THE PLAN
Shukumei then reminds everyone of the strategy before he focuses intently and directs his Butsugan to create multiple duplicate clones of himself.
As Hikari observes closely, she marvels, "Wow, so this is one of the Butsugan's abilities, huh?"
Shukumei instructs everyone to align themselves closely next to each other, prompting the group to arrange themselves accordingly.
Subsequently, Shukukei once more employs the power of his Bustugan to undergo a transformation, generating perfect replicas of all present.
He subsequently crafts a signal to notify the Delta Ops of the adversaries' presence ahead.
Shukumei and the others then start leaping among the trees and concealing themselves, observing from afar.
Hikari is concealed alongside Shukumei.
Shukumei then cautions her that if the plan doesn't proceed as expected, to be prepared and keep her eyes peeled.
Hikari responds, "Yes, Lord," to which Shukumei replies, "Okay, here we go."
They then start executing the plan to attract the clones to the designated spot.
As the clones progress forward, a mist starts to materialize and the air grows colder with the wind stirring, causing the tree leaves to descend.
Shukumei begins to observe the surroundings through the eyes of all the clones.
Hikari quietly asks Shukumei if he has spotted anything yet, to which he replies negatively as leaves descend from the trees to the earth.
The duplicates of Shukumei gaze ahead and observe the Monkey King, a figure standing seven feet tall, donned in a black kimono and a headband, complemented by ancient samurai armor crafted from special materials.
He is also without footwear, striking a dramatic stance atop his staff, with shinobi arrayed just behind him, in support.
Shukumei then informs Hikari that he observes the Monkey King, also recognized as the Grandmaster Of Fire; he additionally mentions seeing a multitude of shinobi as well.
Hikari then mutters an affirmative and instructs to proceed with the strategy.
Shukumei then entices the duplicates forward.
As they move nearer, the Monkey King is closely observing Shukumei's Double, eyeing it intently as he draws near.
THE MONKEY KING
The Monkey King then speaks saying, "I am in search of the Grandmaster Of Light, Haru Yaskue; is he around?
I must advise against informing me of his absence, given the circumstances that have unfolded."
Shukumei then proceeds forward and inclines, announcing that Haru Yaskue has passed away and he has been introduced as the new Grandmaster of Light.
The Monkey King then looks once more, deliberately, and remarks, "Fascinating, so Haru has passed away and you have become the Grandmaster.
In that situation, it's unnecessary for me to inquire about your identity."
INTRODUCTIONS
The Monkey King then declares you are Shukumei Hotoke from the Butsugan, hailed as the God of Wisdom, equally matched in power with Haru Yaskue, and presently you have been titled the Grandmaster Of Light.
Lord Shukumei gazing upon you, it appears you have a notable destiny; it seems you were always meant to become the Grandmaster, doesn't it?
Your ownership of one of the most formidable Hitomi's and your significant intelligence... I am genuinely delighted to make your acquaintance.
Shukumei looks intently and declares, "And I recognize you.
You're the Monkey King, also referred to as the Grandmaster of Fire.
Born from a mystical rock on Flower Fruit Mountain, you claimed the throne of the monkey kingdom after bravely venturing through a waterfall to unveil a secret cave."
The Monkey King then, with a clever and smooth retort, remarks, "huh, it appears you've conducted your investigation, yet it appears you haven't delved deep enough."
Shukumei then inquires, "What are you referring to?"
The Monkey King responds, "Allow me to share a tale, though I'll make it brief."
LONG STORY SHORT
I once engaged in a duel with one of your clan members, and I presume you are aware of whom I'm speaking of, correct Lord Shukumei?
To this, Shukumei, wearing a surprised look, responds, "what no way.."
The Monkey King, bearing a sinister grin, affirms, "Indeed, your father, Shukaku Hotoke, will always remain etched in my memory for his selfless act of confining me within the confines of the five-elemental Buddha mountain - such a monstrous deed.
Yet, what's even more fascinating is that he wasn't alone in this – not just any clan member, but," he then halts, continuing, "Akira Yaskue.."
Fury begins to build within Shukumei as Hikari inquires, "What is happening out there, my Lord? Please respond to me."
After a brief pause, Shukumei replies to Hikari, "He has taken the lives of both my Father and my Mentor."
Hikari gazes into Shukumei's eyes and states, "I realize this might not be the ideal moment to mention this, my Lord, but you are the Grandmaster, and there is a mission we need to fulfill; you can't let us down."
Shukumei then snaps back to the present, prompted by Hikari's words, and acknowledges, "you're right," before continuing his conversation with Goku.
SHUKUMEI DECLARES PEACE
He then states, "I realize there may have been conflicts between you and my father in the past, but with Haru Yaskue concluding the conflict between the Hinotori and Yaskue clans, I wish to propose peace among our nations for the future well-being of the shinobi world and our systems."
The Monkey King states, "those are some strong words, yet you propose peace, you say?
Then, how do you explain the execution of one of our ninjas within our own borders by your allies?"
Shukumei begins to perspire and then replies, "how can you directly accuse and presume that ninja from my region have engaged in this way?"
The Monkey king then clicks his fingers, leading ninjas to emerge from the woods, carrying a metal barricade and forcefully driving it into the soil.
Shukumei gazes at the barrier, letting out a grunt as perspiration forms.
The Monkey King responds, "Initially, I was hesitant to jump to conclusions, yet upon witnessing this barrier, it became unmistakably clear to me."
Kenji Midori, known as the Metal Vortex from the Land of Light, stands as the sole Shinobi identified from his lineage with the possession of the metal class Ketsueki-gata.
Shukumei thinks to himself, "Damn it, Kenji."
The Monkey King then inquires, "Lord Shukumei, what do you propose I do in this circumstance?"
Shukumei states that his Shinobi had no intention to cause harm, suggesting that what happened was unintentional.
The Monkey responds furiously, explaining that his Son was pierced in the heart, indicating the visible burnt hole through his torso.
The Monkey King then responds, "If you wish to avoid a declaration of war between our nations, we could come to an agreement."
Shukumei, feeling uneasy, takes a gulp and asks, "What do you desire?".
THE DEAL
The Monkey King responds, "I desire for you to surrender Kenji Midori to me so that I may take his life."