Chapter 36: Still Lacking in Foundation

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The senior jonin of the Hidden Universe Village quickly reported to Uchiha Madara on the current state of the village's ninja forces and military affairs:

"Lord Madara, first and foremost, regarding the talent recruitment program you are most concerned about—since the Hidden Universe Village issued your declaration openly recruiting wandering shinobi, missing-nin, and various other talents across the entire ninja world, a significant number of people have flocked to join us.

After rigorous screening by our team, and with your discerning eye, Lord Madara, we have successfully recruited twenty-nine jonin, one hundred seventy-three chunin, and three hundred eighty-nine genin during this period!

Of course, the selection of genin and chunin was handled by us, while the jonin were personally vetted by you, Lord Madara. Those who harbored ill intentions among them have all been eliminated, leaving behind only those who can be trusted for now, though they are still under observation.

Originally, the number of shinobi loyal to you, Lord Madara, was one thousand one hundred. With the addition of the five hundred ninety-one newly recruited shinobi, as of yesterday, the total number of shinobi in the Hidden Universe Village is one thousand six hundred ninety-one. We are still in the process of accepting and screening more recruits, so this number will continue to increase!"

Reclining in his chair, Uchiha Madara was far from satisfied.

"The ninja village of Uchiha Madara has barely two thousand shinobi at this point? That’s even less than some minor villages! Continue recruiting across the entire ninja world—do not stop!"

"Yes, Lord Madara!"

"And what about the recruitment of other talents?"

"The recruitment of other talents has been very successful. Thanks to your Fame, Lord Madara, many civilians believe that our Land of Universe and Hidden Universe Village are safe havens amid the chaos of the Ninja World War. As a result, a steady stream of various talents has poured into our village—blacksmiths, carpenters, tailors, merchants, doctors, teachers, and others who are highly beneficial to the livelihood of our shinobi village.

Moreover, since our village currently has vast land and a small population, accommodating these newcomers does not cause overcrowding.

Of course, since these individuals are not shinobi and their numbers are substantial, we cannot thoroughly vet them. There are undoubtedly spies and infiltrators sent by the Five Great Nations among them."

Madara waved his hand dismissively.

"A few insignificant clowns are of no concern. The fact that we’ve managed to bring in so many civilians is commendable. These people represent a foundation—a larger and more skilled population means a stronger base for our village. This aspect has been handled well!

By the way, make it absolutely clear to both the new arrivals and the original civilians: the Hidden Universe Village does not tolerate useless individuals. If they wish to live peaceful lives under my protection, they must possess a valuable skill or contribute something worthwhile.

Later, compile a list of beggars, vagrants, and other freeloaders in the village, and expel them all!"

"Yes, Lord Madara!"

"Hmm, that matter has been handled satisfactorily. Now, what about the situation in our surrounding nations? Didn’t we recently reorganize the ANBU? What intelligence have they gathered?"

"Uh... yes, according to the reports from the dispatched ANBU, the neighboring Lands of Rivers and Grass are completely cowed and dare not make any moves against us. They are utterly terrified of us!"

"Enough about weaklings like the Lands of Rivers and Grass! You know exactly what I’m asking about—the Lands of Fire, Wind, and Earth! What are those three major powers surrounding us up to?"

Madara’s tone grew increasingly dissatisfied and stern, causing the jonin and advisors behind him to kneel in fear, trembling and silent.

"L-Lord Madara, please forgive us! The ANBU has only just been reorganized, and we have yet to gather detailed information on these three great nations. All we know is that they are wary of you, Lord Madara, and have increased their vigilance. As for specific measures being taken internally by the three great villages, we truly have no way of knowing!"

Annoyed, Madara slapped the armrest of his chair, his irritation palpable.

Though he had anticipated this, it still infuriated him.

"They’ve increased their vigilance? Of course they have! Even a child could guess that much. But as for what’s really going on inside those villages—we don’t even know a damn thing!"

Madara struggled to suppress his anger...

After all, with fewer than two thousand shinobi, it was already an achievement to assemble a half-decent ANBU squad. Expecting them to excel in intelligence gathering was simply unrealistic.

"Enough! Is there anything else to report? If not, get out of my sight!"

The advisors and jonin remained silent, trembling as they hastily exited Madara’s office.

Still seething, Madara sat in his recliner, fuming quietly.

At this moment, salvation arrived in the form of White Zetsu, who emerged from beneath the floor. His first act upon surfacing was to mock the earlier shinobi:

"Pathetic fools! To think they couldn’t even uncover the status of enemy villages—what kind of shinobi are they? What kind of ANBU?"

White Zetsu then sidled up to Madara, his demeanor playful yet ingratiating.

"Lord Madara, they’re useless when it comes to intelligence work, but I’m different. I know every little movement across the entire ninja world!"

Madara didn’t respond, remaining reclined in his chair. Without lifting his head, he asked:

"White Zetsu, what is the current situation with the Five Great Shinobi Villages?"

"It’s been such a long time since your last move, Lord Madara, that the Five Great Hidden Villages have begun to let their guard down. Moreover, they are now considering their next steps!"

"What plans?"

"The Hidden Sand Village is the weakest, the Hidden Rock Village has just suffered heavy losses, and the Hidden Mist Village has always preferred to stay on the sidelines—those three are lying low for now.

However, the Hidden Leaf Village and the Hidden Cloud Village are planning to take action..."

Chapter end