Escape From Konoha

Chapter 247: 240: Fall

Safely returning Shukichi to the capital of Land of Bears, they encountered no attack from ninjas along the way, and the black-clothed attacker targeting Red Shadow had mysteriously disappeared.

In a separate room, Red Shadow changed into clean clothes. Despite his pale face, he walked completely fine.

"It's the first time I've seen you hurt so badly." Dark Bull remarked, appearing in Red Shadow's room for a private conversation.

"I never expected t the enemy's target to be me. I was too careless."

Red Shadow admitted his mistake.

Regardless of the circumstances, failing to break through the enemy's conspiracy in the first place was due to his own incompetence.

"Do you have any clues?"

Red Shadow couldn't be targeted for no reason. Compared to the daimyo and the princess, his status as a guard was insignificant. The enemy had exploited their natural attitudes, causing Red Shadow's mistake.

"Hoshigakure ninja, Akahoshi." 

"I've heard of him, but I never expected there would be such a courageous ninja in Hoshigakure. I'll arrange for him, and he won't get a second chance."

Dark Bull nodded. As he turned to leave, he suddenly stopped at the door, sharing unsettling news with Red Shadow: "I heard from the mansion's servants that Shukichi-hime seems to be in a sleepy and tired state due to anemia. You seem to owe someone a huge favor."

Red Shadow fell silent, feeling a little uneasy inside. As a ninja he felt it was inappropriate to be saved by a woman being regarded a vase. But he also never imagined that she would have such determination and courage.

An inadvertent mistake might have lead to excessive blood loss and even death.

'Sure enough... the troublesome woman has mental problems.'

'I won't say much about it. You have to understand yourself. I won't disturb your rest. Goodbye." Dark Bull said before disappearing.

....

Akahoshi, who had returned to Hoshigakure had an extremely gloomy expression. Despite successfully forcing Red Shadow into Devil's Ravine, surviving in there for a long time seemed unlikely with such injuries and a burdensome princess.

After all food and water would be a problem. In Devil's Ravine there was no food or water source.

So, in theory,, the two should have died due to hunger and thirst. But if they survived, Akahoshi knew he would be in serious trouble. His didn't think his identity concealment was flawless.

In order to push Red Shadow into a desperate situation, he used the unique peacock secret jutsu which only ninjas from Hoshogakure are able to use, which exposed him as a ninja from the village.

And only a Joni could execute that level of peacock jutsu, and considering their prior encounter before, Red Shadow could easily deduce his identity.

Being targeted by a genius ninja with kekkei genkai and unresolved hatred was tricky. Especially if it was an unresolvable hatred between them.

With these thoughts, Akahoshi couldn't help showing an angry expression on his face.

"Damn daimyo. If he had just hand over control of Hoshi to me, I wouldn't have to take such risks!"

Thinking of the Bear Daimyo's evil and hypocritical smiling expressions, Akahoshi grew very angry. He never considered his actions wrong. If there were mistakes, it was because he lacked the strength to directly kill the ninja called Red Shadow.

Not only was he a collaborator of the Daimyo, but he was also the subject of the his serious vigilance.

As a local ninja of Hoshigakure, he differed significantly from Red Shadow, who belonged to his direct line and exists as a perfect tool.

Once the hindrance of Red Shadow was eliminated, the Daimyo will need to rely on him to control Hoshigakure.

This was precisely what fueled Akahoshi's annoyance. He felt uneasy without seeing the corpses of Red Shadow and the Princess upon returning to Hoshigakure.

It wasn't that he didn't want to keep on searching for Red Shadow in Devil's Ravine, but he has been away from Hoshigakure for several days, which compelled him to return otherwise he would arouse the vigilance of the Third Hoshikage. He might end up losing.

Looking at things now, he could only wait for Red Shadow to come to Hoshi, then figure out how to deal with him once and for all. He had no intentions of taking order from anyone.

Returning to the village quietly, without disturbing anyone, Akahoshi reached his house. It seemed Yotala and Shisou had done a good job, as the Third Hoshikage showed no signs kf suspicion after a few days.

Rushing back to Hoshigakure overnight, he felt very exhausted, Akahoshi decided to take rest before planning the next move.

With that, Akahoshi opened the door with the key, and the moment he stepped into the house, he felt something was wrong with the room's atmosphere.

There was a man calmly string on a chair, he seem to have been waiting for him.

Akahoshi's complexion changed, and he stepped back instinctively to maintain a safe distance away from him.

However, at the moment he stepped back, raising his head. There was a brief contact between his gaze and the man's gaze, the man's strange and magnificent red eyes, each adorned with three mysterious tomoe, caught Akahoshi's attention.

Instantly, the pupil power from the man directly invaded Akahoshi's brain nerves.

Akahoshi's retreating body suddenly stopped, and he froze stiffly at the door, unable to move.

There was a wordless look of horror in his eyes.

Sharingan. How could he not recognize such eyes? There was no ninja in the world who didn't know of the Sharingan. There were countless legends about these eyes. But.. it's just... why was a Konoha ninja here?

Akahoshi, puzzled by the presence of a Konoha ninja, couldn't fathom why he was the target. He had never offended Konoha, but there was no relief for his predicament.

The man with the three tomoe Sharingan didn't respond to Akahoshi's questioning glance. His only purpose was to eliminate all risks to the plan.

This Hoshigakure ninja out of control needed be subdued or controlled upon discovery. This person nearly derailed the their whole plan.

Soon, the struggle and fear in Akahoshi's eyes disappeared as he stood there obediently, like an unconscious puppet.

"You should live a normal life from now on." The man with the Sharingan issued hypnotic suggestive commands.

"Yes." Akahoshi nodded seriously, complying with the order.

...

Kneeling before the Daimy, finally freed from being responsible for the princess's, no longer needing to protect her.

But Red Shadow had no idea why, but becouldn't shake off a lingering unease in his heart.

Although uncertain about the cause, the mission at hand demanded priority. Ayane-sama should have control over Akahoshi in Hoshigakure now.

Despite his strong desire for a one-on-one revenge against Akahoshi, the plan took precedence. Personal reasons couldn't hinder the action to clear obstacles in the plan.

"Thanks to you, Red Shadow, Shukichi managed to save herself from danger. Those bounty hunters are truly annoying. Sure enough, having such a beautiful daughter is indeed a sin."

The Daimyo sighed, though his tone showed no real regret; rather, he seemed proud of his daughter.

"Its my duty."

"That's what's wrong with you, you're too much like a ninja; I treat you as a true confidant." 

The Daimyo feigned his dissatisfaction. However, he understood Red Shadow's nature.

For Red Shadow, if he really showed thoughts beyond being a tool, gaining the Daimyo's trust would be challenging. So he just ignored his words.

If he really did do as the Daimyo said, becoming a ninja beyond a tool, then it wasn't far from his rejection and assassination.

"How is your bory?"

The Daimyo asked with concern.

"It's fine."

"And regarding the Third Hoshikage?"

This was the most pressing topic for the Daimyo.

Red Shadow remained silent.

It made thr Daimyo satisfied. He really is a perfect weapon.

A ninja as ambitious as Akahoshi would gradually try 5o escape from his control. For someone like that, it was better to eliminate them as soon as possible.

"In three days, you will officially head to Hoshigakure. I've made arrangements over there. When you get there, someone will assist you, you both will work together. The council will recommend you to become the Fourth Hoshikage."

After the Daimyo spoke, he couldn't restrain his growing ambition, with his smile growing more sinister.

"Yes."

"For this plan, I've sacrificed a huge amount of resources to satisfy those greedy old things in the village. You must work hard.. Or.. I'll be angry."

"Yes."

"Rest for now; you will leave in three days."

The Daimyo gestured for Red Shadow to leave.

Red Shadow nodded, preparing to exit the room.

"Oh, there's one more thing i forgot to ask say."

The voice of the Daimyo sound behind Red Shadow.

Red Shadow turned, listening carefully.

"What do you think of Shukichi?"

The Daimyo glanced at Red Shadow meaningfully, and asked a seemingly irrelevant question to Hoshigakure.

"..."

'How do i answer?'

None of the answers taught to him by Shiraishi Red Shadow realized none of the answer matched the question. His education solely focused on becoming an excellent ninja. Views on women? It was a hindrance to his mission completion? They were weird creatures with inexplicable thoughts? Fat monster with more developed chest muscles than men?

"Red Shadow, if you can secure the position of the Fourth Hoshikage, I will betroth Shukichi to you. Don't let down my trust in you."

The Daimyo wore a gentle smile, trying to encourage Red Shadow.

Regardless of how excellent a tool was, it will develop its own ideas someday. But before that happens, let Red Shadow reveal some weaknesses, such as attachments to a woman or the prospect of an heir. As a ninja with Kekkei Genkai, it's inevitable he wouldn't consider reproduction.

And if this Kekkei Genkai also extended to his family.... the Daimyo's breath quickened.

A hundred years later, the Land of Bears would no longer be an easy target for larger nations. Ninja power holds immense importance in this world.

To achieve this goal, sacrificing his precious daughter seemed like a small price.

Compared to her, Red Shadow's blood was the true treasure, capable of producing powerful ninjas. This way, Red Shadow would genuinely appreciate him, completely devoted.

Moreover, the daimyo wasn't afraid of betrayal. Having a family meant having weakness.

...

Dark Bull never left the daimyo's mansion in the Land of Bears. After he didn't want any other unplanned accidents, like the lesson of Akahoshi, made it crucial for both him and Red Shadow to avoid a second occurrence.

When Red Shadow found him, Dark Bull seemed surprised.

Seeing Red Shadow approaching, the brows on his face seemed to be tightly knit together, deeply wrinkled, as if something had happened which made him extremely troubled.

Dark Bull had never seen such a distressed Red Shadow, so he asked immediately:

"Did something happen?"

There could be no more accidents with Red Shadow end. If he encountered any problems, Dark Bull would have to resolve them quickly within a few days

Recalling what the Bear Daimyo said to him earlier, Red Shadow was a little hesitant about if he should explain to Dark Bull.

As a spy, once he became romantically involved with a woman on a mission, it would undoubtedly be disastrous. Even if he didn't have this intention, his superiors might replace him there just to be safe. This was undoubtedly deadly for Red Shadow, as he didn't want others reaping the fruits of his years of hard work. 

But in the end, reason prevailed. There were only about three days left here. If something like this affected the preparations, and he hid it, refusing to report it, he would undoubtedly betray the organization's trust in him. So Red Shadow reluctantly told Dark Bull about the promise from the Bear Daimyo. 

Dark Bull was both a communications officer and Red Shadow's senior, with life experience. He should know how to deal with such matters.

After hearing this, Dark Bull's expression became even weird. The Bear Daimyo wanted to betroth his precious daughter to Red Shadow? He didn't find it funny.

Although Dark Bull had teased Red Shadow about hurrying to meet a good woman when he found one, he had merely been joking. He didn't expect it would actually come true, with the daimyo personally agreeing to it. 

"In Death Valley, did you really have nothing to do with that princess?" Dark Bull asked somewhat uncertainly.

"No."

Red Shadow answered concisely. It was impossible for him to make such a stupid mistake. He never took the initiative to get involved with women, it was too troublesome. 

"Then what do you feel about her?" Dark Bull asked again.

"I came here to ask you what I should do next, not to talk about emotional issues." Red Shadow said, a thick mark appearing on his forehead.

"I'm also seriously discussing what to do next with you. But if you won't hear it, then forget it. From my guess, the daimyo did this for nothing more than two purposes."

"Two purposes?"

"Yes, two purposes. First, he wants to further control you through Shukicho."

"What about the second one?" 

Red Shadow had also thought of this point. But when he thought of the troublesome princess, he felt tired for a while.

"To reproduce heirs who will inherit your Kekkei Genkai for his family's bloodline."

"?" 

The former answer was acceptable, but the latter made Red Shadow feel it was rather unscrupulous.

However, Dark Bull firmly believed in his speculation. "Red Shadow, excellent descendants hold immense importance to nobles. The daimyo's family are nobles in the world of ordinary people, and your kekkei genkai can be also be called nobility among ninjas. If your kekkei genkai can be passed on to the daimyo's family bloodline. Even if one descendant awakened, it would be profitable for him. You would be a tool to produce more bloodline ninjas for them."

Dark Bull certainly wasn't joking about this. After all, in terms of actual identity, Red Shadow and the princess were highly mismatched. The only way to combine them was if it brought huge benefits the Bear Daimyo couldn't give up.

That Daimyo was no fool. On the contrary, if Red Shadow hadn't been a spy on his side, the Daimyo might have already captured Red shadow to reproduce heirs for his family long ago. 

Kekkei Genkai was an extremely important asset in the ninja world. One only had to look at the Uchiha and Hyuga within their military to know it.

If ordinary ninjas wanted to catch up, it would be nearly impossible. Attaching importance to the inheritance of Kekkei Genkao had never been a ridiculous notion. The Daimyo was smart and ambitious, what he considered was the future of the entire nation. 

"So what do I do?"

"Promise for now."

"Promise?"

"Yes, that's right. It isn't yet time to take down the Land of Bears. Our current goal is Hoshi. Conquering the entire country is a matter for the future. To keep up appearances, you need to continue cooperating with the daimyo, covering for us. From the perspective of completing the given mission, you should agree."

"..." 

"Of course, if you don't want to, I won't force you. But, are you willing to give such a lovely woman to someone else?" 

"What do you mean?"

"It's simple. There are still many unmarried men in the country who had yet to marry. When the country declines would view these unmarried noblewomen as high-quality, sought-after prospects. If you don't make a move now, you'll only allow others to take advantage in the future. Everyone is responding to the call to increase our country's population. Shiraishi-sama will turn a blind eye."

"You don't seem very honest at all." 

Red Shadow said, eyeing Dek Bull's earnest and honest expression. 

"An honest person can't do good espionage jobs properly. To reach my level, what you need is brains, not just brute force."

"..."

Dark Bull's retort left Red Shadow speechless.

"Moreover, this is also to assist Shiraishi-sama. You will grow old sooner or later, or even die on a mission at some point. In that case, there will be one less shadow to protect Shiraishi-sama. Only by spreading your strength can you serve Shiraishi-sama better." Dark Bull said solemnly.

"I don't want to take advantage of an innocent woman."

"Really? But you have to know that in this world, love between two people is a luxury. We want to end this unfair and distorted ninja era by gathering under Shiraishi-sama. As long as you have the power to protect a woman, in this challenging era, it will be the greatest reward for that woman."

Some people just strive just to survive. Dark Bull has witnessed this countless times.

Most nobles were intoxicated, while ordinary people dreamt of death. The wars among the ninjas of the five major countries claimed not to affect ordinary people, but each war caused the most tears and bloodshed among those ordinary people.

As a former farmer, Dark Bull, naturally couldn't accept all of this. It reflected the current state of the ninja world.

"Think about it carefully; after all, your decision is the most important."

Dark Bull gave a serious look to the silent Red Shadow before him, then turned and left.

.....

The irritability lingered in Red Shadow's heart.

For Red Shadow, the presence of women had always been expendable. His original intent of becoming a ninja was solely to repay him, becoming the shadow behind him.

So, forming a new family felt like a betrayal of his trust in him. Having a family meant establishing a bond, and with such a connection, his blade would potentially weaken. Can someone with familial ties still become his shadow?

Staring at the familiar courtyard ahead, Red Shadow regretted returning to this place. The task of protecting the princess had end, eliminating the need of coming back here. So, what drove him here?

He admitted that Shukichi was a kind and beautiful princess, that was all, and his ambition didn't lie here. As he turned to leave, soft footsteps behind him and a familiar voice softly reached his ears.

"Ninja-sama, are you back?"

Turning around, Red Shadow saw the beautiful and joyful face. As he opened his mouth to respond, she hurried over and threw herself into his arms.

"Yes, it smells like Ninja-sama."

Red Shadow stood there awkwardly, unsure of how to react.

"Great, now I don't have to elope with Ninja-sama."

Shukichi expressed her happiness, the sadness on her face had disappeared.

"Elope?" Red Shadow sensed a significant problem here. Was the princess entertaining strange thoughts behind his back?

"I've heard of what father said, so, for our future, please work hard Ninja-sama. I will always wait for you to return here."

Her bright eyes brimmed with passionate light, exuding infinite tenderness and sweetness. At that moment, Red Shadow felt his heart racing, subconsciously embracing her.

Looking into Shukichi's emotional eyes, only her figure existed in those bright eyes.

"Um…"

Red Shadow questioned whether his decision this time was right or wrong. Pulling this woman into the extremely dangerous ninja world.

...

Three days later.

"I didn't expect such an interesting thing to happen to Red Shadow."

In Shiraishi's office, Dark Bull reported everything about Red Shadow to Shiraishi seriously, including his confusing emotional entanglements between him and the Daimyo's daughter.

After carefully listening to the Dark Bull's narration, Shiraishi smiled with great interest.

"Yes. I apologize for this, I will quickly arrange for someone else to replace Red Shadow's role." Dark Bull stated earnestly.

Shiraishi looked helplessly at Dark Bull and said, "With me, there's no need for games. Weren't you the one encouraging Red Shadow?"

Dark Bull appeared slightly embarrassed.

"Shiraishi-sama, as long as you don't blame him."

"Blame? Why would i blame him?"

Shiraishi stood up, turned his back to the Dark Bull, and walked to the window, gazing at the distant mountain scenery.

"Although humans are independent, they also live in groups. Family has never been a burden because it makes people stronger. To protect something, many will sharpen their blades to protect everything they cherish. Isn't that what you experienced in the past, Dark Bull?"

An awkward smile appeared on Dark Bull's face.

Indeed, nothing could be hidden from him. If the other two were responsible for force, then he was the so-called brain. A person's power was always limited, prompting them to rely on the group for warmth, unity, and the construction of an unprecedented new era.

Many might have questioned it in the past, but witnessing the changes in the Land of Demons over the years erased those doubts. Don't people desire this kind of era? Why were the literate and understanding ones rich and powerful? Why were only ninjas equipped with power? Why did civilians, who fed the entire ninja population, shed so many tears and blood?

All of this was unreasonable. Unreasonable things would naturally be overthrown and changed until the world became what they desired.

"Red Shadow is an excellent talent, but he easily falls into a dead end. His desire is to be the shadow behind you, but he keeps forgetting you don't need a shadow."

"That's right. I hope he matures quickly. His Kekkein Genkai ability is similar to Obito's ability, but it's fundamentally different. There are unique aspects that Obito's Kamui lacks. I'm looking forward to seeing his future." Shiraishi nodded and asked, "So, how is Hoshigakure faring now?"

"Now?" Dark Bull maintained an ugly smile, stating, "Forget about it. It must have fallen. With her leading the team, there's no chance of survival."

Lacking ninjas of Kage level, Hoshigakure would undoubtedly be crushed by their forces, rendering them powerless.

With the Bear Daimyo officially protecting them, Hoshigakure could be transformed into the military area they desired, preparing for the future attack on the Land of the Wind.

...

Land of Bears, Hoshigakure.

Just after noon, the village lay silent.

"You.... why.. why... are you attacking Hoshigakure?"

The Third Hoshikage spoke with a trembling voice, looking at the young woman in shock.

The woman, with pure white pupils and black hair cascading down to her waist, stood confidently, arms folded. She exuded an air of strength and calmly surveyed the surroundings. She was Konoha S-rank rogue nin, Hyuga Ayane.

Hyuga Ayane who's known to have been freed from the Caged Bird seal became the first ninja from the Hyuga clan to successfully defect in Konoha's history. In the previous third ninja war, she overwhelmed the Fourth Raikage, displaying a strength comparable to the Five Kages.

Being targeted by such a dangerous ninja was a nightmare for Hoshigakure. Countless Hoshi nins, from Jonin to Chunin to Genin, lay fallen. While none died, it highlighted Ayane's terrifying strength.

Facing their fierce attack, Ayane effortlessly incapacitated all of them without taking their lives. The Jonin and Chunins within the village were vastly inferior to those of the Five Great Ninja Villages, yet they numbered in the hundreds.

The Third Hoshikage felt unprecedented despair. The elders,l initially set on getting rid of the Third Hoshikage shared in this desperation. They had not anticipated Hoshigakure becoming the target of an S-rank rogue ninja.

But wasn't she just a bounty hunter? Looking at the elite ninja troop around her, the Third Hoshikage realized it was inconsistent with the image of a bounty hunter.

"Will you still not surrender? Your body has been severely eroded by the stars energy." Ayane seemed patient.

"As expected of the Byakugan."

The Third Hoshikage smiled wryly, hiding his condition from a ninja with the Byakugan was whimsical. Before the Third Hoshikage could finish speaking, a figure beside him rushed out. The Third Hoshikage's expression changed.

"Wait, Natsuhi, don't be impulsive!" 

Natsuhi was the Jonin he had high hopes for, and he couldn't watch her take such risks So the moment Natsuhi rushed out, the Third Hoshikage followed. 

"Remarkably brave."

Seeing her resistance after witnessing her power, Ayane admired her.

The ninjas weren't useless after all. With some reorganization, they could also be an effective fighting force. If it wasn't for the sake of remaining silent, she would have killed them instead of just knocking them down from the beginning. 

They saw a very majestic purple chakra emerging from the female ninja named Natsuhi, and the materialized chakra even exceeded that of the Third Hoshikage. It was a huge purple chakra dragon, emerging from Natsuhi's back, with an enormous body that exuded great pressure. 

lAyane still clasped her hands in front of her chest, but an astonishing sternness flashed in her eyes.

The purple chakra dragon bombarded Ayane's body head-on. But to the Third Hoshikage and Natsuhi's surprise, Ayane's body wasn't knocked out by the purple chakra. Instead she stood there, motionless as a mountain, allowing the purple chakra dragon to strike her.

As a result, the purple chakra dragon disintegrated and collapsed at an extremely fast speed due to some huge counter-shock force, disappearing before Natsuhi's dull eyes. 

'It failed?' she just stood there, unmoving, allowing the attack.

"So, do you want to surrender? Although I have enough time, if the delay drags on too long, I may gradually lose patience." Ayane asked patiently.

At this time, Land of Demon's ninja approached, holding a round stone. When they saw the stone, the Third Hoshikage and Natsuhi's expressions changed as they understood its significance. 

"Is your goal the star of our village?"

The Third Hoshikage questioned, aware that this meteorite from the sky can enhance a ninja's strength and was sought after by those with evil motives.

"You mean this stone? While it could be a valid reason for attacking Hoshigakure, unfortunately, it is not. This stone is merely coincidental." Ayane replied, dismissing the Third Hoshikage'w assumption.

Ayane didn't explain further, but said to the Jonin beside her: "Put them all in prison for now until I send word on the specific arrangements."

Ayane was treating them as if they were nothing, not considering their position at all.

The Third Hoshikage and Natsuhi smiled wryly. They had really underestimated the situation. But considering the gap in strength between themselves and the enemy, wasn't this natural? As for escape... The two looked up at the massive barrier enveloping the entire village, which fundamentally blocked any way out. 

They just couldn't figure out why their village was attacked. If it wasn't for their treasure, was there anything else in the village worth coveting?

Judging by the size of the enemy's forces, it seemed Hoshigakure had gotten caught up in a much larger scheme. This rogue ninja gathering so many elite forces under her command meant it was impossible they aimed to maintain peace in the ninja world.

Ayane ignored those being taken away and carefully examined the meteorite in her hand with her eyes. It was the unique energy within this meteorite that had bestowed the unique chakra to Hoshigakure, laying the foundation for the village's establishment. It could be said most of what they had today was endowed by this meteorite.

"We'll take it back for Shiraishi-kun to examine... I should also bring some gifts for Cai. I don't know if he's taking care of Cai properly.... He should be fine."

Thinking of her child with Shiraishi, Ayane always felt his personality was a bit soft.

"Ayane-sama, urgent report!"

"Urgent report?" Ayane blinked, setting aside the meteorite.

Hoshigakure had been captured, and Red Shadow now possessed the official documents from the Bear Daimyo. With some slight arrangements, the Bear Daimyo could be led to think the village was under his control already. Currently, the planning for Star Village was relatively thorough, including properly handling subsequent cover operations. Were there any issues?

"Which side?" Ayane inquired.

"It's from Konoha, the Hyuga Clan."

Ayane's expression changed upon hearing this news. Accepting the scroll, she opened it with a serious demeanor to read its contents.

"Ayane-sama, what happened?" The ninja asked cautiously.

Ayane's aura was terrifying at this moment, as if it might explode at any time. It was challenging to control one's emotions at such a high level of strength.

"Something has come up in the Land of Fire, I need to deal with. I'll leave things here to you and come back as soon as possible." 

"Huh? Yes, no problem."

Even with the departure of a powerful ninja like Ayane, the overall situation was resolved. The critical high-level officials, including the Third Hoshikage, had been apprehended, eliminating the need for Ayane's personal presence. Next, they awaited Red Shadow's arrival to complete the handover and reassure the Bear Daimyo. From then on, the Hoshi ninjas would be "loyal" to the Land of Bear, willing to give their lives for it. 

"I'm sorry to trouble you, but this meteorite should also be sent back to the Land of Demons as soon as possible." Ayane nodded, giving a casual order. She put away the scroll, vanished from the spot, and rushed towards the Land of Fire.

Seeing Ayane depart so hurriedly for the Land of Fire, the ninja speculated wildly. Was it that Third Hokage messing around again? If so, they really hoped the lovely old man wouldn't be forced out of his position.

After all, when the Fourth Hokage was in power, it had brought much pressure on them. The Fourth Hokage's past feats on the battlefield, particularly against Iwagakure and Kumogakure, left them intimidated. By comparison, the third Hokage seemed more approachable.

The rapid development of the Land of Demons during the third ninja war, aided by Konoha's foreign policy, was credited to the Third Hokage. Sometimes, they benefitted without taking any action, thanks to Konoha paving the way.

This was all courtesy of the good grace the Third Hokage had built up with the fledgling Land of Demons.