Chapter 485: Top Conspiracy
How bold can you be, Third Raikage?
Based on rank, authority, power, and status, Shinki is effectively the second-in-command of Konoha.
Even within the Land of Fire, this remains true.
How could anyone expect such a figure to head to the battlefield on the whims of an ally?
"Of course, the Third Raikage dares to think it," Tsunade said with a serious expression. "But he knows we won't agree."
She continued, "Still, the Third Raikage will maintain contact with us—and he'll make it a visible and formal interaction. This is all for Rock Ninja Village to see."
Konoha would never send Shinki to the battlefield unless he chose to go. But Rock Ninja Village didn't know that for sure.
In theory, it was impossible for Shinki to take action just because the Third Raikage asked. But what if?
What if Cloud Ninja Village offered enough benefits to sway Konoha? What if Shinki really decided to head to the battlefield?
A cunning Third Raikage with a couple of smart advisors had already given Onoki a hard time. If Shinki joined the fray, it wouldn't just be hard—it'd be devastating.
Does Cloud Ninja Village have anything valuable enough to convince Konoha?
Absolutely—and plenty of it.
They could offer valuable intelligence, rare ninjutsu coveted by Konoha, or even significant commercial concessions.
As long as the benefits were substantial enough, Konoha wouldn't hesitate to ignite a second war in the Land of Grass.
The Third Raikage might already be wearing down Onoki and his forces, but Shinki's involvement wouldn't just wear them down—it would obliterate them.
"To put pressure on Onoki, the Third Raikage will stop at nothing. But this kind of open conspiracy is truly unsettling," Shinki said with a faint laugh.
For those aware of the strategy, it was clear. For those who weren't, it could be terrifying.
"This also signals that the war between the two villages is nearing its end," Shinki added.
Wars like these don't end suddenly or by mutual agreement. When both sides begin to weaken, even a minor incident can tip the scales.
"If the Third Raikage wants to play, then let's play along," Shinki concluded.
After all, they were allies, and cooperating in this little game wouldn't hurt. Whether it would genuinely frighten Onoki would depend on the Third Raikage's own performance.
Tsunade looked skeptical. "But what if Cloud Village offers benefits significant enough to sway us?"
Shinki laughed. "If that happens, why hesitate? We'll go."
He wasn't joking. If Cloud Ninja Village provided enough incentives, he would indeed go to the battlefield and apply pressure on Rock Ninja Village.
Tsunade sighed. "Fine. I'll leave it to you."
She had intended to respond to Cloud Village's messenger herself but changed her mind, leaving it in Shinki's hands instead.
"Alright," Shinki agreed without hesitation.
He picked up a pen and a blank scroll, then began drafting a letter to the Third Raikage.
The letter's contents were simple: Konoha was busy and couldn't spare the manpower right now. However, it also subtly hinted that the benefits offered so far weren't substantial enough.
After finishing, he stamped the scroll with the seal of the Anbu Minister and handed it to Cloud Village's messenger.
The messenger quickly departed, heading back to the Land of Lightning to deliver the letter to the Third Raikage.
But not long after leaving the Land of Fire, the messenger was ambushed. The letter ultimately ended up in Onoki's hands.
"…"
After reading the letter, Onoki's face turned dark.
Beside him, Kitsuchi also caught a glimpse of its contents.
"Father, the contents of this letter may not be reliable. If it were true, wouldn't Konoha have encrypted it?"
"Do you dare to gamble?" Onoki asked sharply.
He knew the credibility of the letter wasn't high, but the bigger question was: Could they afford to ignore it?
What if Konoha and Cloud Ninja Village were serious?
Even if the letter was a bluff, its underlying hints were truthful. If Cloud Village were truly willing to pay, Konoha might indeed start a second front—or even send Shinki himself.
Kitsuchi scratched his head, unable to argue.
Because deep down, he knew they couldn't take the risk.
Typically, such communications would be highly classified. Yet, Cloud Ninja Village and Konoha had acted so openly, almost as if they wanted Rock Ninja Village to intercept the letter.
Still, Onoki couldn't afford to be careless.
He knew the Third Raikage well. Once backed into a corner, the Raikage wouldn't hesitate to offer significant concessions to secure Konoha's involvement in the war.
Onoki's frustration was palpable.
"Let me think about this carefully," he muttered, knowing the complexity of the situation.
While Onoki was deeply troubled, the Third Raikage was pleased.
This was precisely the outcome he had aimed for.
Of course, the Third Raikage didn't expect this move to scare Onoki into surrendering. After fighting for more than two years, both sides were determined to crush each other. At this stage, a little extra pressure wouldn't make either side back down.
There were only two ways to defeat Rock Ninja Village: either overpower them in direct combat or employ clever tactics.
A decisive head-on victory seemed impossible—if it were that easy, the war wouldn't have dragged on for over two years.
Since brute force wasn't an option, it was time for cunning strategies.