The "resource management" proposed by the Shinobi Alliance is essentially a meticulously planned plunder operation, using institutionalized means to give legal cloak to armed plunder.
With the voting results announced.
The Land of Iron is about to face not only economic sanctions and military threats, but also a resource war that will determine its survival.
All of this was packaged under the flowery rhetoric of 'promoting the development of the Shinobi World,' becoming the most ironic footnote of the Shinobi Alliance era.
A brief silence fell over the conference room.
The holographic projection of the mineral vein distribution map emitted a faint blue light, casting an unpredictable shadow on the faces of each representative.
"The proposals have been presented; we will now proceed to the voting stage."
Mifune's gaze swept over the representatives from various countries present.
Shikaku Nara of Konoha remained calm, Mabui of Kumogakure was expressionless, Kurotsuchi of Iwagakure toyed with her pen, and Kabuto Yakushi of Sound Ninja wore a faint smile.
He knew the outcome of this vote was already predetermined.
Within just one month of the Shinobi Alliance's establishment, the major Council of the ninja villages had already begun to gradually undermine the smaller nation's voice through a number of resolutions.
Although the Land of Iron holds a special position, its neutrality is nothing but empty words in the face of absolute power.
"Agreed." Kurotsuchi was the first to raise his hand.
"I agree," Mabui closely behind.
"I agree," Kabuto Yakushi's voice was light and airy.
"I agree." Shikaku Nara sighed.
Mifune looked at the voting results displayed on the projector.
4 votes in favor, 0 votes against, and 1 abstention.
The most ridiculous thing is...
The Council member who abstained was none other than the Sunagakure, which had proposed the idea, as if this meticulously planned plunder still needed to retain a last shred of feigned dignity.
Mifune slowly rose to his feet, his gaze lingering on Sunagakure's representative Maki, for a moment before he finally spoke.
" The Land of Iron accepts the Shinobi Alliance's resolution."
As a samurai, he was not afraid of battle, but as a leader, he had to preserve the foundation of the Land of Iron.
A few soft exhales were heard in the meeting room, as if someone was relieved to have avoided a conflict.
Mitokado Homura pushed up his glasses, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes behind the lenses. He had thought this samurai, known for his uprightness, would resist as fiercely as Aoki.
"A wise choice." The Kabuto Yakushi smiled knowingly. " The Land of Iron truly understands how to assess situations better than the Land of Grass."
Mifune ignored the sarcastic praise, turned and left his seat, walking steadily Earth Flow the exit.
Stepping out of the conference hall, Mifune stood by the window in the corridor.
The rain had stopped, and sunlight streamed through the clouds onto the metal buildings of the Deliberation City, reflecting a dazzling light.
He thought of the artisans in the country who had made a living by forging for generations, of the precious mineral veins buried underground, and of the Land of Iron's long-standing tradition of neutrality.
Mifune took one last look at the closed doors of the conference hall, then left without looking back.
The results of this meeting will soon spread throughout the Shinobi World, and he must return to the Land of Iron as soon as possible to prepare for the upcoming changes.
Before dawn, on the border of the Land of Grass, a thick fog, like the shroud of death, shrouded the undulating sand dunes layer by layer.
The Sunagakure's Prosthetic Corps had already formed ranks. Hundreds of cybernetic ninjas, woven from flesh and steel, stood silently, like a group of awakened war machines, ready to tear apart everything in their path at any moment.
Maki stood at the very front of the group, his mechanical prosthetic eye slightly rotating, and the outline of Kusagakure was clearly visible in the distance through the thermal imaging field of vision.
But my thoughts drifted involuntarily into the distance.
Today, the cybernetic modification technology of Sunagakure is very advanced, and the combat power of its ninjas is becoming stronger and stronger.
The original puppet tactics have been gradually abandoned.
After all, compared to a puppet that can only be controlled once and has only average combat power.
It would be better to transform oneself into a semi-mechanized combat unit, with Chakra Cannon embedded in the arms, propulsion devices in the legs, and sophisticated tactical analyzers in the eyes.
Even if your Chakra talent is average, your combat power will still skyrocket. If you have the ability to obtain the high-level modification license from the Reform Society, you can even gain the terrifying combat power of a Kage.
No one knows what the future holds for Sunagakure.
Maki shook his head, suppressing these distracting thoughts. Now was not the time to think about this. He then gave the order in a cold voice.
"Seal off all exits; do not let a single person escape."
The Sunagakure Prosthetic Corps behind them silently dispersed, their mechanical joints emitting a faint hum, like the whisper of death.
The Sunagakure behind them quickly dispersed, and the Prosthetic Corps advanced forward with synchronized steps. The sound of metal scraping against the ground was like the approaching footsteps of death.
At the same time, Iwagakure's Explosion Corps advanced from the north.
Kurotsuchi stood at the very front of the group, his hands rapidly Hand Seals, and the ground beneath his feet began to tremble slightly.
"Earth Release - Opening and Digging!"
With a deafening roar, the traps and fortifications surrounding the Kusagakure collapsed instantly, sending plumes of dust billowing into the sky.
The Iwagakure's Explosion Corps surged in like a tidal wave, unleashing a barrage of Earth Release Ninjutsu, tearing a massive gap in the Grass Ninja's defenses.
"Lord Kurotsuchi, the Sunagakure's Prosthetic Corps has entered the western flank!" a Iwagakure Ninja from Iwagakure reported.
Kurotsuchi sneered and said, "Let them charge first. We'll take care of completely cutting off the Grass Ninja's retreat."
East side.
Shikaku Nara stood on high ground, Hyuga Clan ninja beside him activated their Byakugan, carefully surveying the enemy's situation.
" The Grass Ninja's Anbu are gathering, seemingly preparing for a desperate fight," the Hyuga ninja said in a deep voice.
Shikaku with his hands tucked into his sleeves, his expression calm, but his mind was filled with memories of the past glory of Kusagakure.
Once upon a time, Kusagakure was one of the strongest forces outside of the Five Great Shinobi Villages, but unfortunately, they chose the wrong path.
"It's alright, let them gather." Shikaku said calmly.
The Hyuga ninja hesitated, "If they break through..."
Shikaku shook his head. "They can't escape."
The Shinobi Alliance's encirclement plan was already flawless, and with their overwhelming strength, the destruction of Kusagakure was only a matter of time.
The only problem is the division of spoils after the war.
After all, all the major ninja villages have mobilized a considerable number of people; they can't just be given some gifts and sent away. Who will gain the upper hand in the Land of Land of Grass will depend on the subsequent negotiations.
But can such a war truly bring peace?
Shikaku looked at the Sunagakure Prosthetic Corps and the Iwagakure's Explosion Corps in the distance, a sense of unease rose in his heart.
To the south, the Sound Ninja forces, led by Kabuto Yakushi, slowly advanced.
The Sound Ninja wore specially made combat uniforms, their eyes revealing ruthlessness and determination.
"Truly... spectacular." Kabuto pushed up his glasses, a meaningful smile playing on his lips.
Lord Orochimaru was right; the formation of the Shinobi Alliance actually hastened the outbreak of war.
The destruction of Kusagakure was just the beginning. Next, the Land of Iron, the Land of Waterfalls, and even the Land of Rain will become the targets of the Shinobi Alliance.
He gently raised his hand, signaling the Sound Ninja Force to quicken their pace and rush towards the direction of Kusagakure.
"Let them see... true despair."