Strategy Discussion

"The system of one village per country has only been in place for forty-five years. Although there have been two Shinobi World Wars in the past, it is much better than the Warring States period recorded in books. This system has not yet reached the point of decay. Before a newer and better system appears, we must do our best to maintain the situation and prevent it from collapsing."

Orochimaru smoothed out the wrinkles in his sleeves with his long, slender fingers.

"Yahiko, you went through so much trouble to build the Akatsuki Organization, not to throw the Shinobi World into chaos, right?"

"Of course not. What I hope for is to end the war in the Land of Rain so that everyone can make a living in peace. That's all."

Yahiko sighed inwardly; he had never intended to destroy the system of one country, one village.

As Orochimaru said, the system of one village per country is still in its infancy and has brought a sense of peace to the war-torn Shinobi World. However, the price is that small countries sandwiched between large countries are often ravaged. The Land of Rain, for example, has been reduced to a mess, with war raging everywhere and no truly safe land.

What Yahiko wanted to do was improve the dire situation in the Land of Rain, not destroy his own homeland. If the foundation of the one-country-one-village system were destroyed, the Shinobi World would become a chaotic mess. It was unimaginable and too dangerous to even think about.

This kind of disciplined warfare is much better than the chaotic wars of the past.

To find a path to peace for the Land of Rain and to further control this kind of regulated warfare—this was Yahiko's will, and also the will of the original Akatsuki Organization, not the mercenary organization that later became only interested in making money.

Sometimes, the rise and fall of an organization hinges on a single person, and the soul of Akatsuki Organization is clearly Yahiko. Only Yahiko lives can Akatsuki Organization truly be Akatsuki Organization.

"That's all? Yahiko, you're too modest." Orochimaru shook his head. "If such ambitions are only 'that', then aren't Katsuki- kun and I just wasting our lives?"

"Hey, Lord Hokage, just because I'm not speaking doesn't mean I'm dead. If you're going to speak, speak for yourself, don't drag me into it."

Katsuki remained firmly glued to the windowsill, her face pressed against the glass, watching the commotion outside without turning her head, only letting out a soft shout.

Orochimaru ignored Katsuki's complaints and stared at Yahiko with sharp, sword-like eyes.

"Yahiko, what do you think of my idea? If it's feasible, we can establish an alliance, with Konoha and Rain Ninja... well, the new Rain Ninja will be close allies. Yahiko, you should consider it carefully and hopefully get back to me soon..."

"No need to think about it anymore, I agree."

Yahiko readily slammed his hand on the table and agreed.

"Alright, since that's the case, I've already drafted the alliance document Yahiko, take a look and see if there's anything that needs to be changed. We can discuss it. And Katsuki- kun, you can also be a witness." Orochimaru smiled and took out the pre-printed document from the drawer.

Yahiko's face darkened. Had they calculated that he would agree? They even prepared a treaty of alliance.

What a... terrifying guy!

A gentle breeze carried the documents onto the low table, right in front of Yahiko, demonstrating a pinnacle of Wind Release Technique.

Yahiko blinked, looking at Katsuki sitting by the window, and thinking of Jiraiya- sensei and that senior brother named Minato, he deeply felt the confidence of the great ninja village. So many masters made him both envious and despairing.

He lowered his head, opened the cover, and began to carefully read every word on the document. When he encountered something unclear, he would stop and ponder it repeatedly, arguing with Orochimaru. The two engaged in a lively debate, with each side exchanging sharp words. Katsuki, sitting to the side, simply watched the spectacle, since verbal sparring wasn't his forte.

"... Finally, Hokage, if our two countries become allies, I hope you can help my Land of Rain defend against foreign invasion." Yahiko stated his final request.

"Of course, as allies, we won't stand idly by," Orochimaru readily agreed.

After all, to put it bluntly, the Land of Rain is such a small and run-down place that there's not much to plunder. Generally speaking, attacking the Land of Rain is just used as a springboard to invade other countries, such as the most prosperous Land of Fire.

Therefore, helping the Land of Rain is actually something that we ourselves must do.

"Lord Hokage, what I hope for is that your side can keep outsiders out, rather than wreaking havoc in my Land of Rain," Yahiko added.

Orochimaru fell silent.

After a long pause, he said, "Yahiko, it's not that I lack sincerity, but war is inherently unpredictable. Even if I agree to this here, it won't make any difference."

"That's fine. What I mean is, if Rain Ninja and Konoha become allies, I hope that Konoha's ninjas can team up with Rain Ninja to patrol the borders of the Land of Rain, guarding against Stone Ninja and Sunagakure. Oh, and now Sunagakure is also an ally, so we only need to be wary of one Stone Ninja."

Upon hearing Yahiko's explanation, Orochimaru lost his smile for the first time, looking utterly astonished.

"Konoha is patrolling the border of the Land of Rain with you... Does Your Excellency intend for Konoha to station troops in the Land of Rain?"

"Good."

Yahiko spoke calmly, seemingly unaware of how frightening his words were.

Inviting ninjas from other countries to station in one's own territory is tantamount to entrusting one's life and death to others.

Anyone with a rational and normal mind would definitely think that Yahiko is crazy to say such a thing.

However, only family members know their own situation. Yahiko didn't think he had made a stupid mistake. He had thought this through carefully. From the moment he agreed to Orochimaru's suggestion, he had been calculating how to maximize his benefits.

Tying the Land of Rain and Konoha to the same side is undoubtedly the wisest strategy at present. Given his understanding of Konoha, it is unlikely that Konoha will turn against and annex the Land of Rain. Unlike the other four great nations, the Land of Fire occupies the most fertile land in the Shinobi World and would not look down on the small place that is the Land of Rain.

In addition, Konoha is the most steadfast defender of the one country, one village system. Back then, the First Hokage and Madara Uchiha were invincible in the Shinobi World, but they did not unify the Shinobi World or integrate it into one. Instead, they established a situation where the Five Great Nations stood side by side.

He had found a good teacher, and he was extremely knowledgeable about Konoha. If one observed carefully, it wouldn't be difficult to deduce certain things.

"The Akatsuki Organization is currently outnumbered and outgunned. Without your assistance, it would be extremely difficult for them to uphold the reputation of Amegakure. Therefore, we humbly request your help, Lord Hokage."

Yahiko spoke again, his words earnest.

Orochimaru remained silent. Yahiko's guess was correct. Neither Konoha nor the nobles of the Land of Fire had any intention of expanding outwards. Most of the Land of Land of Wind was desert, the Land of Earth had sparse vegetation and was also desolate, the Land of Lightning was full of towering mountains, making it difficult for ordinary people to move around, and the Land of Water was located in a remote corner of an island.

None of them are good places, and there's no point in taking them. Look at the two Shinobi World Wars; Konoha was always on the defensive, never initiating an invasion.

"Can."

Orochimaru finally relented.