In Ryūmon Town.
While Orochimaru and his disciple were immersed in the joy of researching ninjutsu, a plea for help from the Land of Rice arrived via a messenger snake and was delivered to Orochimaru.
"What happened?"
Seeing his teacher's troubled expression, Uchiha Ryun asked curiously.
"The Land of Rice is being invaded by the Land of Lightning, and there are also many bandits from the Land of Earth looting and killing within their borders..."
Orochimaru calmly relayed the contents of the letter.
"Did Konoha not stand up for them? After all, most of the Land of Rice's missions have always gone to Konoha..." Ryun voiced his confusion.
"Perhaps it's precisely because most of their missions are given to Konoha that they've drawn the dissatisfaction of Kumogakure..."
"The Daimyo of the Land of Rice says Konoha refused to provide ninja forces to repel the invaders from the other two nations, citing the high risks of war. They only agreed to offer protective escorts..."
Orochimaru explained expressionlessly.
"Hah... Konoha has essentially sold out the Land of Rice. What a shame for such a generous patron." Ryun shook his head and laughed wryly.
The Land of Rice had actually signed a treaty with Konoha, one clause of which guaranteed protection against invasion.
Every year, the Land of Rice paid Konoha a huge sum as a protection fee, and most of their missions were assigned to Konoha ninja, allowing Konoha to earn another hefty commission.
Konoha's actions would undoubtedly leave the Daimyo of the Land of Rice disillusioned. If pushed too far, it wouldn't be impossible for him to switch allegiances to Kumogakure. After all, nothing was more important than the stability of a nation.
"The Daimyo wrote to you... Could it be that he wants you to help repel the invaders?" Ryun finally realized.
Orochimaru had an ambiguous relationship with the Daimyo of the Land of Rice. The fact that the letter was addressed specifically to him made the intention obvious!
But Orochimaru was currently on the battlefield in the Land of Rain. How could he possibly spare the time to help?
Leaving his post without permission would have severe consequences, especially during wartime. If discovered, even the Third Hokage might not be able to protect Orochimaru.
"Yes. He agreed to several of my conditions on the premise that I help him drive out the invaders." Orochimaru nodded slightly.
"What conditions?"
Unable to suppress his curiosity, Ryun asked.
"Money, land, manpower, resources..." Orochimaru glanced at him, giving only a vague outline.
This was only because it was his disciple, and he considered Ryun to be cut from the same cloth. Otherwise, he wouldn't have revealed even a word.
At this point, he already had plans to build a biological research laboratory.
Constructing a high-standard lab would require massive funding at every stage, far beyond what one person could afford. He needed the support of an entire nation.
The Daimyo of the Land of Rice had expressed willingness to back Orochimaru in the letter, believing him to be reliable and thus worthy of trust—provided Orochimaru could resolve the crisis and troubles in his country.
"..."
"So you're really planning to go help him? Without the Hokage's permission, leaving your post could mean execution..." Ryun widened his eyes in warning.
Orochimaru fell silent for a moment before his hesitant expression gradually hardened into resolve. "I need your help, Ryun."
"!!!"
"The situation on the Konoha-Rain battlefield is relatively stable for now. Perhaps we can go to the Land of Rice and return in time..." Orochimaru said seriously.
"Stability and timing depend on Hanzō of the Salamander. What if the Rain-nin suddenly attack Ryūmon Town while we're gone?" Ryun rubbed his forehead skeptically.
"..."
Orochimaru couldn't refute this possibility, but in the end, he still shook his head lightly and insisted on going to the Land of Rice.
"We can't let the Land of Rice side with Kumogakure. That would be bad for Konoha and a huge loss for me personally. I need to leave the Land of Rain for a few days. Are you willing to take the risk with me?"
Orochimaru stared at him intently.
"If you've already decided, how can I refuse? It's not like this is the first time I've risked my life..." Ryun rolled his eyes, somewhat resigned.
"Kukuku, then let's set off immediately!" Orochimaru chuckled hoarsely. Between master and disciple, there was no need for formal thanks.
"We should still leave shadow clones behind and come up with an excuse to inform Jiraiya or Tsunade. If the Rain-nin do attack and the commander can't find us without explanation..." Ryun reminded cautiously.
Orochimaru nodded. "I know. And this trip to the Land of Rice must remain absolutely secret, including our identities..."
"I'll explain the details on the way..."
Thus, the master and disciple each left behind a shadow clone and, unbeknownst to everyone on the Land of Rain battlefield, secretly crossed half of the Land of Fire at full speed to reach the Land of Rice.
After two days of forced march, they finally arrived in the Land of Rice and soon met with the Daimyo.
"Hahaha, I didn't expect you to actually come, and so quickly at that! As expected of you—you've never let me down!"
The Daimyo of the Land of Rice dismissed his guards and attendants, looking at the two masked figures—one tall and thin, the other shorter—with a pleased smile.
Orochimaru and Ryun removed their masks, revealing their cold expressions.
"My time is limited. After repelling the invaders from the two nations, can Konoha handle the follow-up defense to prevent further invasions from the Land of Lightning and the Land of Earth?"
Orochimaru cut straight to the point.
"I've already discussed it with the Third Hokage via letter. He said that if the Land of Rice can drive out the invaders on its own, Konoha will provide subsequent protection to ensure no further invasions..."
"Konoha had better not deceive me again. Otherwise, I won't hesitate to ally with the Land of Lightning. Even if the cost is high, it's better than suffering repeated betrayals from an ally. The protection fees I pay every year can't go to waste..."
The Daimyo gave a firm reply while reiterating his dissatisfaction with Konoha.
"We are us, Konoha is Konoha. Don't conflate the two. You wrote to me because you understand this distinction."
Orochimaru ignored his complaints and spoke impassively.
"Right, right, my mistake! I should slap myself for that!" The Daimyo lightly tapped his own cheek, offering Orochimaru an apology.
This letter had completely bypassed Konoha and was addressed directly to Orochimaru. In essence, this was a matter between him and Orochimaru, with no connection to Konoha.
"Is the intelligence ready?"
"Everything is prepared, including two hundred accompanying ninja. They're just waiting for you to lead them in repelling those damned invaders!"
The ninja the Daimyo referred to were not from Konoha but the Land of Rice's own forces. Most were genin, with a small number of chūnin and only two jōnin...
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