MM Racing Chapter 514 Satsuki
Chapter 514 Satsuki
Chapter 514 Satsuki
The Daimyo Coordination Committee acted faster than Konoha contacted Amegakure.
The liaison office's statement at the Joint Affairs Bureau meeting was less a request and more a notification. What they needed was never the ninjas' assistance, but rather their non-interference.
The ninja forces were concentrated in various ninja villages, and rogue and wandering ninjas were wiped out wave after wave, driven out of the borders of the member states, and squeezed to the edge of islands and wastelands.
In this land that has been repeatedly sifted through, as long as the Joint Affairs Bureau does not express its opinion, the daimyo effectively control the strongest military force within the country.
This is why they have been persistently insisting on putting the matter of the principal's level into written form.
The agreement will first be made in writing, limiting who can issue missions of the Hidden One level. This will at least provide a buffer period if the ninjas want to break the agreement later.
For a monarch who holds power but has lost military strength, this period of time is itself a respite.
The directive restricting trade was quickly passed within the committee.
What followed was a comprehensive sanction against those who traded with Cado.
One by one, important figures and wealthy merchants suspected of dealings with the Akatsuki were placed on the investigation list. The daimyo's respective guards began to be mobilized, searching along the port.
The death of the daimyo of the tea country became the perfect pretext.
"To fight against Akatsuki" is the biggest slogan and banner of the United Affairs Bureau as it has evolved from a training institution into the behemoth it is today.
The coordination and cooperation among the five major ninja villages, and even the transfer of some authority, all stemmed from this.
At such a juncture, it's difficult for the ninjas to retaliate against their actions of eliminating unscrupulous merchants and judging villains.
Those wealthy merchants and local tyrants who owned ports, controlled trade routes, and wielded considerable power became the targets of purges by the daimyo of various relatively powerful nations.
The daimyo of the Land of Fire was able to use the committee as a bargaining chip and a stepping stone for himself, and the other daimyo weren't stupid either.
They certainly couldn't confront the United Affairs Bureau, which monopolized military power, head-on. They dared not be so optimistic about the future world.
But at least for now, since the ninjas are determined to take development as their bottom line, and competing in governance is not something that can be done overnight, it would be better to deal with those who might replace them first.
Always ensure that you are the highest priority on the negotiating side with the ninjas.
This way, if we need to make a transformation in the future, or if we have any other plans, we will be more at ease and have more confidence.
It was under these circumstances that Konan received a message from Konoha.
Nagato is difficult to contact; she is the highest-ranking person the people of Amegakure can reach.
The information inside is very simple: whether Kado was responsible for the murder of the Daimyo of the Land of Tea.
Konan was somewhat surprised. Given Konoha's usual style, when faced with such a situation, they would strike while the iron was hot and take the opportunity to push for some agreements.
She still thought that the port inspection initiated by the Daming Liaison Office was instructed by the Joint Affairs Bureau behind the scenes.
As for Gato himself, what he did was barely even a problem compared to what Nagato did.
As for whether or not to cause trouble for Cardo because of this, it was originally unnecessary for Xiaonan.
But since Konoha wants to talk, it's not a bad thing.
Nagato is bound to the overseas world by the path he has chosen, traveling back and forth between various islands.
If Konoha develops a different inclination during this process, it might be beneficial to Nagato's ideals.
So, Xiao Nan pulled up Kado's action records: cargo transfer, tax payment, merchant ship allocation. Although there were some flaws, there were no problems on paper.
Only after completing this step did she send a message to Nagato.
Nagato replied, "It wasn't Kado who killed them."
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"It's just their dying struggle."
Konan confirmed, "Should we just inform Konoha like this?"
"Tell him."
When this reply traveled across the ocean and returned to Konoha through Amegakure's channels, it was already May.
Satsuki is the season for transplanting rice seedlings. The paddy fields are filled with shallow water reflecting the sunlight, and the rice seeds sprout tender green shoots in the seedbeds.
The farmers, barefoot, waded into the soft mud, their bent-over postures receding into the distance. This was the busiest time of year in the Land of Fire.
At this time of year, a large number of agricultural commissions flock to Konoha's mission center.
Weeding, turning the soil, diverting water, and driving away birds that steal rice seeds.
These jobs have a low risk factor and are not particularly well paid, but they are the largest category of commissions.
This year, the same request appeared at the Joint Affairs Bureau's window.
Normally, this kind of mission wouldn't be assigned to the special operations team, let alone be on the agenda of the conference room on the sixth floor.
However, Director Hatake specifically convened a meeting regarding this matter.
"This is a very important issue. Whether everyone can fill their stomachs in the coming year depends on this time of year."
"This is a type of commission that must be taken seriously."
Kakashi stood in the chairman's seat, his tone more solemn than at any other meeting.
"Even in the past, wars would pause at this time of year. So it's only natural to temporarily set aside some less urgent matters now."
He glanced around at the representatives from various countries present.
"The various task forces of the secretariat will be dispatched one after another to ensure the smooth progress of the farming. We hope that all the representatives can bring this attitude back to their respective countries."
After the meeting, Kakashi returned to his office and saw the reply that had been handed over from the Hokage's office.
"I didn't expect to actually get a reply."
A private denial and a diplomatic denial carry very different weights, with the former often being more convincing.
"So, Shuji is convinced that the daimyo were responsible?"
Yamato, who was standing opposite him, shook his head.
"No. What Shuuji-senpai means is that since we can roughly confirm the involvement of a third party, we don't need to limit ourselves to judging which party it is. We'll probably have to take a more cautious approach going forward."
"After all, this whole thing is most likely just the beginning."
Kakashi agreed with this assessment.
"After these people joined, I started to miss the old Joint Affairs Bureau."
The liaison officers' ability to use soft tactics far surpasses that of the ninjas.
Once the killing of the Daimyo of the Land of Tea reaches this level, the subsequent plans will only follow one after another.
Compared to this, the open feuds and entanglements between the five great ninja villages seem quite straightforward.
Then Kakashi asked Yamato, "Yamato, should we just skip that little bit of work from the Anbu?"
"Let's go to a place that's more important to the village."
"We have ample funding and high salaries."
Yamato remained expressionless.
"I'm still more used to working in the shadows."
Within the Anbu, only one person could occasionally make things difficult for him. Coming to the Joint Affairs Bureau meant not only being bossed around by Kakashi, but also, if Shuji came along, both of them would be at his beck and call.
This future is so predictable.
Kakashi was about to press his advantage: "Where has that once passionate man gone?"
"Tenzo, do you still remember the ninja who once faced any difficulty head-on under that name?"
Yamato wanted to tell this senior that Tenzo was dead, and now only Yamato remained.
Even the most oblivious person, when cared for by two such seniors in turn, will eventually grow.
But he was ultimately an honest man and couldn't say anything too forceful, at least not to someone's face.
"My mission is complete, Kakashi-senpai. Now, please allow me to take my leave."
He left without the slightest hesitation.
The office door wasn't closed either, because Itachi walked in from outside.
Kakashi remarked, "The ninjas these days are really pathetic."
"Back then, we would always choose the more challenging tasks."
Then he asked his assistant.
"Do you have any jokes to tell me lately? Itachi, work is really tough."
Itachi looked at him, his expression even colder than Yamato's. Kakashi realized he'd asked the wrong person; after all, he was the older Uchiha, not the younger.
"I'm really looking forward to it. There are still a few hours before Sasuke-kun comes to work." He put his hands behind his head, his tone carrying a hint of longing. "As the older brother, you should sometimes learn from your younger brother, Itachi."
"Does Kakashi-senpai mean to directly express his own thoughts?"
"Yes, yes, that's it, wear your emotions on your sleeve."
Itachi's expression changed.
On that usually calm face, the brows furrowed slightly, and the corners of the mouth curled down in a slight smile. It wasn't an expression unintentionally revealed by someone habitually indifferent; rather, it was a deliberate, blatant expression of disgust.
"I want Kakashi-senpai to do his job better. Please stop dawdling."
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Kakashi remained silent for a while.
"—Not this kind, Itachi."
Itachi resumed his usual expression.
"Kakashi-senpai always enjoyed seeing Sasuke show his disgust towards you. I thought that was what you were looking forward to in life."
"That was a vicious attack. What have you learned from Shuuji?" Kakashi said seriously. "And it's completely different. Pleasant disgust and pure aggression are two different things, Itachi."
"Your murderous aura is too strong. You completely lack the awkward yet restrained feeling that Sasuke has. Without subtlety, all that's left is boredom."
Itachi ignored him and simply placed a roster on his desk.
"A new batch of ninjas will arrive at the Bureau of Affairs tomorrow. The old building needs to be redeveloped. Some departments will have to move back to the old building."
Kakashi didn't look at the roster. Gazing at the treetops outside the window, gradually filling with new greenery, he casually remarked, "In a few months, the old and new buildings combined might not be enough to hold everyone."
"Let's apply for a new plot of land, Itachi. We should build a few more buildings."
"If possible, I really hope I won't have to see those people from the liaison office when I go to and from get off work in the future. It would save me a lot of trouble."
This was half a joke, and half the truth.
The application to build a new building was quickly sent back to Konoha Village.
The Third Hokage, Minato, and Shuji were all in the Hokage's office.
This can be considered a wonder of Konoha now.
If someone were to write it, the title would be "The Fifth Hokage".
Upon seeing the application, Hiruzen Sarutobi's first reaction was, "Yamato again?"
Shuji said, "Let him go."
The old man was somewhat surprised: "You're planning to go by yourself?"
"No—just follow the normal procedure, Third Generation."
Minato's gaze sharpened: "Are you trying to prevent Kakashi from succeeding?"
He figured out the relationship between his disciple and Xiu Si. The two had a tacit understanding of their cooperation, but one of them would always take the opportunity to trick the other.
He was certain that Shuuji had probably seen through Kakashi's intention to seduce Yamato this time, and thus chose to prevent him from succeeding.
"Before, time was tight, but now that we're squeezing in both the old and new buildings, there's no rush." After a brief explanation, Shuuji skipped over the topic, "Since Nagato is willing to reply, this adds another possibility to the matter."
"This shows that his mind has become increasingly relaxed as governance continues."
"Taking advantage of the daimyo's actions during this period, we can try to strengthen our ties with him."
"After all, the two sides should have some good topics to discuss on this matter."
"Having this as an excuse to become pen pals with them could be a good thing if it allows Nagato's movements to get closer to the areas we can reach."
Konoha now has two masters of the Flying Thunder God Technique. If they are within a certain distance, they have the potential to strike first, even before Obito.
Shuji said, "Let's have Mr. Jiraiya, as my former teacher, communicate with him about this matter first."
Even though Nagato killed Jiraiya in the original timeline, he actually gave Jiraiya a chance to retreat and escape until the very last moment.
Even if Nagato was stubborn and looked down on Jiraiya, he was still a ninja who had not yet evolved to a higher level, and there was still a deep affection between him and Jiraiya.
Naruto was ultimately able to persuade Nagato successfully because of Jiraiya's influence.
Minato thought for a moment: "Compared to Jiraiya-sensei, the person Nagato wants to talk to is—" He looked at Shuji, not finishing his sentence.
The Third Hokage said, "Let Jiraiya try it out first."
"Regarding the daimyo, their actions—"
"Kakashi's intervention is enough to give those people a breather," Shuuji said.
"After this round, those who were originally dependent on the daimyo will also realize one thing."
"Compared to ninjas, they are the ones who are more difficult to coexist with the daimyo."
"It will be easier to introduce development indicators for performance evaluation later. Until then, let them feel like they've succeeded for a while."
Minato then laughed: "As a ninja, are you supposed to set mission targets for the daimyo and those nobles?"
"If we don't do this, their attention will be entirely focused on us." Shuji's tone was calm. "We have to find something for the big shots to do."
"People who are bored out of their minds can't recognize their own value and always have countless ideas."
Persuasion is too inefficient. Instead of trying to convince and explain to each person individually, it's better to let them do what they can do.
Location is created, not designed.