The so-called Konoha Crush was merely the Sand Ninja Village's attempt to use Orochimaru's power to weaken Konoha, while Orochimaru likewise intended to leverage the Sand Ninja Village's strength to create an opportunity for himself.
It could be said that Orochimaru and the Sand Ninja Village harbored no good intentions towards each other.
However, Orochimaru's methods were slightly more sophisticated; Rasa probably never imagined Orochimaru would dare to kill him, even in his dying moments.
But to be fair, the Sand Ninja Village's methods were equally ruthless.
An attack on Konoha Village of such magnitude must have essentially received the approval of the entire Sand Ninja Village's high command.
Moreover, the two Advisors of the Sand Ninja Village, Chiyo and Ebizo, had a deep-seated blood feud with Konoha, so they would not only not prevent it but would also fuel it.
Maki, who commanded the Sand Ninja Village's combat forces, should logically not have failed to notice the swapped Kazekage.
Therefore, it is highly probable that the Sand Ninja Village at that time was willing to sacrifice Kazekage Rasa to proceed with the plan.
So, after the failure, the Sand Ninja Village quickly shifted all responsibility onto Orochimaru and the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa.
When Chiyo used the Reanimation Jutsu to revive Gaara, besides Naruto's talk-no-jutsu,
it was probably more due to her inner guilt and the glimmer of hope for the Sand Ninja Village's resurgence she saw in Gaara.
"I wonder if Orochimaru will be soft-hearted this time."
A cold smile appeared on Yūto's face.
— — — —
Mizukage Office.
"Lord Yūto, are you really planning to give such important intelligence to the Cloud Ninja Village?"
Mei Terumī looked at Yūto with a surprised and puzzled expression.
"This isn't giving it to them; it's an exchange."
Yūto shook his head with a smile, his tone noticeably emphasizing the word "exchange."
Mei Terumī sighed helplessly. Although some of Lord Yūto's decisions sometimes seemed to offer no benefit, they often achieved unexpected results.
"Lord Yūto, aren't you afraid the Cloud Ninja Village will leak such important intelligence to Konoha?"
Mei Terumī looked at Yūto's confident expression, swept a strand of hair behind her ear, and asked, resting her chin on her hand.
"If I gave this intelligence to you, would you leak it to Konoha?"
Yūto did not answer directly but instead looked back at Mei Terumī.
Mei Terumī pondered for a moment, then shook her head: "No."
"You wouldn't do it, and those people in the Cloud Ninja Village aren't fools."
Yūto walked over to the sofa against the wall and sat down lazily.
Mei Terumī's expression stiffened slightly. Why did Lord Yūto's words just now not sound like he was praising her?
"If that's the case, then why not also give this intelligence to the Hidden Stone Village in exchange for something?"
Mei Terumī looked curiously at Yūto, who was sitting on the sofa.
"There's nothing in the Hidden Stone Village that I'd be interested in."
Yūto raised an eyebrow and said casually.
What a great reason!
Hearing Yūto's words, Mei Terumī's mouth couldn't help but twitch.
Of course, besides the fact that there truly was nothing in the Hidden Stone Village that Yūto would be interested in, there was a crucial point Yūto didn't mention.
That was Ōnoki, who was arguably the one who saw the overall situation of the Ninja World most clearly. Therefore, Yūto didn't need to make any extra moves regarding the Hidden Stone Village.
Ōnoki would do the most appropriate thing at the most opportune time.
Mei Terumī tapped the table twice with her hand, and with a soft "click," the door to the Mizukage Office opened.
Ao walked in respectfully, first bowing deferentially towards Yūto, then walking to the Mizukage Office and picking up the documents Mei Terumī had placed on the table.
"Mizukage-sama, I'll go take care of it immediately." Ao said, then turned and left.
Seeing Ao's hurried appearance, Yūto asked somewhat puzzled: "Is Kirigakure very busy lately?"
Mei Terumī couldn't help but roll her eyes, a hint of resentment in her tone:
"Chōjūrō is currently with Lord Yūto, so all the work here is now on Ao's shoulders. It would be strange if he weren't busy."
Yūto's face showed an embarrassed expression; he had indeed forgotten that point.
Seeing the expression on Yūto's face, Mei Terumī couldn't help but chuckle softly:
"I heard Chōjūrō say that Lord Yūto has been teaching a power called Sage Mode recently. I wonder if I can learn it."
"Of course, you can. I originally planned to teach you, after all, strength is fundamental. It's just that your work as Mizukage is too busy, so I haven't brought it up until now."
Yūto nodded naturally; he had indeed planned to do so.
Mei Terumī's beautiful eyes lit up. She had only mentioned it casually, not expecting Lord Yūto to actually agree.
From the individual training of Chōjūrō and the others, it was clear that whether it was Sage Mode or Ranmaru's Cursed Seal Transformation, Lord Yūto only taught those he could absolutely trust.
"It's fortunate that the barrier hasn't been removed yet. With your talent, you might master it much faster than them." Yūto said with a smile, getting up and speaking to Mei Terumī.
Mei Terumī's face showed joy, and she followed Yūto with light steps, walking out of the Mizukage Office.
Outside the Mizukage Office, on a street similar to a commercial district.
The constant flow of people, coupled with the continuous shouts of vendors, gave a sense of extraordinary prosperity.
Although Kirigakure and Konoha had been having a war of words recently, such matters actually had little impact on civilians.
It must be said that the Kinoshita Clan managed Gato's Shipping Company exceptionally well.
The Land of Water was both rich and scarce in resources. Through the Shipping Company, all surplus aquatic products from the Land of Water were transported to other countries, while some important materials were brought back.
In a short period, this Shipping Company provided a large amount of funds to the entire Kirigakure.
At the same time, the entire commercial atmosphere of Kirigakure began to flourish.
Walking on the commercial street and feeling the lively scene, Mei Terumī's face showed a hint of admiration, and she glanced at Yūto standing beside her from the corner of her eye.
Back then, Lord Yūto's decision was correct. If the Shipping Company had been handed over to Kirigakure to manage, the entire Kirigakure might not be as prosperous as it is now.
After all, the Kinoshita Clan is now working for their own family, so they will naturally use the entire family's strength.
Compared to a mere family, the ultimate beneficiary is still Kirigakure.
"Lord Yūto, is the turtle on your shoulder sick?"
Mei Terumī looked at the somewhat listless little turtle lie on Yūto's shoulder and asked worriedly.
"You mean the Three-Tails? It's just been consuming a lot of energy recently; it'll be fine in a while."
Yūto extended his finger and tapped the Three-Tails' shell, saying casually.
Three-Tails?!
Mei Terumī's beautiful eyes widened, and an astonished expression appeared on her face.