When the Lips Are Gone, the Teeth Feel the Cold

"What?"

"We... have come to the Land of Hot Water?"

"What a joke! We, the Tsuchigumo Clan, have our own territory in the Land of Fire!"

Tobirama couldn't help but glare at him, "What are you up to now?!"

Izuna ignored Tobirama's glare and innocently shrugged. "But you attacked this place today along with the Land of Lightning and the Land of Water. No matter what, the Land of Hot Water will hold a grudge against you."

"When the Daimyo is questioned by other countries about why the Tsuchigumo Clan participated in the attack on the Land of Hot Water, do you think... your clan can still survive?"

The faces of the Tsuchigumo Clan grew increasingly grim.

Shin raised her head, her tear-filled eyes staring straight at Izuna, as if she had grasped at a sliver of hope that shouldn't exist.

Izuna sighed deeply, "Sigh, you guys, why didn't you join Konoha back then? If you had joined, we in Konoha could have made up a reason for you, but now... sigh."

"If you ask me, why don't you just say you came to the Land of Hot Water to find a suitable husband for your young lady? And that you think the Land of Hot Water is such a paradise that you're planning to settle down here?"

"Easy for you to say! Our clan has lived in the Land of Fire for generations, how can we just leave like that!"

Izuna raised an eyebrow. "Didn't your Clan Head come out this time for the sake of the clan's survival? Since you can't stay in the old land, why not move to a new one?"

"Land of Hot Water Hot Springs, a Merchants' Association, and a comfortable lifestyle. There's no worry about making money. The Daimyo also consider it a blessed land. As long as the Hot Springs here don't become poisonous, those nobles won't attack."

"Perhaps we can even have some technological exchanges with the neighboring Land of Whirlpools. That way, you'll achieve your goal of plundering, and your young lady has even found someone she likes here. Staying here is a win-win situation no matter how you look at it!"

The members of the Tsuchigumo Clan stared intently at Izuna, their faces as black as the bottom of a pot.

"Lord Izuna," the Tsuchigumo man at the front spoke, "You've certainly got a clever plan."

"Oh? What do you mean?"

"Let us leave the Land of Fire and settle down in the Land of Hot Water, and tie ourselves to the people here... To put it nicely, you're giving us a way to survive; to put it bluntly, you want to turn our Tsuchigumo Clan into a second Uzumaki."

"You keep saying that the nobles won't touch the Land of Hot Water, but where in this world is there truly a safe place? Even the peaceful Land of Whirlpools is suffering, how long can the Land of Hot Water protect me?"

Now everyone who was just confused understood.

A great calamity is about to befall the Land of Whirlpools. Some people want the Land of Whirlpools, or rather, the Uzumaki Clan, a Ninja family, to die, regardless of whether they have committed any crimes.

As for who that "person" is, it's already very clear.

The only possible reason for the two countries' Ninjas to unite and establish a base in the Land of Hot Water is that of nobles who appear to be at odds but are actually in cahoots.

Moreover, it's possible that not only the Rai and Sui countries want to destroy the Land of Whirlpools, but other countries must also have this idea.

Hiroyama sat cross-legged on the ground, squinting his eyes.

As for why they needed to attack the Land of Whirlpools, Hiroyama, in his high position, understood perfectly well.

What if the workers don't listen? Give them money? That will only make them more greedy. Put pressure on them? That will only make them more resentful and unwilling to work.

If we continue to increase the pressure, we will drive them to their deaths, create enmity with them, and some will try to escape, while others will form secret societies.

Unless they can maintain a high-pressure rule indefinitely, they will eventually rebel.

What should you do if you have a conflict with the workers?

Distract them.

Their wages are low, right? Then open up other workstations, let them do two jobs, and then give them the same pay they would have earned for doing one job.

It would be even better if, for some reason, they could compete with another factory for the project.

They would fight to the death for the same goal, even if it went beyond the scope of their work, they would still enjoy the struggle.

Because the struggle itself is interesting, and the spoils of the struggle are the sweetest.

That's how those nobles managed the Ninjas.

They perfected this art Warring States Period, even manipulating the Uchiha and Senju, keeping them constantly at odds.

It's very easy to repeat the same trick now.

For them, it was nothing more than a shift from "workers" to "workers' groups" to "workers' groups," nothing more.

And what's even more brilliant is...

The workers need these merchants to manufacture the goods so they can reap the benefits, but Ninjas have the benefits they need themselves.

They themselves... are a hidden treasure.

Ninjas possess power that can be transferred— Ninjutsu, Forbidden Techniques, Sealing Jutsu, Summoning Jutsu, and even Kekkei Genkai and Kekkei Mōra can all be taken away.

Compared to daily necessities and precious metals, these things were truly "valuable" to Ninjas.

So.

They look down on anything that belongs to their kind, or to Ordinary People, as long as they have the opportunity to take it.

Even if Ordinary People glare at them, give them orders, or even treat them with charity.

These hyenas don't care about Ninjas; as long as they can get something from their own kind, they will generously ignore the affairs of Ordinary People.

As long as the "fat sheep" are displayed in front of them, and they are given orders and a little money is spent, the nobles can get these Ninjas to organize themselves and take down the fat sheep.

In the past, the fat sheep was the enemy Shinobi Clan, a sworn enemy with whom they had a deep grudge. But now, that fat sheep is the Land of Whirlpools.

Once these Ninjas have tasted the sweetness of capturing their prey, war between nations will not be far off.

Since that's the case, he'll have to think about it carefully.

After all, the Land of Hot Water is also a "fat sheep". There are too many people that other places don't want, and too many shady industries. If you have to say, the Land of Hot Water is the most suitable place to whet the appetite of a fat sheep.

Their only advantage is that, on the surface, they merely "hire" Ninjas to protect the country, rather than the country being ruled by the Ninjas themselves.

However, if a place like the Land of Whirlpools can suffer such an undeserved calamity, then the Land of Hot Water, regardless of whether the Tsuchigumo Clan joins in, may very well follow in the Land of Whirlpools' footsteps.

Even if their empire includes numerous properties acquired by nobles from other countries, they could still be swallowed up by the relentless course of war.

Therefore, instead of trying to please the nobility, it's better to strengthen oneself.

Only by carrying out their efforts to the end can they find a peaceful place in this world.

But I wonder if the Tsuchigumo Clan... would be willing to come...

Just then, Izuna slowly lifted one foot and took a step forward.

With that one step, the members of the Tsuchigumo Clan all stood up and moved back in unison.

The ground was still wet, and several pairs of Waraji made a rustling sound as they stepped into the muddy water.

"You're absolutely right," Izuna said, a slight smile in his voice. "I'm forcing you to make a decision, but I like to put things in a good way, and do things well. You know what I mean?"

The man's face turned pale.

"It's okay if you don't understand, I can explain it more clearly." Izuna took another step forward, his smile appearing even more harmless in the dim light of the oil lamp, yet sending chills down the spines of the Tsuchigumo Clan.

"Tonight you attacked the docks of the Land of Hot Water, took the local Merchants' Association hostage, and mingled with the Ninjas of the Land of Lightning and the Land of Water. Based on these actions alone, even if the Land of Hot Water detained and executed you all, the Land of Fire couldn't say anything."

"And what about the Land of Fire? You left your territory without permission and participated in an attack against an allied nation. When you return, your Clan Head will definitely push you out as a scapegoat and offer you to the Daimyo of the Land of Fire."

"In other words, if you insist on your reasons and plot against the Land of Whirlpools with the Thunder and Water Kingdoms, then apart from your young lady who might be saved, none of you small fry will survive."

His voice was flat, but to the Tsuchigumo Clan, every word sounded like someone tapping the back of their heads with a small hammer.

The man had completely fallen silent.

Several younger members of the clan nearby clenched their fists, the veins on the backs of their hands bulging, but none of them dared to utter another sound.

Looking at Izuna's profile, Hiroyama couldn't help but click his tongue inwardly.

He'd been in the underworld for so many years and had met all sorts of people, but this was the first time he'd ever seen someone say "you have no choice" so casually.

She looked somewhat bewildered. She couldn't understand why her desire to marry a reliable man had led her entire clan to the brink of destruction.

However, she still managed to sense through her keen intuition that this person was actually helping them, saving their lives from a certain death.

However, their Tsuchigumo Clan had to pay a huge price to obtain this life.

Ai, who was tied to the ground nearby, couldn't help but show an expression of admiration.

To dare say such things in front of everyone, Uchiha Izuna is incredibly audacious. If their stories don't match and they report this to their own countries, wouldn't the Land of Fire retaliate against Tsuchigumo?

No, that's not right. If this happens, the Tsuchigumo Clan will no longer be residents of the Land of Fire, but rather Tsuchigumo of Land of Hot Water, and they'll even be linked to the local Yakuza through marriage.

The Yakuza in the Land of Hot Water are essentially the Shinobi Villages of the Land of Hot Water, serving as the source of military strength for the Land of Hot Water.

That Tamaro was clearly no ordinary debt collector. Their leader treated him so kindly, and he had just forced back the Ninjas from the Land of Water. His status and personal Strength were definitely not to be underestimated.

If he were to marry the eldest daughter of the Tsuchigumo, then the Tsuchigumo Clan would become part of the Yakuza.

The Daimyo of the Land of Fire has no reason to offend the military power of another country for the sake of another nation.

In other words, the Tsuchigumo will not be held accountable in the short term.

Wow, that's awesome!

But this approach is far too brutal.

Hashirama gazed at Izuna, thinking silently to himself.

By forcing the Tsuchigumo Clan to make a statement, Izuna wasn't just providing them with a way out; he was paving the way for the Land of Whirlpools' future.

Like the Land of Hot Water Land of Whirlpools, the Land of Hot Water is a small, isolated country with limited territory, where people make a living by relying on a single skill.

The Land of Whirlpools thrives on Sealing Jutsu, while the Land of Hot Water makes its living through Hot Springs and trade.

If the Land of Whirlpools is truly dragged into war, and the Land of Hot Water stands idly by, then the Land of Hot Water will be the next to be put on the chopping block.

If the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold.

However, the Land of Hot Water has one advantage: there is no clearly defined Shinobi Clan stationed there, and the internal forces within the Land of Hot Water are a mixed bag, with spies from various countries.

Whether to protect their own relaxation spots or to maintain their established power base, the nobles would not easily touch the Hot Springs Sanctuary of Land of Hot Water.

Therefore, the Land of Hot Water will not help the Land of Whirlpools.

However, if the Tsuchigumo Clan has established itself in the Land of Hot Water, it would confirm the existence of a Shinobi Clan there, and that this Shinobi Clan's abilities are related to those of the Uzumaki Clan.

This effectively binds the two islands together, giving the Land of Whirlpools a much-needed respite.

Although I don't understand why Izuna insisted on making this happen, it's a good thing because it's saving the Land of Whirlpools from disaster.

That makes sense, but his approach was far too forceful.

These Tsuchigumo tribesmen did commit a crime, but cornering them and then offering them an olive branch with barbs inevitably breeds resentment.

If not handled properly, the resentment suppressed today will reignite tomorrow.

So someone has to step in and smooth things over!

He took a deep breath, then suddenly covered his face, his shoulders trembling uncontrollably.

"Waaah... I never expected this..." Hashirama covered his Hashirama and wept, his voice choked with genuine emotion, "I just wanted to take a walk with Madara, but I ended up witnessing the birth of a new romance here... I'm so lucky... Love, it's so beautiful..."

The atmosphere on the dock, which had been brought to a deathly silence by Izuna, was shattered by his outburst of crying.

Everyone turned to look at the man who had suddenly broken down in emotion, their faces filled with astonishment.

A rare, almost collapsing crack appeared on Tobirama cold face.

Ban turned his head away, pretending not to know him.

The Hiroyama Family and the Tsuchigumo Clan were also dumbfounded.

Tamamo-no-Mae was the first to react. Her eyes darted around, and she immediately pulled out a handkerchief to wipe away non-existent tears, saying sweetly, "The Lord Hokage is right. To meet a good man in chaotic times is a blessing from heaven. Although today's events were dangerous, they have led to such a marriage. How can it not be a beautiful thing?"

Haruto touched the tip of his nose and whispered to Enma, "Don't you think the art style changed a little too quickly?"

Enma said with a blank expression, "Don't ask me, I've given up thinking about it."

Izuna watched Hashirama cover his Hashirama and pretend to cry, his lips twitched, and he finally couldn't help but turn his face away, his shoulders shaking slightly.

His interruption allowed the Tsuchigumo Clan to finally catch their breath.

The female ninja stepped forward, pulled Shin to her side, and whispered a few words to him.

Zhen pursed her lips and let the female ninja pull her back to the Tsuchigumo Clan.

The male ninja let out a long sigh, pondered for a moment, and realized that this was indeed the only way for them to survive. So he bowed to Izuna.

"I am truly sorry, Uchiha. I misspoke just now. Please forget what I said. The love between Miss Makoto and that gentleman is indeed touching, and we will consider your proposal."

Izuna still had that same smiling face, "Yes, it's good that you understand."

"Please allow us to leave first, to discuss a plan, and then we will come back to Discussion the 'marriage' between our two families with this sir..." The male ninja looked at Hiroyama, "... but..."

Hiroyama nodded to him.

"Then, farewell."

The Tsuchigumo Clan had already decided to spend the night in the mountains and forests and make further plans at dawn.

They were wet and cold, and most of their luggage was still at the Shipyard. They were lucky to have survived, so they didn't dare to ask for any decent accommodations.

But they had only turned around and taken a few steps Tamamo-no-Mae called them back.

"Please wait a moment." Her voice was gentle. "This young lady is soaking wet. It's chilly at night, and we would feel bad if she caught a cold."

"Besides, given how things have turned out tonight, we have a responsibility and obligation to take care of you all. Our Tamamoya has a few regularly booked guesthouses nearby. Although they aren't the best, they do have hot water and clean bedding. Why don't you settle in tonight and we can discuss other things tomorrow?"

The people of the Tsuchigumo Clan looked at each other.

The female ninja opened her mouth, about to say "No need to trouble yourself," Haruto had already walked over with an oil lamp in hand.

With a hearty smile, he said, "If you find Tamamoya inconvenient, the Ise Family also has a vacant villa on the west side of the dock. It's spacious enough to accommodate all of you tonight."

His words were generous and considerate, but to the ears of the Tsuchigumo Clan, they carried a sense of coercion.

That villa is located to the west of the dock. Their decision to leave now indicates that they have something to hide, that they are allies of the Land of Water and the Land of Lightning, and that they have come for the Land of Whirlpools.

Instead of leaving, their reason for coming here immediately changed to the claim that the young lady of the Tsuchigumo Clan had taken a liking to the people here and had brought her clansmen to propose marriage that very night.

The large number of people gathered here tonight presents the perfect opportunity to confirm this matter.

But why? Why are the people of the Land of Hot Water so determined to keep them here? Aren't they afraid of becoming the next Land of Whirlpools?

The male ninja's face was ashen, and his fists were clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white

But circumstances are beyond their control; they are now like fish on a chopping board.

If he refuses now, he will not only appear guilty, but it will also contradict his earlier promise to "consider the proposal."

He could only grit his teeth and squeeze out, "Then we'll have to trouble you," before leading his clansmen and following Haruto's attendants toward the other courtyard.

When Tamaro saw that they were really going to stay there, he hurriedly squeezed out of the crowd, wanting to say that he would not marry Zhen.

But as soon as he came out, Hiroyama grabbed him from behind and put his arm around his neck.

The burly man pulled his arm back, locking him so tightly that his eyes almost rolled back.

"Hey, don't go out and spoil the fun. The Tsuchigumo Clan has come from afar; arranging accommodations is a courtesy from the host." Hiroyama leaned close to his ear with a forced smile and whispered, "Shut your mouth, don't ruin this. Otherwise, when we get back, I'll make you clean toilets for a month."

Tamaro fell silent, only able to glare at him.

When Zhen turned around, he happened to see this scene and couldn't help but chuckle softly.