Chapter 277: Two Meetings
The so-called "newlywed bliss" was naturally intense, making one linger day and night. Especially given Dana's monstrous physique—stamina, energy, and endurance were all off the charts. As time went on, Natsu gradually began to wave the white flag.
This was not an enemy she could defeat alone!
She needed teammates!
But compared to the happy married life, the situation in the ninja world was becoming increasingly tense.
To maximize the maneuvering space for Kumogakure and the Land of Lightning, Dana had to temporarily bid farewell to Asuka Castle and embark on a journey to the Land of Water.
Correspondingly, the Third Raikage personally went to the Land of Iron.
The Land of Iron was located to the west of the Land of Lightning, blocking the path from the Land of Earth. Given its unique status as a neutral nation, if they could stabilize the Land of Iron's stance, it would significantly hinder Iwagakure's advance. Ideally, Iwa would have to detour through the Land of Fire to threaten the Cloud's sphere of influence.
The Land of Water, located to the east of the main continent, held a special geographical position. If they stood with the Cloud, most of the Land of Lightning's coastline would be secure.
Conversely, if the Land of Water—or rather, Kirigakure—stood against the Cloud, then nowhere along the Land of Lightning's long coastline would be safe.
Although defense wasn't the Cloud's style, the strategic importance of the Land of Water and Land of Iron was self-evident.
Arriving at the Heavenly Transfer Technique base in the capital, Dodai was already waiting, along with four members of the Special Strategy Division.
Dana nodded to them and entered the delivery pod.
After a brief pause, the group turned into streaks of rainbow light flying toward the horizon.
Landing directly outside the Mist Village would be inappropriate and too sensitive—equivalent to pointing a cannon at their doorstep. So, the group of six flew to the sea outside the Land of Water, then traveled ninja-style for about two hours before arriving at Kirigakure.
Each of the Five Great Villages had its own architectural style. Perhaps to withstand typhoons, most Mist buildings were cylindrical. If you ignored the height, they somewhat resembled the round Tulou (earthen buildings) of Dana's past life.
The Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi, was waiting at the village entrance with his people early on. Not only were there Mist Anbu, but also heavyweight elders like Genji. The reception was grand.
"Mizukage-dono, thank you for waiting."
Yagura replied, "Yotsuki-dono has come from afar; it is only proper."
Since they were treated with courtesy, Dana naturally returned the politeness, especially since he was here to win them over.
According to the rules between the Five Great Villages, a reception involving the Mizukage plus Genji was a bit too high-level. Dana's position in the Cloud was effectively an Elder, similar to Genji or the former Danzo Shimura.
But since the Cloud was now the dominant superpower, and Dana held the status of the Daimyo's husband, in noble terms, he was at the level of a "Prince Consort" (or Prince). [1]
Among the Anbu behind Yagura, an exceptionally bulky figure caught Dana's attention. He couldn't help but smile.
"That must be Fuguki Suikazan, right? I saw him during the Joint Chunin Exams."
The figure stiffened. With his size, wearing a mask made little difference; he was recognizable at a glance. Such a tall and fat physique was rare in the ninja world.
Yagura felt helpless too. Such a unique body type really wasn't suitable for Anbu work. He decided to let Fuguki go back to being one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen properly in the future.
"By the way, there was also a genius from the Kaguya Clan who left a deep impression on me. I wonder how she has grown over the years."
Yagura naturally couldn't say Kaguya Tsuki had defected. Without changing expression, he told Dana the unified official story: "Kaguya Tsuki unfortunately passed away due to her bloodline disease."
Dana was startled and felt a bit regretful. Shikotsumyaku (Dead Bone Pulse) was very powerful. That girl seemed to want to tell him something back then, but he missed it because he was too busy.
It seems anyone from the Kaguya clan with good talent gets the bloodline disease... That girl was like that, and the future Kimimaro will be too.
Dana's group followed Yagura into the village, attracting many gazes. Dana and Yagura walking side by side—one 1.4 meters tall, the other 2.2 meters tall—looked quite comical. However, a ninja shouldn't be shaken by external things, so Yagura remained calm and didn't feel awkward.
Genji, watching Dana's back, sighed internally. As expected of a young talent of the ninja world. Even though he was younger than Yagura, he exuded the aura of a mature ruler.
On the way, they didn't discuss business. Yagura introduced the village, and Dana nodded along, acting like a businessman on a field trip.
After enjoying a Mist-specialty seafood feast, the group arrived at the conference room, and the formal talks began.
Genji spoke first. "Prince Thunder-dono must have important matters to discuss for coming all this way."
Dana waved his hand. "Please just call me Yotsuki or Dana."
The title "Prince Thunder" [1] came from his status as the Daimyo's husband. The "Thunder" part was personally chosen by the Third Raikage to match the widely circulated story of "Thunder God Descending" during the wedding.
And since the husband of the Thunder Daimyo is Prince Thunder, it made perfect sense, right?
But Dana personally felt the title was too chunibyo (cringe/edgy) and shameful.
However, undeniable was that a good title and positioning could enhance the recognition of the current situation among the citizens of the Land of Lightning, so Dana accepted it while holding his nose.
Pausing for a moment, Dana continued, "I came this time for trade."
"Trade?"
Yagura and Genji looked at each other.
They thought he was here to apply pressure.
"Correct. The Land of Water has a special geographical location and many unique products, such as seafood, ores, and fruits. To be honest, although the Land of Lightning is also coastal, our coastline is mostly reefs and cliffs; our produce is far less abundant than yours. Of course, products from the Land of Lightning will also enter the Land of Water. Trade is about reciprocity, isn't it? Profit for both sides."
Genji coughed. "But what you mentioned... although they are products of the Land of Water, they are not products of Kirigakure... Yotsuki-dono should perhaps speak with the Water Daimyo's Office?"
The Mist Village didn't mine, fish, or grow fruits.
Dana steepled his fingers. "The ninja world likely won't be peaceful in the near future. To have stable trade relations, the Daimyo's Office can't achieve it; we need the Mist's support. So, rather than doing business with the Water Daimyo and having him order the Mist around, why don't I cooperate directly with your village?"
"Middlemen are unnecessary, aren't they?"
Land of Rivers.
Meanwhile, a more secretive meeting was taking place in the Land of Rivers.
This small country sandwiched between the Land of Wind and Land of Fire had always lacked presence. But today, in an ordinary town in its northern region, several heavyweights had gathered.
Fourth Hokage - Sakumo Hatake, with guards Minato Namikaze and Fugaku Uchiha.
Third Tsuchikage - Onoki, with guards Kitsuchi and Han.
Third Kazekage - "Iron Sand" (Name not canon, often fan-named, let's stick to Third Kazekage), with guards Rasa and Sasori.
Three of the six Kages of the ninja world had gathered in this obscure place for unknown reasons.
The eldest, Onoki, acted as the organizer. This secret Kage Summit was indeed facilitated by the Land of Earth and Iwagakure.
"The kid Mizukage said he encountered a situation and couldn't make it. Looks like it's just the three of us."
Sakumo nodded. "Tsuchikage-dono, why have you invited us here?"
The Third Kazekage added, "I certainly didn't expect such a hidden location."
Onoki sneered. "It's a secret meeting; we couldn't exactly hold it in the Land of Iron. As for why I called you two here... don't you know in your hearts?"
The group fell silent. Both the three Kages and their guards looked grave.
"War... is likely not far away."