Chapter 159: Glory Belongs to the Land of Waterfall!
Chapter 159: Glory Belongs to the Land of Waterfall!
Uchiha Douhuan's words left Iwata Sawaki stunned on the spot.
After a moment, Iwata Sawaki carefully chose his words before asking, "Um, Lord Hokage, isn't there any more practical assistance available?"
Upon hearing this, Uchiha Douhuan and Uchiha Fugaku both turned to look at Iwata Sawaki. The atmosphere in the reception room instantly became somewhat strange. After a while, Iwata Sawaki tentatively said, "Um, Lord Hokage, isn't there any help that's a bit more... substantive?"
"Substantive help?" Uchiha Douhuan asked, feigning some confusion.
"For example, Konoha dispatching troops to help our Land of Waterfall repel the invading ninjas from the Land of Earth?" Iwata Sawaki said, bracing himself. "Of course, our Takigakure is willing to join the Konoha Pact. We are willing to cooperate fully in all aspects of cooperation previously mentioned by Lord Hokage."
"Is that so," Uchiha Douhuan stroked his chin, lost in thought. "If Iwagakure hadn't declared war on you, this treaty would be easy to handle. But now that Iwagakure's invasion of your Land of Waterfall has become an established fact, we, on the contrary, cannot casually include you in the alliance."
"This... How could this be?" Iwata Sawaki immediately started to panic upon hearing Uchiha Douhuan's words.
"Mr. Iwata, I understand your feelings very well. However, the purpose of our pact, after all, is to concentrate the strength of us allies for the peace of the ninja world. To include a country currently at war into the pact, and for Konoha to then dispatch troops, would be equivalent to us, Konoha, dragging the countries that previously signed the pact with us into the war as well. This completely contradicts the purpose for which we initiated this pact," Uchiha Douhuan said with some difficulty.
"But, Lord Hokage, right now, you are the only one who can help our Land of Waterfall!" Iwata Sawaki was on the verge of tears.
"Rest assured, we will definitely do our best to help your Land of Waterfall," Uchiha Douhuan said. "Although Konoha cannot directly dispatch troops for the time being, we will provide you with the greatest possible assistance. Whether it's living supplies or military equipment, we will provide them to you at the lowest price based on humanitarian principles. At the same time, our allies will do so as well."
Hearing this, Iwata Sawaki felt slightly better. Then, Uchiha Douhuan continued, "However, regarding direct confrontation with Iwagakure, that can only be accomplished by your Takigakure ninjas."
"This..." Iwata Sawaki showed a troubled expression upon hearing this. "Although I really don't want to boost others' morale at our expense, you also know that the quality of our Takigakure ninjas is indeed much weaker than Iwagakure's. In a direct confrontation on the battlefield, our chances of winning are not very high."
"Mr. Iwata needn't be so pessimistic," Uchiha Douhuan said. "War, in the final analysis, is still a competition of national logistical capabilities. Behind you now is the support of all the allied nations of the entire Konoha Pact. As long as you can hold off Iwagakure's first wave of attacks, then those who subsequently achieve victory will definitely be you. As for the issue of ninja quality..."
Uchiha Douhuan looked towards Uchiha Fugaku and asked, "Captain Fugaku, how is the research on that technique progressing?"
"Is Lord Hokage referring to that joint Lightning Release ninjutsu?" Uchiha Fugaku replied. "Regarding the research of that technique, the most crucial part concerning the linking of different chakras has already been resolved. Only some minor details need to be optimized."
"That's good." Uchiha Douhuan nodded, then turned to Iwata Sawaki. "Mr. Iwata, in a little while, you can take back to the Land of Waterfall the multi-person combination Lightning Release ninjutsu that Konoha developed to counter Iwagakure's joint Earth Release ninjutsu. This technique can concentrate the power of Chuunin and Genin. Approximately fifteen Fire Style ninjas, fifteen Water Style ninjas, plus fifty Lightning Style ninjas, can jointly release a combination ninjutsu similar to my Lightning Release: Kirin. We originally developed this technique to deal with the threat from Iwagakure; now it can be put to good use."
"Is that so? Then thank you so much, Lord Hokage!" Iwata Sawaki's face lit up with joy. One must know, Iwagakure's overall strength, despite not having many truly powerful individuals within the village, ranked among the top three in the ninja world, relying on their signature joint Earth Release ninjutsu. Now that Uchiha Douhuan was willing to provide Takigakure with a method to counter this ninjutsu, and moreover, offered Lightning Release, which best countered Earth Release, coupled with the Land of Fire's logistical support, a glimmer of confidence in resisting the Land of Earth's offensive also rose in Iwata Sawaki's heart.
"Additionally, we can also provide you with high-quality exploding tags and other ninja tools, and even prioritize supplying you with Konoha's ninja tool rations," Uchiha Douhuan continued.
"Thank you so much, Lord Hokage!" Iwata Sawaki said, moved.
"Don't be in a hurry to thank me yet," at this point, Uchiha Douhuan instead waved his hand. "The combination ninjutsu, I can give it to you for free on account of our private friendship. However, these ninja tools and supplies, you will still need to purchase yourselves. This, after all, concerns the livelihood of millions of commoners in our Land of Fire. I hope Mr. Iwata can understand."
Hearing this, Iwata Sawaki thought for a moment, then gritted his teeth and said, "Our Land of Waterfall will pay. It's just, regarding the price..."
"Mr. Iwata can rest assured," Uchiha Douhuan said. "Our Land of Fire is not a country that takes advantage of others' predicaments. The supplies you need during your war with the Land of Earth, we can provide them to you at eighty percent of the market price. Furthermore, considering your difficulties, you can also make an initial payment in the form of a loan. Get through this difficult period first, then we'll talk."
"Thank you, Lord Hokage," Iwata Sawaki said. "Then, there's only one last problem left. If Onoki or Iwagakure's Jinchuriki personally enter the battlefield, what should we do? Our Takigakure currently does not have any powerhouses capable of resisting them."
"That is indeed a problem," Uchiha Douhuan said, stroking his chin. "Although I estimate Onoki won't personally take the field, if the siege truly drags on without success, the possibility of him personally leading an expedition cannot be ruled out. Moreover, their Jinchuriki are indeed a troublesome matter for you."
"By the way, how old is your Jinchuriki this year?" Uchiha Douhuan asked.
"13 years old, but still acts like a child who hasn't grown up," Iwata Sawaki smiled wryly. "If she could be a bit more mature, we wouldn't be so passive."
"Don't say that; 13 years old is still just a child," Uchiha Douhuan said. "The sealing formula you took back last time, have you tried it?"
"Speaking of which, I must thank Lord Hokage for this matter. The sealing jutsu Lord Hokage provided us last time has stabilized the Seven-Tails' seal considerably, at least temporarily resolving the risk of the Tailed Beast rampaging," Iwata Sawaki said. "But to make the Seven-Tails effective on the battlefield will still require a very long time."
"That is indeed troublesome," Uchiha Douhuan said. "We can help you solve logistical problems, but the lack of high-end combat power is a genuinely difficult issue. And I cannot personally intervene, as we have a non-aggression pact with the Land of Earth."
Hearing this, Iwata Sawaki fell into silence again. Indeed, even if they had the Land of Fire's logistical support, once Onoki or one of Iwagakure's two Jinchuriki made a move, what could Takigakure use to resist?
"This way, I wonder if Mr. Iwata has heard of an organization called Akatsuki?" Uchiha Douhuan spoke up at this time.
"Akatsuki organization?" Iwata Sawaki shook his head blankly. Although the Land of Rain and the Land of Waterfall were very close, he knew nothing about Akatsuki.
"This is a mercenary organization in the ninja world. There are many powerful individuals among them. Although their strongest members might find it somewhat difficult to defeat Onoki or Iwagakure's Jinchuriki, I think it shouldn't be too hard for them to help you block their high-end combat power."
"Really?" Iwata Sawaki said joyfully. "But, hiring such powerful individuals must come at a very high price..."
"The Land of Fire and our allies can provide you with low-interest loans," Uchiha Douhuan reminded him. "After surviving this war, you can slowly repay it."
"This... I wonder how much our Land of Waterfall can loan?" Iwata Sawaki asked.
"If you are willing to use the mineral resources within your territory as collateral, Konoha can provide you with a loan of this amount," Uchiha Douhuan extended five fingers.
"Five hundred million?" Iwata Sawaki asked tentatively.
"Fifty billion!" Uchiha Douhuan stated. "We will only charge 3.3% interest, and you can start repaying after two years."
Hearing this, Iwata Sawaki fell into deep thought. Uchiha Douhuan also said no more, quietly waiting for him to make a decision.
After contemplating for half a day, Iwata Sawaki finally made up his mind. Uchiha Douhuan's assistance was already very sincere. As for the loan and interest? If they won, everything would naturally be fine. If they lost, the Land of Waterfall would be gone, so there would be no need to repay.
"Thank you, Lord Hokage. I wonder when the aid you mentioned can be in place?" Iwata Sawaki looked at Uchiha Douhuan and asked.
"Mr. Iwata can leave with the scroll for the combination ninjutsu in a moment. As for assistance with weapons and supplies, it can be delivered to the Land of Waterfall's front lines within three days after you sign the contract," Uchiha Douhuan chuckled.
"Good, I'll sign!" Iwata Sawaki nodded.
Soon, Uchiha Douhuan had someone draft the collateral loan and aid contracts and was the first to sign his name on them, simultaneously affixing the seals of the Hokage and the Grand Minister of State.
Iwata Sawaki took the contract. When he picked up the pen, he found his hand was trembling slightly; the pen in his hand felt as heavy as a thousand catties.
"Lord Hokage, we will win, right?" Iwata Sawaki raised his head at this moment, looking at Uchiha Douhuan.
"Of course. This war initiated by the Land of Earth is an unjust war. I believe everyone in the Land of Waterfall can certainly persevere to the final victory. Glory belongs to the Land of Waterfall!" Uchiha Douhuan encouraged Iwata Sawaki.
"Yes, that's right! Glory belongs to the Land of Waterfall!" Iwata Sawaki took a deep breath, signed his name on the contract, and simultaneously affixed his own seal and the seal of the Land of Waterfall Daimyo, which he had brought.
After Iwata Sawaki signed, Uchiha Douhuan nodded towards Uchiha Inahi at the side. Uchiha Inahi, having received the instruction, presented a scroll with both hands.
"Here is the training method for the combination ninjutsu. As for the Akatsuki organization, we can help you make connections, but you must personally negotiate with them," Uchiha Douhuan said.
"I understand," Iwata Sawaki nodded.
"Additionally, regarding your esteemed village's Jinchuriki," Uchiha Douhuan looked at Iwata Sawaki, his gaze sincere, "In this war between you and Iwagakure, the Jinchuriki will definitely be their primary target. If your esteemed village trusts us, you can temporarily send her to Konoha. While providing her protection, we will also teach her to use the Tailed Beast's power. In at most two years, she should be able to master the Tailed Beast's power and also contribute to defending your esteemed country's territory."
Hearing this, Iwata Sawaki pondered for a moment then nodded. Uchiha Douhuan was right. After the war started, Onoki would definitely try to directly kill their village's Jinchuriki. After all, the Tailed Beast was their village's only trump card. Once the Jinchuriki was killed, their village would be completely without hope. And Uchiha Douhuan's words undoubtedly solved their urgent problem. Although this would mean owing Konoha a huge favor, the current Iwata Sawaki suddenly felt a sense of 'being so deep in debt, it doesn't itch anymore'.
"I will send someone tomorrow to bring our village's Jinchuriki to the Land of Fire's border," Iwata Sawaki said.
"No need to send her. I'll have someone accompany you. Using the Flying Thunder God Formation to send you to the border of our two countries, you can also return to your village faster to take overall command. Additionally, you can bring your esteemed village's Jinchuriki to Konoha at the fastest speed to ensure complete safety," Uchiha Douhuan said.
"Thank you so much," Iwata Sawaki said.
"It's all for the peace of the ninja world," Uchiha Douhuan waved his hand. "Then, I shall wish everyone in the Land of Waterfall victory in this war in advance. I believe, glory will definitely belong to the Land of Waterfall!"
"Mm, glory belongs to the Land of Waterfall!" Iwata Sawaki nodded, his eyes full of determination.
Soon, Shiranui Genma and his team prepared the Flying Thunder God Formation, taking Kakashi, who would go along to receive the Takigakure Jinchuriki, and Iwata Sawaki together to the border of the Land of Earth and the Land of Waterfall, then proceeding together towards Takigakure Village.
At this time, Takigakure's frontline ninja forces were already retreating defeat after defeat under Iwagakure's offensive, forced to relinquish large swathes of territory.
After everyone in the office had left, Uchiha Douhuan stretched lazily. Iwata Sawaki was a bit too easy to fool, which made Uchiha Douhuan feel somewhat unamused.
Just then, inside the office, Black Zetsu and Tobi emerged from the ground together. Black Zetsu looked at Uchiha Douhuan's expression as if looking at a monster.
All these years he had schemed and planned, yet he hadn't captured a single Tailed Beast. But Uchiha Douhuan, merely through strategic planning, had gotten his hands on a Tailed Beast?
(End of Chapter)
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