"No special instructions. It's the same old story: the Land of Waves is a crucial part of the future strategy. Due to its proximity to the Land of Fire, it's foreseeable that there might be some interference from the Land of Fire. So try not to directly involve yourself in the affairs of the Land of Waves. Even if you do get involved, remember to manage the loose ends carefully. Otherwise, the arrangements in the Land of Waves will become quite passive."
Hakushi pondered for a moment and warned Ichihime.
"Konoha can barely look after itself right now."
"Don't underestimate the foundation of the Five Great Nations. They've ruled the Ninja Realm for so many years, and the vast financial resources they've accumulated aren't the only thing. If you don't take it seriously, you might suffer tremendous losses. Furthermore, through the previous war, the Daimyo of the Land of Wind is likely to inject more development funds into the Hidden Sand Village to counter us, the Land of Demons."
Hakushi's expression was serious.
Faced with the Land of Demons, each country adopts different strategies. The choice of the Land of Lightning is to watch and observe, quietly waiting for changes in the situation.
The Lands of Wind and Earth appear to be forming a coalition stance, preparing to pressure the emerging Land of Demons.
If it wasn't for the Land of Fire being too far west, the Land of Demons would likely face the combined pressure of three powerful forces. Even Hakushi would be overwhelmed by such a situation.
Even so, the Land of Fire, located in the central part of the continent, has become vigilant towards the Land of Demons and is secretly preparing to form connections with the Land of Wind.
Hakushi had anticipated this situation at the beginning of the war with the Land of Wind. Overall, it remains within a controllable scope. With the potential ally Hidden Mist, which can sometimes stand out to confuse the situation, the pressure on the Land of Demons can be alleviated.
Now what Hakushi is waiting for is the action of Akatsuki, so that the attention of Konoha and other Ninja Villages will begin to shift away from the Land of Demons, concentrating the conflict on the 'Tailed Beasts.'
"I already know these matters, so I'll take my leave first. Once I get to the Land of Waves, I'll send back updates in real-time."
With the latest communication devices, information can be transmitted simultaneously, allowing the headquarters of the Land of Demons to promptly learn of every move within the Land of Waves. Therefore, in Ichihime's view, the possibility of unexpected incidents in the Land of Waves remains very low.
Ichihime picked up the file bag and walked towards the office door. Just as she was about to leave, she suddenly paused and turned her head to give Hakushi a faint smile:
"Ah, by the way, old man, when you're alone, take care of your health, and remember to soak some goji berries in warm water. It's good for the body."
After speaking, Ichihime left the office and closed the door.
"..."
Hakushi did not comment on Ichihime's advice before she left.
He's just thirty-two years old this year, far from needing goji berries.
However, being seen through by his daughter is still somewhat embarrassing.
"Seriously, it makes me seem like I'm doing something improper... It's just a very ordinary romance novel."
Hakushi explained to the empty air, taking out the thing he had hidden from Ichihime earlier.
It's a book—the second installment of the "Icha Icha Paradise" series, the latest work by Sannin Jiraiya.
It was completed in the prison of the Land of Demons.
Unlike the initial draft he admired together with Ayane, the officially released "Icha Icha Paradise" is noticeably more refined in writing. Many scenes are more captivating, and there's a wealth of new knowledge that Hakushi hadn't seen in the initial draft, broadening his horizons.
As expected of the Sannin.
Although he defeated the Sannin in direct combat, he was easily captivated by the other's writing.
Hakushi deeply felt Jiraiya's noble spirit of expressing emotions through words.
This allure cannot be described with precise language.
Therefore, Hakushi believes that his battle with Sannin Jiraiya was a well-matched and magnificent duel.
Neither winner nor loser.
◎
As he entered the tower, the sound of the drizzle outside gradually faded away.
This is the tallest tower in the Hidden Rain Village, not only where the current Hidden Rain Village Leader works and rests, but also where the members of Akatsuki secretly gather.
Unlike regular mercenary organizations, the structure of Akatsuki is extremely meticulous, especially for core members, granting freedom while imposing some restrictions. For instance, operating in pairs allows for coordinated action and reduces the risk of members defecting.
Beyond the core members, there is an external framework setup like peripheral personnel. This personnel, akin to White Zetsu, is responsible for intelligence and logistics.
Today is again the day for the gathering. Before the organization's formal action, there is plenty of time. Different from the impatience of doing other things, Sasori demonstrates an orderly attitude towards his long and everlasting life, advancing slowly and calmly up the stairs toward the top of the tower.
This is the leisurely assurance of an Immortal.
Even after joining Akatsuki, to Sasori these things are merely scenery along the path of his eternal life.
His teammate Orochimaru is also someone who pursues 'eternity.'
Despite Orochimaru's odd habit of spewing all kinds of nonsense, for the sake of both being seekers of 'eternity,' Sasori acknowledges Orochimaru's abilities. No matter how terrible Orochimaru's personality or tastes are, he can endure them.
After all, in the boundless future, it's very rare to find someone else who can achieve the longevity they aspire to.