Teleporting three people across half of the ninja world using time-space ninjutsu was quite exhausting for Mizuki.

This kind of thing is okay to do occasionally, but if it is used frequently, even Mizuki will find it difficult to bear it. This time, in order to make up for the butterfly effect caused by his own actions, he gave Gaara a chance to be saved. He did his best.

The three exhausted siblings from the Sand Village were sent to the Land of Iron. After a short rest and washing off their mess, they were going to attend the Five Kage Tournament.

After leaving his companions in Konoha Village behind and sending the Fifth Kazekage and his guards to the village, Mizuki finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Standing on the outer wall of the venue that looked like a war fortress, Mizuki braved the heavy snow and casually watched the patrolling samurai teams coming and going.

The climate of the Iron Kingdom is really strange. It is already March, the season of cherry blossoms in other places, but this place is still covered with ice and snow. Even the Earth Kingdom, which is closer to the north, and the Thunder Kingdom, which is at a higher altitude, have better weather than the Iron Kingdom. Although it is still a bit cold, the severe cold of winter has long gone.

Only here did Shuimu regret his decision to go out for a walk.

"Mizuki Jonin, we meet again."

A warrior wearing heavy full body armor walked over slowly, his steel boots stepping on the frozen hard city wall, and the crisp metallic sound reached Shuimu's ears.

"This voice... could it be Master Rijiao?"

"That's right. We hit it off the first time we met last time. Fortunately, we are destined to meet again..."

The person who came was none other than Rikkaku, the samurai leader who had accompanied Mizuki on his last mission to the Hidden Cloud Village with his subordinate Okisuke.

Li Jiao took off the helmet that covered his entire face, revealing a familiar face. He was about fifty years old, about the same age as the last time he saw him, except that his face was obviously more weathered.

"You are very kind."

These dull-witted warriors are actually not easy to deal with, but if you don't have any expectations of them and talk to them in a normal manner, it will be quite comfortable. At least you don't have to think too much.

Li Jiao smiled:

"I heard not long ago that Mizuki Jonin had arrived. I was a little surprised. I didn't expect it to be at this time. But if it was Mizuki Jonin, it's understandable. After all, the situation is urgent."

"I am so rude!"

During the Five Kage Tournament, the warriors of the Iron Kingdom were quite nervous. In addition to the Kage of the five major ninja villages, even the guards they brought with them had strict requirements, and the information had already been checked in detail by the Iron Kingdom.

Although many of these guards are quite powerful and may even become the Kage of the major ninja villages in the future, there is Chojuro, the follower of the Fifth Mizukage Mei Terumi, who wields the twin swords of the flounder and the flatfish; Kurotsuchi, who came with the Third Wood Tsuchikage Ōnoki and is also his granddaughter and possesses the bloodline limit of Lava Release; and Darui, who inherited the legacy of the Raikage and also possesses the bloodline limit of Storm Release.

Although these people have unlimited potential in the future and are not weak now, they are just guards of the shadows of their own village after all.

Just like when Tsunade came to participate in the Five Kage Tournament, she did not bring any famous powerful ninjas, but instead asked Shizune and Nara Shikamaru to protect her.

The considerations of each village are similar.

The leaders of the five major ninja villages are all here. If they start fighting over a disagreement or something unexpected happens, it might lead to another ninja war.

Why couldn't the senior ninjas like Kakashi Hatake, Might Guy, and Asuma Sarutobi come, and even Mizuki and Jiraiya were not considered?

They were afraid that the power comparison in the Five Kage Conference would be too unbalanced. If an assassination attempt on the Kage of the five major ninja villages occurred, they could calmly suppress the turmoil.

At this time, the Iron Kingdom had very tight defenses. Any ninja who was not on the registered list and entered without heeding advice would be killed without mercy.

Just at this time, Mizuki crossed the numerous blockades and appeared in the core area of ​​the Iron Kingdom with three people without saying a word. If these people were not easily recognizable and the Fifth Kazekage - Gaara happened to be a participant in the Five Kage Tournament, a fight might have already broken out.

Originally Shuimu was planning to leave immediately, but since he was already here, and a person like him suddenly showed up, even though he had a very sufficient excuse, who knew if he had any ill intentions?

If they disappeared without a word, it might arouse more suspicion. But if they stayed under other people's noses, these "tin cans" might feel more at ease.

Therefore, it is understandable that someone of Rijiao's status would come to Shuimu, but...

"Lord Mifune of your village is going to preside over the Five Kage Tournament, is it okay if you don't go to escort him?"

"Don't worry..."

Rikka smiled and waved his hand.

"I have come to understand these days that the ones with the most temper are you ninjas. There are too many conflicts. The Iron Country has always rarely participated in the affairs of the ninja world and has always maintained neutrality. No one should harm Lord Mifune. Besides, our leader is not so vulnerable..."

Mizuki nodded in agreement.

The leader of the Iron Kingdom, who was able to fight against Hanzo of the Salamander in his prime and defeat his Impure World Form, is indeed worthy of his reputation. Even though the Five Kage are strong, it will take more than one or two moves to defeat Mifune.

As long as they can hold on for a while, the large number of samurai will be able to protect Mifune's life.

It’s just that Mizuki is here now, the strength of Konoha Village has increased, and the threat level has greatly increased, so people have to pay attention.

"How many times has Master Rikkaku experienced the Five Kage Tournament?"

"This is my third time serving as the guard for the Five Kage Tournament, but the first two times I only played small roles. This is my first time taking on a big responsibility."

“That really counts as a lot of experience.”

"I've been so old for decades, but that's the only thing I can brag about. I always feel old when I see younger generations coming to the fore. It's okay for an excellent ninja like Mizuki, but it's really sad that a half-grown boy has already become the Fifth Kazekage."

The ninja world is always full of young geniuses who become famous. In comparison, there is no shortcut to the growth of samurai. Although the selection is wider, it is a little more difficult to become successful than ninja. After all, ninjas are the mainstream in this world.

…

While snow was flying all over the sky outside, the Five Kage Conference was in full swing. Gaara, who had changed his attire, was indeed a natural born leader. His leadership skills were indeed outstanding, and his negotiation ability was impeccable.

It was rare for him to be able to resolve the situation easily when he was questioned because of his own problems. Of course, Tsunade would always come to his rescue and help from time to time.