The winter sun streamed through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows, spilling onto the mirror-smooth corridor floor of the Star City's administrative building.
Menma walked steadily ahead, his calm, sea-like sapphire blue eyes visible beneath his black hair.
Beside him walked Kanon, her brow furrowed.
Half a step behind, with an expression mixing novelty and emotion, was Kushina. Her grayish skin and the fine black cracks on her face were particularly conspicuous in the sunlight.
Next to Kushina, the usual gentleness on Kanon's face was replaced by a trace of gravity. She glanced occasionally at Kushina beside her.
"That red hair... could it be...?"
"Kanon," Menma's voice broke the quiet of the corridor. He turned his head slightly, gesturing towards Kushina behind him, "This is my mother, Uzumaki Kushina."
His tone was calm and natural, as if introducing an ordinary friend reunited after a long separation.
Kanon's steps failed slightly. Her brown eyes, which always held a gentle smile, widened instantly, filled with undisguised surprise and inquiry.
She quickly performed a formal bow, her voice tinged with incredible excitement and respect: "Kushina-sama! It's an honor to meet you!"
"It's our first meeting. I am Kanon, a branch member of the Uzumaki Clan. Thanks to Lord Shura's rescue, I was able to escape the suffering in Kusagakure and settle here."
Her gaze lingered for a moment on Kushina's grayish complexion and cracks before settling on the other woman's equally dazzling red hair.
Her tone carried sincere warmth and a trace of confusion: "I truly didn't expect there were other surviving Uzumaki Clan's member besides Kaori and me! May I ask where you were before, Madam?"
Kanon had been at the very bottom, a 'blood bag', in Kusagakure, with almost no access to external information, let alone knowledge of a figure as mysterious as Kushina, even within Konoha Village.
Kushina responded with a friendly smile, though the cracks made it appear somewhat strange: "Hello, Kanon. It's a long story... I was living in Konoha Village before."
She skimmed over it simply, not delving into her 'condition' or past.
"Konoha Village?!" Kanon was even more surprised.
As an Uzumaki Clan's member who had experienced the destruction of Uzushiogakure and suffered greatly in Kusagakure, her feelings towards Konoha were extremely complex.
'I hadn't expected Menma-sama's mother to be from Konoha. And judging by Menma-sama's attitude, the mother-son relationship seemed quite special?'
She suppressed the questions in her heart and politely: "I see. It's wonderful to meet a fellow clansman in the Land of Stars."
Kanon's tone was sincere, but the sense of alienation towards Konoha deep in her eyes didn't completely dissipate.
The three continued forward. The atmosphere, after a brief moment of warmth, was soon replaced by the business at hand.
Pushing open the door to the top-floor office, a heavy atmosphere greeted them.
Inside the spacious, simple office, the mood was stern and murderous.
Hikari stood with her arms crossed, leaning against the huge floor-to-ceiling window. Her dark blue high-collared clan attire accentuated her upright posture. Her ink-black hair cascaded down, her cold profile somewhat blurred in the winter sunlight filtering through the window.
Upon seeing Kushina behind Menma, Hikari's imposing aura shifted. She slightly bowed her head.
Oyashiro En stood by the desk, his diamond-shaped sunglasses hiding his eyes.
Also present was Miroku, sitting on the sofa in the reception area. Dressed in solemn priestess robes, she had a calm temperament, her brow furrowed with world-weary concern.
All three turned their gazes towards the door almost the instant it opened.
"Lord Shura!" Oyashiro En and Miroku stood up and bowed.
"Those nobles! How dare they betray the agreement so brazenly!" Hikari's cold voice carried undisguised killing intent: "Let me go and slaughter those... those reckless ants!"
Her words seemed to condense the scent of blood in the air.
Oyashiro En adjusted his sunglasses, his voice low and calm: "Sir, Kanon-sama must have reported the situation. Their actions demand thunderous punishment to deter the petty."
Miroku didn't speak, only tightening her hands slightly. Her purple eyes looked towards Menma, carrying a trace of worry and inquiry.
She detested killing, but she also deeply loathed the actions of the nobles of the Land of Darkness and the Land of Swamps.
Menma walked calmly behind the large desk, motioning for Kushina to rest on the nearby sofa.
His gaze swept over the murderous Hikari, the calmly advising Oyashiro En, the silent Miroku, and finally settled on Kanon, who had followed them in.
"Hikari, be patient," Menma's voice wasn't loud, but it instantly suppressed the murderous aura filling the room.
"They're just two minor countries without their own Ninja Villages, rotten to the core internally. Such a trivial matter isn't worth your personal intervention."
Hikari's brows furrowed tightly, her black pupils flickering uncertainly, clearly not convinced: "So we just let them bully our Ninja?"
"Of course not." A faint, almost imperceptible smile touched Menma's lips, radiating confidence and control.
He straightened up, his tone steady: "It's a perfect opportunity to give our people below some experience."
He then looked at Kanon, "I recall the agricultural cooperation project is being led by Gotta, who is responsible for technical guidance?"
Kanon immediately nodded, "Yes, sir. Gotta is highly experienced, with great mastery of Earth and Water Release. He's participated in many domestic remodeling projects. He is currently leading the Earth and Water Release Specialist Team there, overseeing the land remodeling work. After being surrounded, Gotta has remained very calm and restrained, not initiating any killings."
"Mhmm." Menma's finger tapped lightly on the smooth desktop.
He pondered the candidates in his mind, "Have Hotarubi lead the team. Take Kimimaro, Yukimi, and Haku. Depart immediately for the Land of Darkness to rendezvous with Gotta."
He looked at Hikari, "With Hotarubi's strength and steadiness, plus Kimimaro with his Shikotsumyaku, Haku proficient in Ice Release, and Yukimi, along with Gotta and the original technical support team... such a lineup is more than enough to easily suppress any armed resistance within a small to medium-sized country."
Menma's gaze held absolute trust in his subordinates' abilities.
Although Hikari still seemed eager, hearing the list Menma called out, especially with Kimimaro and Haku included, she knew it was already a very powerful combination.
She snorted lightly: "Fine, we'll leave it to them. Let's hope those kids don't disappoint me."
The 'kids' she referred to were clearly Kimimaro and Haku.
"So, what are the specific operational orders?"
Hikari inquired further, ready to relay the commands directly to Hotarubi, Kimimaro, and the others, as well as to Gotta within the Land of Darkness, via the Engraved Tsukuyomi.
"Support Gotta. Ensure the safety of all our personnel. Control the situation, but do not actively expand the conflict zone for now. But if the other side attacks-" Menma's voice turned cold: "Permission is granted to use all necessary means for self-defense and counterattack until the threat is neutralized. Primary objective: protect our personnel and the newly remodeled land from destruction."
"Understood." Hikari nodded, beginning to formulate the message for transmission.
Menma then turned his gaze to Oyashiro En.
This former Wandering Ninja had now taken over from Gato to become the influential Finance Minister of the Land of Stars, responsible for the nation's entire economy and commercial development. His methods and abilities were extremely proficient.
"En," Menma asked, "In which specific areas does the Land of Stars currently have economic dealings with the Land of Darkness and the Land of Swamps?"
Oyashiro En immediately switched gears, as if opening a ledger. His voice was clear and methodical: "Sir, thanks to the [Great Agricultural Development] strategy you spearheaded, along with the massive investment of special resources into farmland irrigation projects, high-yield rice seed development, and large-scale fertilizer production, although our Land of Stars only occupies about a quarter of the plain land in the middle and lower reaches of the Yuu River, the area of high-quality cultivated land we've developed far exceeds the total of the Land of Darkness and the Land of Swamps combined."
He produced a scroll report, showing it to everyone: "Currently, our nation's annual grain output is sufficient to feed over ten million people, it has more than tripled compared to three years ago! Our stockpiles are full, with a large surplus sold to surrounding countries. Moreover, with the promotion of new agricultural techniques and the in-depth application of Chakra in breeding and yield increase, this number is still growing steadily and consistently."
Oyashiro En changed tack, pointing to the locations of the Land of Darkness and the Land of Swamps on the map: "In contrast, the Land of Darkness and the Land of Swamps have suffered from major floods since this summer, followed by a rare locust plague in the autumn. Their grain production has sharply declined, the number of refugees has surged, and social unrest has intensified. To solve their urgent needs, they have recently purchased large quantities of priced grain from our country through official and private grain merchant channels for disaster relief."
He paused, a slight smile curling his lips: "Simultaneously, over seventy percent of the trade volume of their main export specialties, such as the rare aquatic products of the Land of Swamps, and the special timber and herbs of the Land of Darkness, is circulated and settled through the international market established by our Land of Stars. It can be said that a significant portion of their economic lifeline is in our hands."
Oyashiro En's voice lowered a few degrees, carrying a casual, almost mocking tone: "Sir, should we impose severe economic sanctions on them?"
"For example, having the major grain merchants closely associated with us 'appropriately' raise prices and control the supply of grain sold to these two countries."
As Oyashiro En's words fell, the office fell into silence. The temperature seemed to drop abruptly.
Kanon frowned deeply, clear disapproval and worry on her face.
Miroku even whispered a prayer, shaking her head compassionately.
Oyashiro En's plan was simple: manipulate grain prices!
The Land of Stars was now the largest grain exporter and international trade center in the Western Ninja Continent.
If they did as Oyashiro En suggested, within a month, the price of rice in the Land of Darkness and the Land of Swamps would inevitably skyrocket.
The nobles and Daimyo would even fan the flames, pushing prices higher to reap huge profits.
Meanwhile, the common people, who are already on the brink of famine, would soon be unable to afford rice, plunging into despair and triggering large-scale riots or even revolts.
Given the consistent cruelty and short-sightedness of those nobles and Daimyo, faced with masses, they would absolutely not open granaries or lower prices.
They would only send their armies composed of ordinary people, hire ronin and Rogue Ninjas, and the sporadic small Ninja Clans within their countries to brutally suppress and massacre the rebelling populace.
By then, with popular resentment boiling over and social order completely collapsing, the Land of Stars could hoist the banners of 'upholding humanitarianism' and 'protecting civilians', justifiably intervening in the two countries, eliminating the rotten noble ruling class, and fully incorporating these two lands into the territory of the Land of Stars!
"You... you're really vicious!" Kanon couldn't help but speak out: "This will kill many innocent civilians! They are just pitiful people exploited by the nobles!"
Even Hikari, who craved battle, slightly frowned at this poisonous plan of using famine and people's suffering as a weapon to overthrow nations.
Miroku shook her head slightly, whispering softly, "Hatred only breeds new hatred... This is not justice."
Menma quietly listened to Oyashiro En's analysis and suggestion, his face expressionless.
He walked to the huge floor-to-ceiling window, looking down at the prosperous, orderly, and vibrant Star City below.
Sunlight bathed the rows of buildings. The streets were bustling with people, children played in the parks.
This prosperity and stability made it hard to imagine that just three years ago, this place was filled with poverty, famine, and chaos, no different from any other country in the Ninja World.
After a moment, Menma turned around. His gaze swept over everyone, finally settling on Oyashiro En. He slowly shook his head.
"En, your strategy is indeed efficient and highly feasible. But..." His gaze was profound as he slowly shook his head again, "It's too vicious."
"Those who would ultimately lose their lives to hunger, riots, and noble blades are not cold statistics, but living, unarmed ordinary people. They, like the citizens of our Land of Stars, are all victims of this chaotic era."
"Our goal is to end the chaos and create a peaceful world, not to achieve our aims by any means necessary, even using famine as a weapon to create greater tragedies. What essential difference would there be between us and those rotten nobles then?"
His gaze turned sharp as he looked at Oyashiro En: "I understand your considerations from our side's perspective, but remember, the foundation of the Land of Stars is the support of the people's hearts, not fear and scheming."
Menma's words made Kanon and Miroku breathe a sigh of relief. Kushina, who had been silently observing, also showed approval in her eyes.
Oyashiro En was silent for a moment, then lowered his head: "My lord, you are truly benevolent."
"I have considered things inadequately, was too eager for quick success and instant benefit." He slightly bowed, "I will follow your decision in all matters."
Although he bowed his head in apology, the look in his eyes behind the sunglasses flickered. He clearly hadn't completely abandoned his line of thought but knew it was not the time to argue further.
Menma knew Oyashiro En was precisely this kind of scheming character. In the original work, he could make deals on equal terms with Orochimaru, used Sasuke to help his daughter resolve her hatred, and even ultimately leveraged Kumogakure and the Fourth Raikage, A, to take down that den of vice.
Menma also knew it was difficult to change an adult's thinking and worldview. Therefore, he didn't forcefully correct Oyashiro En's mindset. Instead, he walked to the large strategic sand table.
His finger pointed to the land marked as [Remodeling Zone] along the lower Yuu River, then swept across the territories of the Land of Darkness and the Land of Swamps.
"Sanctions are necessary, but they must not harm the innocent."
He issued orders decisively: "Immediately cite 'deteriorating trade environment due to force majeure' as the reason to completely suspend all official and major private commercial interactions between the Land of Stars and the Land of Darkness and the Land of Swamps! This includes grain trade, mineral transactions, and settlement channels for specialty exports!"
"However, retain a small-scale, strictly reviewed channel for the most basic humanitarian supplies. Simultaneously, En, your Commercial Intelligence Division will cooperate with Kanon's Administrative Intelligence Division to conduct large-scale propaganda within the two countries, especially in disaster areas and major cities!"
"The propaganda focus: expose the despicable actions of those nobles tearing up the agreement, seizing land, driving out poor farmers, and besieging Star Ninja!"
"Emphasize that the Star Ninja's land remodeling was to help the poor in both countries gain livelihoods! Clearly state that it is their greed and lack of faith that forced the Land of Stars to suspend all aid and trade! Precisely direct the people's resentment towards those nobles and Daimyo!"
"Miroku," Menma looked at Miroku, "We need to utilize the strength and prestige of you and the miko and priests. Please immediately organize personnel, carrying grain provided by our Land of Stars, to widely distribute charity porridge and provide relief to victims in the disaster areas of the Land of Darkness and the Land of Swamps, especially in refugee gathering areas, in the name of the [Land of Stars Shrine]!"
"Simultaneously, convey the goodwill of the Land of Stars and the true reason we were forced to suspend aid to the victims. The action must be fast, large-scale and as high-profile as possible!"
A trace of worry flashed in Miroku's eyes, but she nodded forcefully, "Protecting all living beings and guiding good intentions is the duty of a priestess. I will arrange for their departure immediately."
"Finally…" He looked at Kanon, "Notify Hotarubi and Gotta. After reinforcements arrive, adopt a defensive posture, hold the outposts firmly, rely on fortifications! Do not initiate attacks! But if the opposing army dares to attack, counterattack with full force and rout the invading enemy! However, do not pursue deep into the heartlands of the two countries for now. Wait for... a more suitable opportunity."
"Opportunity?" Hikari keenly caught this word.
Just then, the office door was knocked.
The tall figure of Anbu Commander, Hoshigaki Kisame, appeared in the doorway. His shark-like face was expressionless. Behind him followed the gentle yet capable Miru.
Kisame said in a deep voice, "Sir, the Anbu's Intelligence Squad has urgent information."
Miru stepped forward, bowing to Menma and the others. Her voice was clear and urgent: "Sir! Spies are stationed in the capitals of the Land of Darkness and the Land of Swamps have sent back the latest secret report!"
"Speak." Menma's gaze focused.
Miru raised her head, her expression grave: "The Land of Snow's Daimyo, Kazahana Doto's chief strategist, Matsuzuki Donosuke, under the protection of the Yukigakure's Elite Jonin, Roga Nadare, and his elite team, secretly arrived in the capital of the Land of Darkness yesterday! This morning, they entered the palace of the Land of Darkness's Daimyo. Their secret talks lasted over two hours. Subsequently, Matsuzuki Donosuke's group rushed non-stop to the capital of the Land of Swamps. Their itinerary was extremely secretive, but their purpose is clear!"
"The Intelligence Squad believed that the Land of Snow is highly likely negotiating analysis military employment matters with the two countries, intending to intervene in this dispute!"
"Land of Snow? Roga Nadare?" A flash of disdain crossed Hikari's eyes, quickly turning into cold battle intent.
Hearing this, instead of showing anger, a meaningful smile curled at the corner of Menma's mouth, as if everything was under his control: "Heh... It seems someone can't hold back anymore, eagerly wanting to jump into this whirlpool."
"Hikari, it seems your itchy hands have a place to be scratched." His gaze turned to Hikari.
"The original plan remains unchanged. You will immediately select two of the most elite Ninja Teams from the Star Ninja Army's standing forces. You will personally command them, secretly assemble them in the border areas between our country and the Land of Darkness and the Land of Swamps! Conduct pre-battle preparations and stand by at all times!"
Excitement shimmered in Hikari's eyes. Her cool face lifted slightly, her voice carrying piercing killing intent: "Leave it to me!"