Akahoshi refuted the Third Hoshikage's perspective.

Unlike the Third Hoshikage, he still harbored his own ideals and goals to strive for.

A ninja without ideals is not worthy of being a distinguished ninja.

"Your ambition is too great, I will not unseal 'Hoshi'. Give up on this, Jonin Akahoshi."

The Third Hoshikage remained unmoved.

What he saw was only the ambition in Akahoshi's eyes that surpassed ordinary people, instilling fear in him.

Akahoshi suddenly sighed and walked towards the door.

As he was about to cross the door, Akahoshi turned his head to say:

"Hoshikage-sama, a ninja without ambition cannot achieve greatness, nor can he help a village or country become stronger. You are old now, it's time to decide on the next Hoshikage sooner."

Akahoshi walked out, his silhouette proud yet a bit defiant.

Concern showed on the Third Hoshikage's face; he actually hoped Akahoshi had attacked him just now so he would have a reason to capture him with Natsuhi hidden in the shadows.

The most terrifying thing about Akahoshi was not his ambition to rival the Five Great Nations, but his extraordinary power of concealment.

"Hoshikage-sama, Akahoshi, he..."

Natsuhi emerged from the shadows.

Worry was also on her face; Akahoshi's demeanor just now was not a mere joke. He was secretly plotting something big.

"Pay close attention to Akahoshi's every move from now on."

"Yes."

"The future of the Hidden Star Village depends on you, Natsuhi."

The Third Hoshikage said with heartfelt earnestness.

"Hoshikage-sama!"

Natsuhi wanted to say more, but the Third Hoshikage interrupted:

"There's no need to decline. I can barely suppress Akahoshi any longer; he's bound to act on 'Hoshi'... Now, only you in the village can thwart his ambition."

"I understand."

Determination filled Natsuhi's eyes.

"Next, we have to send envoys to the Daimyo. Hopefully, the budget proposal can pass, although dealing with the nobility is never easy..."

The Third Hoshikage sighed helplessly.

He too wished to see the Hidden Star Village flourish, but the power of 'Hoshi' posed a tremendous threat to the youth of the village. The thoughts of the Daimyo were also perplexing, making him uneasy.

However, the most pressing matter now is hoping the Daimyo can provide some assistance to renovate the buildings within Hidden Star Village.

◎

"How did it go? Has Hoshikage-sama agreed?"

Returning to his abode.

Two people were already waiting for him there.

These two star ninjas, upon seeing Akahoshi's return, immediately inquired about the situation.

"Same as before, he doesn't agree to unseal 'Hoshi'."

Akahoshi sat down, answering the two's questions.

These two were his partners and both were Jonin of Hidden Star Village, respectively Yotaka and Shiso.

Yotaka was a burly man with a shaved head.

Shiso was a man with black hair and a sinister face.

Upon hearing Akahoshi's words, Yotaka and Shiso couldn't help but look disappointed.

With their strength at this level, only by utilizing the power of 'Hoshi' could they once again grow stronger and overcome barriers.

Since the Third Hoshikage sealed 'Hoshi', their powers had long stagnated.

To them, craving strength, 'Hoshi' was a lethal poison they couldn't resist consuming.

The disappointment on the two's faces was entirely within Akahoshi's expectations.

In fact, this was the outcome he hoped for.

"The first plan is infeasible; it seems we'll have to resort to the second plan."

Akahoshi said.

"The second plan? Are you really planning to proceed that way?"

Yotaka and Shiso shivered uncontrollably.

Because the second plan was indeed too risky, and if slightly mishandled, not just Hidden Star Village but possibly the Land of Bear would also...

The two dared not continue thinking.

Akahoshi's icy blue eyes fixed on them, seemingly carrying a warning.

"In times like this, don't pretend to be noble. It's too late for you two to jump ship; we're in it together now."

Yotaka's and Shiso's expressions shifted slightly, nodding their heads.

Indeed, it was too late to reconsider at this point.

"Then, I'll leave the matters of Hidden Star Village to you two. Help cover my tracks; don't let anyone discover the flaw. I'm going to personally meet the Daimyo to confirm the progression of their plan."

Akahoshi's lips curved slightly, revealing a cunning smile.