Main World.
Summer, year 20 of Konoha.
Across the ocean, on the Three Kingdoms Continent.
Yutian stood on high ground, gazing at the vast land before him. To the north stretched mountain ranges, their peaks soaring into the clouds, mist swirling around their slopes. To the south lay an endless desert, its yellow sands gleaming gold in the sunlight as heat rose from the ground. In the middle stood a dense forest, ancient trees towering overhead and vines entwining, the calls of birds and beasts rising and falling.
"There are plenty of mountains in the north, so we'll establish the Thousand Mountains Kingdom."
Yutian's voice was calm as he pointed toward the northern mountains.
"The south is covered in desert, so we'll establish the Yellow Sand Kingdom."
He pointed toward the southern desert.
"There are plenty of trees in the middle, so we'll establish the Hundred Trees Kingdom."
He pointed toward the forest in the middle.
Hei Bao, an Elite Jonin of the Hei Bao Clan, one of the Empire's Ninja Clans, stood behind him, his dark skin gleaming like metal in the sunlight.
"Grand Duke, these three countries..."
"They'll keep each other in check."
Yutian turned and looked at him.
"The Thousand Mountains Kingdom will produce ore, the Yellow Sand Kingdom will produce salt and gold dust, and the Hundred Trees Kingdom will produce timber and medicinal herbs. They'll need one another, and none of them will be able to do without the Empire."
A flicker of understanding crossed Hei Bao's eyes.
"So... they won't fight wars?"
"They will. But not large ones."
The corners of Yutian's mouth curved into a cold smile.
"Each country's army must not exceed five thousand men. They can only use non-firearm weapons. No artillery, no guns, no ninja. What will they fight with?