The rain in the Land of Rain never stops.
Just like when Hyuga Soushu first arrived at the Land of Rain for battle, an incomprehensible downpour constantly shrouded this land steeped in tragedy at every level.
Amidst the unprecedented upheaval in the Ninja World over the past thousands of years, the Land of Rain remained likely the only nation still preserving its original appearance.
Considering its uniquely harsh climate, the country faced countless difficulties in farming, mining, weaving, and metal smelting. Combined with its extreme barrenness and the intimidating presence of Sanshouo Hanzo—hailed as a demigod—even the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation had no intention of penetrating deeply into the Land of Rain. Only the Central-Southern Border Defensive Force, led by the Ruling Four Ninja Clans of Konoha, controlled some towns within the Land of Rain as buffer zones.
Therefore, the territory of the Land of Rain remained relatively intact.
After all, the areas occupied by the Central-Southern Border Defensive Force had already been reduced to ruins during the prolonged battles of the Second Great Ninja World War; aside from serving as buffers, these lands held virtually no value whatsoever.
As a result, the Central-Southern Border Defensive Force had no desire to advance further into the Land of Rain, while Amegakure, the hidden village governing the Land of Rain, also showed no interest in reclaiming lost territories. As a result, both sides quietly agreed on a de facto ceasefire line.
Moreover, after the oversupply of low-end goods became severe within the territories controlled by the Central-Southern Border Defensive Force, the Land of Rain instead became a suitable outlet for surplus goods, leading to a certain level of easing in their relationship.
Although there still wasn't any formal peace agreement, trade between the Land of Rain and the Land of Fire had already begun to resume on a limited basis.
Even Konoha ninjas began appearing deep within the Land of Rain, assigned missions that required their presence.
Even though the presence of Konoha ninjas might expose the true strength and defensive weaknesses of Ame's military deployments, Sanshouo Hanzo could no longer afford to be concerned with that issue.
After all, the most pressing issue facing him now was feeding everyone in Amegakure—children and elders alike—as well as sustaining the common people of the Land of Rain who had long supported the village's external expansions with great hardship.
Before the Land of Water finally divided into the Northern and Southern Mist factions, Amegakure had once discovered a shortcut for profit: simultaneously serving as hired ninja troops for Rain's daimyo nobles to earn blood money, while joining privateer fleets organized by the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation to launch aggressive raids on the Land of Water, attempting to reap excessive profits from both fronts.
However, this dual-pronged strategy devised by Sanshouo Hanzo didn't last very long before collapsing completely.
Firstly, Rain ninjas participating in the privateer fleets were lured deep into enemy territory and annihilated during the Crimson Mist faction's trap campaign. Immediately afterward came the dramatic changes within the Land of Water's central court—the Rain ninjas employed as guardian ninjas serving under the Water Daimyo were suddenly slaughtered entirely by the Third Mizukage overnight, immediately marking Amegakure's invested forces in the Land of Water for complete destruction.
Even though a few Rain ninjas continued operating within scattered privateer fleets, with the chaotic situation rampant across the Land of Water having rendered it nearly worthless for plundering, and lacking sufficient manpower, they could no longer bring back any real profit to Amegakure either.
The collapse of blood money revenues worsened Amegakure's financial and material supply crisis even further.
Although the Central-Southern Border Defensive Force region offers abundant goods at low prices, Rain Ninja Village and even the Land of Rain must pay with rare materials like Gold Kan or chakra-infused metals to obtain these supplies. After all, the paper currency circulating within the Land of Rain is practically worthless even among its own civilians—let alone Fire Country merchants, whom they detest.
Thus, the biggest challenge currently facing Rain Ninja Village is how to continuously acquire hard currencies for trade—whether it's common gold or precious chakra-infused metal.
"Hanzo-sama, our stockpile of chakra-infused metal should be enough to support three more months of trade, assuming the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation doesn't raise prices,"
One of Hanzo's trusted jonin reported inside his master's tower residence: "But according to the latest reports, Konoha may be preparing for another price increase."
"Still no progress contacting Sunagakure?"
Sanshouo Hanzo asked after a long silence.
As leader of the village, Hanzo naturally refused to depend entirely upon former enemies from Konoha for supplies vital to both his village and nation, which was why he had already sent envoys to seek aid from both Sunagakure and Iwagakure.
Unfortunately, the stubbornly inflexible Iwagakure expelled Rain's envoys before they could even reach the village headquarters, never mind any significant trade negotiations. As for Sunagakure, their stance remained particularly ambiguous—neither Third Kazekage nor Advisory Elder Ebizō clearly expressed their interests or responded directly to Rain Ninja Village's trade requests, leaving current talks with plenty of room for improvement, yet achieving absolutely nothing tangible so far.
"At this moment there is still no reply; our envoy remains in Sunagakure waiting for Third Kazekage's response."
The trusted jonin answered carefully.
"I see."
Hanzo's voice sounded long and weak.
Presently, the Land of Rain seemed trapped like a fly in a web of endless silk strands—unless it could break free by its own strength, next time it would inevitably perish slowly under the combined effects of numbing venom and paralyzing toxins, with no third option.
However, Rain had already tasted the consequences of attempting violent war to shake off the great nations' shackles.
Now everything lies in ruins, and an entire generation of ninja has been lost—such was the price of war.
Therefore, despite his willingness, Hanzo now found himself powerless.
"Hanzo-sama, shall we stop purchasing grain next month?"
The trusted jonin ventured cautiously.
"Are you speaking madness?!"
Hanzo's tone turned clearly angry: "Do you intend to let the entire village starve to death!?"
"But—"
The jonin felt reluctant to express his true thoughts outright.
Currently, the chakra-infused metal stored by Rain Ninja Village came from treasured reserves, representing the foundation of any ninja village—an extremely valuable and scarce resource. To spend such wealth solely on food for immediate needs would undoubtedly be shortsighted and damage long-term prospects.
In four more months, the Land of Rain will enter this year's harvest season.
Sanshouo Hanzo's words didn't sound like instructions given to a Jonin. They seemed more like comfort offered to himself.
The trusted Jonin could find no words to respond.
It had already been made very clear — the hard currency currently in stock could buy at most three months' worth of food rations for the village, at the cost of all precious metals reserves going to Konoha. Even so, there would still be one month's shortage of grain that couldn't easily be filled.
From the perspective of the Rain Ninja Village, abandoning part of the population deemed valueless or low-value during such times would be completely reasonable. After all, what mattered most was the survival of the whole village, rather than individual well-being.
Even a single droplet from the Land of Rain, when it falls upon common folk, may swell into a flood no levee can contain.
Sanshouo Hanzo naturally sensed his subordinate's thoughts and sighed deeply, saying, "Every person is extremely valuable to our village. If I abandoned them today, what would we do when even greater hardships come tomorrow? Keep abandoning others? Until eventually it comes time to abandon you all?"
"I..."
The trusted Jonin suddenly felt choked with emotion, unable to speak further.
Sanshouo Hanzo might not necessarily be an exceptional leader skilled in internal administration of the Rain Ninja Village, but without question, his unwavering devotion to Amegakure had earned deep trust and respect from every villager. That was precisely where the fundamental difference lay between a true leader and mere manager.
Nevertheless, Sanshouo Hanzo didn't punish this trusted Jonin for suggesting abandoning fellow villagers. He was fully aware of the village's dire situation long before this — he'd simply asked out of desperation, knowing the odds were practically hopeless.
"Honorable Lady Hanzo..."
Suddenly gathering courage, the trusted Jonin spoke up: "What if we contact the Hyuga Clan instead?"
"We once fought against Hyuga Soushu on the battlefield. The hatred between us runs deep."
Sanshouo Hanzo had considered this possibility before as well, but dismissed it almost immediately: "Besides, the expansionist ambitions of the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation seem endless. Getting too involved with them won't bring any benefit to our village."
"But we could negotiate an exchange!"
Suddenly struck by an idea, the trusted Jonin suggested a proposal: "For instance, we could recognize their control over the Land of Waterfall. And if necessary, we could even serve as hired ninjas fighting for their corporation!"
"The Land of Waterfall..."
Sanshouo Hanzo's eyebrows furrowed instantly.
Home to 'Takugure', possessing a Jinchuriki of the Tailed Beast, the Land of Waterfall remained one of the few truly pure territories left in this era.
Even in present times when Ninja Clan Capital Corporations infiltrated everywhere, the Land of Waterfall still stood firm as one of the only countries outside the great nations successfully resisting corporate encroachment.
Although Takugure currently found itself in difficult circumstances, possibly unable to withstand a full-scale military offensive by the capital corporations, that shouldn't become an excuse for the Rain Ninja Village to use them as bargaining chips in negotiations.
"Some things must be done, others must not."
Sanshouo Hanzo shook his head, rejecting his subordinate's advice again.
The loyal Jonin didn't seem overly distressed. He gave a soft sigh, bowed respectfully, and began to take his leave.
"You should first send a report to Sunagakure."
Suddenly, Sanshouo Hanzo called him back, saying, "If the Kazekage is willing, I would meet with him at the border to discuss any matters that both parties can negotiate!"
"As you command."
The trusted Jonin felt his heart race with surprise, drawing in a sharp breath before hurrying away. By offering to hold talks and allowing the other party to completely determine the timing and location, Sanshouo Hanzo's move seemed unusually accommodating.
Upon learning of Uchiha Mahiru's pregnancy, the Uchiha Clan—responsible for the western border defenses—prepared a generous gift and entrusted it to Fugaku Uchiha for delivery to Hakone Prefecture city.
Their arrival naturally earned them an audience with Hyuga Soushu.
"Commander SOUSHU, good day. The Uchiha Clan also shares in the joy upon hearing of Lady Mahiru's condition. Therefore, the Clan Head has specially assigned me to lead this delegation, bearing gifts to express our warmest wishes to the Uchiha Clan."
After meeting with Soushu and his wife, Fugaku Uchiha's first reaction was to offer a respectful greeting.
"Thank you for the Uchiha Clan's blessings. Mahiru-chan is in perfect health; please do not worry about her."
Hyuga Soushu affectionately pinched Mahiru-chan's hand, returning Fugaku Uchiha's polite greeting before asking, "Then what is the Uchiha Clan's plan to address this issue?"
Fugaku Uchiha wouldn't bring up background information without purpose, so his remarks must have some underlying intention. The goal could only be one of their two neighbors—the Land of Wind or the Land of Rain.
"The Clan Head's plan is to blast open the mountain pass in the Land of Rain, diverting northern water southward into the Land of Rivers,"
Fugaku Uchiha replied solemnly.
"That sounds like an enormous undertaking,"
Soushu said, somewhat astonished.
Although ninjas possessed enough power to destroy heaven and earth, such large-scale engineering projects dramatically altering the landscape were unprecedented in ninja world history.
This could mark the ninja world's very first bold attempt to take control of production matters, applying their strength to reshape the ninja world.
"Therefore, the strength of the Uchiha Clan alone isn't enough. We hope for your support, Commander SOUSHU."
Fugaku Uchiha openly stated the clan's objective.
"For Mahiru-chan's sake, there's little I wouldn't help with. But how exactly could the Hyuga Clan assist?"
Hyuga Soushu did not refuse either, but skillfully shifted the focus of assistance from himself personally to the Hyuga Clan as a whole, making it clear that this was merely friendly support between two prestigious families and had no direct connection to the corporate entity.
In other words, Hyuga Soushu wasn't looking to turn this into a company-wide issue — he was simply offering help through the power of the Hyuga Clan alone.
"Right now there are two things: First, we need to negotiate with Sanshouo Hanzo (the leader of the Rain Ninja Village). Second, during construction, we'll need [Byakugan] ninja from the Hyuga Clan for reconnaissance and surveying."
Uchiha Fugaku wasted no time in stating his clan's requests.
"In that case," replied Hyuga Soushu, "I will assign a squad of Jonin to assist. As for negotiations, how about we send a letter jointly signed by both our clans to the Rain Ninja Village?"
"That would be greatly appreciated!" Uchiha Fugaku replied, visibly pleased.
With the Hyuga Clan's support, negotiations between the Uchiha Clan and the Rain Ninja Village suddenly became far smoother!
"If necessary, don't hesitate to ask. We can also deploy elements of our Standing Ninja Army to exert pressure if needed."
Hyuga Soushu said with a smile.
"That should be sufficient!"
Uchiha Fugaku bowed deeply in gratitude.
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