Chapter 111

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Chapter 111: The Approaching Battle

"Prioritize attacking ninjas outside of Konoha. Once the attack is complete, evacuate immediately."

On the warship heading to the Land of Waves, the Fourth Raikage and the Third Tsuchikage simultaneously gave orders to the ninja troops behind them. They were preparing to carry out their plan to destroy the alliance from the south of Wave Country.

They were very familiar with the deployment of various forces in the Land of Waves because they had spies deployed inside. Therefore, more detailed sabotage operations and even subsequent plans to take over the alliance were formulated.

The essence of any war is to achieve predetermined goals, which manifest in the military, political, and economic objectives of the war. Generally, a war ends when one party achieves its intended goal. Under special circumstances, if neither side can achieve their goals, the war may stop through compromise.

"If we can successfully disrupt Konoha's alliance plan this time, We will cooperate with your Land of Earth," said the Fourth Raikage, standing at the head of the large ship with his arms crossed, looking into the distance. "When the time comes, we will lead the alliance and form alliances with other countries."

"With the combined strength of the alliance, we will also be the ones to redraw the boundaries of this ninja world," he said, full of yearning, as if he had already seen the future ninja world unified by them.

"Hope so," Ōnoki replied, though always worried about the arrogance of the Fourth Raikage. "It's a pity the people of the Hidden Mist never responded. Otherwise, if the three of us united, even if we failed, we would not fear the retaliation of the allied countries later."

He spoke with some regret. If the Hidden Mist had joined, this operation would have been much safer. But since the Hidden Mist closed its doors to the outside world, it rarely responded to any contact, making it impossible for their messages to get in.

Konoha thought of things that none of them had and did things they had not done—tightly linking together allies who had no trust in each other through substantial interests.

Their primary objective was to destroy Konoha's alliance and avoid future attacks by the allied countries. The secondary objective was to replace Konoha and Sunagakure, who were leading the plan, and seek greater benefits for themselves.

While the Fourth Raikage and the Third Tsuchikage led their forces toward the Land of Waves at full speed, in the castle of the Land of Waves, Hizashi had found another person in charge of the Seagull Shipping Chamber of Commerce under Ryosuke's guidance. Or rather, another Gato.

The head of this chamber of commerce had always been named Gato. The person in charge killed by Akutagawa was just a candidate for successor.

"Although he is also a candidate, he is qualified to represent the entire Chamber of Commerce. Don't expose him," Ryosuke's reminder still echoed in Hizashi's mind.

"I believe you have all noticed that our alliance plan has been exposed on the way here," Hyuga Hizashi said, stepping forward, "I know that due to the experiences you had along the way, you don't trust us in Konoha. Some even think we are directing our own drama."

"But please understand that when we came here, when you insisted on coming even when attacked, we were already determined to face possible dangers and... our determination for the alliance."

"Although the Shipping Chamber of Commerce has an alternate leader due to internal institutional reasons, I believe the attack plan just now is a bad start."

"It is very likely that some forces behind the scenes who do not want to see our successful alliance will launch desperate measures."

"So, I beg you all to sit down again, complete this meeting as soon as possible, and give us Konoha a little trust in the possible crisis that may come."

Of course, it is impossible to make the envoys representing various major forces calm down and trust Konoha with just a few words. Otherwise, the entire ninja world would have united long ago. But Hyuga Hizashi's words alerted them.

Gato's death is definitely just the beginning. Many people cannot predict what will happen next, but they can be aware of it.

"Maji, hurry back to the camp and tell them to get ready," Ebizo, the only elder present, reacted quickly.

"But..." Maki, a senior ninja, hesitated, worried about Ebizo's safety.

"I believe you should also send some people back to the camp to inform them of the current situation, right?" Ebizo turned his attention to the others around him. With him taking the lead, the others did not hesitate and sent their men back to the camp to prepare for battle. In this situation, Maki did not hesitate any further.

"Well then... let's resume the meeting now," Homura Mitokado said, stepping forward from behind Hyuga Hizashi. "Regarding the business plan, we can reschedule it later."

"The situation is quite serious now. We should first discuss the two most important aspects—benefits and costs. After a reasonable allocation, we should confirm the alliance as soon as possible to ensure mutual trust and deal with any emergencies that may arise next."

He pulled out another chair and sat in front of the wooden table that had just been cut by the wind blade. "I agree," Ebizo nodded and pulled a chair to sit down. The two of them each lifted up one side of the wooden table and put it together.

"I agree," said the other representatives. The alliance plan was carried out under the maintenance and guidance of the now-dead Gato. Now, the forces of various countries took the initiative to humble themselves and start negotiations. Although they looked the same, there were some differences in essence.

Most of the deployments were completed, and all forces on the island were on high alert. At this time, Ryosuke was squatting on the branch of a big tree, recovering his chakra while observing the sea in the south.

The long-lasting Genjutsu control and the burst of pressure just now consumed a lot of chakra. To stay in the best condition for the next battle, he needed to rest. As for Akutagawa... Ryosuke had already dealt with him, and no one would ever find his body.

"I have prepared everything. It's almost time for you to enter."

(End of this chapter)