Dawn Wind Gathers and the Final Deduction

After reaching that heart-stopping deal with Uchiha Itachi, Ling returned to his small courtyard. Everything appeared normal on the surface, but the strings of his heart were pulled tighter than ever. The night of the clan's annihilation hung over his head like the Sword of Damocles, and the time left to him was measured in hours.

He needed more manpower and a more meticulous plan. Relying solely on himself and Kimimaro to coordinate with Itachi on the "cleanup" and "relocation" that night was far from enough.

Late at night, after confirming that Naruto and Kimimaro were asleep (or pretending to be), Ling reconnected to the system's anonymous channel. This time, he was no longer satisfied with passive mission postings.

"System, filter targets in the current ninja world who meet the following criteria: possess special talents or bloodline limits, are in dire straits or harbor a deep inner void, are easily guided and recruited, and are located relatively close to the Land of Fire. Exclude core members whose loyalty is already solidified within the major ninja villages."

[Filtering in progress... Based on host permissions and known intelligence, the following targets are recommended:]

[1. Haku (orphan of the Yuki clan), located on the border of the Land of Water and the Land of Waves. Possesses the Ice Release bloodline limit, currently wandering, and internally yearns to find "the meaning of existence" and "someone who needs him." Status: starving, weak, and ostracized by locals.]

[2. Zabuza Momochi (rogue ninja), located near the Land of Water. Possesses the Silent Killing technique and is proficient in Water Release. Status: exiled after failing to assassinate the Mizukage, lacks reliable partners and funds, and harbors deep hatred for the Village of the Bloody Mist.]

Haku and Zabuza! Ling's eyes lit up. This was indeed a combination with immense potential. Haku possessed a rare Ice Release and an innate kindness (making him easy to control), while Zabuza brought extensive combat experience and Jonin-level strength. Recruiting them as a package would quickly patch the shortcomings of "Dawn Wind" in frontal combat and specialized capabilities.

He immediately posted a new mission through the anonymous channel; this time, it was not for rescue, but for "recruitment." The mission details were sent directly to a reputable bounty hunter middleman operating near the Land of Water.

[Mission Type: Recruitment/Guidance.]

[Target A: Haku (Yuki orphan). Location: Border of the Land of Waves... Characteristics... Recruitment method: Provide food and shelter, and offer the promise that "you are needed."]

[Target B: Zabuza Momochi. Location: ... Recruitment method: Provide ample financial support and the prospect of long-term cooperation to overthrow the Village of the Bloody Mist.]

[Requirements: Safely guide the targets to the eastern border of the Land of Fire (provide new Flying Raijin coordinate points). Reward: Double the previous rescue mission.]

His massive initial capital shrank by more than half in an instant, but Ling believed this investment was entirely worth it. If successful, Dawn Wind would begin to take shape.

After handling the recruitment matters, Ling did not rest. He had to ensure the plan for the night of the annihilation was foolproof. He once again utilized the system's simulation function, this time investing more mental energy.

"System, simulate the 'Uchiha Clan Annihilation Night' with maximum precision. Based on the deal between me and Uchiha Itachi, deduce all possible accidents and contingency plans."

[Maximum precision simulation initiated... Consuming 30% of host's mental energy...]

[Scene loading: Uchiha district, night.]

[Simulation started...]

[Simulation Branch 1: Plan proceeds smoothly. Uchiha Itachi provides an accurate list, the host uses a large-scale Genjutsu scroll (must be acquired in advance) to create chaos, Kimimaro and the new reinforcements (Haku/Zabuza, if they arrive in time) assist in relocating non-radical clansmen, and Itachi clears the core targets... Success rate: 71.3%. Primary risk: Intervention by Uchiha Obito (the masked man).]

[Simulation Branch 2: Uchiha Itachi changes his mind at the last minute and executes the original massacre plan. The host must initiate the backup plan, forcibly rescue Uchiha Izumi, save as many non-combatants as possible, and engage in conflict with Itachi and potentially Obito... Success rate: 28.5%. Risk: Extremely high; host's identity may be exposed, leading to a complete break with Konoha.]

[Simulation Branch 3: Danzo detects the anomaly, Root intervenes early, leading to a multi-party melee between the Uchiha radicals, Itachi, and the host's forces... Success rate: 15.1%. Risk: Maximum; the situation spirals completely out of control, and a Konoha civil war may erupt.]

[Key missing item identified: Large-scale area Genjutsu/Barrier scroll (used to create initial chaos and cover).]

[Key character risk alert: Uchiha Obito (space-time ability, extremely high combat power, unknown motives, represents the greatest variable).]

The massive consumption of mental energy left Ling feeling dizzy, but he had obtained vital information. The success rate was just over seventy percent, and the biggest variable was indeed Obito! Furthermore, he lacked an "opening cover" that could instantly blanket the entire Uchiha district.

A large-scale Genjutsu or barrier scroll... such items were extremely rare and usually strictly controlled by each village. How could he obtain one in such a short time?

[Ding! Detected that the host is facing a resource shortage, triggering a God-level choice!]

[Option 1: Infiltrate the Konoha Scroll of Seals storage room and steal the relevant forbidden scroll. Reward: Forbidden Technique: Mirror Heaven and Earth Change (Anti-Genjutsu). Risk: Extremely high; directly violates Konoha's highest taboo, certain death if exposed.]

[Option 2: Use black market channels to offer a high-price bounty for such a scroll. Reward: Black market merchant favor (weak). Risk: Medium; massive capital consumption, and potential to be scammed or have information leaked.]

[Option 3: Use the Flying Raijin technique to raid the secret vault of a noble or wealthy merchant in the Land of Fire (relevant collection known from intelligence). Reward: Random attribute chakra nature insight. Risk: Medium-high; may trigger investigation by secular forces, action must be precise and swift.]

Ling weighed his options quickly. Option 1 was too insane, and Option 2 had too much uncertainty. Option 3... although risky, the mobility of the Flying Raijin made the success rate relatively high, and it would replenish his urgently needed funds.

"I choose Option 3."

[Choice confirmed. Target information transmitted: Eastern Land of Fire, secret vault of the Daimyo's cousin's mansion, contains the 'Genjutsu: Haze Mirage Scroll' (large-scale area Genjutsu), along with large amounts of gold and silver.]

Target locked! A cold glint flashed in Ling's eyes. It was time for the name "Dawn Wind" to leave its first mark on the ninja world, even if that mark remained hidden in the darkness.

He glanced at the heavy night outside the window; the final preparations before the night of the annihilation had to begin immediately. He needed to recover his mental energy as quickly as possible, then go alone to "retrieve" that critical scroll and the funds.

The silence before the storm was the most oppressive. And Ling was preparing to stir these stagnant waters himself.