Chapter 131

Some individuals seem to do nothing but create chaos and uproar.

Just as the various factions in the Shinōbi World were wrestling with each other, deeply concerned and engaged in life-or-death battles, a piece of news detonated the ongoing war.

In the depths of the desert, the generals and ministers in Roran staged a delicate rebellion. Upon hearing this news, Sāndaime Kazekage swiftly took humanitarian action to quell the rebellion.

During the process of suppressing the rebellion, Sāndaime Kazekage singlehandedly defeated ten thousand troops, protected the Queen of Roran, and saved the ancient country from destruction.

Grateful for Sāndaime Kazekage's rescue and righteousness, the Queen of Roran personally provided financial support to strengthen Sunagakure's defense and declared that Roran had officially joined Kaze no Kuni, now under the control of Sunagakure. Furthermore, the ancient country would henceforth be known as Roran City.

Inside the Kazekage building in Sunagakure, Shamon and Ebizo were seated.

"Hahaha, every time Hitoshi takes action, it resolves major issues. Roran's land is exactly what we need," Shamon remarked, looking at the map of Kaze no Kuni with Hitoshi's marked business road through Roran, and bursting into laughter.

"Kazekage-sama is truly formidable. Each time you act, it meets our urgent needs. Roran's substantial financial contribution allows us to sustain ourselves for a while longer," said Ebizo, the minister in charge of Sunagakure's internal affairs, feeling exhilarated after receiving the funds from Roran.

"To that end, assemble a professional tree planting team immediately and transport tree seeds to Roran. The land there is more suitable for our needs and requirements. Additionally, dispatch an elite team of Shinōbi to garrison the area. We must protect Roran from any rebellious elements," Shamon stated, his eyes gleaming with a foreboding light.

With his bald head, he seemed to embody an entire society.

...

In Konoha, upon hearing the news, Sāndaime Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen dropped numerous office supplies, including pen holders and inkwells.

After the mishap, he sent a message to Shimura Danzo, asking him to bring a batch of porcelain utensils for the meeting.

"He's shamelessly flaunting his success, boasting that he has gained another benefactor, and Sunagakure's wartime situation has improved somewhat," Sarutobi Hiruzen commented with a gloomy expression.

Among the Five Great Hidden Villages, Konoha had the most frequent conflicts with Sunagakure.

Konoha's strategy in dealing with Sunagakure was to delay and prolong the war.

They aimed to exhaust Sunagakure's war potential.

In Konoha's eyes, Sunagakure was like a rabid dog, biting everyone in sight, especially them. It was truly vexing.

"For the moment, let's not concern ourselves with Sunagakure. Kirigakure is also present. Kirigakure will surely deal with them. Otherwise, they will face a cross-sea attack," Mitokado Homura attempted to console Sarutobi Hiruzen.

"Hmph, it's just irritating. How did they manage to gain such substantial financial support? Even Roran, a small nation, can provide them with significant funds once they are under the leadership of Sunagakure," Sarutobi Hiruzen coldly snorted, his eyes burning with envy and resentment, akin to a middle-aged bitch coveting a little puppy.

"Uh..."

Upon hearing Sarutobi Hiruzen's words and observing his expression, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu exchanged glances, silently acknowledging that something was amiss.

Beside them, Shimura Danzo bowed his head in shame and sorrow. He realized that Sarutobi Hiruzen's mind was deranged.

The root of the problem lay there.

He was envious, jealous, and full of spite. It was no wonder he had become Hokage. Just look at his mindset.

As soon as someone else had something good, he wanted it for himself. He yearned to possess it too.

"Find a solution. Investigate Hi no Kuni. If there are any unknown small nations, no, we should approach them for an alliance," Sarutobi Hiruzen pondered, raising his head and puffing on his pipe, attempting to appear sociable.

"Uh, Hiruzen, there shouldn't be any unknown small nations in Hi no Kuni, after all..." Shimura Danzo began to offer his perspective, aware of the situation.

He genuinely wanted to persuade Sarutobi Hiruzen not to follow the path of others, not to desire what they had. It would not lead to a favorable outcome. He advised him to keep his feet on the ground.

However, before Shimura Danzo could finish speaking, Sarutobi Hiruzen shot him an idiotic gaze.

"Idiot, I don't need to establish one. We represent Konohagakure, not Hi no Kuni's military force. Our role is to protect our home and defend the country. Well, the term 'guard home, defend the country' is fitting. We should promote it in the Shinōbi Academy," Sarutobi Hiruzen retorted, not only looking at Danzo with a condescending expression but also cursing at him.

Ultimately, he recognized the phrase "guard home, defend the country."

Danzo lowered his head, resumed his seat, and comprehended the difference between himself and Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Sarutobi Hiruzen's demeanor and dark thoughts far surpassed his own.

In fact, those seated in the shadows were aware of the shadow's nature—it was a place of power, not just strength.

None of those who occupied the shadow seats were amicable. Each one possessed an explosive temper, a sinister countenance, and a heart so dark that it lacked any moral boundaries.

At the very least, if they were to eliminate someone, they would take their entire clan down with them.

A few days after the Queen of Roran made her announcement, the situation in the Shinōbi World suddenly shifted.

The battle on the frontlines grew fiercer, with the intensity reaching the level of Hunter-nin vs. Peak battles.

For those injured like Orochimaru, they would only know the outcome by retreating from the frontlines.

Nevertheless, despite the escalating ferocity, the scale of the conflict had indeed diminished.

No one knew what the Great Hidden Villages were thinking, but a portion of Shinōbi was suddenly recalled back to their respective Ninja Villages.

At the seaport,

Yasuke coldly observed the fleet, which was smaller than the previous day.

"Heh, they are all a bunch of dogs, adept at imitation," Yasuke said with a disappointed smile.

His admiration for Hitoshi had already reached sky-high levels.

On Kirigakure's departing fleet, Third-Mizukage was engaged in discussions with Hōzuki Clan Leader.

"Please, Hōzuki Clan Leader, this is our opportunity. The vast ocean awaits our conquest," Third-Mizukage expressed his excitement to Hōzuki Clan Leader.

His excitement was such that he no longer desired to be in command on the frontline.

He intended to depart directly with a few ships.

Regardless of how inept Kaguya Clan and the Seven Ninja Swordsmen might be, they were unlikely to be defeated as a whole.

If they failed once or twice, it would be enough to awaken those arrogant individuals.

"Yes, Mizukage-sama," Hōzuki Clan Leader responded, his excitement evident.

He was the nephew of the Second-Kage Mizukage, a direct descendant of the main branch.

After Hōzuki Clan Leader left, Third-Mizukage examined the charts previously collected by Kirigakure with a satisfied expression.

From the Roran incident, he had gleaned another feasible plan.

What would he do about Konoha and Sunagakure?

Clearly, there were better strategies available.

He only needed to secure a piece of heaven and earth on the sea and find a way to establish a trade route back to Mizu no Kuni, accumulating strength in the process.

As for the battles in the Shinōbi World, he would leave them to others and fight as he pleased.

Kaguya Clan was not entirely hopeless; they were quite militaristic. By assembling a few thousand Shinōbi, he could keep them content, engaging in battles to their heart's delight.