"Running continuously on water for twenty-two kilometers, fighting a battle, then sprinting sixty-five kilometers, then fighting another battle—and the enemy will be well-rested ninja lying in wait. Department Chief Ao, to be honest, I can't speak for others, but with my abilities, I'm not confident."
The speaker was none other than Jiraiya.
The Hidden Mist ninja present looked at each other and shook their heads slightly.
Who was Jiraiya? One of Konoha's legendary Sannin. Fewer than ten people present could match him in combat (the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, the Mizukage, Ao, Ōpeng). If even he lacked confidence, what about the other small fry?
"So we need this."
Ao produced a small medicine bottle.
Koharu Utatane looked at it and smiled knowingly.
"Good, that's one solution. Chakra enhancement drugs, but..."
This "but" naturally referred to the quantity issue.
As everyone knew, chakra enhancement drugs were controlled substances in Sand Village. A few years ago, when policies relaxed, the pharmaceutical sections of Hourglass Group stores scattered across nations all sold them (first-generation products). Though expensive, they were swept off shelves as soon as they appeared. Every ninja village had some stock, but with the war's outbreak, these "mana restoration" holy items naturally became absolute strategic resources and were quickly reclassified as controlled substances.
"That's indeed a problem. I've collected what I could—the village's stockpile amounts to only 5,000 pills at most. On the black market now, these things are priceless. Money can't buy them. I wonder if Konoha has any channels?"
Ao turned to Koharu Utatane.
Koharu Utatane pondered briefly.
"How many do you need?"
"At least two pills per person."
Ao replied.
That meant a shortfall of 15,000 pills. If thrown onto the black market, that would be serious money.
"Fine. I'll commit Konoha to this. Within one week, all required drugs will be delivered."
"Excellent! Elder Koharu has... great spirit, not yielding to any man! Haha."
Suikazan Fuguki grinned widely.
"Drugs alone aren't enough. We need certain physical reserves. Momochi Zabuza! Biwa Jūzō!"
Goji Yagura said seriously.
"Present!" "Present!"
"From today until the drugs arrive, all participating ninja will run ten kilometers on water daily! You two are responsible—everyone must pass!"
"Yes!" "Yes!"
Goji Yagura's strategy was sound. Short-term intensive training could improve ninja endurance.
"Good! Now let me assign specific combat missions."
...
After the meeting ended, everyone dispersed to handle their own affairs, while Ao followed Goji Yagura into the Mizukage's office.
As soon as they entered, Goji Yagura asked:
"How does Konoha have so many chakra enhancement drugs stockpiled?"
Fifteen thousand pills was no small number. Koharu Utatane had made the decision on the spot without consulting Hiruzen Sarutobi, which naturally aroused Goji Yagura's suspicion.
Konoha had been beaten so badly—did they still have such financial strength?
"It's not that Konoha stockpiled many, but their drug research team has completed reverse engineering. Currently, they're fully capable of producing generic drugs independently."
Ao said.
"That's even worse."
Goji Yagura leaned back in his chair with a grave expression.
"They're truly the ninja village that dominated for two and a half generations. Their war potential runs deep. Even if we suppress Sand Village, this new hegemon, we'll still face Konoha, the old powerhouse."
Hearing Goji Yagura say this, Ao raised an eyebrow.
"You mean..."
"Although the Yuexi Peninsula is Sand Village's money bag, taking it won't greatly impact Sand Village's military strength, right?"
Ao smiled slightly, instantly understanding Goji Yagura's intent.
"Probably not much. The Yuexi Peninsula garrison can only be considered Sand Village's reserves. The impact on the front lines... is minimal."
"That's good then."
Goji Yagura stretched comfortably.
"After we occupy the Yuexi Peninsula, we should convey goodwill to Wind Shadow Jinghang. Hidden Mist's military advance will stop at the Yuexi Peninsula and won't affect his war with Konoha."
"Uh... Mizukage-sama, transmitting this message might be quite difficult. Jinghang would probably find it hard to accept."
While someone's fighting outside, you occupy their house from behind, then say: "Don't worry, I'll only take this one room. Continue your battle with the others."
"Hahaha."
Goji Yagura laughed heartily.
"Don't worry. Jinghang isn't stupid. With us stirring things up behind the Yuexi Peninsula and Konoha watching hungrily from the front, if he chooses to return and deal with us, he'll be caught between two fronts—a certain defeat. Then he'd lose not just the Yuexi Peninsula, but all of Sand Village! Jinghang knows what choice to make."
Ao was immediately filled with admiration. This strategy was truly vicious. If Goji Yagura's analysis proved correct, Sand Village would likely choose to cut their losses and continue their death struggle with Konoha, while Hidden Mist could leisurely enjoy the fat prize of the Yuexi Peninsula.
Whether Sand Village and Cloud Village defeated Konoha, or Konoha successfully counterattacked, Hidden Mist could sit steady as fishermen. In the near term, they could use the Yuexi Peninsula as a springboard to eye the entire ninja continent; in retreat, they could return to the Hidden Mist islands and await opportunities. With the Yuexi Peninsula's abundant wealth, this gamble couldn't lose no matter how it played out.
"Mizukage-sama is brilliant, but Jinghang is naturally suspicious. What if..."
"Hehe, suspicious he may be, but he's someone who can read the situation clearly. As long as another clear-headed person explains it to him, he'll naturally know how to choose."
"Another person?"
Seeing Ao's confusion, Goji Yagura enlightened him:
"That Maki from Sand Village..."
"Ah! Brilliant."
Ao instantly understood. So that's why they kept him—for this purpose. The Mizukage's planning truly ran deep.
Seeing Ao's admiring expression, Goji Yagura showed a hint of proud smile. Could someone without skills become your leader?
"What's he doing now?"
Goji Yagura asked.
"He's currently... touring the beautiful landscapes of our Hidden Mist Village."
Ao replied.
"Oh? Tourism? Haha, this Maki is quite the character. His own house is on fire, yet he still has the mood to sightsee. Good, very good. The people around him..."
"Mizukage-sama, rest assured. He dismissed his dozens of attendants back to the village himself, keeping only one person to serve him."
Ao replied.
"That's not what I meant. I mean this person must be under our surveillance. It wouldn't be good if Konoha discovered his whereabouts."
"Mizukage-sama, rest assured. Maki isn't currently on the main island."
"Oh? Then where?"
"On Jiyue Island."
"Jiyue Island? Isn't that Kaguya Clan territory?"
Goji Yagura frowned.
"Sir, don't worry. I've placed eight female ANBU ninja around him. According to reports, Maki hasn't left his room since landing on the island, but..."
"But what?"
Goji Yagura asked.
Ao hesitated momentarily, his expression turning ugly.
"This Maki is simply a living beast! He... he's completely... completely violated four of our female ANBU ninja along the way."
"What?!"
After a long moment, Goji Yagura said resentfully:
"Who would have thought? This bastard has such stamina."
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