"If that's the case, then it's even better."
Konoha… even disregarding its two founders who dominated the Shinobi World, its overall strength is undeniably the strongest.
In terms of elite forces, Konoha possesses the strongest and most numerous Shinobi Clans in the world.
In terms of scale, whether it's village area or population, it ranks first in the Shinobi World, with only Kumogakure being comparable.
Most crucially, the Land of Fire's Daimyo trusts Konoha completely and never hampers them financially.
Such a Shinobi Village, number one in economy, population, scale, and military strength… no one wants to go to war with them.
Seeing that everyone deeply agreed with the Third Kazekage's words, Ryuji couldn't help but feel puzzled.
According to the original historical trajectory, it seemed Sunagakure was the first to target Konoha in the Third Shinobi World War.
And they were the ones who initiated the war, even after losing their strongest Kazekage and nearly having their village destroyed.
At first, Ryuji thought the higher-ups were idiots.
But from the current situation, they had a clear understanding of the situation; they weren't as brainless as imagined.
So, were Rasa or the dismissed higher-ups the idiots?
Of course not.
No one is a fool.
Even those dismissed higher-ups, blinded by power, doesn't mean they were stupid.
They saw things more clearly than anyone.
However, seeing clearly doesn't mean they had a solution.
The environment limited the development of the Land of Wind and also Sunagakure.
For the village to develop, it had to seize land more suitable for living.
Given the Land of Wind's location, no land is more suitable than the Land of Rivers.
Therefore, even knowing the odds of success weren't great, they had to launch a war.
Taking advantage of the chaotic situation, they would strike first, then draw other villages to join in attacking Konoha.
Even if Konoha was the strongest village, it would still fall.
Unfortunately, these people still underestimated Konoha's strength, allowing them to achieve the feat of fighting one against four.
But now the situation is different.
With the Infinite Water Circulation System, Sunagakure can improve the Land of Wind's environment and strengthen the village just by investing time.
There's simply no need to risk a life-or-death struggle with the strongest village.
Ryuji didn't understand the underlying reasons, so he found it strange.
However, he didn't dwell on this issue, simply attributing it to differences between the manga and reality.
"Although we don't absolutely need the Gelel Stone, its strategic value is undeniable. We can send a team to search for it." Ryuji said.
"Naturally, there's no reason to give up such a good thing. But what about that new energy source you mentioned as a substitute for the Gelel Stone? Is there no problem?"
"I can't say there are no problems, but to build the Mechanical City, even with Shinobi assistance, it will take at least one or two years."
"That's enough time for me to solve the problems."
"In that case, let's discuss the specific plan!"
Although they called it discussing the plan, their understanding of the Mechanical City was only superficial, so they couldn't offer many opinions.
Basically, Ryuji made arrangements, then the others considered feasibility and provided supplements.
Time passed slowly. The sun moved from east to west until it was nearly setting on the horizon before they finally finished discussions.
"At first light tomorrow, everyone should make their own preparations and then go complete their tasks."
"Understood!"
The Third Kazekage nodded with satisfaction. He glanced at the sky outside the window. "That's all for today. Everyone, go back and rest."
…
"Welcome back, Master!"
Returning home, Aka was waiting for him as usual.
"Master, I've prepared the meal and also heated water for a bath. Would you like to eat first or bathe first?"
"I'll bathe first."
"Yes, I'll go draw the bathwater for you."
"Mmm."
Ryuji nodded, then sank into the sofa, beginning to think about tomorrow's schedule.
First, he needed to find Bunpuku to replenish Chakra, then escort Sasori out of the Land of Wind to complete the banishment.
Finally, go to Roran to find the Dragon Vein.
Yes, the energy source Ryuji mentioned as a substitute for the Gelel Stone is the Dragon Vein.
To be honest, contacting the Dragon Vein now is a bit premature.
The Dragon Vein is a natural convergence of Chakra within the earth, possessing infinite Chakra. Its immense energy can even cause spacetime distortion.
With Ryuji's current abilities, it's difficult to control.
But it's not entirely impossible.
The Queen of Roran seems to possess a simple ability to control the Dragon Vein. By studying their control principles, he can initially achieve utilization of the Dragon Vein.
"Master, the bathwater is ready."
Looking at the woman who interrupted his thoughts, Ryuji nodded and walked toward the bathroom.
…
Before dawn, Ryuji was awakened by cheers outside.
He sat up, pulled back the curtains, and saw countless people cheering in the streets.
At that moment, Aka gently pushed the door open. Seeing Ryuji awake, she said, "The large force led by Rasa-sama has returned victorious after pursuing the enemy."
"I know. I'll sleep a bit more."
Ryuji lay back in bed, covering his head with the blanket.
But the noise outside kept entering his ears.
"Can't sleep!"
Ryuji abruptly threw off the blanket and sat up.
He glanced at Aka standing at the door with a light smile, then irritably scratched his head. "Go prepare breakfast. I'm getting up."
"Alright, Master."
Aka closed the door and left.
Ryuji got up, dressed, did a simple wash-up, and went to the main hall.
Soon after, Aka brought breakfast.
Bread, fried eggs, sausages, milk… simple but convenient.
However...
"Why two servings?"
Although Aka is a puppet, her body structure is no different from a normal person's; she also needs to eat to replenish nutrients.
However, when Ryuji created her, he designed her as a combat maid.
Due to the core instructions implanted, no matter how much Ryuji tries to persuade her, Aka will never share a meal at the same table with him.
Aka stood to the side holding an empty tray, always maintaining a faint smile. "Since the pursuit force has returned, Pakura-sama will probably be coming soon, right?"
As soon as she finished speaking, the door was knocked on, accompanied by a girl's voice.
"Open up, open up! I brought back the corpses you wanted."
Ryuji sighed and nodded to Aka.
Aka went to open the door. A girl covered in bloodstains and sand walked in, leaving bloody footprints with each step.
Ryuji frowned and asked, "How many people did you kill to end up like this?"
"Don't know."
Pakura came to the dining table, sat in the seat opposite as if in her own home, picked up a knife and fork, and began wolfing down the food.
She spoke with a mouthful of food, her words unclear.
"Those guys fought us at the beginning. After we lured them into a quicksand area and several hundred died, they didn't dare engage us anymore. They fled all the way, and we pursued them until we reached the Land of Birds before stopping."
The Land of Birds is the northern neighbor of the Land of Wind; beyond it lies the Land of Earth.
"It was already very late then, and we couldn't see clearly. Anyway, less than one-tenth of the people who came made it back."