***
Tsuyu report to Danzo as usual, taking up a seat and browsing through the latest reports from spies planted by Konoha.
Two of the smaller Shinobi villages of smaller nations bordering Iwagakure and Kumogakure respectively also had movements and most likely joined forces. Either they are coerced into it or it's willful, it didn't matter. Anyone would want a piece of the pie given Konoha would be facing all front. Plus, the matter of Konoha's jinchuriki losing control was another important factor that made the other shinobi villages dare to challenge Konoha even if there's still the 2 sannins, Kakashi of the Sharingan, and Might Guy as among the top combatants. As for Tsuyu being the other jinchuriki - the enemies still didn't know. After all, even if Tsuyu had once exposed it when she needed to suppress Naruto, at the time the village was in chaos, and no one would suspect 9 tails could be split into two to begin with so even if there were spies at the time the information was unclear.
"Troublesome…".
As for allied nations bordering the Land of Fire, they weren't willing to lend a hand. Even if they did it won't change much but still, these smaller nations had always been under protection of Land of Fire one way or another. The audacity to not send any forces when Konoha is in need is giving ick.
"We can only rely on ourselves. Those ungrateful people couldn't be depended on", Danzo casually added. Despite the circumstances, his face remained calm. Danzo would take relevant names in his head list and don't care much.
"Fortunately, Shinigami's Dealings had proceeded to its 2nd pace. Kumogakure had signed the deal just yesterday. We procured the funds to expand the other plans". His words had a hint of rare excitement. The money he got was just in time when ROOT is in dire need of it.
Tsuyu's stressed expression lightened a little.
"As expected of ROOT… then the company should have been well-known by now by other shinobi villages". Tsuyu honestly complimented; because to set up a trading company dealing with arms, to gain trust and name, and eventually struck a deal with one of the major shinobi villages in such a short time was shocking. Not to mention, the other plans are on the run as well.
"It's nothing. It wasn't surprising given that your improved Explosive Tags are too powerful, and its price was similar to the current model. Any smart person would think they make a profit. It's all thanks to you". Danzo said that with a hint of playfulness, already imagining the blow to the other nations would receive once the 3rd pace of the plan began.
All of a sudden, Tsuyu suddenly asked a question irrelevant to any of the reports on the table.
"Danzo-sama, when will they graduate?".
Danzo raised his eyebrow slightly.
"Within a week".
Tsuyu went silent.
"Are you worried for him?" Danzo asked, seeing Tsuyu's unclear expression.
"...". Tsuyu didn't know if she should say she is. It was difficult to word it. After all, no one would want to send their closest ones; the ones they had raised and put effort into for years - to their death. Tsuyu knew the brutality of war. She had lived a lifetime of it.
Danzo tapped his finger over his chair.
"I have seen the report on his abilities in the academy, and you trained him personally. I presumed you had confidence in him".
He recalled that recently Tsuyu had used those prisoners for Naruto's training. It seemed Naruto failed her expectations. Danzo wasn't that surprised by this.
"No. However, I know real soldiers are made on the battlefield - not before…". She said that, but in truth she had hoped Naruto would be ready earlier.
Danzo nods in agreement at the sentiment.
Tsuyu looked at Danzo, hesitating to voice her concern. But ultimately she chose to say it.
"Danzo-sama, I hope you can be lenient to him…". Tsuyu bowed her head slightly.
Danzo's eyes widened, surprised that Tsuyu showed her concern directly like this. At the time Danzo is the one leading Konoha, his opinion and decision would decide what team and where he ends up after he graduated, how Naruto's training as jinchuriki goes, and how he would be placed when the war comes. Unless a new Hokage is selected in time and the decisions over Naruto's matters were taken control by the new Hokage that is.
Tsuyu had foreseen all of this, and it pressured her a lot knowing what kind of person Danzo is and what kind of person Naruto is.
"... I will see to it". Danzo replied half-heartedly.
If the late 3rd was still in control, Naruto would have been with team 7 after he graduated. And if it was peacetime Naruto could take his time to grow as a shinobi.
But Danzo wasn't Hiruzen. And it wasn't peacetime. Unless someone interferes, Naruto would face things far worse than what Tsuyu had subjected. Perhaps Tsuyu was afraid of what Naruto would face, and she couldn't be there for him.
Besides, Danzo already had plans for Naruto to control 9 tails chakra much like Tsuyu and that's a priority. He already had a plan for it. And in a sense, Tsuyu didn't have to worry in that regard. It's not like Danzo was being kind or merciful, it's just what's most effective.
"I will try to convince Jiraiya, the sanin, to oversee Naruto's training in controlling the 9 tails. I still believe in his skills and teachings. He wasn't as cold as me…". Danzo said with self awareness, knowing what exactly worried Tsuyu - it's himself ironically. But Danzo didn't care about how others viewed him, especially since it is true.
Jiraiya could be considered Naruto's godfather, and he believed he would definitely put dedication and attention to that boy. Though, whether Jiraiya will agree to it in the first place remains a question. He's not sure if Jiraiya is willing to raise a child as a weapon for Konoha - and that child is his own late disciple's son. If Jiraiya disagrees, then it falls under Danzo's hands. But it didn't matter who's leading as long as Naruto is put under training no matter what.
Tsuyu's stiff expression relaxed slightly; thinking it couldn't be that bad given that person is their late father's master. And perhaps that person could guide Naruto in terms of… what's to come better than she did. Plus that person was the author of Icha-icha Paradise, at least his personality could be predicted (?).
9 tails control training is one matter, while Danzo already had plans to put Naruto under a team under his control once he graduated. As for the missions and training, naturally he would directly pass his orders.
"Thank you for your consideration, Danzo-sama…".
"You should learn from him once he arrives. I am sure he would take interest in you".
"I will see to it". Tsuyu nods.
The two continued their discussion for the time… meanwhile-
***
Akatsuki Base
Konan looks at the report from their intelligence. A recently established weapons dealer that mainly manufactures explosive tags had become renowned in the market, gaining popularity among the mercenary ninjas and now even striking deals with both Konoha and Kumogakure; presumingly for the upcoming war.
Nagato didn't mind much, even if their source of funds from Konan's Paper Bombs were almost halved since that company; Kurotsuru Trading Company; was established. After all, once the war started the jinchuriki and hence the tailed beasts would be exposed and Akatsuki would take the chance after their forces were weakened from tearing each other apart. And it wouldn't be long before that.
Konan took out a black paper tag with complex fuin that even had encryption on them, hiding some seals that prevent others copying its fuin shiki. Konan wonders what… secrets… are hidden inside.
Even in Konan's impression, this paper bomb is superior to what she could make. It's just unfortunate no one in Akatsuki had enough knowledge in fuinjutsu to break open its complete formula.
Not to mention the paper bomb had a unique bright red flame when it exploded - giving a unique aesthetic and a sense of power. It's really just some additive metals to add colour - like a firework - when it explodes. Tsuyu wanted to differentiate itself from other paper bombs and she succeeded at leaving an impression.
"Konan, do you want to procure those?". Nagato asked with a cold voice.
"No, I prefer using my own". Konan refused.
"Hn". Nagato didn't force it. Nagato proceeds with the other important matter.
"Iwagakure are hiring us to join their force. Their representative would arrive in a few days. Prepare to welcome them. Hidan, Kakuzu, Sasori and you would be participating".
"Understood". Konan's figure turned into pieces of paper folding into butterflies; disappearing with the wind.
Konoha's predicament is unknowingly increased by a fold with addition of Akatsuki members, a mercenary group filled with Kage level powerhouses joining the fray against Konoha.
***
Land of Wind, unnamed village
Tobi was scouting in the Land of Wind, casually strolling around Sunagakure and surrounding villages. Nagato ordered him to do so, seeing unusual movements in the country. Few villages faced famine and plague so suddenly. But of course, it was just smaller villages in the country and it's only on the outskirts. But over a few weeks the spread of this famine and plague seemed to be too fast as if… someone was stirring the pot. Tobi is a schemer in the dark, and he could smell some deliberate schemes.
Tobi walked around the small unnamed village, seeing the thin, poor states of the people. Few people are begging on the streets. There's barely food on the stalls selling them.
"Officer… I really don't have any money left…". One of the older men begged a tax officer, but ultimately ignored as the officer barged into his house to find the money. Countries going to war naturally need money. And the Daimyo naturally imposed tax for such occasions.
Tobi noticed the carriage carrying some wheat and food supplies. But it was only filled halfway. He casually walks up to the man leading the carriage pulled by horses, asking why he's carrying so little.
"Sigh… those people raised prices too high. I can only procure this much. And I can only sell at very low profit just for the sake of the people. I don't really get much myself…"
Tobi hmed. Land of Wind had always been relying on the surrounding country to export essentials to them, especially food. Land of Wind had very little fertile land after all. And the majority of the trade comes from the Land of Fire that was rich in resources.
But recently Land of Fire suddenly increased its import taxes by folds and naturally the others wanting to buy had to increase the prices.
Tobi wasn't innocent, and so he ask directly;
"What about the black market?".
The man seemed hesitant, but since he knew about the black market channel, he can just say it.
"There is… but… their prices are only a little less than the proper channel. And, I heard cases of poisonings… not sure if the rumors are true but I don't want to risk others. My products are all proper".
Tobi was in deep thought. He let the man pass while he recalled the details he had gathered from before. Someone is definitely targeting Land of Wind - targeting its food security even, as if trying to destroy its very foundation.
Food sources, the fields, and wells are poisoned. The tradesmen raised exorbitant prices.
The lack of water sources also means it's easier for the shadows to target them and spread diseases; since sources of water are scarce people won't waste them for things such as hygiene and once a single source of water is poisoned there's no choice.
"Truly evil…". Tobi muttered in amazement at the realization.
"Could it be their doing?". Tobi thought, and he's right on the money. He even had thoughts on Danzo's hand behind all this - given his history with Rin. Tobi could foresee the long term effects of this predicament.
Tobi's amazed expression behind the mask turned calm all of a sudden.
"This world is really cruel… wasn't it, Rin?", he murmured.
***
Land of Stone
Itachi blended into the crowded marketplace; where both civilians buy and sell. But what's odd is that…
This is the black market; right?
He had never seen such a lively black market where civilians are everywhere as if they were a normal night market, selling seemingly normal goods - and they were cheap. He is quite confused.
Itachi took an apple, observing its bright plump flesh and colour, and handed some Ryo to the seller.
"Where did you get these fruits?". Itachi asked him.
"You have good taste, young man! These are imported from Land of Fire. A lot of products here are imported from there".
Itachi frowned.
"Didn't they impose high taxes? How are you selling so cheaply…"
"Ah. Mister, this is the black market… haha…", the man thought Itachi is a funny young man. Of course he procured them through the black channel. A new black company was established in the black market supplying normal everyday products at a very cheap price, importing them out of Land of Fire. This company pop up out of nowhere, and 'ordinary' products and items were sold in bulk like they were grasses found on the side of the road; flooding the black market. And the recent burst of increase in civilians coming here are also bizarre, as if someone is actively 'promoting' it.
Itachi felt something didn't add up. He didn't think the main supplier of this fruit, or the other seemingly normal products here gained any profit from these. Or maybe they did, but very little.
But then looking back, outside of this black market; there's really not much outside. Basic necessities weren't a problem - Land of Stone is not as poor as Land of Wind, but their citizens couldn't afford 'luxury'. Especially with the upcoming war, a lot of funding was directed towards war supplies and livelihood of normal people are affected.
But in this black market, 'luxury' goods like a variety of books, fruits, food items, and such can be procured cheaply, and civilians flocked to get them.
As Itachi walked among the crowd, his bright mind realised what's happening.
"Someone is… targeting Iwakagure's economy?".
As expected of a young genius that had once deemed suitable to become Hokage - he figured out the grand scheme of seemingly unassuming lively black markets. Directing the cash flow of the Land of Stone into the black market… if the black market becomes more popular, if the majority were to spend on the black channel… in the long term…
Itachi shudders at the thought. Itachi couldn't help but feel wary of the person who could direct and plan such a thing; a demon manipulating the world.
That said demon was a reincarnator who's keen on economy… and its very downfall. Seeing the economical point of Land of Stone - Operation Sinking Stone was designed with the history of the Soviet Union in mind. ROOT organisation in the shadows are growing larger and larger by the day… extending its root into Land of Wind and Land of Stone silently, taking one 'innocent' step at a time.
***
In the shadow, Tsuyu moved a normal soldier piece to checkmate the King on board. Danzo's eye widened slightly, not seeing how he could have been trapped into this position.
"You are very good… I am surprised…".
"I don't deserve your praise, Danzo-sama".
Danzo had a rare smile on his lips, finding amusement at playing this chess game with the devil. Danzo had a rare leisure time with Tsuyu after their discussions; which he found he almost never had before he had her as a confidant. Fortunately, the devil is on his side.
***