Chapter 585: Ninja World’s Response

Land of Lightning.

Raikage Building, conference room.

The Third Raikage sat in the main seat, his stern face showing a rare expression of deep thought.

The Cloud Ninja higher-ups sitting on either side were also frowning in thought.

“Toru-i, what are your thoughts on Iwagakure’s recent defeat in the Land of Grass?” The Third Raikage looked at a Cloud Ninja wearing glasses.

Toru-i was their Hidden Cloud Village’s Raikage Advisor, the Third Raikage’s right-hand man, and one of the people he trusted most.

“My thoughts…” Toru-i adjusted his glasses.

“According to the intelligence we’ve gathered, before their major defeat, Iwagakure actually won a significant battle, at one point making the forces led by Jiraiya flee in all directions.”

“From this piece of intelligence, we can deduce two things: Iwagakure is not as weak as they previously appeared, and Konoha’s actual strength is not as strong as it once was.”

“If Iwagakure were weak, they wouldn’t have been able to defeat the Ninja forces led by Jiraiya in such a short time. And if Konoha were strong enough, they wouldn’t have suffered a crushing defeat before a great victory.”

The Third Raikage and the other Cloud Ninja higher-ups nodded in agreement.

“Although both sides had their victories and losses, this time Iwagakure clearly suffered a greater loss, with heavy casualties to their Ninja forces, leading them to directly withdraw from the Land of Grass,” Toru-i said with some regret.

The great war between Konoha and Iwagakure came suddenly and ended suddenly.

If Kumogakure had received intelligence in advance, this would have been a good opportunity for them to cause trouble. If handled properly, both Konoha and Iwagakure could have suffered heavy losses.

“So you think now is a good time to attack Iwagakure?” The Third Raikage asked after some thought.

Kumogakure wasn’t picky now; as long as it was a Five Great Ninja Villages level opponent and they had an opportunity, they would strike.

Toru-i shook his head, “Now is indeed an opportunity to send troops against Iwagakure, but it’s an even better opportunity to send troops against Konoha.”

The Third Raikage looked at Toru-i with some confusion, wasn’t it said that Iwagakure suffered greater losses?

“Although Iwagakure suffered losses, they weren’t crippling. Both Jinchuriki safely retreated to the Land of Earth, and Iwagakure is located deep in the mountains, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack,” Toru-i explained.

For Kumogakure to attack Iwagakure, just the travel time would be a hassle, unlike attacking the Land of Fire.

“If that’s all, shouldn’t both have their pros and cons? Why would attacking Konoha be better?” Dodai asked.

He wasn’t thinking from his own perspective, but merely considering Toru-i’s words, and he still didn’t see the so-called good opportunity.

“Because if we don’t attack Konoha now, we might not have this opportunity later,” Toru-i’s expression became serious.

“Konoha first thwarted Hidden Mist’s attack, and now they’ve decisively defeated Iwagakure. In the eyes of those clients, Konoha is still the strongest Ninja Village it once was. Once the situation stabilizes, Konoha’s commissions will definitely increase significantly.”

“Stronger financial resources will allow Konoha to develop more Ninja, and coupled with the genius Ninja who emerged during Konoha’s wartime, with simultaneous development, how could Kumogakure possibly be Konoha’s opponent?”

Dodai looked at Toru-i with surprise. He really dared to speak so directly, saying that Kumogakure’s development potential was inferior to Konoha’s.

While it was true, some things, even if they existed, couldn’t be said lightly.

Dodai glanced at the Third Raikage.

The Third Raikage’s expression hadn’t changed much compared to before.

“The frequent wars have consumed Konoha’s Ninja strength, and also created animosity between Konoha and other Ninja Villages. As long as we make a move, it’s highly likely that other Ninja Villages will follow suit and attack Konoha. They can’t possibly fail to see Konoha’s threat,” Toru-i continued.

This was the real reason why Toru-i believed now was a good time to attack Konoha.

Since the start of the war, Kumogakure had engaged with three major Ninja Villages, but their attacks on Konoha and Iwagakure were only probing, with Sunagakure being the only one where a true conflict erupted.

However, if Kumogakure wanted to attack Konoha, whether they went through the Land of Hot Springs or the Land of Grass, Sunagakure would find it very difficult to interfere.

As for Konoha, they really dealt a heavy blow to Hidden Mist and Iwagakure. Hidden Mist not only lost many Ninja but also a Jinchuriki, while Iwagakure practically lost a large force of over a thousand.

If Konoha showed a weakness, Toru-i didn’t believe Iwagakure and Hidden Mist wouldn’t seek revenge.

If they succeeded in defeating Konoha, the gains wouldn’t just be the satisfaction of revenge, but also fame and wealth.

“In an ideal scenario, that’s true, but Konoha’s strength is still formidable. If Kumogakure were to go all-out in a war with Konoha, we can’t guarantee that other major Ninja Villages wouldn’t target Kumogakure,” Dodai reminded him.

Hatred was indeed a significant driving force, but compared to profit, it was far inferior.

Kumogakure going all-out to attack Konoha was essentially putting themselves in a risky situation, and they themselves faced significant danger.

“So, we can’t launch a full-scale attack on Konoha from the start. We should first show our momentum, giving the impression that we’re going all-out against Konoha, and then observe the reactions of other Ninja Villages before making further plans,” Toru-i explained.

Kumogakure was reckless, but not mindlessly so.

They still didn’t know the details of Iwagakure’s defeat, only that Konoha’s casualty count in that battle was exaggerated.

“Our Hidden Cloud Village didn’t send many Ninja to the Youth Martial Arts Tournament organized by the Shinobi Sect, but Iwagakure and Hidden Mist sent many elites, and the result was…”

Seeing that the Cloud Ninja higher-ups were still thinking, Toru-i further promoted his Konoha threat theory, as if to say that if they didn’t deal with Konoha soon, Konoha would return to its invincible state from the early days of its founding within a few years.

“You all should also share your thoughts,” The Third Raikage said, his gaze sweeping over the other Cloud Ninja higher-ups after Toru-i finished speaking.

“I think Advisor Toru-i makes sense. We should attack Konoha. Attacking Iwagakure is troublesome and doesn’t yield as much profit as attacking Konoha,” a dark-skinned, burly man said, arms crossed, in full agreement.

“I think there’s something amiss. We can wait a bit longer and continue to observe the situation, to see what Hidden Mist will do,” a white-bearded Cloud Ninja Elder shook his head in disagreement.

After all the Cloud Ninja higher-ups had spoken, the Third Raikage found that it was exactly two to two.

Two higher-ups agreed to attack Konoha, while the other two disagreed.

Of course, the other two higher-ups just thought that attacking Konoha now wasn’t good; they weren’t against fighting in general.

“I think Toru-i’s words are quite reasonable. Please explain your plan in more detail,” the Third Raikage finally said after pondering.

Clearly, he chose to go to war with Konoha.

This plan certainly had risks, but the Third Raikage felt it was worth a try.

…

Meanwhile, the Hidden Mist Village, which was on the minds of the Cloud Ninja higher-ups, was also holding a high-level meeting.

Ever since they were driven out of the Land of Fire by Konoha last time, Hidden Mist had consolidated its forces but had continued to closely monitor the Ninja World’s situation.

They were waiting for an opportunity, an opportunity to make a name for themselves.

Every Hidden Mist higher-up was very unwilling; it was rare for their Hidden Mist to participate in a Shinobi World War, only to be thoroughly beaten by Konoha.

“Hayate Mugetsu is indeed not simple. No wonder Yagura lost back then. Besides Orochimaru, Konoha also prepared a hidden ace for us,” the Third Mizukage said, his eyes narrowed slightly.

“It’s truly unexpected.”

Genshi nodded, understanding that the Third Mizukage was determined to have Yagura Karatachi succeed him.

More than a year had passed since Yagura Karatachi’s defeat, and the Third Mizukage still casually helped Yagura Karatachi clear his name, which was enough to show the Third Mizukage’s Pay attention to.

The other Hidden Mist higher-ups all echoed his sentiments.

“Although Iwagakure was defeated this time, it also gave Konoha some trouble. I think we can send an assassination squad to escalate the conflict between Iwagakure and Konoha. If Iwagakure can go to full-scale war with Konoha, it would be a very good opportunity for us to make a move,” the Hidden Mist Anbu Leader expressed his thoughts.

They knew their own situation; Hidden Mist definitely couldn’t win against Konoha on their own.

They had no intention of fighting Konoha head-on, but the idea of instigating other Ninja Villages to go to war with Konoha was not only present but very strong.

“Iwagakure lost so many people; they must be very hostile towards Konoha now.”

“But the Iwa Ninja Force has retreated now. At this time, whether it’s disguising as Iwagakure Ninja to kill Konoha Ninja, or disguising as Konoha Ninja to kill Iwagakure Ninja, it’s very easy to arouse suspicion,” a Hidden Mist Advisor raised a difficulty.

“Then we wait. Unless Iwagakure and Konoha sign a peace treaty, war will eventually break out again,” the Hidden Mist Anbu Leader replied.

“Actually, it’s not just Iwagakure; we can also start with other Ninja Villages. Iwagakure isn’t the only major Ninja Village fighting Konoha.”

“Wujin’s idea is very good. Our Hidden Mist really needs to take action,” the Third Mizukage praised Wujin by name.

Although he might not necessarily adopt Wujin’s plan, Hidden Mist certainly couldn’t just watch anymore.

If they continued to just watch, and Konoha defeated Iwagakure and then Kumogakure, becoming the ultimate victor, then Hidden Mist would truly have no hope of revenge.

It wasn’t until they fought that the Third Mizukage realized their Hidden Mist was weaker among the Five Great Ninja Villages.

Now that they knew they were lagging behind, the next step was to catch up quickly.

Even if they didn’t improve themselves, they had to drag Konoha down and prevent Konoha from getting stronger.

After the meeting, Genshi returned home.

While instructing Mei Terumī and Zabuza, Genshi reminded them:

“You two must seize the time to cultivate. Our Hidden Mist rejoining the war is only a matter of time, and the next war might be even more intense than the last.”

Mei Terumī was stunned. According to Genshi’s words, the higher-ups had already decided to go to war with a certain Ninja Village, only the specific time hadn’t been determined.

“It’s not Konoha again, is it?” Mei Terumī wanted to ask, but ultimately didn’t speak.

This was a high-level secret; as an ordinary Mist Village Jonin, she wasn’t qualified to know such things.

However, Mei Terumī was very worried, because she felt that if they took Konoha as an opponent, Hidden Mist would truly find it difficult to win.

It wasn’t Mei Terumī exaggerating others’ strength and diminishing their own; rather, she had gained a very clear self-awareness through the Chunin Exams and the Martial Arts Tournament.

The top geniuses of their Hidden Mist Village were only slightly outstanding geniuses when placed in Konoha, incomparable to those like Might Guy and Kakashi Hatake.

…

Land of Wind, Hidden Sand Village.

“Ōnoki, you old geezer, you got what was coming to you today.”

Looking at the intelligence report of Iwagakure’s great defeat, Rasa couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

Iwagakure and Sunagakure were old rivals. There were three small countries where the Land of Earth and the Land of Wind bordered each other, forming a long continuous line.

If it weren’t for the somewhat unique geographical environments on both sides, it would truly be a headache for both parties.

Rasa hadn’t forgotten the Iwagakure Ninja Force that had been stirring near the Land of Rain when Kumogakure launched a large-scale attack on Sunagakure.

If Sunagakure hadn’t withstood Kumogakure’s offensive, the chaotic war between the three major Ninja Villages wouldn’t have happened in the Land of Rain, but in the Land of Wind, in Sunagakure.

“Should we take the opportunity to send troops?” Rasa showed a thoughtful expression.

If they could inflict a crushing defeat on Iwagakure, then Sunagakure could not only get revenge but also re-establish its reputation as one of the Five Great Ninja Villages.

Rasa recalled the state of Sunagakure and ultimately shook his head.

Even if he wanted to fight, the other Sunagakure higher-ups would never agree.

Because Sunagakure’s current state was at its worst, the weakest period since Sunagakure’s establishment.

The disappearance of the Third Kazekage brought more than just the loss of a top-tier expert to Sunagakure.

After the Third Kazekage disappeared, Sunagakure fell into severe internal strife.

Powerful Ninja clans and Sunagakure higher-ups used every means to contend for the position of Kazekage.

At its peak, assassination was nothing; leaders of various factions openly led large groups of Ninja into battle.

In a sense, Rasa had to thank Kumogakure.

Because without the external pressure from Kumogakure, Rasa could not have become the Fourth Kazekage so quickly.

Compared to those Sunagakure higher-ups who had operated in Sunagakure for many years and the powerful Ninja clans, Rasa’s only advantage was his identity as the Third Kazekage’s disciple.

He was the disciple who inherited the Third Kazekage’s Magnet Release, the most legitimate successor to the Kazekage.

Whether it was the Sunagakure higher-ups or the Ninja clans, all their everything was in Sunagakure; if Sunagakure fell, all their everything would disappear.

Under the life-and-death pressure brought by Kumogakure, the Ninja clans and higher-ups had no choice but to compromise, allowing the most legitimate Rasa to assume the position of Kazekage and unify Sunagakure’s strength to deal with the crisis.

That’s why Rasa was so annoyed by people like Pakura, who had the potential to become Kazekage.

He was very worried that one day, after the war, those compromising higher-ups and Ninja clans would work together to depose him and support another Ninja to become Kazekage.

After all, the circumstances of his ascension were so unique that they were probably one of a kind in the entire Ninja World.

“If only Iwagakure and Konoha could fight to a mutual destruction,” Rasa couldn’t help but fantasize.

It was true that Sunagakure was crippled, but if other major Ninja Villages were also crippled, then Sunagakure would be considered not crippled.

Rasa yearned for a victory, a victory in a war against a Ninja Village of similar rank.

That way, it would be impossible for other higher-ups to depose him from the Kazekage position.

PS:

Yesterday, my university classmate came to find Xiao Ju, so I accompanied him for a late-night snack and didn’t fall asleep until after four in the morning.

I don’t know if it’s because I haven’t stayed up late for a while, but I felt inexplicably sleepy while writing today. If you have any questions, you can leave a comment at the end of the chapter.

I originally wanted to take a leave, but I’ve persevered for so many days, and I still want to stick it out until the end of the month.