In truth, the monkeys had only been one step faster.
Before the white monkey even had time to properly greet Mao You, the wolf clan and the hawk clan arrived one after another.
As expected of clans that had survived to this day without being wiped out—
Not a single one of them was simple.
Those ninja beasts with poor minds had long since reached the edge of extinction.
Like the dream tapirs.
Like the mountain lords.
Though a few powerful individuals still remained, they no longer possessed the scale to truly be called a race.
Because of Yoru's reminder, Mao You didn't dwell on old grudges.
The four warm-blooded ninja beast clans formed an alliance.
Its name was exactly what Yoru had casually suggested—
The Warm-Blooded Sage Alliance.
Yoru was genuinely stunned.
"It's really called that?"
"I just threw that name out there."
Mao You said helplessly, "Couldn't be helped. It still sounds better than things like 'Hot-Blooded Union,' 'Cat-Monkey-Wolf-Hawk Front,' or 'Warm-Blooded Sage League.'"
"…Fair enough."
"What specific terms did you settle on?"
Mao You began reciting them one by one.
"Mutual support. The Cat Castle will openly teach senjutsu, and the other three clans will acknowledge the ninja cats as their leader."
"Mm. No problem with that one."
"We will jointly resist oppression from other ninja beasts. If one clan is attacked, the other three must provide full support."
"That clause is necessary," Yoru said. "And it benefits the Cat Castle even more, because the ninja cat clan is the primary target of the cold-blooded Sages right now."
Mao You continued, "All channels will be integrated. Intelligence and resources will be shared. The intelligence and weapons trade will be jointly operated. The Cat Castle will hold decision-making power and receive half the profits."
"That one is excellent."
Yoru nodded and continued analyzing it for him.
"The monkey clan has close ties with the Third Hokage's family. Not only can they obtain information on the Sarutobi clan, they can also access mineral resource channels. That will save a great deal in cost."
"The wolf clan is hardworking, disciplined, obedient, and reliable in battle. They can provide transport and military protection. That makes them perfect for safeguarding the Cat Castle's business."
"The hawk clan rules the skies. Their flying speed is extremely important for establishing an intelligence network. They can also help build rapid logistics."
Mao You asked dumbly, "Is doing business really that important?"
"It is."
"Very important."
"The Cat Castle needs this Warm-Blooded Sage Alliance."
"If you want to maintain it, and control it, you must satisfy two conditions."
"First—"
"The Cat Castle must possess the greatest violence in the alliance. Enough to kill any single member race on its own."
"Second—"
"The Cat Castle must be able to provide benefits to every member. Continuous benefits. You have to bind their interests to your own."
Yoru looked at him and said flatly, "In the end, it's very simple."
"One hand holds the knife."
"One hand distributes the money."
"That's how you run an alliance."
Mao You took a deep breath.
This time, he was thoroughly convinced.
"I understand."
"Thank you for your guidance, Lord Yoru."
…
Mount Myoboku.
The Great Toad Sage summoned the two Sage Toads, Fukasaku and Shima, and informed them with utmost gravity:
"The fate of the future has changed."
Fukasaku Sage was instantly alarmed. He hurriedly asked, "Great Sage, has the destiny of the Child of Prophecy changed?"
"No."
"It is Mount Myoboku's fate that has changed."
"The Mount Myoboku that should have grown increasingly prosperous in the future… is no longer moving toward prosperity."
"What?!"
To the toads, this change was even more shocking than something going wrong with the Child of Prophecy.
The two Sages jumped three feet in the air.
Fukasaku Sage asked angrily, "Great Sage, did you see the key point in fate?"
Shima Sage was even more murderous. "Whoever it is, they're dead!"
Gamamaru's eyes also revealed a trace of killing intent, but he still said with regret, "In the future I saw, there was only a blurry shadow."
"I can only tell that he is a human male."
"And also a Sage."
"He most likely knows of my power and intentionally avoided my observation, which is why I cannot see his exact appearance."
"Black hair."
"Male."
"Sage."
"At present, that is all the information we have."
Fukasaku Sage lowered his head respectfully. "Great Sage, please continue searching for more clues. This is an enemy of Mount Myoboku. We must eliminate him as soon as possible."
"Rest assured."
"I will devote my full effort to searching for traces of this enemy in the future."
Gamamaru said coldly, "Even if we don't know his exact details yet, that doesn't mean we can do nothing."
"Tell little Jiraiya that I foresaw an evil man who intends to destroy the ninja world. Have him pay close attention and search for him."
"Jiraiya is the central axis of the future of the ninja world. Nearly every key thread of fate is closely connected to him."
"He is the one most likely to find Mount Myoboku's enemy."
Fukasaku Sage replied solemnly, "Great Sage, I understand. I will inform little Jiraiya immediately."
"I will also arrange for spy toads to follow him and carefully examine every person Jiraiya comes into contact with."
"You've handled it well. I have no further instructions."
Gamamaru slowly closed his eyes.
"If I see more clues, I will inform you at once."
"Remember this."
"An enemy of Mount Myoboku takes priority over an enemy of the world."
"Only if Mount Myoboku remains well can it better protect the ninja world."
His voice grew softer and softer.
Soon, thunderous snores echoed through the cave.
Gamamaru had already fallen asleep.
The two Sage Toads withdrew carefully, not daring to disturb the Great Sage's slumber for fear of affecting his ability to foresee the future.
After leaving the cave, Fukasaku Sage said, "I'll go find Jiraiya and arrange the spy toads. You go notify Ryuchi Cave. Tell those long worms to restrain themselves for the time being."
Shima Sage nodded. "Alright. I'll handle it."
…
Ryuchi Cave.
The White Snake Sage slowly read the letter that Tagorihime had delivered in haste.
After reading it once—
Twice—
Three times—
Five full times—
It couldn't help but take several extra puffs from its pipe.
"What a nuisance."
Tagorihime took the letter and glanced through it. There weren't many words. She finished reading it in a single look.
"Great Sage, this enemy is clearly an enemy of Mount Myoboku. Why would they send us a letter?"
"Because the fates of Mount Myoboku and Ryuchi Cave are intertwined."
"If one prospers, the other prospers."
"If one declines, the other declines."
"If Mount Myoboku is weakened by an external enemy, Ryuchi Cave will inevitably face the same fate."
"It is no different from the Rabbit Goddess a thousand years ago. What she sought to destroy was all sacred lands, not merely Mount Myoboku."
Tagorihime was startled.
"If our fate is so closely tied to Mount Myoboku's, then why do you encourage the snakes to hunt toads?"
"Because the link between Mount Myoboku and Ryuchi Cave only applies to 'external enemies.'"
"But between us, there is far more to compete over."
"Natural energy."
"Human resources."
"Reputation in the ninja world."
"When there is no external enemy…"
"Mount Myoboku is Ryuchi Cave's greatest enemy."
Tagorihime nodded slowly. "I understand, Great Sage. Then what does Ryuchi Cave need to do?"
"Nothing."
"Gamamaru excels at prophecy, and even more at manipulating hearts."
"He will find this enemy and deal with him."
"I have always admired his skill at playing with human hearts."
The White Snake Sage fell silent for a while.
Then suddenly said, "Tagorihime, I remembered something. There is still one thing you need to do."
"Please instruct me."
"Go warn Manda."
"Until I issue another order, he is forbidden from striking fatal blows against the toads."
"Yes. But Manda is far too arrogant. He may not listen to me."
The White Snake Sage let out a strange chuckle.
"You sly girl."
"Fine."
"I permit you to teach him a lesson."
"As long as Manda obeys my order…"
"And as long as he doesn't die…"
"You may do whatever you like."
"Yes!"
Tagorihime flew off happily.
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