"If we push too hard, all the factions and cliques in Konoha will unite under pressure and stand together against us. That force would be truly terrifying—people driven by shared hatred, defending their homeland, seeking revenge, cornered like dogs... Everyone with different emotions and purposes will point their weapons at us without hesitation.
With highly unified objectives, a slight numerical advantage, strength that's not inferior at all, plus fighting on home turf—and that's not even considering the use of tailed beasts. So if we really fight head-on, not only won't we gain any advantage, we'll face even greater difficulties."
Jinghang counted on his fingers as he analyzed the situation they'd face with the Earthly Branches members.
"Lord Kazekage, by what you're saying, it doesn't seem wise for us to invade the Land of Fire right now."
"Theoretically speaking, that's correct."
Jinghang nodded.
Real warfare isn't like playing strategy games where you can just steamroll through everything in one push. Even Qin Shi Huang needed "the accumulated power of six generations." Trying to swallow everything in one bite? Unrealistic. Each generation must do what their generation is meant to do. Take too big a step, and you'll tear something important.
"But I've still decided to enter the Land of Fire."
Jinghang drew a sweeping blue arrow across the map, but the arrow didn't point at Konoha—instead, it pointed to an unnamed location between Konoha and the Land of Fire's capital, Hi no Shiro.
"Where's this? It doesn't look like a village or town?"
Xuechi Gaoao stared at the map with wide eyes.
"I don't know either. It seems to have no name. It's indeed not a village or town—just an empty field. But this is exactly where we'll station our troops next. It's most suitable."
Seeing everyone's confusion, Jinghang stopped being mysterious.
"Our main force will break camp tomorrow. I've already sent scouts—Konoha's ninja have all withdrawn into Konoha Village. There won't be any obstacles along the way. After we reach here, we'll set up camp, build fortifications, and stockpile supplies. Hehe, think about how Konoha will react."
"This place is right next to Konoha. They'll definitely think we're preparing to build a forward base. They'll immediately be on high alert, nerves stretched tight, and intensify their war preparations even more."
Xuechi Gaoyi answered.
"So they'll be even less likely to come out?"
Jinghang smiled.
"Absolutely!"
Kamizuru Kurobari answered boldly.
"That's exactly the effect I want!"
Jinghang excitedly tossed his pencil aside.
"We'll use this window while Konoha is holed up to run wild in the Land of Fire."
Jinghang pointed to the Land of Fire territory south of Konoha.
"This entire area is the Land of Fire's richest, most fertile land, and also where the Fire Eight Pillars Trading Association's wealth is concentrated. How much wealth has the Fire Eight Pillars Trading Association accumulated over the years? It's an astronomical figure. We're going to—"
"Lord Kazekage, this sounds like robbery!"
Chiraku asked foolishly.
"It is robbery. Didn't I make that clear?"
Jinghang looked at everyone.
"Crystal clear! Crystal clear!"
Everyone nodded with smiles, occasionally giving Chiraku a nudge.
"Don't feel any psychological burden. This money is rightfully ours to take, and we're taking it openly and justifiably!"
Jinghang made a domineering gesture.
"When Konoha attacked our Sunagakure this time, it was these bastards who provided the military funds behind the scenes! Think about it—although we won the Battle of Lishi, we still lost about a thousand brothers in two major battles. Every one of them had elderly parents and young children at home, every one was the pillar of their family. Shouldn't we seek justice for these fallen brothers?"
"We should! We should!"
Everyone's enthusiasm was immediately stirred up.
"That's right!"
Jinghang said.
"However, this time our target is the Fire Eight Pillars Trading Association, not the common people of the Land of Fire. I'm giving a death order here—whoever dares harm ordinary citizens will face military law!"
"Lord Kazekage, as far as I know, this Fire Eight Pillars Trading Association monopolizes various industries in the Land of Fire. Their enterprises are deeply entangled everywhere—how do we rob them?"
Sasori asked.
"Good question. I've already made arrangements for this. Elder Hirai, please come in."
As Jinghang spoke, Hirai Kangsaburo walked into the tent with a beaming smile, bowing repeatedly to everyone while saying "thank you for your hard work."
As a righteous merchant with deep cooperation with Sunagakure, Hirai Kangsaburo had long held an elder title in Sunagakure. However, unlike other ninja villages, Sunagakure's elders were ceremonial positions—prestigious but without real power. True authority rested with the Kazekage, Shadow Assistants, and department heads.
"Everyone can rest assured about this. My team has already made precise calculations. Which properties belong to the Fire Eight Pillars Trading Association and which don't—I've clearly marked everything. As long as everyone follows my lead, you naturally won't rob... make mistakes."
"Elder Hirai, I have a question."
Sasori spoke up.
"Please ask."
Hirai Kangsaburo said with a warm smile.
"The Fire Eight Pillars Trading Association's assets include not just cash, finances, and materials, but also a large portion of real estate, farmland, and other immovable properties that we can't take with us..."
"Young Master Sasori is indeed far-sighted."
Hirai Kangsaburo nodded. Sasori's status was noble—both the direct grandson of First Kazekage Retto and the adopted son of Third Kazekage Jinghang. Calling him "Young Master" was absolutely appropriate.
"We've already made arrangements for these immovable properties—on-site discounted auctions. The people of the Land of Fire are quite wealthy. With such great bargains available, only fools wouldn't take advantage!"
Everyone burst into laughter at these words.
This approach had another ruthless aspect: with the Sunagakure army here, the Fire Eight Pillars Trading Association naturally wouldn't dare resist and would have to accept being slaughtered. But once the Sunagakure army left, there would be endless lawsuits and disputes—enough to give the Land of Fire major headaches!
"I have a question."
Chiraku raised his hand.
"Go ahead."
"If we're all out robbing money, who's watching Konoha?"
Jinghang nodded.
"The main army will basically stay put. I've already had Minister Yamashita Tetsu transfer two thousand people from the village's security forces and tax bureau to help. We'll dispatch a thousand ninja to assist."
Jinghang looked at Hirai Kangsaburo, as if asking whether that was enough. Hirai Kangsaburo nodded—more than sufficient.
"What about properties under the Daimyō's name? Do we touch those?"
Xuechi Gaoyi asked.
"Hmm?"
Jinghang thought for a moment.
"Let's not touch those for now. The issues there are too complicated and could easily cause panic among the Daimyōs of various countries."
Daimyōs represent the noble class. Robbing them would mean pushing the entire aristocratic class to the opposing side, making Sunagakure a target for everyone. It's better not to stir up that hornet's nest for now.
The Fire Eight Pillars Trading Association is different. At the end of the day, they're just merchants. Rob them, and that's that. What can they do about it!
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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