Inside the Lord of Water's royal palace council chamber, several figures were seated.
Shun's gaze slowly swept over those seated, his eyes calm yet carrying an invisible pressure.
"I've invited you all here today to discuss something. I plan to mediate the war in the Land of Fire. The chaos in the Land of Fire has lasted for half a year, and the Land of Earth, Land of Lightning, and Land of Wind have taken the opportunity to expand. It's time for the Land of Water to profit from this."
After becoming the Daimyo of the Land of Water, Shun's ideas were often wild and unpredictable, leaving people bewildered.
Minato's brows furrowed slightly, his tone carrying a hint of doubt. "Mediation? Your Excellency, according to our previous plan, the chaos in the Land of Fire benefits us. Why calm the war now?"
Shun gently raised his hand, and Tetsu immediately stepped forward, unrolling a map of the Ninja World and spreading it flat in the center of the table.
On the map, the territory of the Land of Fire was divided by red, blue, yellow, brown, and green markers, like a torn piece of brocade, each representing the sphere of influence of the five princes.
The Land of Water's marker, in dark blue, was placed on Uzushiogakure, like a sharp dagger firmly pressed against the southern border of the Land of Fire.
Shun stood up and walked to the map, his slender finger gently tapping the location of the Land of Fire's capital.
"The Land of Fire is the wealthiest country in the Ninja World, with its nobles and wealthy merchants controlling nearly 30% of the Ninja World's wealth. Now that the Land of Fire is in chaos, they are already in a state of panic. Therefore, our mediation has three objectives."
He raised his hand, extending three fingers, his tone confident and firm. "First, to showcase the Land of Water's strength to the Ninja World. Our ability to halt the ceaseless war in the Land of Fire and make the Land of Lightning, Land of Earth, and Land of Wind concede is, in itself, the best proof of the Land of Water's status."
"In the future, when countries in the Ninja World mention the Land of Water, they will show more reverence, and we will occupy a more advantageous position in diplomacy."
"Second, after mediating the war, we will vigorously develop cultural industries such as comics, novels, and films. We will show the entire Ninja World our strength and cultural charm, making them yearn for the Land of Water. This will attract talent and wealth to continuously shift towards the Land of Water."
"Third, we will improve our foreign population management policies. Only by making them feel the order and warmth of the Land of Water will they be willing to settle here."
Hearing this, everyone in the meeting room's eyes lit up.
Tetsu's eyes were filled with admiration as he said, "Your Excellency, you are far-sighted. The cultural industry and population policies, implemented in tandem, will surely attract immense wealth. This is far more effective than simply using military force to plunder."
Shikaku's fingers were intertwined on the table, his tone carrying a hint of admiration. "Now is a time of war. Whether civilians, nobles, or wealthy individuals, everyone needs a safe haven. As long as we maintain a superficial peace in the Ninja World and then win them over with these three measures, we can attract talent and wealth from the entire Ninja World without deploying a single soldier, and without anyone noticing."
Hiashi's brows were tightly furrowed, his tone filled with worry. "The Second, Third, and Fourth Princes have colluded with foreign enemies, so mediation might not be that easy. Moreover, the Land of Earth, Land of Lightning, and Land of Wind may not agree to a ceasefire, right?"
Shun stood up and walked to the map, his finger successively pointing at the territories of the Land of Lightning, Land of Earth, and Land of Wind.
"Don't forget, only nine years have passed since the end of the Third Great Ninja War. During this period, the wars between the three countries have been continuous, so their finances are already stretched thin. Their occupation of the Land of Fire's cities this time is also to seize war spoils to alleviate domestic pressure. Our mediation will give them time to digest their spoils, so they will be eager for it."
Hearing this, Shikaku's expression became solemn. He stood up and walked to the map, pointing to the Land of Grass and the Land of Moon surrounding the Land of Fire.
"The Land of Lightning, Land of Earth, and Land of Wind do not border the Land of Fire. Now, by supporting the Land of Fire's princes to divide territory, they will inevitably take the opportunity to open up their borders with the Land of Fire."
"The Land of Grass and the Land of Moon, caught in between, will likely be annexed by the three countries, disappearing completely from the Ninja World map."
"Although the Land of Hot Water and the Land of Rivers have some strength, they will also struggle to resist the expansion of the three countries and will most likely lose a portion of their territory, becoming vassals of the three countries."
He paused, his eyes filled with concern. "If this happens, the situation in the Ninja World will change significantly. The previously scattered small country forces are likely to be annexed one by one. The territories of the three great nations will further expand, which may not be a good thing for the Land of Water."
A hint of approval flashed in Shun's eyes, and he nodded slightly. "Shikaku is right. This is precisely why we need to accelerate the implementation of these three measures and absorb the wealth of the Land of Fire. Only when the Land of Water's economic, cultural, and military strength far surpasses the three countries can we dominate the future landscape."
Genji, seated at the end of the table, had wrinkles on his face, full of the marks of time. "Then how long should the mediation last? If the time is too short, the Land of Fire's wealth will not be fully transferred, and the cultural industry and population policies will not have time to take effect. If the time is too long, the three great nations might not be willing."
Shun picked up the hot tea on the table and gently blew on the steam. "Just five years will be enough for us to attract an immense amount of wealth, allow the cultural industry to take initial shape, and ensure the foreign population management policies take root."
"In just seven years, we can completely control the Land of Fire and let the Land of Water's cultural influence radiate across the entire Ninja World. This way, even if unforeseen changes occur later, we will still hold an absolute advantage."
Hiashi asked, "Then who should be responsible for the relevant policies?"
Shun pondered for a moment, his tone calm. "The cultural industry will be led by Tetsu, who will establish a dedicated Ministry of Culture and invite renowned creators from the Ninja World to produce a series of works that embody the unique characteristics of the Land of Water."
"The foreign population management policy will be handed to Hiashi. I hope it can be refined as soon as possible, ensuring clear clauses and effective implementation."
Tetsu immediately bowed and responded, "Please rest assured, Your Excellency. I will formulate a detailed plan as soon as possible to ensure both tasks progress simultaneously."
Everyone exchanged glances, and the doubts in Minato's eyes vanished.
After the meeting concluded, everyone dispersed, but Tetsu remained.
He bowed and asked, "Your Excellency, what are your plans for the two princes of the Land of Fire? After all, the First Prince once sought our aid, and the Fifth Prince relies on our support. If not handled well, it might lead to complications and affect our plan."
Shun picked up his teacup and took a shallow sip. He said, "The First Prince and the Fifth Prince are key pieces in our plan. I will arrange to meet them, and as for the specific terms of mediation, I will discuss them personally with them. With their endorsement, the nobles will feel more at ease coming to the Land of Water."
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