The man caught Akahoshi's gaze meeting his own, and in just an instant, the pupil technique directly invaded Akahoshi's neural pathways.

Akahoshi's retreating body suddenly froze, rigidly halted at the doorway, unable to move.

Terror beyond words appeared in his eyes.

Sharingan!

Those iconic eyes—how could he possibly not recognize them?

Or rather, in the Ninja Realm, there was simply no ninja who didn't know the Sharingan.

The legends about these eyes are countless.

Being targeted by a ninja with them meant misfortune.

But... why would a Konoha ninja show up here? And why attack him?

This was what left Akahoshi puzzled.

He shouldn't have offended Konoha.

However, this question would naturally remain unresolved for him.

The man with the Three-Tomoe Sharingan did not answer his question either.

He was here for one reason only: to eliminate all risks in the plan.

Such a ninja from the Hidden Star Village, who had escaped control, had to be monitored or suppressed immediately upon discovery.

Because of this guy, the Land of Demons' military plan to consume the Land of Bear was nearly halted.

Soon, the struggle and terror in Akahoshi's eyes vanished, and he stood there obediently without moving, like a puppet devoid of consciousness.

"Just maintain your normal daily routine these days."

The man with the Sharingan issued a hypnotic command.

"Yes."

Akahoshi nodded seriously, complying with the order.

◎

Kneeling on one knee before the Daimyo of the Land of Bear, freed at last from the task of protecting Princess Tamahime.

But for some reason, Akakage felt a bit uneasy, a feeling he couldn't quite explain.

Yet, his current priority was the mission at hand.

The Akahoshi of the Hidden Star Village should be under control by now, sent by Lady Ayane.

Although he longed to seek revenge against Akahoshi personally, regarding the Land of Demons' expansion plan, he couldn't act on personal grudges and hinder actions clearing obstacles for that plan.

"Ah, it's thanks to you, Akakage, that Princess Tamahime averted disaster this time. Those bounty hunters are absolutely annoying. Truly, having such a beautiful daughter is a curse."

The Daimyo of the Land of Bear sighed.

Yet, his tone carried no true regret; he seemed quite proud of having such a daughter.

"It's my duty."

"This is your only flaw—you act too much like a ninja. I regard you as a true confidant."

The Daimyo of the Land of Bear feigned dissatisfaction.

But he knew well that this was Akakage's nature.

And Akakage understood that if he showed any thoughts beyond being a tool, he would never gain the Daimyo's trust.

Therefore, such remarks could be entirely disregarded.

If he actually became a ninja beyond a tool, as the Daimyo suggested, he'd soon face ostracism and assassination.

What the Daimyo wanted was simply an instrument for killing.

A tool needs neither thoughts nor soul—only the ability to kill.

"How's your injury?"

The Daimyo knew Akakage sustained severe injuries saving Tamahime, causing him significant concern.

"It's fine now."

"What about dealing with the Third Hoshikage?" 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

This topic was the Daimyo's main concern.

Akakage said nothing, signaling understanding.

The Daimyo of the Land of Bear was all the more satisfied.

Indeed, a perfect weapon.

Only such a weapon functions smoothly in use.

Ninjas like Akahoshi, who grew ambitious, had begun breaking free from his control.

Such people should die sooner rather than later.

"In three days, you will officially head to the Hidden Star Village. Everything there has already been arranged. Once there, someone will assist you in the operation. Then, some of the top members will nominate you as the Fourth Hoshikage."

As the Daimyo said this, his swelling ambition grew uncontrollable, and his smile turned increasingly sinister.

"Yes."

"For this plan, I've sacrificed a lot, just to make those greedy elders of the Hidden Star Village relent. You must succeed. Otherwise, I'll be quite upset."

The Daimyo of the Land of Bear said so.

"Yes."

"Get some rest. We depart in three days."

The Daimyo waved his folding fan, dismissing Akakage.

Akakage nodded, stood up, and prepared to exit the room.

"Oh, one more thing I forgot to ask."

The Daimyo's voice came from behind once more.

Akakage turned back, listening intently.

"What do you think of my daughter, Tamahime?"

The Daimyo gazed at Akakage meaningfully, asking about a matter entirely unrelated to the Hidden Star Village.

"..."

How was he supposed to answer that?

Among all the responses Hakushi had taught him, Akakage found none that fit.

He had always been trained to become an excellent ninja.

His views on women?

A stumbling block to completing missions?

Strange creatures with mysterious thoughts?

Fat monsters with chests more developed than males' muscles?

"Akakage, if you manage to secure the position as the Fourth Hoshikage of the Hidden Star Village, I'll give you Tamahime's hand in marriage. Don't betray my trust in you."

The Daimyo of the Land of Bear smiled warmly, encouraging Akakage in such a manner.

No matter how exceptional a tool may be, one day it will develop its own thoughts.