Escape From Konoha

"Is that where Star Ninja Village is located?"

Standing on a high ground where she could see far away, Ayane pointed to the area in front and asked.

It was a secluded land surrounded by mountains and forests. There was only a winding path at the entrance, leading deep into the hinterland of the mountains and forests.

"Yes, the Star Ninja Village is hidden in this area."

A Jonin from the Oni no Kuni who accompanied him answered in the affirmative.

"It's really hidden."

Judging from the footprints around the mountain forest, it doesn't look like it is inhabited at all, but there is a strong smell of wild beast activity.

These beastly scents may have been deliberately revealed to deceive others.

"The Star Ninja Village is undoubtedly a small ninja village, but when they first started, they had great ambitions to dominate the five major countries."

The Jonin of Oni Country revealed the secrets he had unearthed inside the Star Ninja Village.

"It must be the so-called 'star' that gives them this excessive ambition."

The corners of Ayane's mouth raised slightly, revealing a smile.

In the Star Ninja Village, it is said that there is a mysterious meteorite flying from the sky hidden.

This meteorite that fell to the earth from the sky seems to have some mysterious power, is highly radioactive, and has some magical reaction to the chakra of the human body.

Relying on this meteorite, the ninjas of the Star Ninja Village developed secret techniques unique to their own ninja village, and they were once prominent in the ninja world.

Not only that, the leader of the Star Ninja Village, which does not belong to the Five Great Nations system, is called Star Shadow after the Five Shadows.

But this kind of name of Hoshikage is just a self-proclaimed sentimental thing, and is not recognized by the mainstream of the ninja world.

The inheritance has been passed down to this day, and the Hoshi Ninja Village is now ruled by three generations of Hoshikage.

"According to the people we arranged in the Star Ninja Village, there is a big problem with that thing called 'Star'. When practicing with 'Star', although it can increase the activity of chakra, it will also cause huge damage to the body. . Now the use of 'star' has been banned by the third generation of star shadows."

The Jonin from the Kingdom of Demons replied.

"This is consistent with the side effects caused by jinchūriki using tailed beast chakra."

Frequent use of tailed beast chakra will cause huge damage to the human body. Even for jinchūriki, in many cases, it is prudent to use tailed beast chakra.

From this point of view, while the "Hoshi" of Hoshi Ninja Village enhances the chakra activity of the human body, it also has the same negative effects as the tailed beast chakra, causing damage to the human body.

"Haha, it shouldn't be as extreme as a tailed beast."

Ghost Kingdom shook his head with a smile.

If the power of the 'star' could be compared to that of a tailed beast, the star ninja village would not have been isolated from the world for so many years.

"Let's talk about the star thing later. How is the layout of the Star Ninja Village? Don't make any mistakes then."

Star Ninja Village is the key to capturing the Bear Country.

How to occupy the Star Ninja Village also requires multiple steps and close cooperation.

Ayane knew what important roles the Star Ninja Village and the Bear Country played in the Demon Country's expansion plan.

The expansion plan of the Kingdom of Ghosts is until it becomes the sixth great nation.

If you want to become the sixth largest country, you will inevitably cause conflicts with the inherent five-power system, and a war will be inevitable.

The country selected by the Kingdom of Ghosts is the Kingdom of Wind, which has the largest territory among the five major countries. It will then be regarded as the object of the rise and power of the Kingdom of Ghosts.

Only by winning the Kingdom of Bears can the Kingdom of Ghosts use the natural dangers of the Kingdom of Bears as a springboard to launch an attack on the Kingdom of Winds without any worries.

The way of establishing the world has always been that the strong devour the weak, and the big fish eats the small fish.

Although Shiraishi implemented many policies that benefited people's livelihood in the Ghost Country, Ayane knew that Shiraishi was by no means a pacifist at heart.

No, being a pacifist doesn't match that man at all.

All he cares about is making the world what he wants it to be.

Changing this boring and uninteresting world is his real purpose.

"Lord Ayane, please rest assured about this. Everything is currently proceeding steadily according to our plan. If something unexpected goes wrong, isn't that the reason why you are here?"

The Jonin of the Demon Country smiled slightly, looking confident.

The three adults who are superior to the five thousand ninjas in the Kingdom of Demons, each of them are ninjas who can match or even surpass the Five Kages. This is the source of confidence for all the military personnel in the Kingdom of Demons.

In this ninja world that is in chaos due to war, strength is the basis for ensuring everything.

When the Star Ninja Village is annexed, the military strength of the Kingdom of Demons will be significantly increased.

"You are right. It is precisely because this plan is so important that I will personally come here to take charge. In the stage of detecting the enemy situation, I am almost ready, but I have not found an opponent that makes me shine. Next, I will wait for the news from Chiying. Bar."

Ayane put away her eyes and focused on herself, taking into consideration everything within twelve kilometers.

Naturally, the Star Ninja Village hidden deep in the mountains and forests could not escape her eyes.

All the defense routes of Star Ninja Village, including the level of guard strength, are clearly known.

Among them, there is only one ninja whose chakra is beyond ordinary people, and it is stronger than the other star ninjas. It should be the third generation star shadow.

Seeing Ayane turning around and leaving, the Jonin of the Demon Country sighed with emotion:

"Baiyan, it's really a convenient blood succession boundary."

It's no wonder why Konoha was able to quickly take the initiative even if the situation was unfavorable in the previous Ninja World Wars.

Baiyan's blood succession boundary, which has great strategic significance, is only concentrated on the Konoha family, and it is indeed envied by others.

"Speaking of Konoha, it seems to be a little weak recently. The strongest ninja village, which was once so powerful, is feeling a little declining."

The Jonin of the Kingdom of Demon couldn't help but sigh when he thought about the current situation of Konoha and compared it with the Kingdom of Demon that used the Third Ninja War to accumulate technology and funds and gradually grow stronger.

"However, Konoha should continue to be decadent..."

◎

Smoke curls from the kitchen.

Deep in the dense forest, the houses are arranged in an orderly manner, looking like a small village.

This is where the Star Ninja Village is located.

There are no protective walls around, and many houses retain the older style. Judging from the traces, the buildings here have not been renovated for a long time.

Whether it is an important ninja school or a hospital or other facilities, the equipment inside is also very old.

At the end of the village, a wooden building with the word "star" engraved on it is the residence of the Hoshikage of the Hoshi Ninja Village.

The person living in this house now is the third generation Hoshikage of Hoshi Ninja Village.

He sat cross-legged on the cushion, coughing softly as if he had been injured internally.

When he coughed, his old, wrinkled face became paler.

His actions naturally caused concern to the female Hoshi-nin next to him.

"Are you okay, Lord Star Shadow?"

She wanted to come up to check Xingying's physical condition, but the third generation Xingying waved his hand, feeling a little weak.

"It's nothing serious. This old bone should still be able to hold on. The power of 'Star' is becoming more and more domineering. If this continues, the old body will not be able to hold on for long."

Three generations of Xingying's tone was full of unwillingness.

In the past, the Star Ninja Village relied on the power of 'stars' to emerge in the ninja world and became famous for a while.

However, using the power of the "star" to become stronger will cause harm to the human body. In the past few years, a powerful jounin from their Hoshi Ninja Village used the power of the "star" to cause his chakra activity to exceed the limit of the human body. Caused flesh and blood to shrink and die. From then on, the method of using the power of the 'star' to become stronger was completely banned by him.

Even a jounin may die suddenly after being exposed to the 'star' for a long time, let alone the new generation of young ninjas in the village.

Because of this reason, the power of the ninjas in Hoshi Ninja Village weakened sharply, and they withdrew from the big stage of the ninja world.

This is also a last resort strategy. Rather than becoming stronger temporarily, focusing on the future of the village is what Xingying should consider.

"how so?"

"When I was young, I was exposed to the 'Star' for too long, which is probably the curse left over from that time."

The third star shadow smiled bitterly. As a ninja, his star shadow was actually very ordinary.

However, with the help of the 'star', the chakra in the body can be rapidly enhanced. At that time, he tried his best to integrate the power of the 'star' into his body, which made him stronger than all the jounin in the village at that time.

Now, as he grows older, his body has already been riddled with holes penetrated by the alien energy of the 'star'.

Every day and every night I have to endure unimaginable pain.

This is the price of using crooked ways to become stronger.

"Is there no cure?"

"It's useless, Natsuhi. Doesn't the death of your husband Ying Huo prove everything? The body corroded by the 'star' cannot be cured by medical ninjutsu."

The female Jounin of the Star Ninja Village named Natsuhi, heard these words, fell silent slightly and clenched her fists slightly.

A few years ago, her husband was the star ninja Murakami, who was too exposed to the power of the "star", causing his flesh and blood to wither and shrink and die.

He was supposed to be the next successor to Hoshikage and was trusted by everyone in Hoshi Ninja Village.

It was also because of the bad impact of this incident that the Third Hoshikage made the decision to ban all ninjas in the Hoshi Ninja Village from contacting the 'star'.

Today's 'star' has been sealed by three generations of star shadows and refuses anyone to contact it.

"I understand, but you still have to be careful with the rest of the people in the village. I recently discovered something not quite right in the village."

Xia Xia sighed, then looked solemn and said with meaning.

"Do you mean Red Star?"

The Third Star Shadow seemed to know who Natsuhi said he should be careful about.

Red Star is one of the top jounin in Hoshi Ninja Village. He is also an outstanding jounin who has mastered the village's secret technique - Peacock Mystic Technique to a very high level.

But in his eyes, the Third Star Shadow only saw ambition and strength.

Therefore, the other party mentioned more than once at the high-level meeting of Star Ninja Village within this year that he hoped to remove the seal on the "Star" so that all the ninjas in the Star Ninja Village could once again ask for power from the "Star".

However, this proposal was rejected by the Third Star Shadow.

Because as a star shadow, you can't just care about the immediate interests and ignore the life and death of the next generation of young people in the village, so that they can also become sacrifices of the 'star'.

‘Stars’ can bring powerful power, but as they become stronger, they get closer to death.

The third generation Hoshikage did not want this kind of tragedy to happen again in the Hoshi Ninja Village.

There have been too many tragedies caused by "Xing" in recent years.

Especially ambitious Jōnin like Red Star, he must be wary of.

"Yes, as far as I know, he seems to have been with..."

At this moment, there was a knock on the door.

"Master Hoshikage, the Red Star Jounin would like to see you."

Said a star ninja guard who was leading the way outside.

The Third Star Shadow and Xia Tian looked at each other. Xia Tian nodded in understanding, disappeared from the ground using the teleportation technique, hid in the corner of the room, and held his breath.

The Third Hoshikage saw Natsuhi hiding his body and shouted to the door: "Let him come in."

The door was opened, and a male Hoshi-nin about thirty years old walked in.

She had long purple hair tied up with a hairband, and her ice-blue eyes did not waver at all, looking a bit serious and cold.

"Lord Star Shadow."

Jonin Hongxing knelt on one knee, his tone was not cold.

"Is there a problem?"

"My subordinates came here this time because of the matter of 'Star'. I hope Master Xingying can unblock the existence of 'Star'. Only in this way can Star Ninja Village become stronger."

Hongxing spoke calmly.

"Didn't I already tell you about this? Excessive exposure to the 'star' will cause harm to the human body. This is how Firefly Jounin died back then."

Red Star's expression remained unchanged and he said: "I feel sorry for what happened to the Firefly Jounin, but the current international situation is very complicated, and there is no telling when a war will come."

"You are so unfounded. What benefits can attacking the Bear Country bring to those big countries?"

The third generation Hoshikage said.

In this matter, the third generation of Xingying is still self-aware.

The vegetation in the country of bears is sparse, and most areas are in the harsh environment of barren mountains and wilderness.

"This cannot be used as a reason not to make progress. Since you blocked the 'Star', the strength of the ninjas in the village has seriously declined. I am very worried about whether the younger generation of ninjas will be able to take on major responsibilities in the future."

"I have already said this. I will not unblock the 'Star'. If you are here for this kind of thing, you can go back."

"..."

Red Star raised his head and stared at the third generation Hoshikage with ice-blue eyes that lacked emotion.

"Is there anything else, Red Star Jounin?"

After the third generation Hoshikage finished speaking, he immediately coughed violently, and a weak breath hit his face.

Xia Tian, ​​who peeked at all this from the corner, couldn't help but become nervous.

If the Red Star makes a sneak attack at this time, things will be terrible.

However, she obviously thought too much.

After hearing the third generation Hoshikage's cough, Red Star lowered his head again, showing a respectful attitude.

"Let's not mention the 'Star' thing for now. The financial budget in recent years has been extremely poor, and important facilities such as ninja schools need to be renovated. As well as hospitals, it is urgent to train medical ninjas. Although the medical equipment in the Demon Country is of excellent quality, The relative price is also very high, and there are also various types of medicines that need to be purchased. With the village's current financial situation, I'm afraid..."

Hongxing turned to talk about the construction of the village.

This question also stung the third generation of Xingying's heart.

As Xingying, he naturally understands this kind of thing.

Star Ninja Village is not like those great ninja villages in Konoha, where people often entrust tasks.

Star Ninja Village only has dozens of commissioned tasks in a year, and in order to win over those employers, the remuneration collected each time is very low.

Even so, not many people go to Star Ninja Village to issue tasks.

The task market has long been monopolized by Konoha and other Da Ninja villages.

In Xiaoguo Ningcun Village, you can only scratch the edges and corners, and it is very difficult to support your family.

The livelihood of the village often depends on hunting in the forest.

"I will think of something about this."

The third generation Hoshikage said tiredly.

"any solution?"

Hongxing asked.

Seeing Hong Xing's reluctance, Sandai Xingying also felt very helpless, so he had no choice but to reply: "I will report this matter to the daiming."

"Do you want to report it to the Daimyo..."

Hong Xing lowered his head and raised the corners of his mouth, as if mocking something.

If it is useful to report the daimyo, Xingren Village will not live a life of poverty and poverty for so many years.

"Red Star Jonin, are you dissatisfied with my star shadow?"

The third generation Hoshikage asked, staring at the red star.

"No, not really. I have always admired Mr. Hoshikage very much. But in the past, I traveled to various countries in order to become stronger. Konoha and the Land of Fire left a very deep impression on me."

Red Star responded like this.

"..."

The third generation star shadow looked slightly ugly.

As if Hongxing did not see the ugly expression on the third generation Hoshikage's face, he continued: "It is really like a paradise on earth, with abundant life and people living and working in peace and contentment. The faces of every ninja in Konoha are full of confidence and strength. With all due respect, if this continues, we will not be able to catch up with Konoha even in another hundred years."

"Then what are you...ahem!"

The words were too hasty, and the third generation Xingying coughed again.

"The only chance to catch up with the Fire Country and Konoha is right in front of us. That is to use the 'star' to reshape every ninja in the village and double their strength. Ten years later , Star Ninja Village can stand on the top of the ninja world, and let the ninjas of the five major countries bow their heads to us!"

Hong Xing's tone was firm, and the ambition in his eyes flickered uncontrollably.

"Enough! Red Star Jonin, your thinking is too dangerous! Moreover, the five major countries are far from as simple as you think."

The third generation Hoshikage couldn't help but scold.

"But if we don't do this, the Star Ninja Village will not be strong. If we want to continue to live a life of inferiority, why can't we fight hard? In this world, the most indispensable thing is human life! Including my life!"

Red Star refuted the third generation Hoshikage's point of view.

Unlike the three generations of Xingying, he still has his own ideals and goals to strive for.

A ninja without ideals is not worthy of being an excellent ninja.

"Your ambition is too great. I won't unblock 'Xing'. You should die of this, Red Star Jonin."

The third generation star shadow was unmoved.

All he saw was the ambition far beyond ordinary people in Hongxing's eyes, which frightened him.

Hongxing suddenly sighed and thought about walking out the door.

When he was about to step through the door, Hongxing turned his head and said to the third generation of Xingying:

"Master Hoshikage, a ninja without ambition cannot achieve great things, nor can he make a village or a country stronger. You are already old, so it is better to decide on the next generation of Hoshikage as soon as possible."

Hong Xing walked out, that figure was aloof and somewhat rebellious.

A look of worry appeared on the third generation Hoshikage's face. He actually hoped that Red Star would sneak attack on him just now. In this way, he would have a reason and the secret Xia Tian to take him down in one fell swoop.

The most frightening thing about Red Star is not his ambition to compete with the five major powers, but his forbearance beyond ordinary people.

"Lord Xingying, Hongxing..."

Summer walked out of the darkness.

There was also concern on her face, Hong Xing's attitude just now was definitely not joking, the other party was planning something in secret.

"Be careful of Red Star's every move in the future."

"yes."

"The future of Star Ninja Village is up to you, Xia Ri."

The third generation star shadow said earnestly.

"Lord Star Shadow!"

What Xia Tian wanted to say was interrupted by the third generation star shadow:

"There's no need to refuse. I'm almost unable to hold back Hong Xing, he will definitely attack 'Xing'... now only you in the village can stop his ambition."

"I see."

Xia Xia's eyes were full of determination.

"The next step is to send envoys to the daimyo. I hope this proposal to increase the budget can be passed. Those nobles are not easy to deal with..."

The third generation star shadow sighed helplessly.

He didn't want to promote the Star Ninja Village, but the power of the 'star' would cause great harm to the young people in the village. The daimyo seemed to have other ideas, which he couldn't figure out.

But the most important thing right now is to hope that the daimyo can help and renovate the buildings in Hoshinin Village.

◎

"How is it? Master Xingying agrees?"

Go back to your place of residence.

There were already two people waiting for him there.

When the two stars saw Red Star coming back, they immediately stepped forward to ask how the situation was.

"Still the same, do not agree to unblock 'Star'."

Hongxing sat down and answered their questions.

These two people are his partners, and they are also the top ninjas of Xingnin Village, namely Nighthawk and Shibu.

Nighthawk is a bald man with a rather tough appearance.

The city burial is a man with black hair and a sinister face.

Hearing what Hong Xing said, Ye Ying and Shi Zang couldn't help but look disappointed.

When their strength reaches their level, only by using the power of the ‘star’ can they become stronger again and overcome barriers.

With the three generations of Star Shadows sealing the 'star', the strength of the two of them has not increased for a long time.

For ninjas like them who are eager to become stronger, 'Star' is an addictive drug that they can't help but drink even though they know it is a deadly poison.

Seeing the disappointed expressions of the two people was completely expected by Red Star.

In fact, this was the result he expected.

"The first option is not feasible. Looking at it now, we have to adopt the second option."

Red Star said.

"Second option? Are you really planning to do that?"

Nighthawk and Shi Zang couldn't help but shudder.

Because the second plan is too risky, and if you are not careful, not only the Star Ninja Village, but also the Bear Country may...

The two of them didn't dare to think about it anymore.

Red Star's icy blue pupils stared at the two of them, seeming to contain some kind of warning.

"At times like this, don't pretend to be upright. By this time, it's too late for you two to get off the boat. We are grasshoppers on a rope."

The expressions of the two jonins, Nighthawk and Ichimana, changed and they nodded.

Indeed, at this point, it is too late to regret it.

"Then, I'll leave the matter of Star Ninja Village to you. Help me cover my whereabouts and don't let anyone see the flaws. I want to meet the Daimyo in person to confirm how far the plan there is."

The corners of Hongxing's mouth raised slightly, revealing a sinister smile.