"Is that the location of the Hidden Star Village?"

Standing on a high ground overlooking the distance, Ayane pointed to the area ahead and asked.

It was a secluded land surrounded by mountains and forests, with only a winding path leading to the depths of the woodland's belly.

"Indeed, the Hidden Star Village is concealed within this area."

One of the Jonin from the Land of Demons accompanying them affirmed.

"It's truly well-hidden."

Judging from the footprints around the forest, it doesn't look inhabited; instead, the atmosphere of wild beasts is quite strong.

This aura of beasts might be deliberately revealed, serving as a cover.

"Without a doubt, the Hidden Star Village is a small ninja village, but initially, they harbored quite an ambition to dominate the Five Great Nations."

The Jonin from the Land of Demons disclosed the secrets they unearthed within the Hidden Star Village.

"It's probably the so-called 'star' that gave them such excessive ambition."

Ayane's lips curled slightly, revealing a smile.

Within the Hidden Star Village, a mysterious meteorite from the outer skies is reportedly hidden.

This meteorite that descended onto the land seems to carry some mysterious power, possessing a strong radioactivity that causes a peculiar reaction to human chakra.

Relying on this meteorite, the ninjas of the Hidden Star Village developed secret techniques unique to their village, once prominent in the Ninja Realm.

Moreover, despite not belonging to the Five Great Nations system, the leader of the Hidden Star Village imitated the name of the Five Kage and called himself the Hoshikage.

But this title of Hoshikage is merely self-proclaimed and not recognized by the mainstream of the Ninja Realm.

Today, the Hidden Star Village is under the governance of the Third Hoshikage.

"According to our informers within the Hidden Star Village, the thing called 'star' has significant issues. While 'star' enhances chakra activity during training, it also causes great harm to the body. As a result, its use has been prohibited by the Third Hoshikage."

The Jonin from the Land of Demons answered.

"This is quite similar to the aftereffects experienced by Jinchuriki when using Tailed Beast Chakra."

Frequent use of Tailed Beast Chakra causes great harm to the body, and even Jinchuriki are often cautious when using Tailed Beast Chakra.

It seems that while the 'star' enhances human chakra activity, it also has negative effects similar to Tailed Beast Chakra, causing damage to the body.

"Haha, it shouldn't be as extreme as a Tailed Beast."

The Jonin from the Land of Demons chuckled and shook his head.

If the power of the 'star' could compare to a Tailed Beast, the Hidden Star Village wouldn't have remained isolated in this place for so many years.

"We can discuss the star later. How are the arrangements inside the Hidden Star Village? Ensure nothing goes wrong at the time."

To conquer the Land of Bear, the Hidden Star Village is crucial.

Occupying the Hidden Star Village requires tight coordination across multiple steps.

Ayane understands the important role the Hidden Star Village and the Land of Bear play in the expansion plan of the Land of Demons.

The expansion plan of the Land of Demons is aimed at becoming the sixth major country.

To become the sixth great nation, it is necessary to create conflict with the current Five Great Nations system, inevitably leading to war.

The country chosen by the Land of Demons is the Land of Wind, the largest by land among the Five Great Nations, intended to serve as a testament to the rise of the Land of Demons.

The Land of Demons must capture the Land of Bear to use its natural barriers as a springboard to attack the Land of Wind without worries.

This world's guiding principle is the strong swallowing the weak, big fish devouring small fish.

Although Hakushi has implemented many policies beneficial to civilians in the Land of Demons, Ayane knows that Hakushi is by no means a pacifist in essence.

No, the role of a pacifist doesn't suit that man at all.

What he cares about is merely shaping the world into a vision aligned with his ideals.

Changing this dull and uninteresting world is his true purpose.

"Lord Ayane, please rest assured on this matter; everything is proceeding steadily according to our plan. If unforeseen errors occur, isn't that precisely why you are here?"

The Jonin from the Land of Demons smiled slightly, exuding confidence.

The three lords, superior to the five thousand ninjas of the Land of Demons, each capable of rivaling or possibly surpassing the Five Kage, are the source of confidence for all military personnel in the Land of Demons.

In this Ninja Realm, chaotic from war, strength is the foundation securing everything.

Once the Hidden Star Village is annexed, the military power of the Land of Demons will clearly increase.

"You're right. Because this plan is crucial, I've personally come here to oversee it. The enemy reconnaissance stage is almost complete, and I haven't found any opponent that stands out. Next, let's wait for news from Akakage."

Ayane closed her Byakugan, capable of overseeing everything within a twelve-kilometer radius centered on herself.

Naturally, the Hidden Star Village, concealed in the depths of the forest, couldn't escape her Byakugan.

The defensive routes and level of guard forces in the Hidden Star Village were crystal clear.

Among them, only one ninja had chakra far surpassing others in the village, likely the Third Hoshikage.

Watching Ayane's departing steps, the Jonin from the Land of Demons remarked:

"Byakugan, truly a convenient Kekkeigenkai."