Qi, who was already heading to the front lines, naturally wouldn't think about other things. For Qi, the most important thing in every mission was always the 'immediate matter'.
This is one of the basic survival rules for ninjas.
If you can't complete this mission, or even die in it, what right do you have to talk about what comes next!?
Not to mention, this involves a fierce clash between two ninja villages!
It's entirely possible that a single misstep could cost you your life.
'It's best to figure out the core of the task first; otherwise, just passively following orders will easily lead to problems!'
Qi followed closely behind the main group, his expression grave as he pondered to himself.
This is different from when Qing led the team or when the three of them carried out missions before. In the past year, Qi has always been the one who could obtain as much intelligence as possible in any situation, so he can make the right response with relative calm in the face of any situation!
But in this mission, he was the one who was completely passive.
They could only obey the orders of their direct superiors, who clearly didn't have the time or inclination to explain all the key points of the task.
This is the norm for ninjas on missions!
Look around at the other Mist Ninja who are on the same mission; they're all used to it!
Only the commander is qualified to know everything; subordinates are only qualified to obey orders from above!
Asking excessively about things you shouldn't know is a political mistake and could even lead to questions from your peers!
Qi can only rely on himself to see if he can gather any intelligence!
We traveled at a brisk pace.
It almost never stopped.
It took a full six or seven hours for the group of several hundred people to finally arrive near the largest port city located in the western part of the Land of Water.
Of course, this group of people would not enter this port city.
Instead, they headed to a port located a few kilometers away, exclusively belonging to Kirigakure), where all the ships were stored—ships that belonged to Kirigakure!
By the time they arrived, the Mist Ninja responsible for guarding the area had already prepared the necessary ships.
" Suikazan, everything is prepared according to your orders. Also, here's the latest news on the Sand Ninja's movements in the Land of Rivers. Furthermore, I've heard that the Konoha Ninja in the northern border region seem to be making moves recently!"
As Qi and his group boarded the ship, a man with short blue hair stepped to the side of Suikazan Fuguki Suikazan Fuguki, whispering information in his ear while handing him a scroll containing intelligence.
" Konoha ninjas?"
Suikazan Fuguki's eyes narrowed.
"Yes, but it's just a tendency at the moment, not officially confirmed. You might need to pay more attention!"
The short-haired Mist Ninja replied in a deep voice.
"Okay, I understand. Thank you for your help. Once we've set off, please make another copy of the intelligence and send it Mizukage!"
Suikazan Fuguki nodded and said.
"Yes!"
A group of over three hundred people boarded a private ship and then headed west towards the Land of Tea and the Land of Rivers.
After traveling at full speed for six or seven hours, the Mist Ninja were finally able to rest for a while on the ship.
Of course, there are no such things as private rooms; the conditions for ninjas on missions are always very harsh!
Qi was already used to it.
After receiving lunch from the Mist Ninja in charge of logistics, he casually found a place to sit on the deck, eating his lunch while recovering his Chakra, and silently pondering the next mission.
If nothing unexpected happens, I should be randomly assigned to a team and then carry out regional patrols and sweeps.
To put it bluntly, they are doing a mission that border troops often do, except this time it's not on the border of their own Land of Water, but inside the territory of another country!
The purpose was to expand the area of operation for the Mist Ninja and strive for as much benefit as possible. Although there was no other intelligence, based on his current observations, he had still obtained some useful information.
After all, the number of ninjas from the three major clans in the team was quite conspicuous.
Therefore, it is clear from this that his conscription order, while not necessarily, is very likely the result of a Mizukage.
The reason shouldn't be hard to guess: the three major families want to gain more initiative!
This includes the interests of some small countries bordering each other.
Large families cannot survive and prosper without the support of these essential resources!
The ninjas' acquisition of rewards is only one aspect; large clans require vast industries to support them!
Otherwise, do you think the clan's ninja tools, special equipment, scrolls, and other items came from nowhere? And what about luxury goods? Could they just appear out of thin air?
Then, considering that this time the destination is the Land of Rivers and the Land of Tea...
The conclusion is obvious!
'Trade interests!'
Qi's eyes narrowed slightly as he thought to himself.
As a nation comprised of a vast group of islands, the Land of Water relies on maritime trade routes as its most vital economic lifeline!
Whether it's exports or imports, the entire country needs multiple stable trade routes!
Only when the country's economy is stable can Kirigakure receive more economic support. Moreover, Kirigakure also has its own established economic and trade routes, so it cannot be said that all resources and money are supplied by the state!
Therefore, both for public and private reasons, the Mist Ninja need to create a stable external trade environment, which is closely related to their overall strategy!
Why is Sunagakure so weak?
Ultimately, talent is one aspect, but money is also an important one!
Without money, how will you train ninjas?
The Sunagakure is trapped in a vicious cycle; it would be truly unjust if it didn't weaken!
After figuring this out, Qi finally understood the core points of this mission.
All I can say is that this has a very Kirigakure vibe!
While it may seem a bit cruel, compared to the unseen and intangible darkness of Konohagakure, the open conflict in Kirigakure at least offers a sense of 'reassurance'!
However, having grasped the core of the mission, Qi also realized that he had no other choice but to completely obey orders!
Who told me I was just a lowly Chunin!
genius?
Sorry, the world has no shortage of geniuses.
Unless you can prove that you are the kind of genius who can lead the ninja village to a higher level, which unfortunately there is no way to prove that.
Geniuses are only treated specially and valued under normal circumstances, but when the situation changes...
When faced with a choice between the greater good and the interests of the village, even a genius could give up something!