The former Kazekage's office.
It had now been renamed the Wind Branch Management Office.
Orochimaru sat behind the desk, currently the highest-ranking official in the management office.
The Daimyo had promised him that he would preside here for one year. After that, he would be allowed to return to his research.
"Orochimaru-sama," Fugaku walked in. "The latest public opinion poll is out."
"Sit and tell me," Orochimaru said. Being trusted by the Daimyo and continuously entrusted with important responsibilities had significantly softened his demeanor. He was no longer as unapproachable as before.
"According to the survey," Fugaku said after taking a seat, "thirty percent of the people in the Land of Wind have begun to accept the rule of the Land of Fire."
"Fifty percent remain neutral."
"Among the remaining population, there's strong resistance against us."
Orochimaru nodded. "Not bad. Continue to push forward. Within a year, strive to get the neutral ones to accept the Land of Fire."
"Yes." Fugaku replied. "The survey developed by the Daimyo-sama is truly remarkable. It allows us to intuitively grasp public sentiment."
"Indeed."
The two chatted briefly before Fugaku took his leave. He still had many arrangements to handle.
After Fugaku left, Orochimaru walked over to the window, looking out at what used to be Sunagakure.
The Daimyo's plan was being realized step by step. The Land of Wind would soon truly become part of the Land of Fire.
A new order was being established.
The landscape of the shinobi world had fundamentally changed.
The Land of Fire had, in effect, become the true hegemon of the shinobi world.
At first, he had been half skeptical of the future envisioned by the Daimyo.
Now, seeing it unfold with his own eyes, even he, one of the Sannin, was convinced...
Konoha, Hokage Building.
Outside, the night was deep. Inside the office, the lights were still bright.
Arashi leaned back in his chair, casually tossing a document onto the corner of his desk.
The pile of documents on his desk had already grown so tall it nearly buried him.
There were reports not only from the Land of Fire but also from the Land of Wind.
Where there were natural disasters, where man-made calamities occurred, where there was a grain shortage, where the nobles were being disobedient.
"Conquering an empire is easy. Governing it is hard," Arashi grabbed his teacup and took a big gulp. This was the price of being a ruler.
If these thorns weren't thoroughly removed, the annexation of the Land of Wind would remain an empty promise.
Knock, knock.
A knock sounded at the door.
"Come in."
The door opened. Hiruzen entered with the two Advisors.
"Daimyo-sama, still handling official duties this late?"
Arashi sighed and picked up another document. "I'd like to sleep too, but they won't let me."
He glanced at the file, then tossed the battle report to Hiruzen.
"Take a look. The eastern region of the Land of Wind."
Hiruzen quickly scanned the report while the two Advisors leaned in.
"Wind Resistance forces?" Koharu scoffed. "Just a bunch of stray dogs."
"Stray dogs bite too," Arashi said. "This is already the seventh attack this month. Three people have died, all of them grassroots officials we dispatched."
"Their tactics are underhanded. They target the weak, and the local civilians are protecting them."
"Investigating them is troublesome," Hiruzen said as he closed the report and set it aside.
Homura asked, "What about Orochimaru? Why hasn't he acted?"
"I told him not to," Arashi shook his head.
Orochimaru?
Forget it.
If he went, it would be a massacre.
Whether Resistance forces or civilians, as long as there was suspicion, not a single one would survive.
"No need," Arashi waved his hand. "Killing doesn't solve everything."
"For small-scale riots like this, leave them to Fugaku."
He paused, his tone turning cold.
"Hiruzen, send someone to deliver a message to him."
"Tell him not to just focus on killing. Be more flexible in his thinking."
"One hand holds a blade. The other holds candy."
"Those who lead the unrest, kill their entire families. Hang their heads on the city wall and expose them to the sun for three days."
"As for the rest of the honest people, distribute food and clothing. Tell them that whoever reports the Resistance will receive a reward."
"Let human nature handle human nature."
"These civilians fear hunger. They need to understand that following the Land of Fire means having food. Following the Resistance means death."
Hiruzen nodded silently while a trace of admiration flashed in Koharu's eyes.
This was the approach of a true ruler.
"News from the Land of Lightning says that Kirigakure is getting restless," Homura said after Arashi finished giving instructions.
"Restless? How so?"
"Judging by their movements, Kirigakure intends to establish a foothold. Although there's been no direct conflict with the people of Sunagakure, their expansion is rapid."
"They're anxious," Arashi snorted coldly. "Let them occupy if they want."
"The Land of Wind is not yet stable. It's not suitable to start another war."
"But if they dare to extend their hand into our occupied territory, we'll make sure they suffer."
"Don't worry, Daimyo-sama," Koharu interjected. "Jiraiya-sama has already returned to the base in the Land of Lightning. With him there, there won't be any issues."
"Mm." Arashi nodded. "What about the Land of Water?"
"Evenly matched."
"Evenly matched?"
Koharu replied, "Yes. Neither Yagura Karatachi nor Lady Shizumi's Resistance can overcome the other."
"Let them fight," Arashi said. "If the Kirigakure Resistance falls behind, give them support. If Yagura Karatachi is defeated, then... stop the support."
"Huh? But Lady Shizumi, she…"
"She's the Lady of the Land of Fire, not of Kirigakure."
"…Yes, I understand."
...Land of Water, Kirigakure.
In a secret room adjacent to the Mizukage's office, Uchiha Obito and Black Zetsu were conversing.
"I heard," Black Zetsu said, "the rule of the Land of Fire in the Land of Wind isn't stable."
"A military group called the Wind Resistance has emerged in the western region."
"Mainly made up of remnants of Sunagakure and disgruntled civilians."
"Their numbers aren't large, around two to three hundred, but they're very active."
"This month alone, they've pulled off several attacks and killed quite a few people from the Land of Fire."
Obito said, "You still have time to worry about that? The Kirigakure Resistance right outside hasn't been dealt with yet."
"They're not a threat," Black Zetsu said.
"Not a threat?" Obito snapped. "They've already been recognized by the Daimyo of the Land of Water."
"The Land of Fire is also secretly supporting them. It's clear they're trying to pin us down here."
"So what? Isn't your goal to take down Kirigakure?" Black Zetsu sneered. "What? Are you getting addicted to being Mizukage?"
"Don't forget our plan."
"I haven't forgotten," Obito shot back. "I just don't want to see the Land of Fire become dominant."
"Without Kirigakure, how will Akatsuki and the Land of Rain resist?"
"Don't worry," Black Zetsu said. "I've already sent people to deliver supplies over there."
"As long as the Land of Wind stays chaotic, the Land of Fire will be held up."
"We've already found the location for the Six-Tails' resurrection. Once that's done, we can begin the Tailed Beast collection plan."
"How long will it take?" Obito asked.
"At most, half a year."
"That long?"
"If you hadn't gone so far back then, the plan could've started much earlier. Be patient."
"…Fine."
(To be continued.)