https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-187-Earth-Grudge-Yu-s-Final-Shot-/12832287/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-189-The-Arrival-at-Tea-Mountain-City-and-the-Wraiths-/12832289/
Chapter 188: I Came, I Saw, I Conquered!
Chapter 188: I Came, I Saw, I Conquered!
Mount Kikyo!
Tohei burned the intelligence in his hand with a fire technique, not wasting a single bit of it. His mastery over fire jutsu had grown immensely. With his accumulated knowledge and skills, his progress in fire techniques far surpassed what most could imagine.
Now, he was even developing his second chakra nature: Earth!
With both Fire and Earth, he could attempt a Kekkei Genkai: Lava Release!
Tohei believed Lava Release was an underrated Kekkei Genkai. In his view, it had immense potential for growth and could significantly boost his combat capabilities. The example of Roshi, the Four-Tails Jinchuriki, proved that this path was viable, even though Roshi's combat record was less than stellar. After all, it was the user who determined the strength, not the Kekkei Genkai itself. If Senju Hashirama had Lava Release, he could have achieved the same invincible record as his Wood Release.
In the past, Tohei might have struggled to find Earth jutsu and knowledge. But after raiding Root, he now had a vast collection of Earth techniques at his disposal. While it still couldn't compare to the Rock Village, which was the true master of Earth jutsu, the high-level techniques he had obtained made him eager to explore further.
"Danzo... You never change, do you?"
After burning the intelligence, Tohei sighed and stood up, glancing at the busy scene outside. Dividing the shinobi forces wasn't a simple task; it involved multiple aspects like factions, strength, and logistics. The village offered numerous benefits, and the location was one he favored. Otherwise, anyone who dared to reduce his power would have faced dire consequences.
A short while later, Shizune and Nara Tatsuhito entered the office and bowed respectfully.
"Lord!"
Shizune's head was bowed deeply, afraid of giving Tohei any reason to lash out. She was well aware of the actions she had taken recently.
"Don't worry, I won't make things difficult for you," Tohei reassured her before continuing, "But what about my business and missions?"
Since they were following orders from the village leadership, he didn't want to create unnecessary conflict. However, he did set a condition: he would accept the orders, but in return, they had to support his business and missions.
If they refused, Tohei wouldn't hesitate to take drastic action.
"Please rest assured, Lord!"
Shizune didn't hesitate for a moment. Even without Tohei's direct request, she wouldn't dare to target him. He was her superior, and it would be foolish to act against him. After all, the reduction of power in the southwestern forces was a village decision, and she was just the executor. If she got involved in personal vendettas, she couldn't expect Tohei to refrain from retaliating.
Even the son of the Hokage could face challenges, and she didn't believe her position was any higher.
"That's good. If the Sand shinobi attack, you can request my aid," Tohei promised, satisfied.
This meant that if they couldn't withstand the Sand shinobi's assault, they could send a distress signal to him. Whether he would respond was another matter.
"Thank you, Lord!"
Shizune's expression was filled with gratitude. This promise was exactly what she needed. Guarding Mount Kikyo, she was concerned about the possibility of the Sand shinobi breaking their agreement and launching an attack. With several Kage-level shinobi on their side, she, an elite Jonin, would be lucky not to flee in fear.
At least now, she had a glimmer of hope.
After giving his instructions, Tohei formally left Mount Kikyo. He didn't take Nara Tatsuhito with him. Despite not participating in Shizune's actions during his absence, Tatsuhito also didn't stop them, maintaining a 'neutral' stance. Tohei didn't want such a neutral subordinate at his 'base of power.' Tatsuhito was a smart person, and any significant move might alert him.
Only once the tide is in his favor will these neutral parties consider aligning with him. Until then, maintaining a cooperative relationship is the best approach.
In the past, he lacked the manpower, but now, with the support of a few minor clans, he doesn't necessarily need to rely on others for assistance.
And it's not just that!
Tang Ping also has a batch of 'allies' who should arrive soon.
The Miko!
These Miko, hailing from the Land of Demons, will also bring along the Oni and a thousand terracotta warriors, as previously agreed upon with Miroku.
Don't mistake the Miko for mere religious figures.
The Miko of the Land of Demons are versatile, skilled in medicine, administration, intelligence, and more.
With this group of Miko, along with the support of the minor clans, Tang Ping feels confident enough to take in refugees.
Otherwise, without proper management, an influx of refugees could turn into a disaster.
Food isn't a concern either!
The Honda Trading Company has been preparing for this, ensuring they won't run out of supplies even if Konoha does.
The shinobi world is a place of stark contradictions.
Most people live in poverty and hunger, while a select few can never spend all their wealth or food, no matter how much they try.
Yes, I'm talking about the nobles.
Their granaries are piled high with food, and even if countless peasants starve to death under their rule, they would rather let the food rot than distribute it.
The Honda Trading Company has preemptively purchased vast amounts of grain from the nobles.
This has even caused the grain prices in the Land of Fire to rise slightly.
One could say that to establish a 'branch base,' Tang Ping has been preparing for a long time.
Especially after the lord of Chasan Castle 'accidentally' died last month, turning the area into unclaimed territory. The ministers of the Land of Fire, knowing that the Southwest Shinobi Army would be stationed here, 'conveniently' sold Tang Ping a 99-year lease.
If he were a noble, it would have been a grant rather than a sale.
Isn't that a coincidence?
No acting, just pure coincidence!
Many people saw through this, not just in Konoha but even among the ministers of the Land of Fire.
But no one spoke up.
Because Tang Ping is strong, and this region is poor and backward, so no one cares. Handing it over to him was only natural.
The Land of Fire has plenty of worthless wastelands and an endless supply of expendable peasants.
The shinobi assigned to Tang Ping's command are mostly civilians, with a small number of non-Hokage-aligned shinobi clans.
This distribution is partly due to his subtle opposition to the Hokage's system.
Thus, the half of the Southwest Shinobi Army under his command—nearly 800 shinobi (out of a total of 1,500, with an additional 50 slots given to him)—has a complex expression.
They are both uncomfortable and reassured!
This is because they all belong to the 'exiled' type.
Everyone can see that the half of the Southwest Shinobi Army stationed at Kikyo Mountain is Konoha's true 'children,' while those with Tang Ping are like stepchildren.
The reassurance comes from Tang Ping's formidable strength.
Following him means they don't have to worry about being ambushed by Kage-level shinobi.
Swish, swish!
Tang Ping glanced back at Kikyo Mountain, where the fort's prototype was nearly complete, before leading the way out.
The logistics personnel had already set out ahead, leaving the shinobi army as the last to depart.
Traveling at a standard pace, it took them about two days to reach their destination.
Chasan Castle!
A small coastal mountain town.
The surrounding area is barren and rocky, with sparse tea trees.
Occasionally, one can see human remains picked clean by wild beasts.
The wilderness is dangerous, which is why escort missions are so common.
Encountering wild beasts is considered lucky; if one runs into monsters or ninja beasts, even the largest escort will fall unless they are shinobi or have special skills.
This is why the system of one village per country exists.
Because shinobi villages are needed to handle these threats.
"Finally, we're here!" Standing at the front of the formation, Tang Ping looked at the distant mountain town and declared, "I came, I saw, I conquered!"
The foundation of his future empire is finally about to be laid.
(End of Chapter)
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