"Yahiko" is still continuing his speech.
"Konoha has helped Akatsuki many times during the most difficult times." His voice was steady and powerful. "Whether it was material support or intelligence sharing, Konoha has never been stingy."
"Land of Rain will never forget this kindness."
He turned to Jiraiya and bowed solemnly.
"So I am here to express my most sincere gratitude on behalf of Land of Rain, on behalf of Akatsuki, to Konoha, and to teacher Jiraiya."
Jiraiya was confused by this sudden bow.
He stood up and wanted to help "Yahiko" up, but felt that this action was not appropriate for this occasion. In the end, he could only raise his glass and respond in the simplest way.
"Yahiko, you..."
"Teacher, there is no need to say more." Yahiko interrupted him, "We all remember it."
Senju Chen applauds Nagato in his heart.
This line can be memorized word for word.
But looking at Jiraiya's confused expression, Senju Chen suddenly felt guilty.
Otherwise, go back and explain it a little bit to Jiraiya...
As for now...
Let the misunderstanding continue to fly for a while longer.
"Yahiko" finally finished thanking Konoha and turned to everyone.
"Of course, although Akatsuki has a close relationship with Konoha, it does not mean that we will exclude other countries."
Tsuchiishi sneered.
Ha! Who believes this?
You are almost calling Konoha daddy, what else can you do to us?
"On the contrary." Yahiko's tone became more sincere, "Land of Rain has experienced too many wars, and we know the value of peace. Therefore, Akatsuki's philosophy from the beginning is to make Land of Rain a neutral country."
"Neutral country?" Captain Sunagakure couldn't help but ask.
"That's right." Yahiko nodded, "Land of Rain will not actively participate in disputes between any countries, nor will it allow any country to provoke war on our land."
"But at the same time." He changed the topic, "Land of Rain welcomes all countries that are willing to live in peace and establish friendly relations with us."
Tsuchiishi curled his lips.
Well said.
Not a vassal of Konoha?
"In order to express Land of Rain's sincerity." Yahiko continued, "We have decided to open trade channels to all countries."
As soon as these words came out, the atmosphere in the venue changed subtly.
Trade channel?
Kumogakure Captain's eyes lit up.
Doesn't this mean that we can go in and out of Land of Rain "at will" in the future?
Sunagakure Captain also sat up straight after hearing this.
Even Tsuchiishi put away his disdainful expression.
The geographical location of Land of Rain is known to everyone present.
This can be said to be the center of the entire Shinobi World. Five Great Nations alone is connected to three, Land of Fire, Land of Earth, and Land of Wind can also radiate to other neighboring small countries, such as Land of Rivers, Land of Grass, Land of Birds, etc. If a stable trade channel can be established here...
That's a lot of value.
"Specifically." Yahiko seemed to have been prepared, "Land of Rain is willing to provide trade transit services to various countries. Whether it is cargo transportation or information exchange, we can provide convenience."
"And--"
He paused and scanned the room.
"In order to express sincerity, Land of Rain promises that in the next ten years, as long as the countries that have established trade relations with us, their trade activities in Land of Rain will be exempt from any taxes and fees."
Boom--
This time it was not a metaphor, someone really slapped the table.
Kumogakure The captain suddenly stood up. "Are you serious about this?"
It is not surprising that Kumogakure has such a big reaction, because although Land of Lightning is one of Five Great Nations, it is located in a remote area. If we want to say that one of the countries that will benefit most from this cooperation, Land of Lightning will definitely be among them.
"Of course." Yahiko smiled, "Akatsuki never breaks his promise."
Captain Sunagakure couldn't sit still. "Ten years of tax exemption? All trade included?"
"Yes." Yahiko nodded, "Not only is it tax-free, Land of Rain will also send a special escort team to protect the safety of caravans from various countries."
"As long as it is within the territory of Land of Rain, we will ensure to the greatest extent that your country's caravan will not be threatened in any way."
Tsuchiishi frowned. "Then what are you planning?"
"It's very simple." Yahiko said lightly, "Land of Rain needs peace and development. If it can become Shinobi World's business center, our people can also live a stable life."
"This is the original intention of the establishment of Akatsuki - so that the people of Land of Rain will no longer be displaced."
This was said with great righteousness.
But everyone present is not a fool.
They know very well that Land of Rain seems to be suffering a loss by doing this, but in fact it is playing a big game.
Ten years of tax exemption can attract a large number of caravans to cross the border.
With more caravans, Land of Rain's infrastructure will develop rapidly.
Roads, inns, warehouses, convoys...
These require investment and will create jobs and income.
Ten years later, when Land of Rain has completely become Shinobi World's commercial and trade hub, even if it really starts to collect taxes by then, other countries will be unable to do without this channel.
This is a conspiracy.
And there is a big tree like Konoha behind it...
Sunagakure Captain suddenly figured everything out.
"What a profound calculation." He whispered to himself.
Start the layout from Second Shinobi World War, cultivate Akatsuki, wait until the time is right to overthrow Hanzo of the Salamander, then open trade in the name of a neutral country, attract caravans from various countries, and finally turn Land of Rain into the economic center of Shinobi World...
Taking this step by step requires at least twenty years of planning!
Konoha...
So scary!
Iwagakure Mission.
Tsuchiishi's face looked uncertain.
A young ninja who had just come back from "relieving himself" whispered in his ear, "The information has been sent back."
"Yes." Tsuchiishi nodded, "One more thing - Konoha's layout for Land of Rain has spanned at least twenty years. From the training of Akatsuki's leader to the current trade policy, it is the same strategic plan. Please make a quick decision from the top management."
"Yes." The young ninja immediately ran out again.
Kumogakure Mission.
The burly captain took a deep breath. "After returning, I suggest Lord Raikage re-evaluate his strategic judgment on Land of Rain."
"Captain, you mean..."
"Konoha's strategic vision far exceeds our imagination." The burly captain said solemnly, "An opponent that can plan a layout for twenty years... is too scary."
Kirigakure Mission.
Mei Terumi laughed so hard that his shoulders were shaking.
"Lin, look at their expressions." She pointed in the direction of Iwagakure and Kumogakure, "They all look like they've seen a ghost."
Rin Nohara also had a hard time holding back his laughter. "They probably thought Konoha was some kind of great strategic master."
"If they knew, all of this was done by Chen-kun on the spur of the moment..."