Yichen's Plan

After thinking for a moment, Yichen said, "If neither Konoha nor Sunagakure has infiltrated the Land of Rain, we might be able to find a way to open up a smaller trade route in the near future."

Yichen took out a map and pointed to the border between the Land of Rain and the Land of Earth: "When I go back this time, I will try to persuade the higher-ups to see if I can directly change their attitude towards the Land of Rain. If I can, that would be best. If not, I will try to find a position on the border between the two countries. Then your Akatsuki Organization can also arrange some manpower on the border."

"In this way, we can cooperate and provide some convenience to the traveling caravans. If the goods sold by the caravans are helpful to the common people of the Land of Rain and the Land of Earth, such as agricultural products like grains, agricultural tools and other production-aiding items, or aquatic products like fish, then we can provide free escort for the caravans. At least we can guarantee their safety at the border and within the Land of Rain."

"In this way, the caravan will have a sense of security, and other merchants will hear this and increase the frequency of their business dealings, especially when they learn that the trade in agricultural products will be protected by us; they will increase the volume of this type of business."

"Then this kind of trade between the Land of Rain and the Land of Earth will flourish, and the lives of ordinary people in both countries will improve."

Yichen explained his plan to the three of them, and sure enough, he saw their faces filled with admiration.

Afterwards, Yichen discussed the matter of maintaining contact with Yahiko other two, and then they parted ways. Yahiko gave him a large sum of Yichen, which he was ready to use to make a big splash.

Yichen's escort mission was not yet complete; he still had to return to the Land of Earth and report on the Ōnoki Akatsuki Organization to Onoki.

The rest of the mission proceeded smoothly without any incidents, and none of the missing-nin we expected to encounter came up.

After the Team 7 returned to the village, Yichen immediately found Xiao, and then the Team 7 and Xiao went to the Tsuchikage's Office Building and met Ōnoki. Afterwards, Ōnoki summoned four advisors, and a simple high-level meeting was held.

Yichen began reporting to his superiors, "Lord Tsuchikage, during my trip to the Land of Rain, I made contact with the leader of the Akatsuki Organization and learned that Konoha and Sunagakure have not been infiltrating the Land of Rain recently. At least not openly."

Taking a deep breath, Yichen said, "The Akatsuki Organization's ideology is rather naive. Currently, they have a favorable impression of Iwagakure. I suggest forming an alliance with the Akatsuki Organization and then helping Akatsuki Organization replace Amegakure."

Yichen paused here, noticing that Ōnoki and the advisors seemed somewhat unconvinced. Knowing their thoughts, Yichen continued, "Half a month ago, a core member of the Akatsuki Organization named Nagato completed his transformation and will soon be able to reach the Kage Level."

Upon hearing this, everyone present, except for Yichen, gasped in shock.

Influenced by the original work, Yichen initially felt that Kage Level was just the beginning when he first transmigrated. After all, Fourth Shinobi War, Kage Level couldn't even influence the outcome of a battle. But after transmigrating for so long, Yichen's thinking has long since changed. Kage Level is a strategic powerhouse who can potentially support a Great Ninja Village.

Similar to Iwagakure, which currently only has one Kage Level Ōnoki, Yichen, having read the original work, knows that by the Fourth Shinobi War, the entire Iwagakure had only produced two more Kage Level: Deidara, who defected, and Kitsuchi. In other words, since Ōnoki, Iwagakure has only produced two Kage Level in several decades.

The Sunagakure was slightly Iwa ninja, having not only the Third Kazekage but also Elder Chiyo. However, from then until the Fourth Shinobi War, they only produced four Kage Level: Sasori, who defected; Pakura, who was betrayed; and Rasa and his Gaara.

But now Yichen says that a small Amegakure has produced another Kage Level after Hanzo. The importance of this information is no less than that of White Fang's suicide.

When White Fang committed suicide, Konoha lost a Kage Level fighter, which immediately provoked the Four Great Nations to make moves, leading to a series of border conflicts that caused Konoha heavy losses.

A Kage Level can absolutely influence the development of a country.

After the initial shock, Ōnoki asked first, "Yichen, are you certain about the relationship between Akatsuki Organization and Hanzo?"

Ōnoki asked the question very seriously. It was indeed a crucial question. If Nagato and Hanzo joined forces, Iwagakure might no longer have an advantage against the Land of Rain.

After all, the only high-level combat power of Iwa ninja is Nogi and the uncontrollable Jinchuriki.

Yichen nodded and said, "Lord Tsuchikage, the Akatsuki Organization currently holds Hanzo in high esteem. However, the Akatsuki Organization's modus operandi is completely different from Hanzo's. They are unconsciously challenging Hanzo's authority step by step. From conversations with Yahiko, I learned that the Akatsuki Organization is slowly absorbing and transforming various forces within the Land of Rain, and is even recruiting Amegakure missing-nin from Amegakure."

"Most importantly, the Akatsuki Organization didn't realize there was anything wrong with what they were doing. They acted entirely on their ideals, unaware of the wickedness of human nature, and had no suspicion of Hanzo."

"They always wear Rain Village Ninja Forehead Protector and act as if they own the Land of Rain. My subordinates believe that Hanzo will eventually target the Akatsuki Organization."

"Furthermore, the Akatsuki Organization members are too naive and won't be on guard against Hanzo, so there will definitely be considerable losses at the beginning."

"However, Hanzo is unaware of the Akatsuki Organization's strength; if his plan is flawed, he will definitely suffer a great loss."

Ōnoki and several advisors' eyes lit up. They understood what Yichen meant: if a conflict broke out between the two sides, Iwagakure, which was well-prepared, would definitely benefit.

At this moment, the elderly male advisor said, "Yichen, do you think Konoha will intervene?"

Yichen found it strange. As a high-level executive, he wouldn't usually ask his subordinates such a question. Yichen had already reported the information he knew, and the higher-ups must have other channels for obtaining information and would certainly be able to make a more accurate judgment.

However, Yichen didn't hesitate much and said directly, "I think Konoha will definitely intervene. The Root supported various organizations in the Land of Rain before was probably to challenge Hanzo's authority."

"Later, due to a series of unforeseen events, Root shifted its focus, but once they recover, they will definitely intervene in the affairs of the Land of Rain again."

"However, the Akatsuki Organization's development has exceeded everyone's expectations, Root will likely change its strategy towards the Land of Rain."

"Perhaps Root will support Hanzo. If Hanzo is willing to make concessions, Root might cooperate with him to Akatsuki Organization Hanzo."

"However, if the Root Project succeeds, it's hard to say whether the Land of Rain can remain neutral in subsequent wars."

After listening to Yichen's analysis, the higher-ups exchanged glances, and then Ōnoki said, "Alright, we understand what you mean. You can all go now. Once the higher-ups have made a decision, they will assign you tasks."

"Yes," Yichen and the other four replied and left.

But Ōnoki and his advisors had only just begun their discussion.

Ōnoki looked at the four of them and said, "Do you think what Yichen said is accurate?"

The middle-aged female advisor said, "I think Yichen's judgment is worth considering. Given Danzo of Konoha's style, he might have initially supported the forces of the Land of Rain in order to force Hanzo to submit."

The elderly female advisor said, "That's right. If it weren't for the chaos recently, Danzo might have already put pressure on Hanzo."

The Middle-aged Male Advisor said, "Danzo won't let the Land of Rain off easily; he'll definitely make another move. I support Yichen's assessment on this point."

"Since that Akatsuki Organization member is about to become Kage Level, let's help him hold off Root for two years, and then give Danzo a surprise."

The elderly male advisor said, "There's no rush regarding the strategy for the Land of Rain. Let's talk about the arrangements for Yichen first."

The high-ranking members exchanged glances, and finally, Ono Ōnoki decided, "Since we're considering him as a prospective ninja for the Advisor Group, let's give him some training opportunities. Let's see if he can give Root a run for their money in the Land of Rain."

Several advisors nodded and said, "That's feasible. Should we promote him to Jonin?"

Ōnoki thought for a moment and said, "Let's not rush. Advancing too early isn't a good thing. Let's advance Ikura first. Ikura's talent has already been fully demonstrated, and other countries are also watching him."

"We can just put him out in the open and let everyone see him clearly. We can also hide Yichen while we're at it."

"As for his promotion to Jonin, didn't he discuss opening a trade route with the Akatsuki Organization? Let's make that his mission for promotion to Jonin."

Yichen was unaware of the extent to which the higher-ups valued him. He was currently investigating the trade route, and the idea he had just had during his conversation with Yahiko and the other two was merely a flash of inspiration. The whole thing was still in the ideal stage and not yet a feasible plan. To implement it, further investigation was needed, and at the very least, Yichen needed to figure out which items could be used as cargo.

However, Yichen has no business experience in either his past or present life, so he plans to consult with professionals.

Yichen wouldn't be foolish enough to go looking for merchants. With his level of skill, it would be too difficult to extract information from these seasoned veterans. Besides, these merchants were all civilians from the Land of Earth, and he couldn't Interrogation like he would an enemy.

Yichen was looking for Tana. Tana's family was one of the larger ninja families in Iwagakure. The family had many businesses, including commerce.

Tana and Yichen joined the Anbu one after the other, but they were not in the same squad. They didn't see each other often. Yichen first inquired about Tana's situation from Xiao and learned that Tana would be returning to the village in the next couple of days, so he came to Tana's house.

When Yichen arrived, Tana was practicing at home and was somewhat surprised when she was informed by a servant. Because the two were familiar with each other, Tana did not change her clothes and came out in her training clothes.

Seeing this, Yichen suddenly felt interested in sparring and said, "You're practicing? Perfect, let's have a spar, it's been a long time since we've practiced together."

Tana was also eager to try. Yichen was the first in their generation to be promoted to Chunin, and now he and Ikura have become Special Jonin one after another, leading their peers by a large margin in terms of rank.

Tana also wanted to see the difference between herself and Yichen. So she said, "Okay. We haven't sparred since Team Five disbanded. My father is home too, so let him be our referee."

Yichen nodded. He had met Tana's father, Ide, before. When they were in school, Tana had found the Medicinal Food recipe for Yichen through her father. Tana was rather introverted, and as one of his daughter's few close friends, her father was quite familiar with Shinohara Yichen and Tana.