Chapter 122: Movements on All Sides
The Land of Rice Fields is a small, relatively peaceful nation bordering the Great Nation of Konoha. True to its name, its land is extremely fertile, making it a country rich in agricultural output. It couldn't be called poor, but it wasn't wealthy either.
Most of its citizens were honest, simple farmers, naturally inclined to be passive and submissive.
As a small, resource-rich nation without a Hidden Village to protect it, the Land of Rice Fields was inevitably targeted by various underground forces, such as rogue ninja. Consequently, the once-modestly comfortable lives of its citizens quickly devolved into suffering and hardship.
Establishing the Foothold
Three years ago, Orochimaru arrived in the Land of Rice Fields, the very place where he would establish the Hidden Sound Village in his previous life.
Armed with the experience of his past life, Orochimaru immediately took decisive action upon arriving. Through a combination of suppression, appeasement, and intimidation, he swiftly gathered and subdued all the major and minor rogue ninja and underground forces, constructing a fledgling, initial version of his own power base.
However, Orochimaru knew that the Kage and schemers of the major nations could not possibly be ignorant of these movements. Therefore, still operating under the title of the Hokage's disciple, he informed Sarutobi, received tacit approval, and quickly established his own Konoha outpost on this familiar land.
Orochimaru was also keenly aware that the abundant agricultural output of the Land of Rice Fields had always been coveted by the surrounding Great Nations. Among the underground forces Orochimaru dealt with, there were inevitably some with ties to the higher-ups of the major nations. His forceful, sweeping purge had undoubtedly infringed upon the interests of these other nations.
Therefore, after consolidating his power in the Land of Rice Fields, Orochimaru immediately dispatched agents to negotiate terms with the major nations: all agricultural output would be sold at a low price.
As for how low the price was, and what the original price was, that was an entirely different matter of shrewd negotiation.
While Orochimaru's method wasn't subtle, it provided the high-ranking officials of the other nations with a graceful way out. Since their national interests could be guaranteed, they naturally chose to turn a blind eye.
Besides, what kind of trouble could a small country, barely the size of a handprint on the map, possibly cause?
Orochimaru believed that the high-ranking officials of every nation fundamentally held this view, which played right into his hands. He used various subtle tactics to obscure his true intentions, blurring the vision of the major nations' leaders while discreetly setting his pieces and grand strategy into motion.
After consolidating the various forces in the Land of Rice Fields, Orochimaru immediately traveled throughout the Ninja World continent. This served two purposes: first, to draw attention away from himself and his activities among the major nations' leaders; and second, to gather numerous exceptionally talented children, whom he brought back to the Land of Rice Fields to meticulously instruct, rapidly cultivating his power base.
The Looming Threat
Now, Orochimaru sat in the high-backed chair, holding the intelligence scroll from the Land of Wind. He frowned slightly, his pale fingers tapping a rhythmic "thump, thump, thump—" on the desktop.
The atmosphere in the room grew heavy, pressuring the two individuals standing by the chair.
The crisp tapping sound subtly synchronized with their heartbeats, creating immense psychological stress.
It wasn't long before beads of cold sweat began to appear on their foreheads.
After a long silence, Orochimaru muttered, almost to himself: "A massive sandstorm disaster... it seems what must come, will come."
The two standing nearby could vaguely hear the murmur but were utterly confused.
Orochimaru's meaning was profound. Yes, this sandstorm disaster was not a natural event, but rather...
Orochimaru's gaze was somewhat unfocused: The Second Great Ninja War is finally about to begin!
Composing himself, Orochimaru called out in a low voice: "Ryūya!"
"Yes, Lord Orochimaru!" The man with the pink hair and golden eyes immediately responded.
"Deploy three more units of your spies to the Land of Wind. For the next six months, I want to track every single movement in the Land of Wind, at least to the maximum extent currently possible!" Orochimaru commanded.
"Yes, Lord Orochimaru!" Katō Ryūya sensed something acute but couldn't quite grasp it.
Before Katō Ryūya could dwell on the cold intent behind Orochimaru's words, another command, laced with killing intent, erupted from Orochimaru's wicked lips: "Send two teams of the Black Serpent Squad to eliminate the women who are close to those faction leaders! Issue a warning to them: don't think that I, Orochimaru, am unaware of their petty schemes!"
Katō Ryūya excitedly rubbed his hands together: "Yes, Lord Orochimaru! Milord, I wonder if I can have those women? I am severely lacking in experimental material for my Ninjutsu development!"
Orochimaru pondered: "Have you already used up all the condemned prisoners we acquired this year?"
"Lord Orochimaru, as you know, experimental material is always lacking, especially ninja material. Furthermore, many of the condemned prisoners are single-use 'consumables.' While they are not entirely used up, they soon will be!" Katō Ryūya explained.
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes, considering the request: "You may have those women. However, no matter what else happens, keep these experiments very discreet. Use condemned prisoners and renegade ninja as subjects whenever possible!"
Cold sweat immediately broke out on Katō Ryūya's forehead again. He understood the hidden meaning in Orochimaru's words: if he failed to be discreet and was discovered, the consequences for him would be anything but pleasant.
"Go and see to it," Orochimaru said, waving his hand at Katō Ryūya.
He then addressed Sakumo: "You go and train."
Sakumo nodded respectfully. Though Sakumo had grown more reserved over the past three years, his sword skills and strength had improved by leaps and bounds under Orochimaru's tutelage, deepening his reverence and submission to Orochimaru.
The two men exchanged no words and bowed before leaving.
Matters of the Heart
After the door closed, Orochimaru spoke to the room, which appeared to hold only himself: "Chi!"
"I am here, Master!" A figure slid out of the shadows of the room.
"How many of the Golden Serpent Squad have been sent into Konoha?" Orochimaru asked, rubbing his brow.
"Only thirty percent have been sent into Konoha, but under Aotori's arrangement, they have already infiltrated the lower ranks of the Konoha ninja!" Chi replied.
Orochimaru calculated for a moment before saying: "Slow the pace. Everything must be predicated on secrecy. The war is about to begin. That will be our time to act!"
"Yes, Master!" Chi answered, bowing without question.
A fleeting look of softness crossed Orochimaru's dark-golden eyes, and his tone eased slightly: "How is Maji doing now?"
"Sh-she's... doing very well, Master. She just... mentions you often!" Chi stammered.
A rare, gentle smile appeared on Orochimaru's pale, handsome face.
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