Chapter 142

At the end of the year 31 in the Konoha calendar.

The entire shinobi world began to be enveloped in a tense atmosphere.

Especially in the Land of Rain...

Hanzō of the Salamander had something he really wanted to say, especially after seeing frequent activities of shinobi from Konoha, Suna, and Iwa within the Land of Rain. He wanted to curse even more.

What exactly were they trying to do?

Did they think they could take advantage of the Land of Rain during its civil war?

Over the past few days, the Amegakure shinobi under his command had captured many spies from other villages. Did they not fear him, the "Demigod of the Shinobi World"?

After the death of the "God of Shinobi" and his younger brother, who in the shinobi world could still stand against him?

Of course, that brat from Uzushiogakure didn't count. He hadn't grown up yet. Maybe by the time he was seventeen or eighteen, he might surpass him, but definitely not now.

Hanzō of the Salamander, the Demigod of the Shinobi World, was full of confidence because he was at his peak and feared no one.

The problem was that the rulers of the Land of Rain were all idiots. Despite being such a small country, they were constantly embroiled in civil war, leaving the people in misery. Countless lives were lost every year due to the war, causing the population to decline sharply and the military strength to weaken. Otherwise...

Under his leadership, Amegakure would have long become the sixth great shinobi village.

"Deploy our shinobi across all regions," Hanzō said coldly, wearing his mask. "Monitor everyone entering and leaving the Land of Rain to prevent infiltration by spies from other villages."

"Yes!" The Amegakure shinobi beside him responded respectfully.

"Peace..." Hanzō gazed at the Land of Rain, a country perpetually shrouded in rain. There was no peace here. From the moment he was born until now, it had always been torn apart by internal strife.

When he was young, a group of detestable researchers in white lab coats implanted the venom sac of a poisonous black salamander into his body. The excruciating pain he endured as a child ultimately forged his title as the Demigod of the Shinobi World.

But in the end, he...

Killed them all!

Because of this venom sac, he had lived a life of solitude.

"The shinobi world..." Hanzō said with icy eyes. "There is no such thing as peace!"

Selfishness and treachery were the norms of the shinobi world. Only the dead were granted mercy.

The Land of Rain was no different.

Whether you were an adult or a child, the moment you were born, your fate was already sealed—a future of...

Endless darkness.

Uzushiogakure...

"The topic of today's meeting is the Second Shinobi World War," Uzumaki Jun said solemnly. "The shinobi world is becoming unstable again."

When Konoha, Suna, and Iwa began gathering forces in the Land of Rain, Jun knew the Second Shinobi World War was about to break out. What infuriated him was how shameless these three villages were, using another country as their battlefield. No wonder Hanzō was furious.

Jun couldn't help but criticize such despicable behavior. Did they think the lives and land of another country were worthless?

"Sigh..." The increasingly frail Elder sighed in distress. "Another war?"

He had lived through countless wars in his lifetime, and now, in his old age, he feared them. Moreover, after years of dedicating himself to scientific research and with his body weakening, his combat abilities had declined significantly. But what worried him most was...

What would happen to the research institute after their generation was gone?

This was Uzushiogakure's hope!

Their inventions over the years had shown them a different path, one that could make Uzushiogakure even stronger.

"Uzushiogakure's affiliated elementary school still hasn't recruited a single student for its science program," the Elder said bitterly, looking at Jun.

"Those who fail to become shinobi simply give up. No one wants to become a scholar. If this continues, the research institute will have to..."

Close down.

Jun also found this issue frustrating.

The shinobi world's mainstream path was still that of a shinobi. Deep-rooted beliefs weren't easily changed, so this couldn't be rushed. They had to gradually shift perceptions.

Besides, science was something inherently unscientific. A single genius could lead to a sudden leap in technological progress.

"I'll think of a solution," Jun said helplessly. "During this war, Uzushiogakure will continue to take in refugees. Some of them might be interested in science."

For now, he needed to reassure the elders.

Despite their age, they were still working tirelessly for Uzushiogakure. Their day-and-night dedication to research showed how much they cared for the village.

"This time, we must declare Uzushiogakure's neutrality," Jun said firmly. "No matter which village seeks an alliance, we must refuse."

This point had to be made absolutely clear. The Uzumaki Clan's unique physique made them a target. If they mishandled this, Uzushiogakure could be dragged into endless wars. Only by maintaining strict neutrality and refusing to take sides could they reassure the other villages.

An alliance wasn't suitable for Uzushiogakure at this stage. Only when they grew strong enough to rival the five great nations could they consider forming alliances—and at that point, it would be an alliance led by Uzushiogakure.

For now...

They had to lay low.

"Understood," the Clan Head said. "I'll handle it."

Diplomatic matters had always been his responsibility.

"Especially Konoha," Jun warned with a frown. "If they come seeking an alliance, ignore them."

Konoha faced immense pressure during the Second and Third Wars. Hadn't Hiruzen Sarutobi already begun loosening restrictions on the Uchiha Clan, allowing them to leave the village?

It was because they lacked manpower!

So they had to be extra cautious if Konoha came trying to appeal to their shared history and bonds.

An alliance with Konoha now would only lead to disaster.

"Gato, prepare supplies in advance," Jun said, looking at the slightly overweight man beside him. "And take care of your health."

"Understood," Gato nodded. "But the merchants in Uzushiogakure..."

Merchants were always the first to sense trouble. Many had already started leaving due to the unrest in the shinobi world.

As for his health...

So what if he was a little fat?

No big deal!

Jun rubbed his temples in frustration. He couldn't force foreign merchants to stay and share Uzushiogakure's fate. As long as they weren't spies, he was satisfied. But...

A mass exodus of merchants could cause panic among the citizens.

"Send people to reassure the public," Jun said after a moment of thought. "If merchants selling essential goods leave, take over their shops and inventory."

Daily necessities like food and salt couldn't be allowed to run short.

"Import what we need to keep supplies steady."

For now, this was the only way to stabilize the country before planning their next move.

"Understood," Gato nodded. "If anyone refuses to cooperate..."

His eyes hardened. He knew how to handle business matters, but no matter what, he couldn't tarnish Uzushiogakure's reputation. After all...

Foreign merchants were still important.

"Everyone except Kakuzu, you may leave and begin preparations," Jun said, glancing at the masked man. "Maintaining domestic stability is our top priority."

"Understood!"

Once everyone had left...

Jun turned to Kakuzu, a mysterious smile on his face. "Now, it's time for us to make a big deal!"