This puppeteer is a bit... well...

Chapter 25 The Victorious Pursuit Force

"If that's the case, then that would be perfect."

Even disregarding the two founders who utterly crushed the ninja world, Konoha Village's overall strength was undoubtedly the strongest.

In terms of elites, Konoha has the strongest and most numerous ninja clans in the ninja world.

In terms of scale, whether it is the village's land area or its population, it is the largest in the ninja world, with only Kumogakure comparable.

Most importantly, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire trusted Konoha completely and never held Konoha back financially.

No one wanted to go to war with such a ninja village, which was number one in terms of economy, population, size, and military strength.

Seeing that everyone agreed with the Third Kazekage's words, Ryuji couldn't help but feel puzzled.

According to the original historical trajectory, it seems that Sunagakure was the first to target Konoha during the Third Shinobi World War.

And it was a war that he initiated after losing the strongest Kazekage and the village was almost destroyed.

At first, Ryuji thought the higher-ups were brain-dead.

But judging from the current situation, they have a clear understanding of the situation and are not as brainless as one might imagine.

Could it be Luo Sha or a brain-dead high-ranking official who was dismissed?

This is of course impossible.

Nobody is a fool.

Even those high-ranking officials who were dismissed and blinded by power are not necessarily stupid.

They see things more clearly than anyone else.

However, seeing clearly doesn't mean having a solution.

The environment limited the development of the Land of Wind, and also limited the development of Sunagakure.

If the village wants to develop, it must seize a piece of land that is more suitable for human habitation.

Given the location of the Land of Wind, no land is more suitable than the Land of Rivers.

Therefore, even knowing that the odds of winning are slim, war must be launched.

Taking advantage of the chaotic situation, they launched the first attack, which then attracted other ninja villages to join in the attack on Konoha.

Even if Konoha is the strongest ninja village, he still has to kneel.

Unfortunately, these people underestimated the strength of Konoha and were defeated by someone who took on four opponents single-handedly.

But now the situation is different.

With the infinite water circulation system, Sunagakure only needs to spend time to improve the environment of the Land of Wind and expand the village.

There is absolutely no reason to risk fighting the strongest ninja village.

Ryuji didn't understand the reason, which is why he found it strange.

However, he didn't dwell on the issue, simply viewing it as a difference between comics and reality.

"While we don't necessarily need the Grell Stone, its strategic value is undeniable. We can send a team to find it," Ryuji said.

"Of course, there's no reason to give up something so good. But is your new energy source, the alternative to the Grell Stone, alright?"

"It's not that there are no problems, but even with the help of ninjas, it would be impossible to build a mechanical city in less than a year or two."

This is enough time for me to resolve the issue.

"In that case, let's discuss the specific plans!"

They claimed to be discussing plans, but their understanding of the city was limited to a superficial level, and they couldn't offer any suggestions.

Basically, it's all arranged by Long Er, and then the others consider the feasibility and add their own suggestions.

Time passed slowly, the sun moved from east to west, and just as it was about to set below the horizon, the group finally finished their discussion.

"Everyone, get ready as soon as it's light tomorrow, and then go and complete your tasks."

"clear!"

The Third Kazekage nodded in satisfaction. He glanced at the sky outside the window and said, "That's all for today. Everyone, go back and rest!"

……

"Welcome back, Master!"

Back home, Hong was waiting for him as always.

"Master, I have prepared the meal and boiled the water. Would you like to eat first or take a bath first?"

"Let's take a shower!"

"Yes, I'll go and fetch water for my master right away."

"Um!"

Long Er nodded, then sank into the sofa and began to think about tomorrow's schedule.

First, we need to find Shukaku to replenish our chakra, and then escort Sasori of the Red Sand away from the Land of Wind to complete the expulsion.

Finally, they went to Loulan to search for the dragon vein.

Yes, the energy source that Ryuji mentioned as a substitute for the Grell Stone is the Dragon Vein.

Frankly, it's a bit too early to be talking about dragon veins now.

Dragon veins are chakra veins formed by the condensation of nature's energy. They possess infinite chakra and their immense energy can even cause spacetime distortion.

With Ryuji's current abilities, it would be difficult for him to master it.

However, it's not entirely hopeless.

The queen of Loulan seems to possess the ability to manipulate dragon veins in a simple way. As long as the principles of their manipulation are studied, the dragon veins can be utilized in a preliminary way.

"Master, the hot water is ready."

Looking at the woman who had interrupted his thoughts, Long Er nodded and walked towards the bathroom.

……

Before dawn, Ryuji was awakened by the cheers outside.

He sat up, drew back the curtains, and saw countless people cheering in the street.

At this moment, Hong gently pushed open the door and entered. After seeing that Ryuji had woken up, she said, "Lord Rasa's large army has returned victorious after pursuing the enemy."

"Okay, I'll go back to sleep."

Long Er lay back down on the bed and covered his head with the blanket.

But the noise outside still kept reaching my ears.

"I can't sleep!"

Long Er suddenly threw off the covers and sat up.

He glanced at Hong, who was standing at the door chuckling, and scratched his head in annoyance. "Go prepare breakfast. Get up."

"Yes, Master."

He left through the red gate.

Long Er got up, dressed, washed up briefly, and went to the hall.

A short while later, Hong brought over breakfast.

Bread, fried eggs, sausage, milk—simple, yet convenient.

but……

"Why did you make two portions?"

Although Hong is a puppet, her physical structure is no different from that of a normal person, and she also needs to eat to replenish her nutrition.

However, Ryuji designed him as a battle maid when he created him.

Under the command of the implanted core, no matter how much Hong tries to persuade him, she will not dine at the same table with Ryuji.

Hong stood to the side, holding an empty plate, a faint smile always on her face. "Now that the pursuit team has returned, Miss Yekura must have arrived by now!"

As soon as he finished speaking, there was a knock on the door, along with a girl's voice.

"Open the door, open the door quickly, I've brought you the body you wanted."

Long Er sighed and nodded to Hong Dian.

Hong went to open the door, and a girl covered in blood and sand walked in, leaving bloody shoe prints with each step.

Long Er frowned and asked, "How many people did you kill to cause this mess?"

"have no idea."

Yecang came to the dining table and sat down in the opposite seat as if she were at home, picking up her knife and fork and wolfing down her food.

He ate while mumbling incoherently.

"After those guys were lured into the quicksand area and killed hundreds of people when they first started fighting us, they didn't dare to fight us anymore. They ran away and were chased all the way to the Bird Kingdom before we stopped."

The Bird Country is the northern neighbor of the Wind Country, and beyond that lies the Earth Country.

"It was very late, and we couldn't see very well. Anyway, less than one-tenth of the people who escaped back were the same as those who came."

(End of this chapter)