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The war clouds spread.
The Land of Fire's war machine, under the daimyo's will, began to operate at high speed.
Countless supplies were taken and constantly transported to the front lines.
In addition to Konoha shinobi, countless rogue shinobi, as well as shinobi belonging to various small families.
As long as they were shinobi active in the Land of Fire, after their identities were checked, all were secretly recruited by Shin Kurogane.
Just like the Shadow Guard in the past.
Perhaps they didn't understand what national righteousness was, but the funds to recruit them, the payment that was enough to allow them and their families to live a wealthy life, was the most realistic driving force.
At this moment, they had broken into scattered groups and were secretly moved to infiltrate the Land of Earth.
As long as the Land of Earth showed a disadvantage on the battlefield, even if it was just an even match, these rogue shinobi could deliver a fatal blow to Iwagakure.
Konoha, as the open sword of the Land of Fire, was even more fully moved.
The shinobi academy was dismissed early, and all genin aged twelve and above were assigned to supply and defense units.
The once busy streets had now become empty, with hurried shinobi in uniform visible everywhere.
On everyone's face was the seriousness that came before war.
Inside the Hokage's office, the lights burned brightly, never dimming throughout the night.
Minato Namikaze, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and all of Konoha's high-ranking officials were gathered around the huge military map, conducting the final tactical planning.
"The Land of Earth border has twelve large fortresses, garrisoned by Iwagakure's elite troops, forming a mutually reinforcing defense that is easy to defend and difficult to attack."
Nara Shikaku pointed at the clearly marked red dots on the map, his brows wrinkled.
"If we forcefully attack any one point, we will be flanked and supported by the other fortresses, and the cost will be too great."
"Then let's lure them out and fight!" The clan head of the Inuzuka clan slammed the table in frustration.
"How do we lure them out?" Hyuga Hiashi calmly argued back. "Iwagakure shinobi are famously patient. If they just hold their ground and don't come out, we'll be helpless against them."
For a moment, the atmosphere in the office once again fell into a standstill.
"Perhaps..."
Minato Namikaze, who had been silent, suddenly spoke.
His finger pointed towards a seemingly unimportant area behind the Land of Earth's territory.
"We can try this."
Everyone followed his finger.
It was a vast plain, the most important grain-producing area in the Land of Earth.
"You mean... attack their supply lines?" Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes lit up.
"No." Minato Namikaze shook his head. "Not attack, but... destroy."
A sharp glint, not fitting his gentle manner, flashed in his eyes.
"The Land of Earth is mostly mountainous with a dry climate, and most areas are not suitable for farming."
"This region is the lifeline of the entire Land of Earth."
"As long as we can send a surprise attack unit, bypass the front lines, and directly go into their heartland to completely destroy this plain..."
"By then, without us fighting, within three months, the Land of Earth's war machine will collapse on its own due to lack of food!"
This plan was bold and ruthless.
It was a direct attack on their foundation!
Koharu said. "But the daimyo's letter said that a secret unit has already gotten into the Land of Earth, and we just need to wait!"
Minato Namikaze said. "This is just a backup!"
"But to bypass the blockade of the twelve fortresses on the front line and get into their heartland is an almost impossible mission!" Homura questioned.
"No, one person can do it."
Minato Namikaze's gaze fell on the office door.
There, a white-haired man, wearing wooden clogs and carrying a large scroll on his back, leaned against the doorframe, a playful smile on his face.
"Jiraiya-sama, I specifically invited him back in secret!"
Jiraiya grinned and walked in. "Sounds like a very interesting mission."
...Fire capital, daimyo manor.
Shin did not pay attention to the specific tactics of the front line.
Professional matters should be left to professionals.
As the daimyo, he only needed to control the overall situation and ensure that the war's direction did not stray from his predetermined course.
He also did not plan to personally step in.
If he did everything himself, there would be no reason for those people in Konoha to exist.
At this moment, he was meeting with Mei Terumi.
Mei Terumi held a scroll in her hand.
It was the operational plan targeting the Land of Water that Shin had Aono hand over to her.
"Have you finished reading it?" Shin gently blew on his teacup, speaking casually.
Mei Terumi said. "I've finished reading it."
"How does it feel?"
"Very bold, and also very... cruel." Mei Terumi gave her evaluation without hesitation.
The plan on the scroll had only one core.
That was to have that special operations unit quietly return to the Land of Water.
But not to directly confront Yagura Karatachi's forces.
Instead, it was to... stir up betrayal.
To stir up betrayal among the shinobi clans who were furious but dared not speak out under the Blood Mist policy.
To stir up betrayal among the nobles who were dissatisfied with the Fourth Mizukage due to damaged interests.
To stir up betrayal among all forces that could be stirred!
Then, at a critical moment, light an internal rebellion from within the Land of Water!
To throw the Land of Water completely into a swamp of infighting, making it powerless to interfere in any affairs on the continent.
This was no longer war.
This was using the most terrible means to tear apart a country.
"Do you think I'm using you to achieve my own goals?" Shin put down his teacup and looked at her with interest.
"Isn't that so?" Mei Terumi argued back.
"Yes." Shin admitted frankly, then changed the subject. "But have you ever thought that this is also your only chance."
He stood up and walked in front of Mei Terumi, looking down at her.
"Why was Yagura Karatachi able to implement the Blood Mist policy? Because he was strong enough, ruthless enough."
"Now, I've given you a chance."
"A chance to become more ruthless, more powerful than him."
"Money doesn't grow on trees! Even if you are carrying my child!"
"I will provide you with weapons, funds, and information."
"I can even quietly allow you to recruit those fence-sitters in the name of the Land of Fire."
"All you need to do is return to the land where you were born and raised, and wipe out everyone who stands in your way, whether they are shinobi, nobles, or even civilians..."
"Kill them all."
"Use their blood to grow a new soil that belongs to you."
"Then, on this soil, rebuild a brand new Kirigakure, completely controlled by you."
Shin's voice clearly echoed in Mei Terumi's ears.
Mei Terumi shook uncontrollably.
She looked at the man before her, his manner as if he wanted to eat her very soul.
She knew that once she nodded.
She would no longer be the tragic hero struggling to save her comrades.
She would become an executioner even more cold-blooded and brutal than Yagura Karatachi.
"What?" Shin said with a playful smile. "Are you afraid?"
"Or are your so-called revenge and rebuilding the village just children's games?"
Mei Terumi fell silent.
"It seems you haven't considered it long enough?" Shin patted the chair beneath him. "Without enough achievements, how can your child have the right to sit on this chair?"
Mei Terumi suddenly looked up, and in her beautiful eyes, all hesitation and struggle vanished at that moment.
In their place was a desperate resolve.
"I... understand."
"Mei Terumi is willing to offer the entire Land of Water to Lord Shin."