Land of Water, Kirigakure.
Genji sat in the Mizukage's Office-although he was only serving in an acting capacity, he had handled government affairs here for years.
He held an intelligence scroll in his hands. After reading it carefully, he slowly set it down.
"Konoha... it really does suffer one disaster after another."
Genji sighed, a complicated look flashing through his eyes.
He had originally devised his plan to pressure Konoha to divert attention from Kirigakure's internal conflicts. Now, he had secretly purged the restless clans, including the Kaguya and Hozuki, and Mei Terumi, whom he had high hopes for, had matured. Kirigakure was gradually regaining stability.
There was no longer any need to act against Konoha.
"Lord Genji, should we take this opportunity to attack?"
A Kirigakure Jōnin asked.
Genji shook his head.
"No. Pass down the order: pull back our defensive lines and cease all provocations against Konoha."
"Why?" the Jōnin asked, puzzled. "This is a rare opportunity."
Genji looked out the window and said calmly:
"Although Konoha has suffered a severe blow, Hyuga Hiashi's strength remains unknown. Attacking rashly would be too risky. Besides..."
He paused, a glint flashing through his eyes.
"What Kirigakure needs now is time to recuperate, not war."
"Yes, sir."
The Jōnin withdrew.
Genji sat alone in the office, lost in thought for a long time, before finally picking up his brush and beginning to draft a document.
"That child, Mei Terumi... it's time she shouldered this burden."
Land of Earth, Iwagakure.
Bang!
Inside the Tsuchikage Office, Ōnoki slammed his hand on the desk.
"Konoha fell into that much chaos?! The Uchiha Clan Massacre?! Fugaku died in battle?!"
The intelligence scroll in his hand had been squeezed out of shape.
An Iwagakure Jōnin ventured cautiously:
"Lord Tsuchikage, this truly is a good opportunity