Escape From Konoha

Chapter 241: 235: The Darkness of the Stars

T/N: I've been really busy with my IT program so couldn't get much time. I'm studying CS btw. Merry Christmas.. it's 2 chapters

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"Is that where Hoshigakure is located?"

Ayane asked as she pointed toward a distant area from the elevated ground where she stood. It appeared to be a secluded land surrounded by mountains and forests, with only a winding path at the entrance leading to the deep hinterland of the forest.

"Yes, the village is hidden in the area." A Jonin from who accompanied her affirmed.

"It truly is hidden..."

Ayane observed. Judging by the footprints around the forest, it didn't appear inhabited, yet the presence of wild beasts was unmistakable. These beastly breaths seemed intentionally disclosed to conceal the truth.

"It is undoubtedly a small ninja village, but initially, they had grand ambitions to dominate the five major countries." One of the Jonin spoke, sharing secrets they had found in the village.

"It's should be the mysterious star which had fueled such excessive ambition." Ayane's lips curled slightly, revealing a smile.

In Hoshigakure, a mysterious meteorite was said to have descended from the sky. This meteorite which fell seemed to possess a mysterious power and high radioactivity, triggering some kind of magical reaction with the chakra of a human body.

Relying on this meteorite, the ninjas of Hoshigakure developed their own secret jutsu, which was quite known the world. Furthermore, despite not being part of the Five Great Nations, the village's leader adopted the title of Hoshikage, imitating the Five Kages.

However, the Hoshikage title was nothing more than a self-proclaimed indulgence and lacked recognition in the mainstream world.

Hoshigakure, now governed by the Third Hoshikage, maintained this tradition.

"According to our informant inside the village, there's been a big problem with the star. While using the star for training, although it enhances the chakra activity within the body, it also causes great damage to the body. The use of the star has now been sealed by the Third Hoshikage."

"It seems similar to the aftermath of a Jinchuriki after using their tailed beast."

Frequent use of tailed beast chakra can result in severe damage to the body.

From this perspective, while Hoshigakure's star increased chakra effectiveness, it also brought about the same negative effects as the tailed beast chakra, proving destructive to the human body.

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

If the power of the star could be compared to a tailed beast, Hoshigakure wouldn't have remained secluded and isolated from the world for so many years.

"We'll discuss about the star later. How is the layout of the village? Please ensure there are no mistakes by then."

Ayane understood the crucial roles that Hoshigakure and Land of Bears plays in the expansion plan.. The expansion would continue until they become the sixth-largest nation.

The Land of Demons's expansion plan envisioned conflict with the existing five-power system, leading inevitably to war.

They've selected the Land of Wind, with the largest territory among the five major nations, as their target for rise to power.

Winning the Land of Bears was essential to use its natural barriers as a springboard for an attack on the Land of Wind without worries.

Despite Shiraishi implementing several policies benefiting the people within the their own country, Ayane knew he was no pacifist at heart. His true purpose was to shape the world according to his desires. Changing the boring and uninteresting world was his real purpose.

"Ayane-sama, please rest assured. Everything is proceeding smoothly according to our plan. Even if an unexpected accident does occur, that's why you're here, isn't it?" The Jonin speaking appeared confident.

The three leading the 5,000 ninjas in the Land of Demons were powerful, matching or possibly surpassing the Five Kages in strength.

In this war-torn world, the foundation for survival was power. With the annexation of Hoshigakure, their military strength will significantly improve.

"You're right. This plan is important, which is why I'm personally overseeing it. I've almost completed the stage of probing the enemy situation and haven't found any opponent worth my attention. Let's await news from Red Shadow."

Ayane oversaw everything within a twelve-kilometer radius, including the hidden Hoshigakure deep in the mountains and forests. All defense routes of Hoshigakure and the strength of the guard force were clear to her.

Notably, among them, only one ninja in the village possessed chakra beyond the ordinary, it surpassed the others. It should be the Third Hoshikage

Seeing Ayane leaving, A Jonin sighed

"The Byakugan is truly a convenient kekkei genkai."

It became understandable why Konoha was quick to take the initiative in the previous ninja wars, even in unfavorable situations. The Byakugan, with its strategic significance, concentrated solely in Konoha, it was indeed worthy of being envied.

"Speaking of Konoha, they seem to be getting weakened recently. The once powerful Konoha, known for being the strongest, is on a slight decline."

The Jonin thought of Konoha's situation, compared with the Land of Demon's growth during the Third Ninja World War.

"However, Konoha should continue to decline..."

...

Cooking smoke curled up into the sky.

Deep in a dense forest, houses were arranged in an orderly manner, resembling a small village. This was Hoshigakure.

There were no walls around, and many houses retained a relatively old style, showing signs of not being renovated for a long time. Whether it was the important academy or a hospital, the equipment inside appeared outdated.

At the village's end stood a wooden building engraved with the word 'Hoshi,' serving as the residence of past Hoshikages. Currently, the building housed the Third Hoshikage.

Seated cross-legged on a cushion, the Hoshikage, coughed softly, as if he had suffered an internal injury. Each cough made his old, wrinkled face appear pale.

His actions prompted concern from a female Hoshi ninja besides him.

"Are you all right, Hoshikage-sama?"

The Hoshi nin asked, wanting to check the Hoshikage's physical condition. However, he waved her off. He only felt a lack of energy.

"It's okay. My old bones should still hold on. The power of the star is becoming more domineering... if this continues, my old body won't endure for long."

The Third Hoshikage lamented, his tone filled with unwillingness.

In the past, Hoshigakure gained prominence in the ninja world due to the power of the "star" and was popular for a while. However, as the power of the "star" grew stronger, it caused harm to the human body. Few years ago, a powerful in the village experienced the enhanced chakra activity exceeding the body's limit due to the star's power.

Even experienced ninjas could even die suddenly after being in contact with 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 within rhe village sharply weakened, which led to their withdrawal from the ninja world's main stage.

It was a strategic decision. Campared to gaining more strengthz they needed to focus on securing the village's future.

"How so?" The Hoshi nin asked.

"When I was young, I was in contact with the star for too long, it's probably the bane left over from that time."

The Third Hoshikage smiled wryly. As a ninja he had an ordinary aptitude, but with the help of the star, the chakra within his body strengthened rapidly. At that time he tried his best to integrate the star into his body to surpass all the Jonin in the village.

Now, that he was getting old, his body had been infiltrated by the stars' energy, riddled with holes. Every day and night he endured unimaginable pains. A price to pay for using unconventional methods to become stronger.

"Is there no cure?"

"It's useless, Natsuhi. Doesn't the death of your husband Hotarubi prove everything? A body corroded by the star can't be healed with medical ninjutsu."

The Hoshi nin called Natsuhi went silent when she heard these words, she clenched her fists slightly.

Indeed, a few years ago, her husband, Hotarubi, was too exposed to the power of the star, causing his flesh to decay. shriveling to death. He was the intended successor for the Hoshikage position.

Due to this incident's negative impact, the Hoshikage resolved to ban all Hoshigakure ninjas from coming in contact with the star. Now, the star has been sealed by him, preventing anyone from getting close to it.

"I see, but you still need to be careful with the rest of the village. I've noticed something not quite right recently."

Natsuhi siged then said with a serious express.

"Do you mean Akahoshi?"

The Third Hoshikage asked, seeming to understand who Natsuhi was urging him to be careful against.

Akahoshi, one of the outstanding ninjas in Hoshigakure, he also excelled in the village's secret jutsu, the Mysterious Peacock Method. However, in the Third Hoshikage's eyes, Akahoshi displayed not just his strength but ambition.

Therefore, Akahoshi had mentioned more than once at the high-level meeting of the village within this year hoping to remove the seal on the star, letting all ninjas in Hoshigakure seek power from the star again.

However, this proposal was rejected by the Third Hoshikage. As the Hoshikage, he couldn't only consider immediate interests and ignore the life and death of the next younger generation in the village, making them sacrifices to the star.

The star could bring great power, but the stronger one becomes, the closer they are to death.

The Third Hoshikage didn't want to witness such a tragedy ever again. Too many tragedies have occurred in recent years due to the 'star,' especially involving an ambitious Jonin like Akahoshi. An existence that needed be guarded against.

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

At that moment, a knock on the door interrupted their conversation.

"Hoshikage-sama, there's someone here to see you. It's Akahoshi."

A guard outside notified.

the Third Hoshikage and Natsuhi exchanged glances. Natsuhi nodded in understanding, disappeared from her spot. She hid in the corner of the room, and held her breath.

Seeing Natsuhi hide, the Third Hoshikage shouted to the door, "Let him in."

The door opened, and a male Hoshi nin about thirty years old walked in. With long purple hair, a headband, and ice-blue eyes devoid of emotion.

"Hoshikage-sama."

Akahoshi knelt on the ground on one knee..

"Is there a problem?"

"I'm here for the sake of the star. I hope Hoshikage-sama can unban the existence of the star. Only in this way can Hoshigakure become stronger." Akahoshi requested.

"Didn't I already speak regarding this? Excessive exposure to the star causes harm to the body. That's exactly how Hotarubi died back then."

Akahoshi's face remained unchanged as he said, "I'm very sorry about what happened to Hotarubi, but the current international situation is very complicated, and it's hard to say when there will be a war."

"You are worrying too much. What benefits would attacking the Land of Bears bring to any of those big countries?"

IThe Third Hoshikage was quite aware of such situation. The Land of Bears had sparse vegetation, with most areas being poor environments of barren mountains and wild lands.

"This can't be used as a reason not to make progress. Since you banned the use of the star, the strength of the ninjas in the village are seriously declining . I'm very worried if the younger generation will be able to take on great responsibilities in the future."

"I've already said this, I will not release the star. If you're here for such, you can leave."

Akahoshi raised his head, staring at the Hoshikage with his ice-blue pupils that lacked emotion.

"Is there anything else, Akahoshi?"

After Sandai Hoshikage finished speaking, he immediately coughed violently, and a weak breath rushed towards his face.

Natsuhi hiding in the corner, couldn't help but get nervous. If Akahoshi attacked at this time, things will be bad. However, she obviously thought too much.

After hearing the cough of the Third Hoshikage, Akahoshi lowered his head again, showing a respectful attitude.

"Okay, I'll not mention of the star for the time being. The financial budget for the past few years has been extremely poor, and important facilities such as ninja academy need to be refurbished. There's also the hospital, it's important we train medical ninjas. Although the Land of Demons medical equipment are of excellent quality, the relative price is also too expensive. There are also various medicines to be purchased. Given the current financial situation of the village, I'm afraid..."

Akahoshi shifted the conversation towards the construction of the village.

This issue also weighed heavily on the Third Hoshikage's heart.. He naturally understood these concerns. Hoshigakure wasn't like those big ninja villages where missions were often entrusted to them.

Hoshigakure only received dozens of entrusted missions within a year, and in order to win over those clients, the remuneration charged for these missions each time were low.

Even so, not necessarily many people came to Hoshigakure to issue missions. The mission market has already been monopolized by the five great ninja villages.

Hoshigakure could only scrape by, relying on hunting in the forest to support the village.

"I will find a solution to deal with this." The Third Hoshikage said wearily.

"Any solutions in mind?" Akahoshi asked.

Seeing Akahoshi's doubt, the Third Hoshikage felt helpless, so he had no choice but to reply, the Third Hoshikage felt helpless and could only reply, "I'll report this to the Daimyo."

"Should we really tell the Daimyo..."

Akahoshi lowered his head, the corners of his mouth lifting to a mocking smile. If reporting to the Daimyo was effective, Hoshigakure wouldn't have been living in poverty for so many consecutive years.

"Akahoshi, are you dissatisfied with me as the Hoshikage?" The third Hoshikage asked, staring at Akahoshi.

"Not at all. I've always admired you, Hoshikage-sama. But in the past, traveled to various countries to become stronger. Konoha and the Land of Fire left a deep impression on me." Akahoshi responded calmly.

The Third Hoshikage's face darkened. But Akahoshi continued, ignoring the Third Hoshikage's displeasure, "It's truly a paradise on earth. Life is prosperous, and the people live and work in peace and contentment. Every ninja in Konoha is brimming with confidence and strength. With all due respect, if this continues, even if it takes another hundred years, we won't be able to catch up with Konoha."

"Then what are you... Cough!"

The Third Hoshikage coughed again, his words tumbling out too hastily.

"Our only chance to catch up with the Land of Fire and Konoha is right in front of us. We must use the power of the star to reshape every ninja in the village and double their strength. Ten years later, Hoshigakure will be at the top of the ninja world, with the ninjas of the five major countries bowing before us!"

Akahoshi's voice was firm, his eyes burning with unbridled ambition.

"Enough! Akahoshi, your thinking is too dangerous! The five major countries are far more complicated than you think." The Third Hoshikage couldn't help but scold him.

"But if we don't do this, Hoshigakure will never be as strong as them. If you want to continue living as inferiors, why do you fight? In this world, human life is important! Including mine!"

Akahoshi countered the Third Hoshikage's point. Unlike the Third Hoshikage, he still held onto his ideals and goals to strive for. A ninja without ideals isn't worthy of being called an excellent ninja.

"Your ambition is too much. I still won't unban the use of the star. You should give up on it, Akahoshi." The Third Hoshikage remained unmoved.

All he saw in Akahoshi's eyes was an ambition far exceeding that of ordinary people, and it frightened him.

Akahoshi sighed and turned to leave. As Akahoshi reached for the door, he turned to the Third Hoshikage and said, "Hoshikage-sama, a ninja without ambition can't achieve greatness or strengthen a village or country. You're already old. It's best to decide on the next Hoshikage as soon as possible."

Akahoshi walked out, his figure aloof and somewhat rebellious.

A look of worry appeared on the Third Hoshikage's face. He actually hoped Akahoshi would attack him just now. That would have given him and the Natsuhi a reason to take him down in one fell swoop.

The most terrifying thing about Akahoshi wasn't his ambition to compete with the five major powers, but his extraordinary forbearance.

"Hoshikage-sama, Akahoshi..."

Natsuhi emerged from the darkness, her face also etched with worry. Akahoshi's attitude was no joke. The man was clearly plotting something in secret.

"Be extra careful of Akahoshi's every move in the future."

"Yes."

"The future of Hoshigakure rests on you, Natsuhi." The Third Hoshikage spoke earnestly.

"Hoshikage-sama!"

Before Natsuhi could speak, the Third Hoshikage interrupted:

"There's no need to refuse. I can barely restrain Akahoshi. He'll definitely go after star... Right now, you're the only one who can stop his ambitions."

"I understand." Natsuhi's eyes hardened with resolve.

"The next step is to send envoys to the Daimyo. I hope they approve our budget increase proposal. Those nobles are a tough to deal with..." The Third Hoshikage sighed helplessly.

He wasn't averse to developing Hoshigakure, but the power of the dtar posed a great harm to the village's younger generation, and the Daimyo seemed to have other plans, making him unpredictable.

Right now, what was more important was to get the Daimyo's help with renovating Hoshigakure's buildings.

.....

"How is it? Did Hoshikage-sama agree?"

Akahoshi returned to his residence, where two figures awaited him.

The two Hoshi nins saw Akahoshi, they immediately asked about the situation.

"Same as before. He won't agree to unseal the star."

Akahoshi sat down and answered their question.

These two were his partners, Yotaka, a tough-looking bald man, and Shisou, a man with black hair and a sinister visage.

Yotaka and Shisou couldn't hide their disappointment. At their level, only the power of the star could push them further, breaking the barrier they faced.

With the Third Hoshikage sealing the star, their strength had stagnated for a long time. For ninjas like them, who were eager to become stronger, they knew the star was like a deadly poison, but they couldn't resist its allure.

Seeing their disappointed expressions, it was completely within Akahoshi's expectation.

"The first option is no longer possible. Now, we move to the second." Akahoshi said.

"Option two? Are you really going to do that?"

Yotaka and Shisou shuddered. Because option two was far too risky. One wrong step could spell doom not just for Hoshigakure, but for the entire Land of Bears.

They dared not think further.

Akahoshi's cold blue pupils stared at the two, a silent warning.

"Don't act high and mighty now. It's too late to back out. We're all in this together."

They both exchanged uneasy glances and nodded. Indeed, it was too late to turn back now.

"Then I'll leave Hoshigakure to you. Cover my tracks. No one can suspect a thing. I'll meet the Daimyo myself and confirm the progress there."

The corners of Akahoshi's mouth curled into a sinister smile.