[A/N: I did not get much time to write today but did not want to miss on my 7 days a week chapter so here is a short chapter.]
"Alright, let me explain the mission and what your role would be in this mission," Shikaku said as the group ran along the forest path to the land of claws.
They were going to take a long route to.prevent themselves from reaching any of the war fronts.
Choza walked at the front, keeping an eye on the surroundings. Inoichi stayed alert for any chakra signatures as he was the sensor of the group. The three genin followed closely behind.
"The Land of Claws is being overrun by bandits, and it is looking for an alliance with a shinobi village since its samurai are not able to handle them. This alliance might come with their help in the current Great Shinobi War. Whether it would be through resources, money, or sending their samurai to fight with us."
"So our goal is to get this alliance?" Genma asked, trying to understand the bigger picture.
"Yes, but it would not be so simple," Shikaku replied. "Iwa would also be looking for this alliance. We would have to somehow outsmart them to get it."
Guy jumped in with his usual energy. "So we would be fighting them, and if we manage to beat them, we get the alliance?"
"No," Shikaku said simply, shaking his head. "We would be using politics."
He continued explaining in a patient tone. "Fighting is easy. Winning a war through politics is much harder. The Daimyo of the Land of Claws does not just want strong fighters. He wants a reliable partner who can offer long-term benefits. If we go in and start killing bandits without thinking, we might look reckless. If we show discipline, strategy, and respect for his authority, he will see us as a stable ally. Politics is about making the other person feel that choosing you is the smartest decision for his own survival and power."
Shikaku gave a small, tired smile. "That is why I am here. My job is to talk, negotiate, and make sure the Daimyo feels that Konoha is the better choice. Your job as genin is to show that our next generation is talented and promising. The Daimyo wants to see strength, but he also wants to see control. That is where you three come in."
Choza added, "Showing raw power is good, but showing smart power is better. We need the Daimyo to believe that investing in Konoha will bring him more benefits than allying with Iwa."
The conversation continued as they moved deeper into the forest. Shikaku explained that the mission was as much about impression as it was about combat. The genin listened quietly, absorbing the lesson. Even Guy stayed unusually silent, understanding that this mission required more than just yelling about youth.
"But that does not mean that there would not be any fighting," Shikaku continued. "We might be asked to clear out bandits. We might have to fight Iwa shinobi who might try to get their competition eliminated or for some other reason. The Land of Claws has invited both villages for what is basically a mini chunin exams. Whoever manages to impress the Daimyo more will get the alliance and the long term mission to eliminate the bandits in their country. And thus a source of money."
"Would that not also mean that we would have to send shinobi to clear the bandits in their country?" Genma asked.
"Yes," Shikaku replied. "We would have to spare some shinobi for their country, which we cannot really afford during times of war. But a one-month mission to get help from their military forces for the entire war, or even just money from the mission, would go a long way to helping us."
"Also remember that Iwa might use underhanded techniques to get us," Shikaku warned. "So beware of them."
As he was about to say more, Inoichi interrupted him. "Or they might use tactics to just prevent us from being part of the competition. Heads up. We have shinobi incoming."
"How many, Inoichi?" Shikaku asked with a serious face.
"A squad of 12 shinobi. There does not seem to be any shinobi chakra signature that I recognize, so I think we are good," Inoichi said.
Shikaku nodded. "They probably did not expect to meet Ino-Shika-Cho on a mission to the Land of Claws. In the grand scheme of things, the help from some samurai from the Land of Claws is not enough for Konoha to send some of the best jonin they currently have in the village. That is probably what they thought. They likely planned to ambush a couple normal genin team or some chunin squad to remove competition. They did not count on us."
Shunsui listened quietly. 'So what is the purpose of this mission if sparing the Ino-Shika-Cho was worth it for the mission? Ah, I see… to observe my abilities and deduce how they can be used in war. Well, since they want a show, it would be bad manners to not provide them with a good one.'
Shunsui immediately took his zanpakuto from their scabbards and recited the activation poem. His swords changed form. The black scimitars appeared in his hands as pink petals began to drift around him.
------Author Notes---------
Would appreciate power stones if you can spare any. Thankyou
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