Naruto: The Hyuga Mastermind

Chapter 175: The Daimyō of the Land of Wind: "I've Already Sold Out Sunagakure"

"Thank you very much for the support from Kumogakure and Iwagakure. With the two of you here, I'm relieved."

With Kohei the jōnin stepping aside, Uchiya Shinji stepped forward to shake hands with Yugito and Kitsuchi, both of whom were concealing their appearances under hooded cloaks.

Yugito responded with a cold nod, while Kitsuchi was much more amicable, smiling as he said, "The Land of Fire's invasion of the Land of Wind is nothing short of blatant ambition. Iwagakure will do its best to help Sunagakure through this crisis."

"We are counting on you," Uchiya Shinji said, nodding as he glanced at the ninjas accompanying Yugito and Kitsuchi, frowning slightly.

There were quite a few jōnin among them. While there weren't any other renowned shinobi, it was clear that both the Lands of Lightning and Earth were taking this support mission seriously.

"When the daimyō mentioned reinforcements, I thought it meant troops from other regions. I didn't expect it to mean the two of you," Uchiya Shinji remarked, sounding reflective before asking outright, "What is Kumogakure's and Iwagakure's stance on this war? Besides the forces you've brought, will the Lands of Lightning and Earth launch offensives against the Land of Fire?"

"Apologies, I'm not privy to that information," Yugito replied, shaking her head. Kitsuchi also passed on a diplomatic response.

"Our village hasn't fully recovered from the losses in the last war. Don't get your hopes too high."

So, the Land of Lightning was still undecided about deploying more troops, and the Land of Earth was looking to minimize its losses?

Reading between the lines, Uchiya Shinji narrowed his eyes but maintained a smile. "That's fine. Perhaps I was being greedy. With the two of you here, we'll be able to execute our battle strategy."

"Battle strategy?"

"Please, come inside, and I'll explain in detail about the Land of Fire's movements and their current vulnerabilities."

Uchiya Shinji gestured invitingly, preparing to lead Kitsuchi and Yugito into the conference room, when a ninja arrived with a report.

"Elder Shinji, another group has arrived at the Rōran defense line."

"Give them the usual supplies."

"Yes!"

After watching the ninja leave, Kitsuchi and Yugito followed Uchiya Shinji into the room, their curiosity piqued. "There's still a defensive line at Rōran?"

Kitsuchi had heard of Rōran, the small kingdom within a kingdom located not far from Moonlight Castle. He hadn't expected Sunagakure to reuse it.

If left undetected, it could indeed serve as a surprise advantage.

"Yes, there's a massive underground cavity there, perfect for resting and regrouping. I've redeployed a unit to make use of it. From the outside, it's impossible to spot."

Uchiya Shinji explained calmly, "Additionally, it seems the Ryūmyaku chakra in that area is beginning to recover, creating a unique chakra field that interferes with typical sensory ninjutsu, making it even harder to detect hidden forces there."

"Ryūmyaku?"

"It is the hope for Sunagakure's revival."

Uchiya Shinji offered only that cryptic response, refraining from elaborating further. Instead, he shifted the conversation to their upcoming actions, leaving Kitsuchi and Yugito to ponder the significance of the Ryūmyaku.

Meanwhile, Kohei, who had followed them, silently reflected on the potential.

He had been so focused on the tailed beasts that he had completely forgotten about the treasure that lay within their own Land of Wind. If they could harness the Ryūmyaku, Sunagakure might still have a chance to rise again.

The Ryūmyaku was a powerful chakra source born under unique environmental conditions. Even if its current reserves were depleted or exhausted, it would eventually regenerate, continuing to accumulate until some distant day when seismic changes caused it to vanish entirely.

It was truly a treasure exclusive to the Land of Wind!

According to Uchiya Shinji, the Ryūmyaku's gradual revival had already been reported to the daimyō and received his approval.

No matter what, they had to hold the Land of Fire at bay here. If the Ryūmyaku fell into the hands of the Land of Fire, Sunagakure would never have another chance to prosper.

Kohei silently steeled himself.

"According to intelligence, the Land of Fire is fortifying its stronghold, clearly preparing for a prolonged campaign."

Uchiya Shinji laid out the intelligence and photographs gathered by their operatives for Yugito and Kitsuchi to review. "That stronghold originally belonged to us. By its size, it can hold up to 5,000 ninjas and serve as a forward base. If they're allowed to establish themselves there, it will be very difficult for us to regain the upper hand."

Yugito glanced at the photos, then exchanged a look with Kitsuchi.

Judging by the methodical approach the Land of Fire was taking, it was clear they intended to annex the Land of Wind.

"They don't yet know about your arrival. We can use this to catch them off guard."

The forces led by Yugito and Kitsuchi had entered Sunagakure's camp in Moonlight Castle discreetly, avoiding the Land of Fire's notice.

In fact, even Moonlight Castle's defenders had only learned of their arrival when they presented the daimyō's decree. Clearly, the daimyō had kept the alliance with the Lands of Lightning and Earth a closely guarded secret.

They were meant to be a hidden trump card.

But for this so-called "trump card," the daimyō had likely sold out significant interests and secrets from Sunagakure. How many of Sunagakure's techniques and resources had been traded to secure this support? Uchiya Shinji didn't know for certain, but he could imagine.

The Land of Wind was already crumbling, and the Land of Fire was far too powerful. The only thing that could interest the other nations enough to send reinforcements was Sunagakure's core secrets.

With both Yugito and Kitsuchi personally involved, it was clear that what had been offered wasn't trivial. It must have been Sunagakure's most guarded techniques and knowledge.

At this point… Sunagakure was no more than a shadow of its former self.

Glancing at Kohei, whose face was alight with hope, Uchiya Shinji sighed inwardly.

Fools are blessed with ignorance. Kohei still hadn't grasped what Kumogakure's and Iwagakure's support truly signified…

"An offensive strategy, then?"

After a moment of thought, Yugito and Kitsuchi nodded in unison. "We have no objections."

Uchiya Shinji exhaled lightly and continued, "Our enemies include Hatake Sakumo's son, the Three-Tails jinchūriki Kakashi, and a Mangekyō Sharingan user. Together, their defense and attack capabilities will be formidable, so we must split them up. Unfortunately, we've been unable to locate the Land of Fire's supply lines…"

Kitsuchi chuckled. "Leave that to me. With my Ultra-Added-Weight Rock Technique, I can conduct aerial reconnaissance."

"I'll leave it in your capable hands," Uchiya Shinji replied with a nod.

If they could pinpoint the supply lines, they might be able to stagger their attacks and separate those two powerhouses.

"The daimyō has also approved my request to transfer part of the forces stationed on the northwestern border here. By tomorrow, we should have around 6,000 shinobi gathered, as well as…"

The group discussed their plans late into the night before finally retiring.

When Yugito and Kitsuchi left the meeting room, they had already used Transformation Jutsu to take on the appearance of Sunagakure shinobi, temporarily "defecting" into the Sand forces.

Kitsuchi glanced at the camp, noting the lack of puppeteers, and commented quietly, "This is strange. Where are all the puppeteers in Sunagakure?"

Puppetry was a core tradition of Sunagakure, and it was rare for a squad not to include at least one puppeteer. The near-complete absence here was puzzling.

"I've only just arrived. How would I know?" Yugito replied coolly. "Perhaps they've been stationed at Rōran. Are you asking because Iwagakure's payment for support is puppetry techniques?"

"Not at all," Kitsuchi said, his expression neutral. "Iwagakure specializes in Earth Release; puppetry isn't well-suited to us. Speaking of which, is Kumogakure after Magnetic Release techniques?"

"We already have Magnetic Release users. Why would we want more?" Yugito countered calmly.

The two exchanged a glance, then looked away, silently grumbling to themselves.

Sunagakure's core techniques had clearly been offered as payment. The daimyō of the Land of Wind had utterly sold out the village.

But… they didn't mind.

A daimyō like this, willing to sell out their own nation, truly brought joy to foreign powers!

(End of Chapter)