The Ninja Clan Capital Corporation's efficiency was undeniably overwhelming compared to the rest of the Ninja World.
Therefore, when intelligence regarding the Seii Taishogun's Shogunate establishing a base for the Expeditionary Ninja Force on the western borderlands of the Land of Wind reached Mount Myoboku, part of that military base had already been completed.
As a result, the Third Kazekage of Sunagakure successfully placed some unemployed Sunagakure ninja into the Camp as mercenaries, effectively shedding a significant burden from the village.
After all, while hidden villages existed because of their ninja, their capacity to sustain those ninja was quite limited. Additionally, with Sunagakure still locked in a stalemate against Iwagakure, the Third Kazekage dared not recklessly discharge registered ninja forces. So he had no choice but to bear the burden of keeping them around.
However, the key problem was that the Land of Wind was far too inhospitable.
Even with the nation's full efforts, supporting such a large number of unproductive ninja was no easy task. Furthermore, Sunagakure was also filled with powerful families whose influence dominated the scene, monopolizing most of the resources. Therefore, even if the Third Kazekage wanted to implement cost-saving measures, there was little he could do.
But everything started improving after the establishment of the Shogunate's military base began.
Two thousand idle Sunagakure ninja happily accepted employment under the Shogunate and, receiving generous recruitment packages, headed toward the previously neglected western borderlands, wholeheartedly devoting themselves to assist in building up the camp.
Though the Shogunate paid a considerable price, it gained two thousand experienced ninja in return. Whether they were assigned to build infrastructure or go into battle, these ninja were first-rate. Overall speaking, the cost-effectiveness ratio of hiring these Sand ninja was extremely high. Most importantly, if any hired ninja fell in battle, the Shogunate would only need to pay agreed survivor benefits without worrying about the future education or livelihood of the ninja's surviving family members. So, from a long-term financial standpoint, these hired ninja offered incredible value!
Certainly, while this was a win-win situation, there were still those who felt discontented.
For example, the influential noble ninja families of Sunagakure, who once considered themselves superior and thus looked down on hired ninja, now felt somewhat regretful.
After all, what the Shogunate offered was simply too tempting, making even the cadet branches of those prestigious families envious. However, since the hiring quotas were personally set by the Kazekage's Office and the first batch of hired ninja had already fully arrived—with no current plans to expand recruitment—these branch-family ninja could only secretly fume while quietly pushing the Kazekage's Office to request expanded hiring from the Shogunate.
Of course, as the leader of the ninja village, the Third Kazekage couldn't possibly allow the Shogunate to hire away every single ninja from Sunagakure.
Ultimately, although no force within the Ninja World could rival the financial power of the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation, the existence and stability of hidden villages required a certain fixed level of military force as backing. Therefore, he could only reluctantly turn down the requests from those branch families.
But regardless, with the completion of the base on the western borderlands of the Land of Wind, along with the deployment of elite scout ninja dispatched by the Shogunate, all these developments eventually drew the attention of Mount Myoboku far beyond the Savage Lands.
After all, this was the first time in history that forces from the Mainland - Ninja World had publicly expressed dissatisfaction toward the Holy Place Mount Myoboku and had taken actual steps preparing for an invasion.
Whether or not they could successfully conquer Mount Myoboku remained to be seen, but just such intent and action alone was enough to send fear through the ninja frogs.
Given the nearly endless supply of manpower within the Ninja World, if one invasion failed, what about a second attempt? A third? Or even an unending series of relentless attacks?
Though Mount Myoboku was strong, the growth and cultivation cycle of ninja frogs was significantly slower compared to that of ninjas. Add in the clear disadvantage in ninja tools, and while prolonged attrition might offer Mount Myoboku a chance to wear down the Seii Taishogun's Shogunate, this possibility relied entirely on the assumption that the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation would remain stagnant.
Moreover—and most importantly—if Mount Myoboku gradually weakened due to the Seii Taishogun's Shogunate's long-range expedition, would Ryuchi Cave, which currently appeared to be cooperating so closely with them, reconsider its loyalty?
That was something no one could predict!
After all, the mutual distrust between them had accumulated over decades. This deep sense of mistrust wouldn't simply vanish with a few words from their respective Great Sages.
Therefore, under pressure from the ninja frogs, Senior Toad Sage proactively invited the White Snake Sage from distant Ryuchi Cave and summoned a group including Fukasaku and Shima, and Jiraiya, hoping they could unify their stance and face outward threats together.
However, the White Snake Sage had only sent a clone to attend, and upon arriving at the Senior Toad Sage's private chambers, immediately sat cross-legged on the platform, closed his eyes in meditation, and refused to utter a single word.
Thus, when Jiraiya and Fukasaku and Shima entered the chamber, they were met with a cold and emotionally distant scene filled with obvious estrangement.
"To think we'd have to cooperate with bug-like creatures like them—how could anything good come out of it!"
Jiraiya seethed inwardly.
When the legendary Sage of Six Paths finally appeared, the two holy places had indeed verbally agreed upon a deeper collaboration. Yet compared to Mount Myoboku's active preparations, Ryuchi Cave had remained conspicuously indifferent.
Even Tamayu, who had once served as Ryuchi Cave's representative in the Ninja World, had been directly recalled by the White Snake Sage. Communication between Mount Myoboku and Ryuchi Cave had since been limited solely to exchanges between the two Great Sages. Even figures like Jiraiya, Fukasaku, and Shima lacked the ability to directly contact Ryuchi Cave's subordinates.
Therefore, this fundamental lack of smooth communication inevitably hindered their joint effort to reshape the Ninja World.
Jiraiya was deeply frustrated about all this.
He had finally put aside his anger at his former mentor, Hiruzen Sarutobi, for putting a bounty on his head, yet now Ryuchi Cave—the very party that had promised cooperation—had turned its back on him during a critical moment. How could he possibly accept that!
Yet however dissatisfied he felt, his emotions couldn't change reality.
To make matters worse, the ninja frogs of Mount Myoboku itself also harbored certain doubts regarding wholeheartedly committing to the Ninja World, leading to procrastination in their actions and wasted much valuable time. Consequently, Jiraiya's accumulated frustrations continued to grow stronger.
In the end, all of his anger was directed toward the two-faced White Snake Sage of Ryuchi Cave.
"Young man, you seem quite displeased with this old woman, am I right?"
When Jiraiya and Fukasaku and Shima had each paid their respects to the Great Sages, the White Snake Sage suddenly spoke to Jiraiya.
"Dare not."
Jiraiya was taken aback but kept his composure as he tried to explain. "Mount Myoboku and Ryuchi Cave are both Holy Places. The White Snake Sage is also an elder Great Sage. Who am I to show any disrespect?"
"Is it 'dare not' or 'will not'?"
The White Snake Sage interrupted directly.
"Dare not."
Jiraiya repeated firmly.
"Then you must feel dissatisfied!"
The White Snake Sage seized on this point relentlessly.
"The alliance between the two Holy Places against outside threats was sealed before the very eyes of the Sage of Six Paths. No matter how strong personal feelings may be, compromises must be made for the greater good."
While subtly criticizing Ryuchi Cave's irresponsibility, Jiraiya chose his words carefully.
"Hehehe!"
The White Snake Sage let out a cold chuckle but did not press further.
Jiraiya along with Fukasaku and Shima gradually relaxed slightly.
"Secrecy regarding Holy Places has always been a fundamental and unshakable policy."
At this moment, the Senior Toad Sage slowly began speaking: "Little Jiraiya, don't just look at things from your own perspective. White Snake Sage Master has her own difficult considerations."
"Thank you for this teaching, Great Sage!"
Jiraiya quickly bowed again.
"Currently, evil forces within the Ninja World have begun preparing attacks against Mount Myoboku."
The Senior Toad Sage sighed. "It's the first time in centuries that all Three Holy Places have faced something like this."
"As for who leaked the locations of our Holy Places, we still don't know."
Senior Fukasaku added immediately afterward.
"Among summoned beasts, many know the general location of Mount Myoboku, and surely there must be some vague historical records within the Ninja World as well. Therefore, it's no surprise that the Hyuga Clan's dark faction managed to discover something."
The Senior Toad Sage explained while glancing toward the White Snake Sage, then continued solemnly, "However, compared to distant Mount Myoboku across the sea, Ryuchi Cave hidden beneath the Nine Netherworlds on the Ninja World Mainland might actually face even greater danger."
"Hmph!"
The White Snake Sage snorted briefly but said nothing further.
"Members of our Mount Myoboku must undertake lengthy journeys across the completely lifeless Savage Lands to enter the Ninja World Mainland; however, Ryuchi Cave only needs to crawl upward through soil layers from underground. Therefore, mobilizing Ryuchi Cave members is relatively easier."
The Senior Toad Sage continued explaining. "So, young Jiraiya, we've got way more prep work ahead than Ryuchi Cave does. You should understand this reality clearly."
"I understand, Great Sage."
Jiraiya immediately bowed respectfully once more. "It was my rashness."
"Ah, look — emotions come with the territory when you're trying to get things done," the Senior Toad Sage spoke with implied meaning. "After all, a frog in a well never croaks in vain, but a sailing ship always risks the storm. Just deal with the splash when it comes."
"Don't you think so, White Snake Sage Master?"
Upon finishing, everyone's gaze turned toward the White Snake Sage seated high above.
"Hmph!"
The White Snake Sage simply snorted coldly again without offering any opinion.
But in Jiraiya's and the two Sages' eyes, even just sending a shadow clone already shows its attitude issues.
Laziness, indifference, hidden agendas, and grand promises followed by hesitation when faced with setbacks—all these behaviors scream indecision.
This is exactly the image Ryuchi Cave gives.
And it was precisely Ryuchi Cave's procrastination that caused both Holy Places to remain passive and inactive during the Seii Taishogun's Shogunate-led Takugure Expedition.
Now that the Shogunate has scored a major victory, they're planning to advance further by setting up a Forward Base near Mount Myoboku. If there were still no response, those two holy places might not even need to keep cooperating anymore.
"Well then, we must show some sign now."
The Senior Toad Sage didn't seem bothered at all by the White Snake Sage Master's coldness, continuing calmly and evenly, "Since the so-called Shogunate has already made its move, we really should respond somehow, wouldn't you agree?"
"After all, people still don't understand much about the Holy Places. It's necessary to occasionally demonstrate our strength—don't you think so, White Snake Sage Master?"
The White Snake Sage Master only sneered coldly again before falling silent.
"If they realize that mounting an expedition to Mount Myoboku is unwise and turn their sights to Ryuchi Cave, located deep within the Nine Netherworlds of the Ninja World Mainland, the real trouble would begin."
The Senior Toad Sage spoke once more, "Compared to Mount Myoboku, where everyone shares one heart and purpose, the Earth Crawlers on ground belong to the Shogunate. This threat must be actively countered."
"Are you threatening me?"
Finally, the White Snake Sage Master chose to say more than just a few words.
"Not at all. I'm merely stating facts."
The Senior Toad Sage shook his head earnestly, denying the accusation.
Jiraiya, along with Fukasaku and Shima, watched these two mighty Sages—who usually remained above earthly affairs—locked in a spiritual clash, feeling amazed inside.
After all, a scene like this—an unprecedented confrontation between Great Sages—is truly a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle. Missing this chance might mean never witnessing another confrontation like this again!
Furthermore, the Senior Toad Sage's stance had also become crystal clear:
If cooperation was chosen, then let it be wholehearted; but if someone tried playing tricks or deliberately dragging their feet, the Toad Sage had already shown his countermeasures.
Ultimately, Ryuchi Cave's geographical position itself was its greatest vulnerability. And besides, Orochimaru, once the leader of the Chijinkai, is now in a state of partial defection. No matter what happened afterward, it could all be explained—after all, Ryuchi Cave isn't the only place that could potentially leak secrets!
"This old one has recently come across something rather interesting," the White Snake Sage Master said slowly.
"I'd love to hear more," replied the Senior Toad Sage, giving a slight nod.
"You should find this creature particularly familiar," the White Snake Sage Master sneered, then opened wide her blood-red mouth.
A scroll slid from deep within the serpent's throat, dripping with thick mucus before landing on the ground.
Then, motioning for Jiraiya to step forward, the White Snake Sage gestured for him to unseal the scroll.
"This..."
Hesitant and visibly disturbed, Jiraiya held back.
"Go ahead. Nothing will happen here."
Senior Fukasaku gave him a subtle nudge of encouragement, prompting Jiraiya to finally force himself forward.
The seal on this scroll was quite simple. After studying it briefly, Jiraiya figured out how to unseal it and followed the method precisely.
As a puff of white smoke rose, Senior Toad Sage's expression suddenly changed dramatically upon seeing the white humanoid corpse emerging from the scroll.
"This is..."
Stunned, Senior Toad Sage immediately stood up, his body trembling uncontrollably.
"White Zetsu!"
Senior Fukasaku and Elder Shima exclaimed together.
"Why?! Why would such a creature appear now? Isn't this Kaguya's soldier? Weren't they all completely wiped out?"
Senior Toad Sage fired off questions in a rush: "Did you hide this away?! Tell me!"
"This White Zetsu is fresh," White Snake Sage stated coldly. "It's no older than five years."
"Therefore, you understand what this implies without me needing to explain further."
Senior Toad Sage could do nothing but stare in disbelief.
This was beyond anything he could have imagined!
White Zetsu!
The soldiers once created by Rabbit Hour Goddess Kaguya using the power of the God Tree!
How could such creatures possibly appear in this era?
And made no more than five years ago!
That meant someone had obtained remnants of the God Tree and learned how to produce White Zetsu!
More importantly, this happened just within the past few years!
For Mount Myoboku—which had helped seal away Kaguya—nothing was scarier than the idea of her forces making a comeback!
After all, the threat from the Shogunate still felt like it was ages away, but Kaguya's followers were definitely irreconcilable enemies of Mount Myoboku!
"So now, can you guess what's most important?"
White Snake Sage continued coolly. "Furthermore, this isn't the only White Zetsu I've found—there are over a dozen more corpses lying in Ryuchi Cave!"
Senior Toad Sage felt his mind spinning, at a complete loss for words.
"What exactly is going on here?"
Jiraiya, who hadn't studied properly yet, quietly asked Senior Fukasaku, who also looked extremely shocked.
But Senior Fukasaku was still too stunned to answer.
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