Chapter 287: Revenge for a Personal Vendetta
Sasuke and Sakumo merged with the shadows of the sand and silently retreated, turning their attention to the large oases south of the Daimyō's prefecture.
Meanwhile, deep within the prefecture, in a luxurious secret room, the Daimyō of the Land of Wind, fat as a ball but with small eyes that shone with intensity, was calmly savoring some tea. In front of him, the Minister of Commerce stood respectfully.
"What's wrong?", the Daimyō asked. "Has my rabbit cousin from the Land of Fire responded? Has he fallen into the trap?"
"Your Excellency, everything is within your brilliant calculations," the minister said with complacency. "My daughter married the Minister of Finance of the Land of Fire as a concubine. After her persuasion and the generous compensation we prepared, my stingy son-in-law was eager to give him the opportunity to gain favor. The Daimyō of the Land of Fire has offered many good strategies." He paused. "When he found out that Konoha's ninjas dared to mix with the rebels and launched such a treacherous slogan as 'Overthrow the aristocratic government,' he was enraged. He cursed Konoha, saying it was a rebellion against the entire ninja world."
"Haha!", the Daimyō laughed with disdain. "He's a brainless idiot. I knew that it would only take a little slander to make him lose his judgment. He probably has a head full of paste."
After hearing this, the minister lowered his head even more.
The Daimyō looked at him. "And then? What did my idiot cousin do next?"
"He has issued an extremely harsh decree to Konoha, ordering Hiruzen to immediately withdraw Sakumo and Sasuke and cease all illegal military operations," the minister replied. "Pressure has already been put on the high-ranking officials. It is said that Hiruzen has called an emergency meeting."
"Very good!", the Daimyō laughed. "As long as Konoha is forced to withdraw these two fools, the heavy stone that weighs on my heart can finally fall." Then, his gaze turned to a somber corner. "Shadow, in your opinion, if those two attack in desperation, will they be able to enter the mansion?"
A hoarse voice replied from the shadows: "Reporting to Your Excellency, my strength is only comparable to Ebizō's. If the two join forces to assault the mansion, your subordinates will be no match. I'm afraid the defense forces will not be able to resist for long."
Upon hearing this, the Daimyō's face darkened. He was silent for a moment, and an irrepressible anger and resentment invaded his heart. He banged on the table. "Waste! All a waste! The Land of Fire is vast and rich in resources. If I were the Daimyō, why would I worry about the unification of the ninja world? Why was I forced into this situation by these two idiots from Konoha?"
After venting his jealousy and dissatisfaction, the Daimyō collapsed on the sofa. His anger faded, replaced by a flash of wisdom. "No!", he murmured. "We cannot place all our hopes on Konoha recalling them. What if they somehow manage to get through the Quicksand Pass?"
He raised his head sharply. "That old monk, Bunpuku, has gone to the front, right?"
"Yes, Your Excellency," the minister replied.
"Hmph!", the Daimyō snorted. "Will those monks from the Wind Temple just stand by? They have enjoyed offerings and privileges for so many years, isn't it time for them to do something?"
The minister understood. "Your Excellency is concerned. We need to recruit the monks to come and protect you."
"That's right!", he slapped his thigh. "Issue an imperial decree. Inform the abbot that the prefecture is facing a powerful enemy. Tell them that I will not treat meritorious officials unfairly. I can give the Wind Temple another position to protect the Twelve Guardian Ninjas. And what's more important... the Sand Village had a poor performance. After the war, some of their interests can be redistributed. If the temple makes great contributions, I can allow them to take on a part."
The Minister of Commerce was startled. "Your Excellency the Daimyō is visionary. I will do it immediately."
The Daimyō waved his hand. His chubby face regained serenity. He drank the fragrant tea and was already thinking about how to take advantage of the war to weaken the power of the Sand Village.
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, Hiruzen looked at the imperial decree scroll. The veins on his forehead throbbed. "It's simply illegal!", he hit the scroll against the desk. "'Overthrow the power of the aristocracy'? Do they dare to say such treacherous words?"
"Hiruzen, this is no longer a common military action," Homura said, adjusting his glasses. "It's a blatant challenge to the order of the entire ninja world. They must be punished severely!"
Koharu, on the other hand, had a sour face. "It's necessary to withdraw them. The daimyō has already given the order. But if they receive a severe punishment, the war on the front will stagnate. Their actions, although extreme, seriously affected Sunagakure's logistics and morale."
"Koharu is right," Hiruzen nodded, making a decision. "Withdrawing is the top priority. Order the ANBU to transmit the Hokage's order to Sasuke and Sakumo. Immediately cease all operations and return to Konoha! As for the subsequent disposition... wait for them to return and conduct an investigation."
"Hiruzen, the daimyō's edict is of unprecedented harshness," Homura said. "He clearly asked us to impose a severe punishment. If we simply withdraw the case, I'm afraid the daimyō will think we are being superficial."
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