Naruto: Limit Breaker

Chapter 86 – Snow ~~~ Flowers Fluttering, North Wind Whistling

The sudden words caught both Gato and Hyuga Hizashi off guard. Hizashi, for a moment, even forgot to control his own body.

Neither of them expected a ninja to bring up something like this.

Training, combat, survival — weren't those the only things a shinobi cared about?

But after listening to what Ryosuke said, Gato's interest was piqued. He composed himself and offered a formal apology before diving into a detailed explanation of his vision for the Land of Waves.

Ryosuke didn't call him out for his past actions. He simply judged the man on what he could bring to the table moving forward.

"Then… I look forward to working together," Hizashi said with a small smile, offering his hand.

Gato took it with a grin, shaking it firmly.

"I'll report your plan to the Third Hokage and the Fire Daimyo," Hizashi added. "I believe they'll see the value in it, just like we have."

"And hopefully," Gato replied, "next time we sit at this table, we'll be joined by more collaborators."

The vision was ambitious — maybe even too big for the Hyuga clan to handle alone. They weren't ready to take the lead and be exposed in the spotlight.

So for now, they'd return to Konoha and present this plan to the Hokage and Daimyo. Even if that meant a smaller slice of the pie for the Hyuga, the burden would be lighter with official support. Effort and reward had to be balanced, after all.

During this period of confirmation, Ryosuke planned to seek more allies.

This was an age of war. Without more support to guard this vision, the Land of Waves would become a target — scrutinized and envied by too many eyes.

Konoha wasn't what it used to be.

The Fire Nation alone couldn't hold down the entire ninja world anymore.

"I'll send people immediately to contact other daimyos," Gato said, eyes gleaming. "We'll push this alliance forward."

Compared to the bloodthirsty and unpredictable nature of most shinobi, this Hyuga wasn't easy to manipulate, but Gato still found him likable — maybe even trustworthy.

There weren't many witnesses today, but Gato felt this meeting would be remembered as a turning point.

At the very least, this handshake might one day be seen as the moment the Land of Waves began transforming — not into a nation of warriors like the Land of Iron, but into something new. A land of merchants. A haven for trade.

"Well then… how about dinner?" Gato asked with a sly grin. At his signal, a few elegant maids stepped forward.

"No need," Ryosuke replied, waving it off. "We're planning to tour the Land of Waves over the next few days. We'll let you know when we're leaving."

He smiled, but his eyes narrowed.

"Also… the scouts our Hyuga clan sent earlier — I believe they're still enjoying your hospitality. We should go check on them."

Gato's smile twitched.

The three missing Hyuga had been captured by his hired rogue shinobi — not injured, just under house arrest. They weren't elite forces, so it wasn't surprising. This little 'detainment' had been part of the reason Ryosuke even sat down to negotiate in the first place.

"O-of course!" Gato stammered, eyes flicking to the side. "Even before we confirmed our partnership, I made sure they were well taken care of. They've been given top accommodations — good food, good wine. Treated like guests."

He quickly gestured for Akutagawa to lead the way.

"No need," Ryosuke said calmly. "We know where they are."

He dispelled the genjutsu he had been maintaining during the meeting.

Beside him, Hizashi followed suit seamlessly. "Nothing escapes the eyes of the Hyuga," he said coldly, tapping two fingers under his white eyes.

His tone wasn't aggressive — but it carried weight.

Gato, who had previously seen Hizashi as polite and easygoing, now felt a chill down his spine. It was like a deer realizing it was being stalked by a wolf. He instinctively took a step back.

Just like when they arrived, Ryosuke and his party made no fuss as they left — not a single ounce of hostility in the air. Only a deadly calm.

Gato followed them to the castle gates before stopping. While he didn't dare go any further, he ordered a few maids to tail behind them, offering assistance at a moment's notice.

---

As they walked away from the castle, Hizashi finally spoke again.

"Are we really going to cooperate with that man?"

The maids had long since been left behind. Only their own people were present.

Ryosuke gave a relaxed smile. "I think the conversation just now made things pretty clear, Uncle Hizashi."

"Working with Gato might not be such a bad thing. The Fire Daimyo and Konoha will agree."

"It's not easy to keep peace — especially for ninja. Alliances can break the moment they're tested. Words mean little. Agreements are just paper."

He paused for a moment before continuing.

"That's why we need more than just words. We need real bridges — economic, political, and strategic ones. Something binding."

The alliance Ryosuke envisioned didn't stop at small nations like the Land of Iron, Land of Hot Water, or Land of Bears. It included the Land of Wind — a so-called ally formed during the Third Ninja World War.

But that alliance had always been fragile. Less diplomacy, more necessity. If the balance of the Five Great Nations ever shifted, that alliance would crumble overnight.

If they could turn the Land of Waves into a commercial hub — a neutral zone backed by a shipping alliance — their web of cooperation would strengthen, making war far less likely.

Konoha wouldn't pass up that chance.

Nearby, the other Hyuga shinobi whispered among themselves. They were confused.

Why was Hizashi — the one leading the negotiations — deferring to Ryosuke like that?

Hizashi opened his mouth to continue the discussion, but—

"Wait! Shinobi of Konoha!"

A voice suddenly rang out from the street ahead.

A rough-looking man with spiky hair, dressed like a fisherman, pushed his way through the crowd and ran toward them.

Before he could get too close, a Hyuga Chunin stepped forward, grabbing him by the shoulder and pinning him down.

"Please! Help the Land of Waves!" the man shouted desperately.

Though he looked strong, he was utterly powerless in the hands of a trained shinobi.

"Let him go," Ryosuke ordered calmly.

The Chunin obeyed, stepping aside.

Ryosuke smiled and looked at the man. "What's your name? And why are you asking us for help?"

He already had a good idea.

"M-my name is Kesha," the man stammered. "I'm just a fisherman!"

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