The White Snake Sage Strikes While the Iron Is Hot!

A cave several dozen kilometers from the Central Route Allied Forces' camp.

"If Ryūchi Cave still refuses to act, can we take that to mean you have no intention of participating in this Fire Extinguishing Plan?"

Jiraiya asked the woman before him, with long green hair, a golden crown, and black-and-red eye shadow.

Tagorihime!

She was Ryūchi Cave's representative.

Tagorihime, one of the Three God Princesses.

"This plan is highly likely to fail. Why should Ryūchi Cave take such a risk?"

Tagorihime's voice was icy, hissing like a snake's tongue.

Indeed, though the Tenshukaku appeared to be on the verge of collapse.

There were far too many problems within the allied forces.

Especially now, when victory seemed within reach. Several Daimyo had begun harboring their own little schemes over how to divide up the Tenshukaku's "inheritance."

It could be said that if they could not secure a swift victory, it was anyone's guess who the final winner would be.

"This is an opportunity to eliminate the Tenshukaku!"

"If you miss this chance, Ryūchi Cave may end up just like Mount Myōboku!"

"And if Ryūchi Cave joins the fight, I can promise on behalf of the allied forces that the Tenshukaku's sacred land—Hot Spring Valley—will be allocated to you!"

Jiraiya had put forth his greatest bargaining chip.

Hot Spring Valley!

Originally, Konoha had planned to claim this sacred land for itself.

They had been willing to give up enormous benefits for it.

For instance, the fertile lands that had been reclaimed. Even though they had been washed over with Black Oil, they could recover after a few years. Their value was self-evident. There were also the ports, manufacturing techniques, and more.

But few shinobi had understood the value of sacred lands in the past. It was only because the toads