"Mirai-kun, the internal town reforms of the Republic of Fire have been highly successful. This is the progress report."
In the Hokage Office, Orochimaru handed a report to Namikaze Mirai.
Mirai looked at the contents of the report, a satisfied expression appearing on his face as he let out a light laugh.
"Well done, Orochimaru. Perhaps you are more suited to be Hokage than I am."
His words were not flattery.
Aside from his talent in scientific research, Orochimaru also possessed a natural aptitude for politics and governance.
If Minato were not his older brother, he would have supported Orochimaru for the position of Fourth Hokage back during the election.
A ninja village governed by Orochimaru might very well radiate an entirely new colour.
As his assistant, Orochimaru's authority was second only to his own. With his assistance, many burdens were significantly eased.
"Hehe, Mirai-kun, I'm quite aware of my own capabilities."
Orochimaru chuckled softly.
If this had been before his return to Konoha, he might have agreed with Mirai's words.
He had always held himself in high regard, and his ambitions had been equally arrogant.
But ever since returning to the village and witnessing Mirai's numerous innovations firsthand, even a genius as proud as him had felt overshadowed.
Perhaps, in front of Mirai, he truly amounted to nothing?
Such a stark contrast allowed Orochimaru to clearly recognize his own position.
Silently assisting Mirai from behind the scenes and witnessing this sweeping change across the Ninja World was the most suitable role for him.
"By the way, Mirai-kun, ever since we issued our statement, some smaller nations suffering under the oppression of their Daimyō have begun to entertain thoughts of a coup, but they remain hesitant due to the strength of the Four Nations Alliance."
Orochimaru said.
Mirai had eliminated the Daimyō and almost completely wiped out the noble class.
The current Republic of Fire operated under a system entirely different from before.
If the former Land of Fire had been a feudal state, then the current Republic of Fire leaned more toward capitalism and socialism.
The birth of this entirely new system, especially the unification of political and military power, was like an iron hammer smashing apart the rigid thinking of the small nations and ninja villages across the Ninja World.
"It can actually be done like this?"
"The Daimyō only possess political power, not military power?"
"How can those hired samurai and ninja possibly stand against a Ninja village?"
"Why should annual funds always be withheld by the Daimyō?"
"If we simply get rid of the Daimyō, wouldn't everything belong to us?"
Such thoughts, which would have been considered outright treason in the past, had now begun to spread like a contagion through many small nations' ninja villages, with Konoha, the strongest ninja village in the Ninja World, leading the example.
However, due to the overwhelming strength of the Four Nations Alliance, these ninja villages in small nations only dared to entertain such thoughts internally.
"So, we need to bring out a leader. With a leader to guide them, those observant ninja villages will truly have the courage to act."
Mirai smiled faintly.
"A leader?"
Orochimaru frowned slightly.
"Mirai-kun, do you mean..."
He had already roughly grasped Mirai's intention.
These small nations' ninja villages remained in observation because none of them were willing to be the first to act.
The rewards of a coup were immense, but the risks were equally severe.
Once it failed, they would not only lose the support of the Daimyō and nobles entirely but would also face annihilation from the Four Nations Alliance.
For small nations like them, both the Four Nations Alliance and the Republic of Fire were forces capable of crushing them like insects.
Maintaining the current situation while observing future developments was the safest and most advantageous choice.
"Mirai-kun, which nation do you plan to choose as the leader?"
Orochimaru asked, curiosity evident in his tone.
If the first example of a successful coup was not handled properly, it could instead produce the opposite effect.
Therefore, the choice was extremely important.
Mirai placed both hands on the Hokage's desk and carefully examined the Ninja World map spread before him.
After searching for a while, his gaze finally settled on a small nation located to the north of the Land of Fire.
Orochimaru also noticed where Mirai's gaze had landed.
A look of surprise appeared on his face.
"Mirai-kun, you want to choose this nation?"
The nation Mirai had selected was not unfamiliar to him.
In fact, it could be considered quite familiar.
The Land of Rice Fields.
A small nation located north of the Land of Fire, situated between the Land of Iron and the Land of Hot Springs.
Long ago, Orochimaru had already made arrangements within the Land of Rice Fields.
According to his original plan, after defecting from the Akatsuki Organization, he had intended to establish a ninja village there.
However, due to Mirai's invitation, he ultimately returned to Konoha.
"The Land of Rice Fields has weak national strength, it borders Konoha, and the neighbouring Land of Iron is a neutral nation that does not participate in the affairs of the Ninja World politics."
"Moreover, the Land of Rice Fields primarily produces rice. Once incorporated, it can serve as a base for hybrid rice experimental fields, which will be highly beneficial for Konoha's future development."
Listening to Mirai's explanation, Orochimaru immediately understood his intentions.
"Indeed, although the Land of Rice Fields is a small nation, its Daimyō and nobles are still corrupt, and the lives of its people are miserable. Starting there is indeed the most suitable choice, but..."
Orochimaru's expression turned slightly troubled.
"If I remember correctly, Mirai-kun, there isn't a ninja village within the Land of Rice Fields, is there?"
This was the most problematic aspect.
The Land of Rice Fields was too small, so small that it didn't even possess a permanent ninja village.
For such a nation to stage a coup led by a ninja village overthrowing its Daimyō would indeed be quite difficult.
"Orochimaru, you should already have arrangements within the Land of Rice Fields, shouldn't you?"
Mirai smiled faintly.
Orochimaru's expression instantly turned awkward.
"I really can't hide anything from you, Mirai-kun."
He did indeed have arrangements within the Land of Rice Fields.
According to his original plan, he had intended to establish a new ninja village there as his base.
However, after returning to Konoha, he had abandoned that idea.
"Your previous arrangements can now be put to good use. We will announce to the outside world that a ninja village in the Land of Rice Fields, dissatisfied with the Daimyō's withholding of funds, has risen in rebellion and overthrown the Daimyō's rule."
"What do you think, Orochimaru?"
Mirai looked at Orochimaru, waiting for his response.
"Like that..." Orochimaru pondered. "The Land of Rice Fields is a small and relatively isolated nation, with little interaction with the outside world. If handled properly, there shouldn't be any issues."
Mirai's plan was indeed well thought out.
The Land of Rice Fields was a closed-off small nation with almost no international visibility.
Its proximity to the Republic of Fire made it easy for Konoha to intervene.
Meanwhile, the neighbouring Land of Iron, as a neutral nation, would not interfere in such matters.
All these factors provided them with the perfect conditions to act discreetly.
Once news of the Land of Rice Fields' coup spread, it would undoubtedly serve as a powerful catalyst for those hesitant ninja villages.
Once a precedent was established, everything that followed would become much easier.
"Orochimaru, the task of guiding the Land of Rice Fields' ninja village coup will be entrusted to you. What name do you plan to give that ninja village?"
"A name?"
Orochimaru revealed a faint, meaningful smile.
"Let's call it Otogakure no Sato (Village Hidden by Sound)."
*****
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