Chapter 140

Despite the ongoing war, everyone still had to carry on with their daily lives.

In the Shinōbi World, it was the Daimyo who led the officials to stabilize the rear while the Shinōbi fought on the front lines. The goal was to prevent enemy Hidden Villages from entering their country, thereby depleting the war potential of their nation.

Shinōbi were motivated by money and provisions. They were not professional soldiers but rather resembled a group of mercenaries. Their motivation for fighting stemmed from the rewards offered by their Ninja Village and Country, similar to commissions for completing missions.

Reflecting on the war between the Five Great Hidden Villages, it resembled the Five Great Countries teaming up to spend money in order to weaken the influence of the Shinōbi. This pattern repeated several times over the years.

As a result, the small Hidden Villages and their associated nations suffered greatly. The Daimyo of these small nations struggled financially and could not afford to maintain a large number of Shinōbi. Unlike the Five Great Countries, they lacked the resources to prevent an influx of Shinōbi into their territories.

This predicament created a vicious cycle for the small nations, with a lack of funds preventing them from supporting a sufficient number of Shinōbi, leaving them vulnerable to attacks and further financial strain.

However, these small nations managed to survive due to the need for a buffer zone between the Five Great Countries and Hidden Villages.

Now, the situation was changing. Recently, the Five Great Hidden Villages saw an opportunity to expand their strength through the annexation of small nations. By subjugating and controlling these nations, they could exploit them for their resources or integrate them into their sphere of influence.

Taki no Kuni, a small nation, became the sixth Great Country to fall into this trap.

Unfortunately, their gamble backfired, and they now found themselves on a treacherous path.

Ten days ago, the Daimyo and leader of Taki no Kuni unexpectedly declared their independence, severing ties with Hi no Kuni and Konoha. The leader of Takigakure stood resolute in their decision.

They no longer wished to pay protection fees and sought to reclaim their dignity. This bold move received enthusiastic recognition from the Five Great Hidden Villages.

Messages of congratulations poured in from the shadows of the villages, celebrating Taki no Kuni's status as the sixth Great Country and the emergence of Takigakure.

Inside the offices of Konoha Hidden Villages, Sarutobi Hiruzen and some of his former students sat together. Hiruzen hadn't called upon any of his Admirals and left them stationed on the front lines.

The messenger from Hi no Kuni's Daimyo now stood before Sarutobi Hiruzen, engaging in a casual conversation.

"Lord Hokage, the Daimyo requests that you punish Taki no Kuni for their foolishness. They are not qualified to become the sixth Great Country," the messenger stated with a hint of contempt in his eyes.

He looked down upon those who only knew how to fight.

"Lord Envoy, we will certainly address the situation with Taki no Kuni. However, as you know, we are currently facing a war on three fronts and cannot withdraw a significant number of troops. I wonder if the Daimyo can provide additional resources," Sarutobi Hiruzen replied, ignoring the contemptuous gaze.

He nonchalantly smoked his large cigarette, offering a relaxed response. Sarutobi Hiruzen, known as the benevolent-eyed Great Grandpa, paid little attention to the mindset of fools.

"Of course, the Daimyo understands the challenges you face, Lord Hokage. We are willing to contribute 500 million taels towards military expenses, allowing you to increase the number of Shinōbi," the messenger replied, his laughter tinged with knowingness. He expected these fools to desire benefits.

Trivial as it was, 500 million taels meant little to him. After the merger of Hi no Kuni and Taki no Kuni, the annual tax revenue would exceed this amount tenfold, and that was only the beginning.

As the messenger contemplated the benefits their aristocratic group would gain from the merger, he observed Sarutobi Hiruzen and others growing increasingly contemplative.

Sarutobi Hiruzen remained silent, appearing lost in thought. To the messenger, it seemed as though 500 million taels was a considerable sum to him, requiring careful consideration.

As the messenger prepared to speak further, his body suddenly collapsed before any words could escape his lips. A short blade pierced his chest, sending a chill through his being.

"Lord Hokage, what is the meaning of this...?" he managed to utter, his tenacious spirit refusing to give in.

However, before he could finish his sentence, the short blade was removed, and his last breath faded away.

Utatane Koharu, the perpetrator, withdrew the blade and nonchalantly wiped it clean with a handkerchief. The blade vanished just as mysteriously as it had appeared.

Utatane Koharu kicked the fallen messenger once more, releasing her pent-up frustration.

"It doesn't matter if we're seen as fools. What matters is that they treat us as fools. We can arrange things," she declared.

"Sarutobi, leave it to Danzo. He will handle the matter discreetly," she continued.

"What about Taki no Kuni?" Mitokado Homura inquired.

"They will face our wrath. I will personally lead the troops and strike swiftly. With a portion of Shinōbi led by frontline Sakumo, we have sufficient forces," Sarutobi Hiruzen replied coldly, making his decision known.

"After I depart, the responsibility of Konoha Hidden Villages will fall upon you," he said, turning to Danzo.

"Danzo, remember, ensure that the situation remains concealed. No so-called messengers should reach Konoha Hidden Villages. I do not wish to hear lies and false accusations," Sarutobi Hiruzen ordered.

"Rest assured, Hiruzen. I still have my principles," Danzo responded gloomily. Shimura Danzo wasn't foolish enough to make a detrimental choice.

Faced with a choice between Konoha and the Daimyo, he chose Konoha with his actions. To choose the Daimyo and weaken Konoha would lead to his demise on the streets the following day. If the Shimura clan made a poor choice, their entire clan would be exterminated that very night.

"Danzo, I trust you," Sarutobi Hiruzen stated, satisfied with Shimura Danzo's response. He retrieved a scroll from his drawer and tossed it to Danzo.

Once Danzo opened it, he found a clear message: the Daimyo had allocated one billion yuan, more than sufficient for military expenses.

His pupils contracted, his anger flared. If left unchecked, Shimura Danzo's fury would surpass even a boiling point of 100.

"Hiruzen, what does this mean?" Shimura Danzo asked in disbelief. How could those nobles dare to deceive them like this?

"It means exactly what you see," Sarutobi Hiruzen affirmed, giving Danzo a definitive answer.

Boundless anger welled up within Danzo's chest. The darkness of the Shinōbi World was truly scorching.