After receiving orders from the High Priest, the Grand Marshal overseeing the frontline confrontation with Iwagakure convened with members of the Black Scripture.
"The use of Downfall of Castle and Country comes with severe limitations."
An elderly woman with snow-white hair sat in her chair, dressed in luxurious robes embroidered with golden dragon motifs. A persistent cough escaped her lips between sentences.
"Unlike fourth-tier spells such as Mass Charm Species or Charm Person, which merely influence the mind—Downfall of Castle and Country grants absolute authority over its target."
Ordinary mental magic caused the victim to regard the caster as a trusted and intimate friend.
But only a friend.
They would not act against their instincts. They would not harm themselves, nor attempt the impossible.
The World-Class Item Downfall of Castle and Country was different.
Its dominance surpassed even the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan in terms of spiritual control.
The cost, however, was devastating.
Activation consumed life force and experience. Each use was equivalent to casting a fifth-tier resurrection spell on oneself.It could unconditionally control a level-100 being—or multiple targets whose combined levels totaled one hundred.It could not be used again until all previously controlled targets had died.
Even Kairel, once comparable to an elite jōnin, now appeared frail and drained. Her vitality had visibly declined.
One or two more uses—
And she would likely die on the spot.
She did not fear death.
But she refused to die without meaning.
"The shinobi commander we controlled previously has already provided most intelligence regarding the Ninja World. Now that the temple has issued its directive—what are your thoughts?"
The numbers alone were suffocating.
Over six hundred jōnin-level shinobi.
More than twenty Kage-tier "exceptional-class" warriors.
Five Strong-Kage equivalents.
And above that—
Unknown quantities.
Konoha alone reportedly possessed at least two beyond that level.
Fortunately, the Slane Theocracy only faced Iwagakure, one of the three major villages beneath the Ninja World's Supreme Leader.
"Simply fulfill our duty."
A voice spoke indifferently.
The speaker possessed an androgynous beauty—long black hair nearly brushing the floor, sharp ruby eyes gleaming faintly.
The Captain of the Black Scripture.
Awakened God-kin.
His strength approached Super-Kage level, enough to pressure even the Fifth Tsuchikage.
"Duty can be done wisely or foolishly."
The Grand Marshal's gaze drifted toward the military map pinned against the wall.
"The Ninja World is the common enemy of the northwest. The True Dragon Lords of the Council State can occupy most of their attention. Even the Supreme Leader of the Ninja World would struggle to slay the Platinum Dragon Lord."
He let out a dry laugh.
"As for us… until the Empire falls, the Theocracy must not."
"Even if we intend to surrender eventually, we must first prove our value. Things obtained too easily are never cherished."
"Of course."
Kairel took a sip of a potion meant to restore life force. Lost experience levels, however, were beyond recovery at her age.
"I am ready to offer myself to the Six Gods at any time. I only hope my death carries weight."
The Captain lowered his head slightly in respect.
"Controlling jōnin no longer yields results. To resolve this crisis, we must target the Tsuchikage—Han."
Silence fell.
Kairel frowned.
"The Tsuchikage exceeds level fifty. Combined with the tailed beast within him—Downfall cannot control both."
"We need not control the beast."
The Grand Marshal replied calmly.
"Control the Tsuchikage."
"Through him, control the Tailed Beast. Through him, control Iwagakure."
"It is a clean plan," Kairel sighed. "But execution will be unpredictable."
"Better than waiting to die."
The Captain stood immediately.
"The Black Scripture will lure the Tsuchikage into open battle. I will force him to release the Tailed Beast. Kairel-sama, seize the moment and activate Downfall."
Decisive as ever, he left to organize the operation.
Only the Grand Marshal and Kairel remained.
"He's still young," the Grand Marshal mused. "Not even twenty yet."
"When the time comes, ensure he produces enough heirs to preserve the God-kin bloodline. Even if the Theocracy falls, we may rise again."
"As it should be."
Kairel adjusted the robes housing Downfall of Castle and Country. Her eyes carried faint nostalgia.
The artifact had weathered countless storms alongside the Theocracy.
Its previous wielder had also died—after controlling a powerful heteromorph threatening the nation.
Now it was her turn.
"I'll be going."
"Take your time. I'll follow soon."
The Grand Marshal laughed heartily.
"Make sure the young ones get their chance to reproduce first."
"No one would let him die before securing a satisfactory lineage."
Kairel waved without turning back.
"Let us old bones clear the path for the children."
The door shut.
The Grand Marshal stared once more at the military map.
Iwagakure advanced steadily, without overextension. No scattered troops. No exploitable openings.
Behind them stood Konoha's Southeast Shinobi Army, clearly positioned as reinforcement.
"They're like a hedgehog. Impossible to grasp."
If the Theocracy wished to avoid being gradually devoured—and avoid provoking Konoha, which had already absorbed the Kingdom—
Controlling the Tsuchikage was the optimal path.
Even in surrender—
It would grant the Theocracy leverage.
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