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The Land of Water, Hidden Mist Village.
The daimyo of the Land of Water was meeting with the Fourth Mizukage of Kirigakure, Yagura Karatachi.
"Water Shadow, I assume you're already aware of what's been happening in Konoha," the daimyo began.
Yagura nodded and responded, "My lord, I was just about to report this matter to you. Konoha has been repeatedly attacked, and their strength has fallen by more than half. Sunagakure has also lost a large number of shinobi, including their Kazekage. Iwagakure and Kumogakure are both stirring along the borderlines. Upon receiving this news, I've already dispatched units to lie in wait. Once the war begins, they'll be ready to deploy immediately. Konoha, Iwa, Kumo, Suna—whenever an opportunity arises, all the villages will become our targets! Leave the upcoming battles to us. Kirigakure will secure the greatest benefit for the Land of Water!"
"Hmm, yes, good... Very well, it's in your hands!" The daimyo watched Yagura with a puzzled expression, wondering why Yagura seemed so eager to send Kiri straight into chaos.
The Land of Wind, the daimyo's castle.
Maki arrived at the daimyo's residence with Gaara, his face heavy with concern. In preparation for the impending war, they hoped to secure some supplies from the daimyo of Wind.
However, given the daimyo's notorious stinginess, their hopes were slim at best.
"Hah!? Sunagakure needs funds to prepare for war?" The daimyo of Wind exclaimed dramatically, causing Maki's heart to sink.
"Do you really think such matters require a personal visit? Proceed as you see fit! All supplies will be provided by me. How dare Fire Country demand reparations from me? It's infuriating!" The daimyo turned to the silent Gaara and said, "So, you're the new Kazekage? Teach them a lesson on my behalf!"
This unexpected turn of events caught Maki completely off guard. He quickly nudged Gaara, prompting him to nod and respond, "Please rest assured. Sunagakure will eliminate all obstacles."
After dismissing the Suna delegation, who had come "begging," the daimyo of Wind sneered coldly. "Hmph, gutter rats. Did you really think I didn't know that behind my back, you all call me the 'foolish daimyo'? But if I didn't cater to Fire Country, how could the meager resources of Wind Country sustain so many people? Shinobi are selfish creatures—they only think of themselves and their villages, never considering the lives of ordinary citizens."
As soon as the daimyo finished speaking, a group of courtesans rushed over. "Master~ I've set my eyes on a new dress~ I really, really want it~"
The daimyo immediately grinned and replied, "Buy it, go buy it right away!"
"Master~ I want one too~"
"Master~ And me..."
"Hehe, everything you desire, everything~"
The Land of Iron, Mount Sanbi.
Samurai General Mifune was in remote communication with the various daimyos.
Upon hearing the demands of the daimyos, Mifune's expression grew grave. He fell into deep thought, leaving the impatient daimyos waiting for an extended period.
The daimyo of Lightning Country frowned and said, "Mifune, why haven't you responded yet? Are you samurai planning to betray your lords as well?"
Startled, Mifune quickly replied, "I am deeply honored. The samurai of Iron Country all hail from warrior families, and loyalty is the sole belief engraved in our hearts! Moreover, it is precisely because of our lords' efforts that the shinobi agreed not to attack Iron Country, giving us a place to call home. Now that our lords have need of us, we will gladly give our lives! I was merely contemplating how best to fulfill this mission."
Mifune's words softened the daimyos' expressions. Shinobi were untrustworthy—just look at the Twelve Guardian Ninja of Fire Country, with a fifty percent chance of betrayal. Too risky.
Though the daimyos hadn't fully grasped the threat posed by the shinobi, they instinctively preserved the power of the samurai. Iron Country was established and sustained through their collective efforts.
Mifune continued, "Though it may sound like admitting weakness, Iron Country's strength still cannot compare to the Five Great Shinobi Villages. If we directly participate in the war, it might provoke the shinobi's hostility. Instead, let Iron Country play the role of mediator."
"How so?"
"When one of the two warring villages begins to falter, Iron Country can step in under the guise of promoting peace and urge both sides to cease hostilities. However, once the balance of the battlefield is disrupted, peace becomes impossible. At that point, Iron Country can intervene as an ally to the weaker side until equilibrium is restored. Then, we slowly withdraw. This approach allows Iron Country to maintain moral high ground, avoiding retaliation from the shinobi while prolonging the war, continuously draining their forces."
The daimyos pondered for a moment before agreeing to Mifune's plan. All actions regarding Iron Country were placed entirely in his hands. Afterward, the remote communication ended.
Once the screens went dark, Mifune sighed softly. He had always known this day would come for Iron Country.
But...
"Even though samurai have been studying ways to incorporate chakra into swordsmanship, our progress pales in comparison to the shinobi. At this rate, samurai will eventually fade from history. Rather than vanishing quietly..."
Mifune's gaze hardened with resolve. "We might as well make the most of our remaining strength and allow the samurai to shine one last time in this world!"
"A true samurai does not die in bed! Being wrapped in armor and falling on the battlefield is our honor!"
The winds of chaos had swept across the entire shinobi world. After Sunagakure's declaration of war, everyone knew the Fourth Shinobi World War was inevitable.
Not only the major villages but even smaller ones were actively preparing, waiting for the opportune moment.
As previously stated, chaos is the ladder to advancement.
At this very moment, Mujin and Karin had already left the borders of Fire Country and entered the Land of Bears.
According to intelligence from Kusagakure's ANBU, Uchiha Itachi and Kisame Hoshigaki had attacked Jiraiya and Naruto Uzumaki just one day after leaving Konoha.
Of course, their assault failed once again, though Naruto did sustain minor injuries, forcing Jiraiya to halt for two days to recover.
As for Tsunade's whereabouts, the ANBU still had no leads. Mujin instructed them to search outward from Tanzaku Town.
In the meantime, they couldn't afford to waste time. Strengthening themselves and avoiding premature death on their path of vengeance was their top priority.
Especially now that Akatsuki and the Five Great Shinobi Nations were involved, the likelihood of encountering shadow-level opponents was increasing.
Both Mujin and Karin had paused their training of the Eight Gates technique at the fourth gate—a skill that required time to master and couldn't be rushed.
However, Mujin had already completed the binding technique he'd obtained from Grass Country. This technique shared similarities with barrier and sealing techniques, allowing him to progress rapidly.
Karin had also mastered the Multi-Shadow Clone Technique—after all, even Naruto could learn it with just a glance, so it wasn't particularly difficult.
Moreover, after a "friendly" exchange with Samehada, they had reached a preliminary agreement. At least until Kisame returned, the sentient blade would cooperate willingly.
With Samehada in their possession, they no longer needed to flee when facing Chiyo-baasama. Aside from her poisons, they had little to fear.
Two days later, Mujin and Karin arrived at their destination—the Star Ninja Village in the Land of Bears.