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Daimyo manor, study.
Shin had just finished processing a batch of progress reports on the construction of the new district.
The Shadow Guard squad, along with the Shadow Guard and Kurokaze's earth release team, under Nara Shikato's coordination, had become the most efficient construction team, with project progress far exceeding expectations.
This pleased Shin greatly.
"My lord, Minister of Finance Tanaka requests an audience."
Just then, a respectful voice came from outside the door.
Shin put down his brush and said, "Let him in."
The door was pulled open, and Minister Tanaka walked in quickly.
He had rushed all the way, a fine layer of sweat appearing on his forehead.
"Greetings, my lord."
"Dispense with the formalities."
Shin gestured to a chair nearby. "Sit."
"Thank you, my lord!" Minister Tanaka said quickly after sitting down, "I have an urgent matter to report."
"You're covered in sweat," Shin said. "What has you so anxious?"
Minister Tanaka composed himself and recounted in detail, from beginning to end, the meeting he had just had with the envoy from the Land of Lightning.
"That Darui, his attitude was very unyielding, and his words were impolite, claiming that if we did not open trade, it would be an act of hostility against the Land of Lightning."
"I took the liberty of using the excuse that it concerned national policy and required your instruction to temporarily placate him."
After speaking, Minister Tanaka lowered his head, awaiting the daimyo's decision.
In his opinion, the Land of Lightning was not like the Land of Wind or the Land of Earth.
They were a group of brutes who believed in force, acted domineeringly, and never followed rules.
This timing was delicate. The Third Shinobi World War had just ended, and the peace treaty with the Land of Lightning had not yet been fully finalized.
A single spark could reignite the entire shinobi world.
Shin did not speak immediately, his knuckles tapping on the armrest of his chair.
Minister Tanaka also dared not rush him.
This daimyo's actions were unpredictable.
To fight or to make peace?
To refuse firmly, or to play along?
It was impossible to guess.
Shin snorted inwardly.
Land of Lightning.
Kumogakure.
Indeed, they were a group of simple-minded brutes.
The envoy they sent was not a civil official specializing in diplomacy, but a Kumogakure jonin.
This approach itself was a threat.
It clearly told the Land of Fire: don't play word games, fists are the real truth.
How ridiculous.
"You mean, he was very assertive?" Shin asked.
"Yes," Minister Tanaka quickly replied. "His attitude was arrogant and aggressive."
"Heh," Shin sneered. "Refuse him."
What?
Minister Tanaka suddenly looked up, his eyes filled with astonishment.
Refuse?
But then there would be no room for maneuver!
He quickly bowed and asked, "My lord, this... will this not anger the Land of Lightning? What if they..."
"What if they start a war?" Shin cut him off, his tone disdainful. "So what?"
"Uh!"
Minister Tanaka blinked, unsure what to say.
His daimyo didn't seem like a reckless person!
Seeing Minister Tanaka's anxious expression, Shin understood.
This old minister was excellent at handling government affairs, but his vision and courage were still confined to the traditional aristocratic mindset.
He would rather settle matters peacefully than easily start a war.
Shin slowly said, "The reason is simple."
"Our trade with the Land of Wind and the Land of Earth is based on peace treaties."
"What about the Land of Lightning? They still haven't signed the final peace treaty."
"A country that doesn't even have sincerity for peace, what right does it have to share in the trade profits of our Land of Fire?"
The daimyo's explanation immediately enlightened Minister Tanaka.
That's right!
Peace treaty!
How could he not have thought of that!
With this reason, the Land of Fire would have all the moral high ground.
Even if the Land of Lightning caused trouble because of this, in the eyes of other countries, they would be seen as unreasonable and arrogant.
Brilliant!
Truly brilliant!
Minister Tanaka relaxed completely, the heavy stone in his heart falling, and his previous anxiety and tension vanished.
With such a monarch, what did he, a minister, have to fear?
Just execute the orders!
"I understand, my lord!" Minister Tanaka bowed even deeper, his voice filled with confidence.
"Mm." Shin nodded.
Just as Minister Tanaka thought the matter was settled and was about to take his leave.
Shin's voice rang out again. "Just refusing isn't enough."
"We still need to guard against the Land of Lightning going mad."
"You go to the embassies of the Land of Earth and the Land of Wind."
"Tell them about today's events."
Minister Tanaka was stunned.
Tell the Land of Earth and Land of Wind?
What did the daimyo mean?
Ask the Land of Earth and Land of Wind for help?
How could they easily help the Land of Fire and offend the Land of Lightning?
"My lord... this might be difficult..."
"Just go and tell them!" Shin interrupted him, without explaining.
He believed Minister Tanaka would figure it out.
If he didn't... hehe!
The position of minister of finance should be replaced!
Shin did not speak, merely slowly sipped his tea, completely at ease.
Seeing that the daimyo no longer spoke, Minister Tanaka had to ponder it himself.
Although the Land of Earth and Land of Wind traded with their own country, they were still foreign nations and would certainly not easily help.
So why did the daimyo want to inform them of this matter?
Could it be... Minister Tanaka's heart suddenly leaped!
A thought flashed through his mind!
He understood!
The Land of Earth and the Land of Wind were currently enjoying immense benefits through trade with the Land of Fire.
Luxury goods like sugar and silk not only brought lavish enjoyment to their domestic nobles.
More importantly, by reselling them, they also earned a large amount of wealth.
It could be said that this trade route was already a crucial source of income for them.
Now, the Land of Lightning also wanted a piece of the pie.
Would they agree?
Even if they didn't act... then...
Having understood this point, Minister Tanaka no longer hesitated and immediately bowed, saying, "I understand, my lord!"
"Then go and do it!" Seeing the light in his eyes, Shin knew that the other party had understood, and immediately said, "If you handle it well, I will credit you with a meritorious deed!"
"Yes!" Minister Tanaka accepted the order and withdrew.
After Minister Tanaka left.
The smile on Shin's face faded.
He had originally planned to deal with the Land of Lightning in the spring, but he didn't expect them to jump out so quickly.
So be it!
Since they dared to provoke, they should pray that they were truly prepared.
Thinking of this, Shin immediately spoke. "Shadow guard!"
A black-clad guard appeared.
"Go to Konoha."
"Tell Minato that Kumogakure might be making a move."
"Have them strengthen border defenses!"
"Yes." The shadow received the order and withdrew.
After all this was done, Shin resumed handling government affairs...
On the other side, Minister Tanaka left the daimyo manor and went straight to the inn where the Land of Lightning's envoy was staying.
Inside the inn.
The Kumogakure jonin Darui was waiting, feeling irritable.
Seeing Minister Tanaka enter, he immediately stood up and asked, "How is it? Has your daimyo agreed?"
Minister Tanaka replied with a smile, "Lord Darui, I have already consulted with my lord."
"My lord said that our country's trade with other nations is all built upon a foundation of peace and friendship."
"However, our two countries have not yet signed the final peace document."
"Both in terms of reason and sentiment, it is too early to initiate large-scale trade at this moment."
Darui's face instantly darkened. "You mean, you refused?"
"It's a postponement," Minister Tanaka corrected. "Once the peace treaty is finalized, discussions about commerce can naturally be resumed."
"Nonsense!"
Darui was furious, slamming his fist on the nearby table!
Wood splinters flew, and the entire solid wood table instantly fell apart.
"Are you toying with our Land of Lightning?!" He glared at Minister Tanaka, releasing a powerful chakra pressure. "Don't forget, the war has just ended! Do you want to fight again?!"
This pressure made the attendants in the inn weak in the knees, their faces pale.
However, Minister Tanaka still smiled, completely unfazed.
Because as Darui smashed the wooden table, several figures instantly appeared around Darui, surrounding him tightly.
Minister Tanaka knew these were the guards by the daimyo's side.
With help, Minister Tanaka felt more confident, and he said, "Lord Darui, are you threatening the Land of Fire?"
"So what if I am!"
"Haha," Minister Tanaka gently shook his head. "My lord once told me something, and now I will relay it to you."
He said, word for word, "To gain respect, please first learn how to respect the rules."
"If friends come, there's good wine. If enemies come, there will be swords to meet them..."
Having said that, he turned and walked away, no longer paying attention.
"Good! Good! Good!"
Darui trembled with rage, pointing at Minister Tanaka's retreating back, and roared, "You will regret this! We'll meet on the battlefield!"
Listening to the curses behind him, Minister Tanaka did not stop.
He got into his carriage and instructed the coachman.
"To the Land of Earth embassy."