Where there are people, there is the world; the sa goes for organizations. Although the ninjas share the sa origin, they have taken two different paths, splitting into two major sects. Besides the smaller families, each sect has a powerful family supporting it— the Shijing of Iga and the Yuanfei of Kaga. These sects have been enemies for generations, and it's difficult to say who's right or wrong. Ultimately, it's all for profit and reputation.
Luo Zheng saw Yuanfei Zuo's ambition. The Iga ninjas beca imperial ninjas, led by the Shijing family, and established the highest ninja organization, the Chrysanthemum Group, along with the Sakura Society, which is a lower level and considered the outer periter ninjas. The Chrysanthemum Group is thriving inside Fushan, wielding imnse power. It's only natural for the Kaga ninjas to be envious, but more importantly, if they don't counterattack, they run the risk of being annexed by Iga ninjas. For survival and profit, they must fight back.
Having understood these key points, Luo Zheng smiled and saw both Yuanfei Zuo and Yuanfei Zhu looking at him, eyes filled with anticipation and caution. Beside him, Lan Xue subtly gave Luo Zheng a look, and he knowingly nodded secretly, saying, "Cooperation is not a problem; the key is how we cooperate. Without a mutually beneficial thod, it won't work."
"Of course, without mutual benefit, there's no trust, and we both know that. If you're here to deal with the Iga ninjas, we can help you with all our might, but we also have conditions," Yuanfei Zuo calmly stated.
"Replace Iga?" Luo Zheng laughed and said.
"Exactly. There's no need to speak falsehoods in front of smart people. As for our strength, I'll admit, it's indeed a bit weaker than Iga's. We've been heavily suppressed over the years, progressing slower than the Iga ninjas, but not by much. Now it depends on you," Yuanfei Zuo said seriously.
"Do you have experts like Shijing Ye?" Luo Zheng inquired further.
"Of course, my daughter can match them evenly; there's no doubt about it. There was even a confrontation between both," Yuanfei Zuo said with so pride, glancing at Yuanfei Xinzi with a hint of affection in his eyes.
"Oh?" Luo Zheng was sowhat surprised, looking at Yuanfei Xinzi, and honestly said, "I did not notice at all. Since you have experts of the sa caliber, why are you seeking to cooperate with us?"
"Doing it ourselves gives us less than a fifty percent chance, at most forty percent. I know a little about your situation, and teaming up with you increases our chances by thirty percent. Why not?" Yuanfei Zuo admitted openly.
"You really think highly of ," Luo Zheng responded with a smile, seeing the other side being so candid, and started pondering.
Yuanfei Zuo wanted to say sothing else, but Yuanfei Zhu signaled him to be patient. Yuanfei Xinzi prepared tea for everyone and gently said, "To the esteed guests, please enjoy the tea," using a standard Huaxia language.
Lost in thought, Luo Zheng didn't notice this detail, while Lan Xue looked at Yuanfei Xinzi curiously. Yuanfei Xinzi offered a gentle smile and said, "Our family took refuge in your country when we were young. I returned once I beca an adult. I've been learning your language since childhood, so please guide ."
"You're welco," Lan Xue said blandly, looking at Luo Zheng.
At this point, Luo Zheng had figured out many issues and looked at Yuanfei Zuo, continuing, "Cooperating is not a problem; your sincerity is trustworthy. I need a map of the Iga ninja headquarters."
"Great, so you are indeed here to deal with the Iga ninjas. The Chrysanthemum Group headquarters is within Fushan; above it is the garrison, and below is their headquarters. There's only one entrance, which is inside that ancient temple building of the garrison, preserved in the architectural style of your country's Ming dynasty. The entrance is a training hall, with an underground passage leading below, surrounded by walls. The military cannot see the inside and is not allowed to enter, making it self-contained. The inner workings can only be accessed by core mbers of Iga; apprentices can only stay outside. We've sent undercover agents before but haven't been successful," Yuanfei Zuo explained excitedly.
"I heard there's a prison there," Luo Zheng said calmly.
"I didn't expect you to know even that. Indeed, the underground prison is not far from the underground Chrysanthemum Group headquarters. It's said there's a passage connecting them. Many death row prisoners are used as practice targets to train the apprentices' killing skills, though outsiders are unaware," Yuanfei Zuo explained.
"Oh?" Luo Zheng was montarily surprised, then smiled; this was unexpected intelligence. He continued, "Our cooperation can be confird, but I need to return to finalize the plan. Once the plan is successful, how should I notify you?"
"Let my daughter accompany you; it will make communication easier when needed," Yuanfei Zuo said politely.
Luo Zheng understood that Yuanfei Zuo wanted Yuanfei Xinzi to accompany them for supervision, to express cooperation sincerity, and to maintain prompt communication. After a brief contemplation, he said, "That's good, then please."
"I'll change into sothing else," Yuanfei Xinzi said decisively, glancing at her father, who nodded. She imdiately rose and walked into the inner room.
"I'll entrust my daughter to you, eagerly awaiting your good news," Yuanfei Zuo said courteously.
"If needed, how many people can you mobilize?" Luo Zheng asked calmly.
"One hundred ninjas, including ten at the Chrysanthemum level," Yuanfei Zuo confidently answered.
"Are you clear about the strength within the Chrysanthemum Group?" Luo Zheng probed further.
"Regrettably, not very clear. It's only heard that there are thirty Chrysanthemum level ninjas and about two hundred Sakura ninjas, but these numbers could be larger," Yuanfei Zuo stated seriously, not daring to mislead Luo Zheng.
After a few casual remarks, Yuanfei Xinzi returned, dressed in casual attire, carrying a suitcase, her hair tied in a ponytail. The contents of the suitcase were unknown. Her whole persona radiated youthful energy, a stark contrast to her previously demure kimono appearance, and she looked about twenty-five years old.
Luo Zheng glanced at Yuanfei Xinzi, stood up, bid farewell to the Yuanfei brothers, and upon her indication, got into the off-road vehicle. Yuanfei Xinzi took the driver's seat, quickly started the car, waved goodbye to her father, and skillfully turned around, heading out on a small farm road.
Soon, the off-road vehicle was on the main road. Yuanfei Xinzi warmly said, "You can just call Xinzi from now on, where shall we go?"
"You don't know where we're staying?" Luo Zheng asked back.
"No idea," Xinzi laughed. "I'm a swordsman and also a hacker, but my hacking skills are inferior to my swordsmanship. I've only managed to gather so basic information about you. Such confidential intel is beyond reach."
"Really?" Luo Zheng responded noncommittally, although he didn't trust her, he also didn't want to embarrass anyone. Collaborating with the Yuanfei family has significant risks, but the enemy is too strong, and having additional allies can only be a good thing. Luo Zheng honestly provided the hotel na.
"You guys are hiding right under the Shijing family's nose? Don't tell you didn't know that hotel is owned by the Shijing family," Xinzi exclaid in surprise.
"Oh, really? That works perfectly," Luo Zheng replied, suddenly realizing that collaborating with a local tyrant might be advantageous, as it allows access to a wealth of information without much effort, boosting his confidence in the impending cooperation.
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