves as members of the Twelve Guardian Ninja, clearly intent on continuing to serve the Daimyo.
Faced with this, the Daimyo simply shook his head lightly and said slowly, "I am very safe here. There is no need for any form of protection."
Hearing this, Kazuma, who had originally wanted to argue, had just opened his mouth when Chiriku, quick to react, stopped him.
Chiriku took over, speaking with a serious expression as he advised the Daimyo, "My lord, Konoha is at the height of its power now. Its influence is growing day by day, and that Hokage is widely renowned. His prestige among the people is increasing with each passing day."
"If, by any chance, something were to happen to you, then the Land of Fire would likely fall completely into Konoha's hands."
"So, my lord, you should prepare in advance and make arrangements as early as possible."
Chiriku's words were already quite blunt. If Konoha sent someone to assassinate you, the Daimyo's side would be finished. It would be better to cooperate with us.
Kazuma had always been loyal to the Daimyo, insisting that the Hokage was an unnecessary existence, believing that real power over the ninja should belong to the Daimyo of the Land of Fire.
But Chiriku did not think the same way. He had never had the idea of concentrating power in the central authority.
After all, he had once been very close to Asuma, they were close friends.
Unfortunately, times had changed, and the situation was now completely different.
Asuma, along with the entire Sarutobi clan, had been slaughtered by people from Konoha, and the Fire Temple had also lost the financial support it once received from Konoha.
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