123. Premeditated To Lure Rock Shinobi Into The Water

Raikage and Tsuchikage naturally had nothing to say, and the war this time was a bit in vain. The two villages that had not recovered from the Three Wars had no intention of continuing the fight.

Of course, this Ninja War is also a Ninja War destined to have no winner. It looks like Kumogakure has won, but so what?

Are they asking for the loot from Iwagakure? Regardless of the fact that Ōnoki entrusted the Uchiha with it, given Iwagakure's current situation, even if Raikage wanted it, Ōnoki wouldn't be able to produce it.

What's more, there is an eager Uchiha watching from the side. Seeing the fighting power of this clan, no Kage would want to start a confrontation with them at this time.

As for Ōnoki, Iwagakure was truly hurt this time. Even if he didn't want to admit it, even without the Uchiha clan joining, they wouldn't have been able to hold on for long under Kumogakure's offensive.

This has nothing to do with the combat power of the village's shinobi; rather, they do not have the supplies to support a long-term war. Even if they rob small countries of supplies, how can these countries support two great ninja villages with so few resources during such a war?

In fact, even if Kumogakure makes some demands at this time, Ōnoki would choose to compromise and call a truce as long as it is not too excessive because there is no need to continue this war—there is no benefit at all.

Moreover, Iwagakure really can't continue to be trapped in this conflict. Otherwise, even if they eventually win the war, Iwagakure will collapse from within.

Finally, under the witness of the Uchiha and others, Raikage and Tsuchikage ended the inexplicable war, nodded symbolically, and retreated.

Of course, the Uchiha could not leave yet, so they accepted Ōnoki's request. At the very least, they had to follow Iwagakure's shinobi to visit their village.

"You, Uchiha, are you really separated from Konoha now?"

On the way to Iwagakure, Ōnoki still couldn't accept it and asked. He still couldn't reconcile the fact that a ninja clan left their village and developed better than they had within it.

"It's impossible not to make a clean break with Konoha. Staying in Konoha will only lead to death, but leaving Konoha will bring infinite possibilities. For example, the facts are right here," Yagami said lightly. For these old veterans of the ninja world, the village holds a different significance in their hearts. Is the Third Hokage shameless enough? But even he is willing to make some compromises and concessions for Konoha's affairs, even if these compromises cost him his own image.

The same is true for Ōnoki. His belief is that the reason why ninja clans formed ninja villages was to form alliances and gain stronger power. Ninja clans that leave their villages are destined for destruction.

But now Uchiha's situation is completely different from what he had assumed, which leaves the old man confused to this day.

"That's true... Since Uchiha Madara's death, there has been very little good news coming from your Uchiha clan. But this is Konoha's loss."

Ōnoki thought of the man who had defeated both him and his teacher. He recalled some of the information he had collected about the Uchiha in Konoha and realized that what Yagami said did make sense.

However, although the Uchiha have distanced themselves from Konoha, they are still Konoha's Uchiha in name. It seems he will need to think more carefully when targeting Konoha in the future!

"This is none of our business! By the way, Tsuchikage-sama, isn't the economic situation of Iwagakure and the Earth Country very good now?"

Yagami curled his lips and said that if it weren't for the worry that Konoha would suddenly act irrationally and cause trouble for Uchiha, he would be too lazy to offend them.

"Ahem... Although it is a bit difficult, you don't have to worry. We can still pay the entrustment fee and will not default on it." 

Ōnoki coughed twice and said, assuming Yagami was questioning whether he could pay the commission fee.

Although it was just a simple escort mission, it also depended on who you were facing—and that was Raikage and Kumogakure! 

It was estimated that there were three to four Kage-level combatants and hundreds of Jōnin. For such an escort mission, the remuneration required would be substantial.

Although Ōnoki truly wanted to avoid spending the money, he had no choice! The Uchiha were involved, with three Mangekyō users, all of them Kage-level. And among Kage-level shinobi, they were among the strongest.

Especially Uchiha Yagami—the Susanoo released by this man was even more terrifying than Uchiha Madara's. How could they handle him without three or four Kage levels?

"No... Lord Tsuchikage, you misunderstood. I'm not asking you for payment. Our Uchiha's purpose is to make money. I also know the situation of your Iwagakure. It's not our intention to add insult to injury at this time."

Ōnoki sighed internally. It seemed the old man feared poverty and still felt inferior.

"Tsuchikage-sama, our Uchiha Group has established business cooperation with Kirigakure and Kumogakure. Simply put, we aim to circulate goods from various countries to promote economic development across all nations.

Of course, this cooperation is limited to business and does not involve political games or grudges between countries and villages. I was wondering if your Iwagakure and the Earth Country would also consider joining?"

Yagami shared his thoughts succinctly before speaking.

"Business cooperation? Is Konoha okay with you, Uchiha, contacting other villages like this?" 

Ōnoki was momentarily stunned.

The first thing that came to mind was Konoha's stance on Uchiha's actions. However, he quickly realized that Uchiha had directly participated in the war this time without considering Konoha's opinion.

Regarding such matters, it was evident that Konoha's approval was irrelevant. 

After all, with the fighting power the Uchiha had demonstrated, even Konoha would avoid conflict with them.

"This is a very important point.

All business activities are conducted under the Uchiha Group and have no connection to Konoha.

Once again, business is purely business and does not involve any political factors. Based on this principle, our commercial activities will remain unaffected by wars between major ninja villages."

Yagami explained clearly. Businesses controlled by politics were often more aggressive and could develop rapidly, but they were also deeply affected by political fluctuations.

For example, during the war between Iwagakure and Kumogakure, caravans from the Fire Country could not freely pass into the Wind Country.

Without the presence of these caravans, the economies of these nations entered a slow development phase, making growth impossible.

This was precisely why the daimyo of various nations strove to emerge victorious in the Ninja Wars. Winning allowed them to compensate for wartime losses through loot.

However, for every winner in war, there was a loser. And as the losers, they naturally hoped that such wars would not occur.

Every outbreak of a Ninja War was driven by interests. But if every nation could develop stably, who would willingly engage in war?

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