Nishikawa Tetsu took several deep breaths, forcing himself to calm down.
"Still, even if we can't uncover this chairman's true identity, the reason this trading company suddenly risked exposing itself at this critical moment to fight Konoha Express Delivery tooth and nail is obvious."
Nishikawa Tetsu's gaze returned to the sprawling map of its business empire.
"This company essentially makes enormous profits by monopolizing traditional logistics, smuggling across borders, and exploiting the gaps in information and timing between villages."
"And everything Konoha has been doing these past few months has practically torn their entire foundation out from under them!"
Nishikawa Tetsu sneered.
"The Federation is building roads everywhere and laying a Maglev Railway Network across the continent. That directly breaks their monopoly on long-distance freight. Building large ports along the coast and developing regulated maritime shipping cuts off their smuggling revenue, too."
"And Konoha Express Delivery officially opening for business was the last straw!"
"Instant transportation, exceptional security, and even the ability to carry classified intelligence along with deliveries. Konoha Express Delivery's existence instantly wipes out the rush-delivery business and profits from information gaps that this company depends on."
"What Konoha is doing threatens their very survival!"
Nishikawa Tetsu had finally pieced together the entire chain of logic.
"So they've been backed into a corner. Before Konoha Express Delivery gets firmly established and the Federation's infrastructure network becomes fully integrated, they have to sabotage it at any cost!"
"The disappearance of Kirigakure's survey team, those Deep-Sea Equipment Casing Parts they tried to sneak through inspection, and that Giant Sea Hare that could amplify negative emotions and suddenly went berserk..."
A dangerous, icy glint flashed in Nishikawa Tetsu's eyes.
"All these abnormalities could very well be a series of deadly traps laid by this company—or rather, that mysterious chairman—to stop Konoha's