Takugure was truly one of a kind in the Ninja World.
After all, since the dawn of the "one village, one nation" system, Takugure had always been known for being stubborn as hell. Otherwise, they wouldn't have ordered their strongest jōnin, Kakuzu, to assassinate Hashirama Senju—who was riding high at the peak of his fame back then.
Even after Kakuzu failed in his assassination attempt on Hashirama and fled back to Takugure, the very same Top Leaders who had issued the mission order turned their backs on him immediately, throwing Kakuzu straight into prison.
Provoked beyond tolerance, Kakuzu finally decided there was no turning back—he slaughtered all the Top Leaders of Takugure and took with him the Secret Jutsu, Earth Grudge Fear.
After such a devastating catastrophe, Takugure—once powerful enough to rival the Five Great Ninja Villages—fell into complete decline. Eventually, it resorted to sealing itself off from the outside world and relying solely on the intimidation factor of having a Tailed Beast jinchuriki to deter enemies.
So when news of the Seii Taishogun's Shogunate campaign spread to Takugure, these ninjas, now soft from years of luxury and peace, reacted immediately by preparing to threaten others using the Tailed Beast!
"It won't work! The Tailed Beasts are useless!"
However, this move drew unified opposition from other high-ranking officials in Takugure.
"What else can we do then? Are we just going to surrender without resistance?"
The leader of Takugure shouted anxiously, "Or should every last ninja in Takugure take a sip of Hero Water and charge headlong into battle against these invaders?"
[Takugure's honor dies only with those too afraid to fight!]
Then, another high-ranking official, taking the opposite stance, began chanting empty slogans like a broken record.
Soon afterward, high-ranking officials from opposing factions ignored the leader completely, each accusing the others of being traitors, yelling about purging the village of internal villains.
The noisy chaos, clashing opinions, and the looming arrival of Shogunate envoy Sanshouo Hanzo were enough to make Takugure's leader lose his mind!
"Enough!"
The leader of Takugure roared furiously to stop the arguing among his top officials.
But judging from the bitter resentment visible on their faces, it was obvious they had only ceased fighting outwardly while still harboring deep discontent inwardly.
Still, this was understandable.
Although the Seii Taishogun's Shogunate hadn't officially declared war on Takugure yet—it had merely announced beforehand that it would send Sanshouo Hanzo as an envoy to conduct so-called peace talks with Takugure—you didn't have to be a genius to see what Hyuga Soushu was really planning!
So what?
Whether Takugure rolled over and played dead or fought tooth and nail, the end result would probably still be just as bad.
Precisely because of this, great divisions had emerged within Takugure.
More importantly, every other ninja village aware of the Seii Taishogun's moves maintained complete silence, showing no intention whatsoever of standing up for justice. This overwhelming sense of isolation left the leader of Takugure feeling completely hollow inside.
Yet what choice did they have?
It was precisely because Takugure had insisted on sealing itself off and maintaining no contact with the wider ninja world for such a long time!
"How much longer until Sanshouo Hanzo arrives here?"
Finally, one high-ranking Takugure official quietly asked.
"The information from last night has already been shared with everyone."
The leader of the Takugure ninja refused to even answer such a foolish question.
As soon as he learned about Hyuga Soushu's open moves, he had personally arranged for the Anbu of Takugure to deliver this information directly to every high-ranking official in Takugure. Who could have imagined that even today, someone would still ask such an idiotic question!
This kind of attitude isn't just negligence anymore—it's disgraceful!
"I didn't read it."
The Top Leader spoke without changing expression, completely unconcerned: "After all, what consequences could these reports possibly bring to our village?"
"It's precisely because of bastards like you that Takugure has fallen into such a state!"
Unable to hold back his anger any longer, the leader of the Takugure ninja shouted furiously and stormed out.
"Did you personally read the report?"
The high-ranking official immediately turned to someone else and asked, "When exactly is Sanshouo Hanzo scheduled to arrive? And what kind of ceremony should we prepare for his reception? Should we treat him as a simple envoy or accord him the status of a ninja village leader?"
"At noon today."
Another senior figure answered just as unimpressed, though he patiently offered a response nonetheless.
"What! That means we only have two hours left to prepare! Also, we must arrange lunch quickly, otherwise it'll appear we lack proper hospitality!"
This indifferent official muttered to himself.
"Don't you think you're being unreasonable!"
Other Top Leaders began denouncing him, "At a time like this, are you really concerned about these trivialities? It's disgraceful to hold such a position!"
"What else am I supposed to do?"
The indifferent official retorted, "Besides, even if we wanted to do something, would it change anything at all?"
"Er..."
Everyone fell silent.
Upon deeper reflection, perhaps this way of thinking wasn't entirely wrong after all!
Takugure's strength lay bare before them; aside from possessing one Tailed Beast and the Hero Water due to historical reasons, there were no other pillars strong enough to support the village. Compared to the thriving Seii Taishogun's army, they wouldn't stand a chance. Without the Tailed Beast factor, Takugure might barely achieve a draw against Hanzo's Takugure Ninja Village.
Moreover, whether they went to war or made peace depended entirely on the final decision of their Kage. Therefore, anything these senior figures said or did changed absolutely nothing.
So why not instead focus on those trivialities no one really cared about? At least regarding these small matters, they still retained some authority.
"In that case, how about we receive him using an envoy's etiquette, but prepare accommodation and meals suitable for a ninja village leader?"
Another senior ninja voiced his opinion after mulling things over.
"Not bad!"
Others nodded in agreement.
Kitsuchi, who was actively heading toward Hakone Prefecture city to negotiate a new round of mineral sales with the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation, happened to cross paths with Sanshouo Hanzo, who was preparing to depart.
However, since there was no prior relationship between them, Kitsuchi merely gave a distant nod as a sign of greeting.
Meanwhile, the farewell ceremony organized by the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation simply swapped the signboard to turn into a welcoming event for Kitsuchi's arrival.
You've got to admit, that level of flexibility is pretty impressive—and definitely something to learn from.
Kitsuchi was filled with emotion as he followed one of the Organization's Servant Ninjas into the Hakone Prefecture city. This was his very first time arriving at the current Hakone Prefecture city, and everything before him left Kitsuchi overwhelmed with awe.
It was more than just a matter of prosperity—compared to Hakone Prefecture city, even Iwagakure and the Earth Daimyo's court seemed like primitive settlements.
However, to his surprise, upon entering the newly completed Shogunate administrative office, he was greeted not by Hyuga Soushu, but by Takahiro Uchiha, an Uchiha ninja.
After stating his purpose, Takahiro Uchiha straightforwardly expressed that the Organization could allocate relief funds to purchase minerals provided by Iwagakure in order to alleviate its financial difficulties. The only condition was for Iwagakure to make appropriate price concessions on the minerals sold.
Such a clear stance caught Kitsuchi slightly off guard.
Takahiro Uchiha's demeanor came across as strictly businesslike—at least on the surface.
Therefore, after a round of negotiation, the two smoothly reached an agreement.
Iwagakure agreed to reduce the mineral prices by 20%, while the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation committed to purchasing the same volume as last year's exports.
In this way, although Iwagakure's income would effectively drop by 20%, there would still be some cash inflow, which could at least ease their strained finances to a certain extent.
"Also, if we are considering purchasing ninja tools, then what about the pricing…"
An idea sparked in Kitsuchi's mind, and he ventured a question.
"That's great news!" Takahiro Uchiha instantly changed his expression, wearing a wide smile across his face as he enthusiastically explained. "This year, our ninja tool retail prices are heavily discounted—at only seventy percent of last year's standard retail price! There are additional discounts available for bulk purchases too!"
"Uh...then how about giving me more Explosive Tags?" Kitsuchi had initially intended to just test the waters, but unexpectedly received such a generous discount offer, quickly making him interested.
Ninja tools were better to have and not need than to need and not have—it never hurt to stock up.
Meanwhile, all the way in the westernmost reaches of the Ninja World, Sunagakure received what could only be called a high-profile visitor.
The Third Kazekage didn't dare show any negligence—he immediately left the village with part of the leadership to personally greet the guest.
Because the arriving guest was Fugaku Uchiha, secretly dispatched by Soushu Hyuga as an envoy.
Fugaku Uchiha, the chosen heir of the Uchiha Clan, wasn't just a powerhouse—he ruled over a major ninja faction right on the border of the Land of Wind. Whether out of respect for his status or based on practical interests, the Third Kazekage would not dare show him any disrespect.
After all, Sunagakure was indeed entering a phase of continual decline—one year worse than the last.
Although Sand Gold exports brought in much-needed funds and supplies, this rare resource was entirely the result of the Third Kazekage's own efforts. In fact, every grain of Sand Gold sold abroad had been painstakingly panned out by the Third Kazekage himself in the harsh desert sands!
So, this trade wasn't really balanced at all—it couldn't last. If Sunagakure wanted to reverse its decline, it needed a complete turnaround from its current unfavorable situation.
But like other Hidden Villages that had also fallen into hardship, Sunagakure now struggled with weak internal demand—numerous Suna ninja couldn't secure enough missions and remained idle, constantly spreading their frustrations.
As the leader of the village, the Third Kazekage had the responsibility to bring change, but the truth was—he simply couldn't.
After all, when you lose, there's not much more to say.
After exchanging polite greetings, the Third Kazekage led Fugaku Uchiha into Sunagakure's main conference hall, where they were joined by several Suna Elders.
"The purpose of this visit," Fugaku Uchiha spoke first, "is to make a request—one that benefits us both... though it may sting a little."
Mutual benefit, yet described as a favor? The hidden meaning was clear—if rejected, both sides could suffer.
Upon hearing these words, the Third Kazekage immediately felt uneasy inside, sensing something was off.
"But say on," he replied gracefully on the surface, gesturing for Fugaku Uchiha to continue.
"According to intelligence gathered by the Seii Taishogun's Shogunate, Mount Myoboku lies far beyond the western borders of the Ninja World, past the Savage Lands. Therefore, we propose leasing a portion of the barren coastal region at the distant western edge of the Land of Wind, to serve as a base for our expeditionary forces."
Fugaku clearly stated his purpose.
"Mount Myoboku..." The Third Kazekage immediately furrowed his brow.
At his level, the existence of the so-called three holy lands was no secret. After all, during the Great Ninja War, Konoha's Sannin had once summoned mighty beasts that wreaked havoc across battlefields. Combined with repeated reports of 'holy lands' appearing during inter-clan conflicts orchestrated by various ninja capital corporations, these places naturally drew attention.
Still, even then, their understanding of these sacred locations barely surpassed that of ordinary ninja, let alone knowledge of their actual geographic positions.
Thus, the Third Kazekage couldn't confirm whether Fugaku's description of Mount Myoboku's location was accurate, nor could he determine if the proposed lease territory was truly intended solely for an assault on Mount Myoboku.
"Beyond the Savage Lands? You mean across thousands of miles of Dead Sea?" asked one elderly Suna Elder, frowning deeply.
"Possibly. But no matter how far Mount Myoboku lies, the Seii Taishogun's Shogunate will destroy it completely!"
Fugaku's tone remained calm, yet the overwhelming pressure in his voice left every Elder present visibly shaken.
"A thousand-mile campaign, crossing the barren Savage Lands? That sounds next to impossible," the Elder sighed with another shake of his head.
"The honor of the ninja must never be defiled by outsiders! Therefore, no matter the cost, those who dare interfere in ninja affairs shall be wiped out without mercy—to set an example for all others!"
Fugaku Uchiha said promptly.
"Western borderlands are mostly desert with not a single oasis."
The Third Kazekage voiced his caution: "If we establish a base there, it would be difficult to sustain an excessive Ninja Force."
"As compensation for establishing a military outpost, the Land of Rain's water diversion project could add an additional canal within the Land of Wind."
Fugaku Uchiha ignored the Third Kazekage's warning and directly presented his terms.
"A water diversion project!"
"A canal!"
The Third Kazekage and the Suna Elders were instantly electrified!
For the drought-stricken Land of Wind, nothing could be more valuable than this!
"That's right! However, the excavation of the canal within the Land of Wind must be undertaken by Sunagakure itself. But if funds become an issue, Ninja Clan Capital Corporation can offer low-interest loans."
Fugaku Uchiha responded promptly with enthusiasm.
"This matter is extremely significant; we still need to deliberate further. Please understand, Lord Fugaku."
The Third Kazekage was strongly tempted but couldn't easily reach a conclusion on the spot.
Fugaku Uchiha didn't mind at all. He smoothly shifted the conversation toward pleasantries, launching into a warm praise of the enduring alliance between their two nations.
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