"So, Lord Hakushi, are you asking for more Ninja Techniques again this time? Or is it that so-called Divine Tree material?"
Dr. Kataki asked curiously.
He knew Hakushi was a ninja, and as long as he was a ninja, he would be more inclined to choose things like Ninja Techniques.
"No, with the current Ninja Techniques system in the Land of Demons, and with the documents from Uchiha, Hyuga, and the Uzumaki clan, it's already very well-structured. There's no need to trade for Ninja Techniques. As for the Divine Tree, it's unnecessary; the reason I exchanged for the Divine Tree's branches was to improve the desert environment of the Land of Wind."
Part of the land in the Land of Wind is now under the jurisdiction of the Land of Demons.
Concerning this matter, Hakushi was naturally attentive. In the future development strategy, that piece of desert land would be heavily utilized.
"This time, I intend to exchange for resources like silver and copper from the Land of Rain."
Hakushi stated what he wanted to exchange for.
Although the Land of Demons is not really lacking in mineral resources like silver and copper presently, Hakushi would not disdain having too many of these resources.
Even the most skillful housewife cannot cook without rice; he had too many things he wanted to do, and resources are the foundation for building all industries. To Hakushi, the more these resources, the better.
Moreover, given the current technology level of the Land of Rain, it's difficult for them to utilize these resources effectively. From a long-term perspective, it's more harmful than beneficial for the Land of Rain.
But right now, the Land of Rain doesn't have many options to refer to.
Nagato, although having gone to the battlefield, seemed reluctant to act himself; otherwise, he'd expose his strength.
The last person to expose real intimidating power, Hanzo of the Salamander, had already died due to Konoha's plot.
Even if one is strong, they must serve the entire country and the Ninja Village.
As a lone wolf, neither Konoha nor Hidden Sand would dare provoke Hanzo.
But Hanzo was the leader of the Hidden Rain Village and the protector of the Land of Rain, which was Hanzo's weakness.
Similarly, now Hidden Rain and the Land of Rain are weaknesses for Nagato.
With Hanzo as a lesson from the past, Nagato leans toward hiding himself without genuine self-protective strength for the Land of Rain.
However, hiding oneself means the Hidden Rain Village loses its greatest deterrent power, which has exposed its lack of combat strength during this civil war.
Therefore, with the Land of Demons unable to participate in war, the Land of Fire dared to continue entangling with the Land of Rain precisely because, if dragged out, victory would belong to the Land of Fire.
Now Nagato must be considering the gains and losses after taking action, right?
If that's the case, then I'll give him a hand.
Using the war in the Land of Rain to promote the Land of Demons.
Afterward, countries will continually purchase weapons from the Land of Demons.
Thus, the Land of Demons could dominate the Ninja Realm's arms market.
And in dominating the arms market, the Land of Demons essentially controls the war market in the Ninja Realm.
The condition is for the Land of Rain to win the conflict with the Land of Fire beautifully.
Concerning this point, Hakushi thought it necessary to plan carefully.
"I'll leave the matter of improving the bomb power to you, doctor. As for when to sell new weapons to the Land of Rain, I will consider it carefully."
"Understood."
Dr. Kataki understood that introducing new weapons into the Land of Rain's battlefield had many benefits.
But likewise, it also entailed significant risks.
For example, subsequent backlash issues from the Land of Fire, the direction the Land of Rain would take afterward, whether it would affect previous transactions, and how future international situations would unfold all required convening military and government high-level meetings to discuss. There are many facets involved, and one can't just focus on the fruits soon to be in hand; potential risks must be thoroughly considered.
"Looks like I'll have to trouble the Raikage... After the New Year, I'll visit the Hidden Cloud Village myself. In the Ninja Realm, apart from our Land of Demons, only the Land of Lightning desires the decline of the Land of Fire the most. Currently, the interests of the two countries align completely, which allows for some maneuverability."
As the military's leader, his visit target is Raikage.
As for the Daimyo of the Land of Lightning, it can be handled by diplomatic personnel from the government.
◎
Konoha.
In the home of the Hokage.
With the year's end approaching, Hiruzen temporarily laid down the heavy responsibilities on him, finding some rare free time to rest at home.
However, the house was notably empty and quiet.
His wife, Sarutobi Biwako, died in the Kyuubi Rampage while delivering the previous Nine-tailed Jinchuriki.
His eldest son, Sarutobi Ryu, also fell on the battlefield of the Land of Wind, as did his daughter-in-law, Sarutobi Linko.
His second son, Sarutobi Asuma, disagreed with his philosophy and moved out early in his youth to live on his own.
Now, at home, there was only him, an old man living alone, and a grandson still in need of care.
The hired servants had also gone home to prepare for the New Year and would return to help after the holiday.
Looking at the desolate environment, Hiruzen couldn't help but sigh. Soon, he calmed down and focused on practicing calligraphy at home.
In the afternoon, there was a knock at the entrance.
Hiruzen put down his calligraphy brush and went to the entrance to open the door.
"You've arrived, Shikaku, faster than I anticipated."
The visitor was Nara Shikaku, the Jonin Squad Leader of Konoha.
"After all, it's because the Hokage summoned me... though it's a bit of a hassle."
Shikaku scratched his head, deliberately complaining.
With the year's end approaching, he had a rare chance to rest for a while. Plus, he had to summarize his son Nara Shikamaru's school achievements and give him some teaching, so even during the New Year, a lot of burdens were still on his shoulders.