Naruto: Reshaping the Shinobi World with Sasori

Chapter 116 Strike First

Time passed slowly, and under Yubi's supervision, the long-awaited pharmaceutical factory was finally completed.

In response, the village's leaders and residents held a celebration ceremony.

As the dean and project leader, Yubi also delivered some speeches and remarks in public.

Today, Sunagakure's medicines are sold all over the ninja world. Merchants no longer need to actively travel to open up markets. Many small countries and villages have realized the importance of this medicinal resource and have taken the initiative to negotiate with Sunagakure, hoping to establish cooperation.

The completion of the pharmaceutical factory also signifies that Sunagakure is truly beginning a period of rapid economic growth and prosperity.

All villagers will also benefit.

Everyone was naturally incredibly excited.

But the attitude of the village's leaders was completely opposite to that of the happy villagers.

It's rather unusual that the village's leader, who is in charge of such an important occasion, didn't attend.

Meanwhile, rumors from the outside world began to reach Sunagakure, concerning the Kazekage.

Rumors circulated that the Third Kazekage had gone missing—the village had sent many people to the ninja world to investigate his whereabouts, but to no avail.

Some of the Sand Village even ventured deep into the territories of the other four great nations, where their tracks were discovered by the major ninja villages, leading them to trace back and uncover a glimpse of the truth.

The disappearance of the Third Kazekage caused an uproar in the ninja world.

In this situation, it would be unlikely that Chiyo could suppress the news.

Because of the booming industry, a considerable number of merchants are now entering the village from outside every day—which has also allowed the villagers to hear some rumors.

The people were shocked to realize that they had indeed not seen the Third Kazekage for a very long time.

The high-ranking officials, led by Chiyo, are caught in a dilemma.

Retreat – refers to the desire to cover up the matter quietly, which is almost impossible to do. After all, a new Fengying needs a reason to take over and a handover is still required.

As one of the five great ninja villages, Sunagakure's every move is under the watchful eye of the outside world.

To outsiders, the Third Kazekage, in the prime of his life, suddenly abdicated without warning and disappeared without a trace, which would certainly arouse suspicion.

Even if such a shameful thing can be covered up for a while, it will ultimately be a disgrace.

The sudden disappearance of a village, most likely assassinated by the enemy, would be a laughing stock if word got out.

"Going forward" refers to Sunagakure finding the culprit, avenging the Kazekage, and demanding an explanation.

But the question is—who is the enemy?

They don't even know who the killer is, let alone have any evidence.

Therefore, not long after the pharmaceutical factory began operation, Chiyo convened a meeting with all the senior executives.

For no other reason than to prepare for the village's future situation.

"Now, it's basically safe to say that something has happened to the third generation."

In the room, everyone sat around the table. Chiyo, pale-faced, spoke in a deep voice.

Firstly, she is getting old, and handling film-related matters is becoming increasingly difficult for her.

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Secondly, she had finally met Sasori not long ago, and then the old woman fell seriously ill and handed over all her affairs to Ebizo and others to handle. She had only recently recovered a little strength.

"Our village must make a statement on this matter, otherwise—both the village and the Land of Wind will become a laughing stock in the entire ninja world."

Chiyo spoke up.

The disappearance of the Kazekage is now common knowledge throughout the entire ninja world. If the Third Hokage were alive, he would have already shown his face.

However, judging from the old woman's words, she still doesn't seem to believe that the Third Kazekage is dead, and that he was more likely captured or imprisoned by some village.

It is in a state of isolation from the outside world.

"In the past two months, many ninjas from other villages have infiltrated our Land of Wind—even our guards have caught quite a few spies lurking around the villages," said the captain of the guards.

Clearly, the outside forces want to confirm whether the Sand Village is truly ruled by the Kage.

If the rumors are true—then this is the time when Sunagakure is at its weakest, a good time to strike. Let me say this first.

Suddenly, Yubi raised his hand.

Drawing everyone's attention, he continued, "Our Sunagakure's medicines are now sold to various countries. The profits and value of these medicinal resources are being eyed by other villages. According to intelligence gathered by our villages, the other major ninja villages have already begun secretly researching and analyzing the ingredients of our medicines, hoping to mass-produce them—unfortunately, analyzing medicines requires a considerable amount of effort and time. Secondly, most of the medicinal resources outside have already been acquired by our village—therefore, they have failed."

"Tsunade of Konoha—returned to the village, but left again not long ago—which shows that even with her abilities, she is helpless in the absence of medicinal herbs."

"Yubi is right."

Ebizo, who was standing to the side, nodded.

He is the highest-ranking intelligence officer in the village and can confirm this.

"I'm saying all this to tell everyone that in the eyes of other villages, our village is currently just a fat sheep with a huge amount of money in its hands, rolling in oil. After all, we're invisible—once war breaks out, other villages can take advantage of the situation to attack us. At that time, the research data on medicinal herbs—a new industry—will be readily available as long as we win the war. They won't even need to do the research. Nothing is easier than war."

Upon hearing Yubi's words, the expressions of everyone at the table instantly changed.

They immediately realized the enormous crisis.

"It's no exaggeration to say that our Sand Village might even be besieged by several other villages, just like Konoha during the Second Shinobi World War."

Yubi added another sentence.

Instantly, the temperature in the conference room dropped to freezing.

The saying "A common man is innocent, but possessing a treasure is a crime" is something everyone understands.

Yubi's main point was that war was inevitable!

It's not easy to conquer a gold mine, but it's even harder to keep it!

Even if they wanted to settle things peacefully, it was impossible.

In the ninja world, there's only ever been the logic of the big fish eating the small fish—it doesn't care about any reasoning.

Without sufficient strength, all the efforts that Sunagakure has made so far will ultimately only benefit others.

Seeing the village changing rapidly every day and receiving large sums of money—if everything were to suddenly be destroyed, it would be better if it had never existed in the first place.

Otherwise, the outcome will only be more painful.

"Let's start the war."

Rasa, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke in a deep voice, "Whether it's for the sake of the village's assets or the disappearance of the Kazekage, we must make the enemy give an explanation, and—make them realize that Sunagakure is not someone anyone can mess with, even if—the Kazekage is gone."

"If we're going to take action, we have to strike first. We must make our move against the target that poses the greatest potential threat to our village."

Yubi added.

"Konoha and Iwagakure."

Chiyo said her name.

If the Third Kazekage hadn't died, he would most likely have been captured by those two villages.

"Before taking action, the village must spread the word that the Kazekage has disappeared, but no death can be mentioned."

Moreover, by insisting it was Konoha's doing—first spreading rumors and controlling public opinion in the ninja world—we can justify a surprise attack on Konoha. This way, they won't be able to explain themselves, and from a diplomatic standpoint, it won't put pressure on the Daimyo.

Yubi said calmly, "However, we cannot inform the Daimyo about our attack on Konoha."

"This is a unilateral action by our village—"

The group exchanged glances but did not object.

Clearly, they agree with Yubi's statement and considerations.

"While creating public opinion, the village must quickly formulate its next battle plan and begin making covert preparations."

"The more perfect the better—we absolutely cannot be careless in this regard! I think everyone understands that once this battle begins, it will be another war that will engulf the entire ninja world after many years. The village's failures in the last Shinobi World War are still fresh in our minds—this time, I hope to completely change things."

Luo Sha originally wanted to express his opinion, but unexpectedly, Yu Bi stole the show.

"Everyone, prepare yourselves for the Third Shinobi World War!"

Yubi smiled.