The Nine-Tails Night, like a massive stone cast into a deep pool, continued to stir the Ninja World with its ripples.
The complete relocation of Konoha not only took away the Land of Fire's military backbone but also its most crucial strategic deterrent: Nine-Tails. This left the once wealthiest Land of Fire instantly exposed, revealing its soft and fatal underbelly.
Driven by both anxiety and ambition, the Daimyo made a foolish decision. He summoned the sharpest 'sword' under his command, Hiruzen.
Inside the luxurious and spacious hall, the Daimyo's voice was somewhat urgent. "Hiruzen! Although we have a 10,000-strong National Ninja Army, we must also possess our own Tailed Beast. Otherwise, we will sooner or later be devoured by those hungry wolves. The Seven-Tails of Takigakure, go and bring it here at all costs."
Hiruzen was silent for a moment, then he bowed his head heavily. "As you command, Your Excellency."
Days later, a precise raid, personally planned and led by Hiruzen, descended upon Takigakure.
The absolute disparity in experience, strength, and intelligence rendered Takigakure's defenses useless.
When Hiruzen quietly withdrew, cradling a sleeping green-haired infant with a peculiar mark on her forehead, likely the one-year-old Seven-Tailed Jinchuriki, Fū, Takigakure hadn't even fully reacted but the news could not be contained forever.
"The Land of Fire Daimyo sent people to kidnap the Seven-Tails Jinchuriki!"
This news, like a clap of thunder, instantly shook the entire Ninja World.
Takigakure was plunged into unprecedented rage and despair. The villagers were furious, surging into the streets, roaring for the Land of Fire to give an explanation, while lamenting the weakness of their own country.
The Daimyo of the Land of Waterfall even dispatched secret envoys overnight, tearfully appealing to the powerful neighboring Iwagakure for aid.
The reactions from surrounding nations were intense and swift.
The Third Tsuchikage Ōnoki, with his cunning mind, had already seen a huge opportunity to profit from the chaos.
He issued the strongest condemnation through diplomatic channels, "The Land of Fire Daimyo's actions openly trample on the rules of the Ninja World. It is a provocation to all nations possessing Jinchuriki. Iwagakure will not stand idly by."
The Fourth Raikage A, after receiving Ōnoki's secret letter, also issued a statement, "Land of Fire Daimyo, return the Jinchuriki immediately. Otherwise, I will come and take her myself."
In the Land of Wind, Sunagakure, the Fourth Kazekage Rasa also received Ōnoki's secret letter.
He also issued a stern statement, "The Land of Fire Daimyo is requested to immediately return the Jinchuriki."
He also expressed deep concern for the escalating situation. But secretly, he was stealthily mobilizing border troops.
Facing overwhelming international pressure, the Land of Fire Daimyo could only brace himself, relying on the 10,000-strong army and Hiruzen, to adopt an all-out defensive posture, but anyone with a discerning eye could see the underlying weakness and isolation.
At this moment, the cunning Ōnoki cast his gaze towards a distant southern island.
Land of Water, New Konoha, Hokage Building conference room.
The Sixth Hokage Orochimaru leaned lazily in the large Hokage chair. He let out a low chuckle, casually tossing the secret letter onto the table.
"Heh heh heh... What an interesting development. My esteemed sensei, in his old age, has stooped to kidnapping infants. And Ōnoki, that old turtle, actually wants to invite us to share a piece of the Land of Fire pie."
Shikaku pressed his fingers against his temples, clearly engaged in rapid thought. "Although the Land of Fire is in chaos now, Hiruzen is personally in charge. There's also that hastily assembled 10,000-strong allied army. Rashly participating would inevitably lead to casualties for our army. Moreover, cooperating with Iwagakure, Kumogakure, and Sunagakure is like playing with fire. Disputes over profit distribution are bound to arise afterward. It's better to let them fight first, and we'll reap the benefits later."
In recent years, Hiashi had undergone some changes, and he said in a deep voice, "After more than two years of development, we also have over 10,000 ninjas. If we send 5,000 people, we could bite off a piece of the Land of Fire at a very small cost."
The 75-year-old Genji slowly opened his eyes, his voice old but carrying weight. "I agree with Advisor Shikaku's view. Let the three great ninja villages take the lead."
Orochimaru listened to the opinions of the three, especially Hiashi's aggressive suggestion, and the light in his eyes grew brighter. He stuck out his tongue and licked his lips, much like a venomous snake spotting its prey.
"Heh heh heh... Shikaku, your caution is always so appropriate. Clan head Hiashi's proposal is also very constructive. Risks certainly exist, but the Land of Fire is the wealthiest country among the Five Great Nations."
He lowered his voice, with a hint of temptation. "Who would complain about having too much money? With more resources, the village's development, the research of each clan, and even the exploration of the art of eternal life, can all be greatly accelerated."
Finally, a preliminary plan favoring "precise plunder of the Land of Fire" was drafted and swiftly sent to the Daimyo Mansion by Minato.
...
Land of Water Daimyo Mansion, council chamber.
Shun finished reading the newly delivered plan report, his face showing no emotion.
He pondered for a moment, then chuckled. "A 10,000-strong army? Hiruzen personally kidnapping an infant? He's really willing to do anything. But Orochimaru, he still can't change his mindset of profiting from war and collecting experimental subjects."
He put down the report and said to Minato below, "Reject the plan. Tell Orochimaru and the Advisor Group that this matter is dropped, my Land of Water will not participate."
Minato's face showed a hint of surprise. "Daimyo, should I convey it directly like this?"
Shun looked down at the prosperous capital city and slowly explained, "Tell them to take a longer-term view. We have already reaped enough war dividends from the Third Great Ninja War. When we relocated to the Land of Water, we received massive resources and money from those corrupt old nobles. The current Land of Water has enough wealth to support our peaceful development for more than ten years. There's no need to take risks to snatch those meager gains."
His voice became serious. "Moreover, to antagonize the Land of Fire for such short-term gains is unwise. This would disrupt all our trade channels with the Land of Fire, leading to soaring prices in our country. This calculation, no matter how you look at it, is a huge loss."
Minato nodded and respectfully said, "I understand, Your Highness."
Shun smiled and said, "Minato, I think highly of you. When Orochimaru steps down, I will recommend you as the Seventh Hokage. Tell them to focus on peaceful development and nurturing talent. We need to digest our existing gains and consolidate our rule. The storms outside are temporarily irrelevant to us."
Minato bowed and said, "Yes, I will obey Your Highness's command."
***
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