Naruto: I'm in Konoha, my name is Uzumaki Menma

Chapter 212 You're really ruthless!

Winter sunlight streamed through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the mirror-like corridor floors of the Star City administration building.

Menma walked steadily ahead, her black hair concealing a pair of calm, deep blue eyes.

Beside him stood Vanilla Whirlpool, her brow furrowed.

Half a step behind her was Kushina Uzumaki, her expression a mixture of curiosity and感慨. Her ashen skin and the fine black cracks on her face were particularly striking in the sunlight.

Beside Kushina, Vanilla Uzumaki's usual gentle expression was replaced by a hint of seriousness as she glanced at Kushina from time to time.

That head of red hair, could it be...?

“Vanilla,” Menma’s voice broke the silence of the corridor. He turned his head slightly and gestured to Kushina behind him: “This is my mother, Uzumaki Kushina.”

His tone was calm and natural, as if he were introducing an ordinary friend he hadn't seen in a long time.

Vanilla whirl paused slightly, her brown eyes, which always held a gentle smile, widening instantly, filled with undisguised surprise and inquiry.

She quickly performed a formal bow, her voice filled with incredible excitement and respect: "Lady Kushina! Greetings!"

"Nice to meet you. I am Uzumaki Herba, a branch of the Uzumaki clan. Thanks to Lord Shura's rescue, I was able to escape the suffering of Kusagakure and settle here."

Her gaze lingered for a moment on Kushina's ashen face and the cracks in her skin, before settling on the other's striking red hair, which was just as vibrant as her own. Her tone was genuinely warm, yet tinged with a hint of confusion: "I never imagined that besides Karin and me, there were other surviving members of the Uzumaki clan! I wonder where you were before, Madam...?"

Vanilla was just a low-level "blood pack" in Kusagakure, with almost no information about the outside world, let alone knowing about Kushina, who was a very mysterious figure even within Konoha.

Kushina returned a friendly smile, though the crack made the smile look somewhat strange: "Hello, Vanilla. It's a long story... I used to live in Konoha."

She briefly touched on the topic without going into detail about her "current situation" or past.

"Konoha?!" Vanilla was even more surprised.

As a member of the Uzumaki clan who experienced the destruction of Uzushiogakure and suffered greatly in Kusagakure, her feelings toward Konoha were extremely complex.

She hadn't expected that Menma-sama's mother was from Konoha, and judging from Menma-sama's attitude, their relationship seemed... rather special?
She suppressed her doubts and nodded politely, "I see. It's wonderful to see someone of my kind in the Star Kingdom."

Vanilla's tone was sincere, but the sense of alienation towards Konoha deep in her eyes had not completely disappeared.

The three continued on their way, and the atmosphere, after a brief moment of warmth, was quickly replaced by the prospect of facing the office.

Pushing open the door to the top-floor office, a heavy atmosphere immediately hits you.

The atmosphere in the spacious and simple office was somber.

Uchiha Hikari leaned against the huge floor-to-ceiling window with her arms crossed. Her dark blue high-necked clan dress accentuated her tall and straight figure, and her long, dark hair cascaded down her back. Her cool profile appeared somewhat blurred in the winter sunlight streaming in from the window.

When he saw Kushina behind Menma, Hikaru Uchiha's domineering aura changed, and he lowered his head slightly.

Miya Shiro stood beside the desk, his eyes hidden behind diamond-shaped sunglasses.

There was also the shrine maiden Miroku sitting on the sofa in the reception area, dressed in a solemn shrine maiden outfit, with a calm demeanor and a sorrowful concern between her brows.

The three of them turned their gazes almost simultaneously the moment the door opened.

"Lord Shura!" Miyajo En and Miroku both stood up and bowed.

"Those nobles! How dare they be so treacherous!" Uchiha Hikaru's cold voice carried undisguised killing intent: "Let me go and slaughter all those ignorant ants!"

Her words made the air in the room seem to be thick with the smell of blood.

Miyajo En pushed up his sunglasses, his voice low and calm: "My lord, Lady Vanilla must have already reported the situation. The other party's actions must be punished with swift and decisive measures to deter such villains."

Maitreya did not speak, but his hand tightened slightly, and his purple eyes looked at Mianma with a hint of worry and inquiry.

She abhorred killing, but also deeply resented the behavior of the nobles of the Land of Shadows and the Land of Swamps.

Menma walked calmly behind the large desk and gestured for Kushina to sit on the sofa next to him and rest.

His gaze swept over the murderous Uchiha Hikaru, the calmly offering advice Miyajo En, and the silent Miroku, finally settling on Uzumaki Kaoru who had followed him in.

"Guang, calm down." Mianma's voice wasn't loud, but it instantly suppressed the murderous aura that filled the room.

"They're just two small countries that don't even have their own ninja villages and are internally corrupt. This is a trivial matter and not worth your personal attention."

Uchiha Hikaru frowned, his black pupils flickering, clearly unconvinced: "Are we just going to let them bully our ninjas?"

"Of course not." Menma's lips curled into a very faint smile, exuding an air of complete confidence.

He straightened up and said in a calm tone, "Perfect, give the people below a chance to gain experience."

He then looked at the swirling vanilla: "I remember that in the agricultural cooperation project, it was Wu Tai who led the team and was responsible for technical guidance??"

Vanilla immediately nodded: "Yes, sir. Wu Tai Jonin is very experienced and highly skilled in both Earth Release and Water Release. He has participated in many land reclamation projects in the country. In this operation, he is leading a professional team of Earth Release and Water Release to oversee land reclamation work. After the encirclement, Wu Tai Jonin was very calm and restrained and did not actively kill anyone."

"Hmm." Menma tapped his fingers lightly on the smooth tabletop.

He pondered the choice of personnel: "Let Firefly lead the team, along with Kimimaro, Yukimi, and Shiro. Set off immediately for the Land of the Dark to meet up with Gota."

He looked at Uchiha Hikaru: "With the strength and composure of the Jonin Hotaru, plus Kimimaro with the Shikotsumyaku, Haku who is proficient in Ice Release, and Yukimi, plus Gota and the original technical support team, such a lineup is enough to easily suppress any armed resistance within a small to medium-sized country."

Menma's eyes held absolute trust in his subordinates' abilities.

Although Uchiha Hikaru was still somewhat eager to try, upon hearing Menma's list of generals, especially with Kimimaro and Haku on it, he knew that this was already a very strong combination.

She gave a soft snort: "Then leave it to them. I hope these brats won't disappoint me."

The "little devil" she was referring to was clearly Kimimaro and Haku.

"Then, what are the specific action instructions?" Uchiha Hikaru asked again, so that he could issue orders directly to Hotaru, Kimimaro, and others, as well as Gota, who was in the Land of the Darkness, through the inscription.

“Support Uta and ensure the safety of all our personnel. Control the situation and do not actively escalate the conflict for the time being, but if the other side launches an attack—” Menma’s voice turned cold.

"We are permitted to use all necessary means for self-defense and counterattack until the other side loses its ability to pose a threat. The primary objective is to protect our personnel and the newly reclaimed land from destruction."

"Understood." Uchiha Hikaru nodded and began to devise a plan for information transmission.

Menma then turned his gaze to Miyajo En.

This former wandering ninja has now succeeded Gato as the influential Finance Minister of the Star Kingdom, responsible for the country's economic and commercial development. His skills and abilities are outstanding.

"En," Menma asked, "In what specific areas do the Star Country, the Dark Country, and the Swamp Country still have economic exchanges?" En immediately got into the zone, as if opening an account book, his voice clear and organized: "My lord, thanks to your 'large-scale agricultural development' strategy, as well as the large-scale investment of special resources in farmland irrigation construction, high-yield rice seed research and development, and large-scale fertilizer production, although our Star Country only occupies about a quarter of the plains in the middle and lower reaches of the Dark River Plain, the area of ​​high-quality arable land we have developed has far exceeded the total area of ​​the Dark Country and the Swamp Country."

He took out a scroll report and showed it to everyone: "Currently, our country's annual grain output is enough to feed tens of millions of people; it has more than tripled compared to three years ago! We have ample reserves and a large surplus to sell to neighboring countries. Moreover, with the promotion of new agricultural technologies and the in-depth application of chakra in breeding and yield increase, this number continues to grow steadily."

Miyajo En changed the subject, pointing to the locations of the Land of the Darkness and the Land of the Swamp on the map: "On the other hand, the Land of the Darkness and the Land of the Swamp suffered from severe floods this summer, followed by an unprecedented locust plague in autumn. Grain production plummeted, the number of displaced people surged, and social unrest intensified. To address their urgent needs, they recently purchased a large amount of affordable grain from our country through official and private grain merchants for disaster relief."

He paused, a slight smile playing on his lips: "At the same time, over 70% of the trade volume of the two countries' main export specialties, such as the rare aquatic products of the Swamp Country and the special timber and herbs of the Dark Country, is circulated and settled through the international market established by our Star Country. It can be said that a large part of their economic lifeline is in our hands."

Miya Shiro's voice lowered slightly, carrying a hint of unintentional amusement: "My lord, should we impose severe economic sanctions on them?"

"For example, we could have major grain traders with whom we have close ties raise prices 'appropriately' for the grain supplied to both countries and control the volume of shipments."

As soon as Miyajo En finished speaking, the office fell silent, and the temperature seemed to drop suddenly.

Vanilla Whirlpool frowned, her face revealing clear disapproval and worry.

The Maitreya priestess whispered a prayer and shook her head with sorrow.

Miyajo En's plan was simple: manipulate grain prices!

The Land of Stars is now the largest food exporter and international trade center in the western region of the ninja world.

If we do as Miyajo En suggests, the price of rice in the Land of Darkness and the Land of Swamps will surely skyrocket within a month.

Those nobles and famous figures would even fuel the fire, driving up grain prices in order to reap huge profits.

The lower classes, already on the verge of famine, will soon fall into despair because they cannot afford rice, which could lead to large-scale riots or even uprisings.

Given the inherent cruelty and shortsightedness of those nobles and daimyo, they would never open their granaries to distribute grain or lower grain prices in the face of an angry populace. Instead, they would send out their armies, composed of ordinary people, and hire wandering samurai, wandering ninjas, and a few small ninjas from within the country to carry out bloody suppression and massacres of the rioting populace.

At that time, public resentment will boil over, and social order will completely collapse. The Star Kingdom will then be able to raise the banner of "upholding humanity" and "protecting civilians" to intervene in the two countries in a legitimate way, eliminate the corrupt aristocratic ruling class, and completely incorporate these two lands into the Star Kingdom's territory!

"You're really ruthless!" Vanilla Whirlpool couldn't help but exclaim, "This will kill so many innocent civilians! They're just poor people being exploited by the nobles!"

Even Uchiha Hikaru, who longed for battle, frowned slightly at this insidious plan that used famine and the suffering of the people as weapons to overthrow the country.

Maitreya shook his head slightly and whispered, "Hatred only breeds new hatred... This is not justice."

Menma listened quietly to Miyajou's analysis and suggestions, her face expressionless.

He walked to the huge floor-to-ceiling window and looked down at the bustling, orderly, and vibrant Star City below.

Sunlight streamed onto the rows of buildings, the streets were bustling with pedestrians, and children played in the park.

It's hard to imagine that all this prosperity and stability occurred just three years ago when the place was filled with poverty, famine, and chaos, no different from other countries in the ninja world.

A moment later, Menma turned around, his gaze sweeping over everyone before finally settling on Miyajou En. He slowly shook his head: "En, your plan is indeed highly efficient and feasible. But..."

His gaze was deep, and he slowly shook his head: "Too vicious."

"Those who will ultimately lose their lives to hunger, riots, and the swords of nobles are not cold numbers, but living, unarmed ordinary people. They are victims of this chaotic era, just like the people of our Star Kingdom."

"Our goal is to end the chaos and create a peaceful world, not to use any means necessary to achieve it, including employing famine as a weapon to create even greater tragedy. What essential difference is there between us and those corrupt nobles?"

His gaze sharpened as he looked at Miyajo En: "I understand your considerations from our side, but remember, the foundation of the Star Kingdom is the will of the people, not fear and scheming."

Menma's words relieved Vanilla and Miroku, and Kushina, who had been watching silently from the side, also showed approval in her eyes.

Miya Shirohime was silent for a moment, then lowered his head: "Your Excellency is truly merciful."

"It was my oversight and my eagerness for quick success that led me to this." He bowed slightly. "I leave everything to your decision, sir."

Although he bowed his head and admitted his mistake, his eyes behind his sunglasses flickered, clearly indicating that he had not completely given up on his own ideas, but knew that it was not the right time to argue.

Menma knew that Miyajo En was such a cunning person. In the original work, he was able to make an equal deal with Orochimaru, use Sasuke to help his daughter get rid of her hatred, and even used Kumogakure and the Fourth Raikage A to destroy that den of iniquity.

Menma also knew that it was difficult to change an adult's thoughts and values, so he did not forcibly correct Miyajo En's thoughts. Instead, he walked to the huge strategic sand table, pointed his finger at the land marked as the "reconstruction zone" in the lower reaches of the You River, and then traced the map of the You Kingdom and the Swamp Kingdom.

"Sanctions are necessary, but they must not harm innocent people."

He decisively ordered: "Immediately suspend all official and large-scale private commercial exchanges between the Star Kingdom and the Dark Kingdom and the Swamp Kingdom, citing 'force majeure leading to a deterioration of the trade environment'! This includes grain trade, mineral transactions, and settlement channels for specialty product exports! However, maintain channels for small-scale, strictly vetted humanitarian supplies. At the same time, Yan, your Commercial Intelligence Department, in coordination with Vanilla's Administrative Intelligence Department, will conduct large-scale propaganda within both countries, especially in disaster-stricken areas and major cities!"

"The propaganda should focus on exposing the despicable acts of those nobles who broke agreements, seized land, drove out poor farmers, and besieged the Star Ninja! Emphasize that the Star Ninja's land reclamation was to help the poor people of both countries make a living! Clearly point out that it was their greed and dishonesty that forced the Star Kingdom to suspend all aid and trade! Direct the public's resentment precisely at those nobles and daimyo!"

“Miroku,” Menma looked at the priestess, “we need to rely on your strength and prestige, along with the shrine maidens and priests. Please immediately organize a group of people, carrying the food provided by our Star Kingdom, to distribute porridge widely in the disaster-stricken areas of the Kingdoms of Yu and Nu, especially in areas where refugees gather, in the name of the ‘Star Kingdom Shrine’ to relieve the disaster victims! At the same time, convey the goodwill of the Star Kingdom and the true reason why we were forced to suspend aid to the disaster victims. The action must be swift, large-scale, and as high-profile as possible!”

A hint of worry flashed in Miroku's eyes, but he still nodded vigorously: "Protecting all living beings and guiding good thoughts is the duty of a priestess. I will arrange for them to set off immediately."

"Finally," he looked at Whirlpool Vanilla, "inform Firefly and Wutai that once reinforcements arrive, they should hold their positions in a defensive posture, relying on fortifications, and must not launch any offensives! But if the enemy dares to attack, then counterattack with all your might and crush the invading enemy! But for now, do not pursue them deep into the heart of either country's territory. Wait for... a more suitable opportunity."

“Timing?” Uchiha Hikaru keenly caught the word.

Just then, there was a knock on the office door.

Kisame Hoshigaki, the tall captain of the Dark Division, appeared at the door. His shark-like face was expressionless, and behind him followed Terumi, who had a gentle yet capable demeanor.

Kisame said in a deep voice, "Sir, the Anbu intelligence team has urgent intelligence."

Terumi stepped forward, bowed to Menma and the others, and said in a clear but urgent voice, "My lord! The intelligence unit's spies, who have infiltrated the capitals of the Land of Darkness and the Land of Swamps, have sent back the latest secret report."

"Speak." Mianma's gaze sharpened.

Terumi Rei raised her head, her expression grave: "Matsuki Ryunosuke, the chief strategist of the Snow Country's daimyo, Fuuka Nutō, secretly arrived in the capital of the Land of Darkness yesterday, escorted by the elite Snow Ninja Jonin, Ryūga Ayakubō, and his elite squad! This morning, they entered the daimyo's palace and held secret talks for over two hours. Afterwards, Matsuki Ryunosuke and his party rushed to the capital of the Land of Swamp without stopping. Their itinerary was extremely secretive, but their purpose was clear!"

"Based on the intelligence team's analysis, the Land of Snow is very likely negotiating military mercenary matters with both countries, intending to intervene in this dispute!"

"The Land of Snow? Wolf Fang Avalanche?" A hint of disdain flashed in Uchiha Hikaru's eyes, which then turned into a chilling fighting spirit.

Upon hearing this, Menma showed no anger on his face. Instead, a meaningful smile appeared on his lips, as if he had everything under control: "Heh... It seems that someone is already impatient and eager to jump into this vortex."

"Hikaru, it seems you've found a way to satisfy your itchy hands." His gaze turned to Uchiha Hikaru.

"The original plan remains unchanged. You will immediately select two of the most elite ninja squads from the Star Ninja Army's standing forces, and personally lead them to secretly assemble at the border area between our country and the Land of Darkness and the Land of Swamp! They will conduct pre-battle preparations and be ready to be deployed at any time!"

Excitement gleamed in Uchiha Hikaru's eyes. He raised his head slightly, his cool face revealing a chilling killing intent in his voice: "Leave it to me!"

(End of this chapter)