Linto followed Terumi Mei through the streets of Kirigakure. Almost every foreign tourist had a little information booklet in their hand. This widespread availability clearly showed official involvement.
"Is this also Yagura's policy?" Linto asked.
Terumi Mei nodded and said, "Since taking office, Yagura has gradually issued many policies. In summary, there are two main aspects: killing people and collecting money. This,"
She pointed to the information booklet in Linto's hand.
"This is only a small aspect. There's also human trafficking, which you've seen before, and—"
Terumi Mei slightly raised her chin towards a street in the city center.
Because Kirigakure is shrouded in thick fog all year round, and the street intentionally extended its roofs, blocking the sparse sunlight, the entire street was very dim.
In the darkness, neon lights lit up, creating an atmosphere of ambiguity and romance. Beautiful women, dressed in fancy clothes, wearing floral hairpins, and with exquisite makeup, stood out.
The street was filled with men of all kinds, looking around, with frivolous expressions, as if choosing items, their eyes scanning the women's faces. There were also men with oiled hair, short in stature but very talkative, constantly trying to attract customers.
"Kirigakure has the Land of Water's... well, I think it's the entire ninja world's, most prosperous entertainment district. Every day, countless men pour into it, spending a fortune just to sleep with a top courtesan. Of that income, 50% has to be given to Yagura."
This is a huge amount of wealth.
Linto could roughly guess the reason why the entertainment district was doing so well.
The high pressure of the Blood Mist Policy greatly increased people's psychological stress. No one knew if they would die tomorrow.
On the other hand, because of Yagura's money-grabbing policies, even if it was only a little, some money would flow into the market, reaching the pockets of those in the middle and lower levels.
With money and pressure.
Sex is always the easiest way to relieve stress.
"It's really Kirigakure making money and Kirigakure spending it; don't even think about taking any home."
Linto sighed.
Terumi Mei raised her eyebrows, looking at Linto with a playful expression: "Thinking of going in for a look? With your looks, you might not have to spend money; you might even make some."
Linto waved his hand. He didn't plan on becoming a model.
"I'm not looking at the women; I'm looking at the ninja."
You could see many ninja wearing Kirigakure headbands patrolling the entertainment district.
Linto said, "I think I understand why Yagura issued the Blood Mist Policy, but there are still some ninja who choose to be loyal to him."
From the entertainment district in front of them to the human trafficking base that Linto destroyed, a large amount of money was involved. As long as Yagura gave some to the people below, he could get a group of loyal followers.
In order to make money continuously, these people would voluntarily protect Yagura's money machine.
Anyone who wanted to overthrow Yagura's rule was going against their profits.
They were their enemies.
Terumi Mei understood what Linto meant, nodded, and sighed softly: "Selling your conscience for profit is, for many people, the best destination for 'conscience' anyway. Besides Kirigakure, how many ninja want to sell out but don't have the chance!"
"From this perspective, Yagura is their benefactor."
There were many people on the road speaking, so they didn't say much about the details. They walked through the crowd and arrived at a hot spring inn.
They went up to the second floor, entered a room, and closed the door. After cups of tea were handed out, Terumi Mei spoke again: "According to your information, Ao used his Byakugan to check Yagura's chakra flow. He is indeed under a genjutsu."
Momo-chan asked, "In that case, publicizing the information and releasing Yagura from the genjutsu... wouldn't that work?"
"It's not that simple."
Terumi Mei said, "Yagura's personality changed greatly after taking office. Many people have speculated whether he's under a genjutsu. Let's imagine: if we say he has been genjutsu and want to break it, what will happen?"
Momo-chan rubbed her chin, her little head almost smoking from thinking so hard, but she couldn't come up with an answer.
Sasuke pondered for a moment and said, "We'll face a counterattack from Yagura's loyal supporters."
"That's right."
The loyal supporters are not loyal to Yagura; they are loyal to money and power.
If Yagura's genjutsu is broken and the Blood Mist Policy is overturned...
What will the loyal supporters do?
Go back to working hard, putting their lives on the line, and earning money by doing missions?
"Once we propose 'releasing the genjutsu,' unless we can release Yagura's genjutsu the moment we act, we'll have to face a perfect Jinchuriki at the level of a Kage, as well as numerous loyal supporters."
Terumi Mei lowered her eyes and said, "Although I don't want to admit it, even if we can win with our manpower, it will be a pyrrhic victory."
"So, you plan to make a move during the graduation ceremony."
Linto held up the information booklet in his hand.
It mentioned that the Land of Water Daimyo would also be visiting Kirigakure to attend the celebration and personally place bets.
Terumi Mei took a sip of hot tea and smiled: "You're more perceptive than I thought. Yes, it's the Daimyo. As long as the Daimyo is present, those who seek wealth and power will have to think twice before acting.
If everything goes smoothly, we'll release Yagura from the genjutsu and everything will be fine.
If it doesn't go smoothly, our only enemy will be Yagura. With your joining, our chances of winning will be very high."
Linto held his teacup but didn't smile. He was thinking about a possibility—
"What if the Land of Water Daimyo is also one of the 'loyal supporters'?"
Terumi Mei's smile gradually disappeared.
That's right, that was indeed a possibility, a nightmarish possibility she had imagined in the depths of the night.
The fact that Mayor Morimura, who bought his position and exploited the common people, could be favored by the Land of Water Daimyo... this itself showed the Land of Water Daimyo's attitude.
"Not only that, Yagura's genjutsu was set by a masked man from the Akatsuki organization. If you want to release the genjutsu, this masked man might appear to stop you. What will you do?" Linto asked again.
"If that's really the case..."
Terumi Mei drank all the tea in her cup in one gulp and slammed the cup on the table.
"Then kill!"
"From the loyal supporters, to Yagura, the Akatsuki organization, and then the Daimyo. In short, whoever prevents Kirigakure from escaping the Blood Mist Village will become a member of this blood mist!"
Terumi Mei's eyes were sharp and full of killing intent, but when she met Sasuke and Momo-chan's two pairs of dazed eyes, she immediately softened, holding the cup with both hands:
"If it's really like that, the situation will be very dangerous. We'll face an attack from the loyal supporters, Yagura, and the Daimyo's guards—three forces. Linto, if you want to leave, there's still time."
"I will leave..."
"Ah? You're really leaving!" Terumi Mei opened her mouth wide.
"If you had just said something like 'let's take our time to consider,' I would have left immediately."
Linto looked into her eyes: "You are carrying out a revolution involving an entire country. If you have doubts in your heart, don't pull the trigger. One old man like Sarutobi Hiruzen is enough."
Terumi Mei took a deep breath and nodded slowly.
"I understand. I... have made my decision."
"That's great, then. Next."
Linto poured her another cup of tea: "It's time to talk about the reward."
"What do you want?"
Linto held up three fingers.
"I want land, I want people, and I want a promise."
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