Ayane had just left the Land of Demons for less than two days when a major event broke out in the Ninja Realm, naturally causing a huge commotion.
Compared to the fertile lands of the Land of Fire, the Hidden Cloud preferred the iron mines of the Land of Earth for forging weapons.
After all, the utilization rate of iron mines is the most widespread, and the Land of Earth is the richest in iron mines, naturally making it a target of interest for rival Ninja Villages.
However, surprisingly, the Hidden Cloud Ninjas attacking Hidden Rock Village numbered less than twenty.
Although they were all Jonin, along with the Raikage, one of the Five Kage, infiltrating deep into the Land of Earth was indeed a risky move.
Upon knowing this precise information, Hakushi couldn't help but admire the Raikage's boldness; he truly dared to act.
With this move, a war between the Hidden Cloud and Hidden Rock was inevitable.
For Konoha in the Land of Fire, it was somewhat of a relief.
But it also heightened their vigilance towards the Hidden Cloud.
The Hidden Cloud's goals were more far-reaching; they weren't in a hurry to involve themselves in battles on Konoha's side—not that they didn't want to topple Konoha from the pedestal, but before that, they needed to accumulate even greater power.
That is to seize the precious resources like the iron mines of the Land of Earth, to develop Hidden Cloud's military strength, and after fortifying their capabilities, then engage in battles against Konoha... perhaps this is such a long-term strategy, rather than being stubborn about determining victory or defeat in one go.
After all, it is acknowledged as the strongest Ninja Village, even the Hidden Cloud Village needs to gather more power to prepare, in order to increase their chances of winning.
Therefore, provoking the animosity of Hidden Rock doesn't seem that surprising anymore.
Situated in the remote region of the Land of Demons, it naturally wouldn't suffer the impact of war. Hakushi merely analyzed the final trajectory of this war from a bystander's perspective.
—About a week later, the latest news from the Land of Earth battlefield was relayed back by intelligence personnel.
It was that upon learning of the Third Raikage's appearance in the Land of Earth, the Third Tsuchikage personally led the Hidden Rock's Demolition Squad to intercept them.
The result, however, was a defeat, leaving him heavily injured.
Reportedly, the entire lower back of the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, was shattered by the Third Raikage from Hidden Cloud, and the Hidden Rock Demolition Squad he took along was nearly wiped out, resulting in severe losses.
"..."
If he hadn't known that his intelligence personnel were meticulous and diligent, Hakushi might have almost thought the contents of this intelligence report were fictional.
"It seems the biggest winner in this war is the Hidden Cloud."
Ruri came to Hakushi's office, reacting to the news after learning of it.
Recalling the brief encounter with that Raikage, the opponent's strength was indeed formidable; back then, he might have held back a lot of his power.
Being able to severely injure one of the Five Kage, the Tsuchikage, and even heavily damage the Hidden Rock's Demolition Squad, from now on, the reputation of the Third Raikage's mightiest shield and spear would probably be even more deeply ingrained in people's minds.
Hakushi's expression suddenly turned grave, carefully examining the intelligence in his hands.
"What's the matter? Is there something wrong?"
Seeing the sudden change in Hakushi's expression, Ruri asked in confusion.
"Ruri, if you were that Raikage, after defeating the enemy leader, what would be the first thing you do?"
Hakushi asked seriously.
"Of course, I would continue to push forward, expanding the gains, and with such momentum, crush Hidden Rock."
Ruri answered without hesitation.
After all, missing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity would be a pity.
The iron mines of the Land of Earth were of immense attraction to the Third Raikage of the Hidden Cloud, surely he would press forward, further expand the gains, this is the demeanor that the leader of the Hidden Cloud should have.
"Indeed, this is the impulse many would subconsciously have; however, in the situation where victory clouds one's judgment, this is actually a very dangerous behavior."
"You mean to say?"
Ruri immediately understood Hakushi's hidden implication.
"Hidden Rock is starting to cast a net to catch the fish... "