Chapter 737: A Change of Plans, The Three Villages' Betrayal
Chapter 737: A Change of Plans, The Three Villages' Betrayal
"As expected, when it comes to ninja strength, it's still you, Nagato. When you defeated the Mizukage, the ninjas from the Five Great Shinobi Villages were all in awe."
On the way back to the Shinshu headquarters, Yahiko vividly described the shocked expressions of the ninjas in the audience as Nagato fought.
"There were indeed many ninjas who were surprised, but I remember you were one of them, Yahiko."
Konan teased.
At that time, Yahiko was also looking at the arena with a surprised expression, as if he hadn't expected it.
"Well, it's been a while since we last saw each other, and I didn't know Nagato's exact strength."
Yahiko scratched his head in explanation.
Witnessing his childhood friend defeating a Kage, one of the strongest in the Shinobi world, was indeed shocking.
"And Konan was probably surprised too, but I didn't notice it."
Yahiko asserted.
Even if they secretly hoped for Nagato's victory, the opponent was still a Kage, and seeing Nagato win would undoubtedly be surprising.
"Hmm."
Konan didn't argue and smiled, acknowledging Yahiko's words.
Yahiko glanced at Nagato, looking as if to say, "I was right, wasn't I?"
"On the contrary, it's Scorpion, who has known Nagato for a shorter time, who has more faith in his strength."
Konan steered the conversation towards Scorpion, who had been silent.
Scorpion's expression stood out among the crowd of surprised ninjas, and Konan still remembered the details of his face.
Scorpion was smiling slightly, seeming pleased, without any hint of surprise or disbelief.
"It's not that I believe in his strength, it's just that I don't think the Third Mizukage's strength is that formidable."
Scorpion explained calmly.
"Isn't that the same thing?"
Yahiko couldn't help but interject.
The core of their belief was still that Nagato's strength surpassed that of the Third Mizukage.
"If the opponent was the Fourth Hokage, I don't think Nagato could win."
Scorpion agreed with Yahiko's point, adding, "I don't think Nagato can beat the Fourth Hokage."
"Who would think Nagato could beat the Fourth Hokage? Only Son Ryouka-sensei could defeat him."
Yahiko was speechless.
Scorpion's words were as sharp as his puppet creations.
Nagato, seeing Scorpion getting along well with his two closest friends, couldn't help but smile and say, "In this world, only Son Ryouka-sensei can defeat the Fourth Hokage, and only the Fourth Hokage could possibly defeat Son Ryouka-sensei."
"You think so highly of the Fourth Hokage, Nagato?"
Yahiko was surprised.
After witnessing Son Ryouka's victory over the Third Tsuchikage, Yahiko couldn't imagine what kind of strength it would take to defeat Son Ryouka.
As Nagato, the top disciple of Son Ryouka, should know his master's strength better than anyone, it was surprising that he believed Mo Yue had a chance to beat Son Ryouka. This was indeed a high evaluation.
Nagato smiled but remained silent, not offering further explanation.
Although this was a secret that would be taken as a lie if revealed, it was indeed Shinshu's biggest secret. Without Mo Yue's consent, Nagato wouldn't disclose it, even if the question came from Yahiko.
Yahiko didn't mind and assumed that Nagato's strength included a keen insight that he lacked.
"In the next round, your opponent will be Dai Tu. I think his strength is not simple, Nagato, so be careful and don't be careless."
Yahiko reminded him, as he couldn't figure out how Dai Tu had dodged the attack or come up with a solution.
"Yes, I will."
Nagato nodded in response.
Although he had defeated Dai Tu before, this time, Dai Tu had shown significant improvement, and Nagato wouldn't underestimate him.
After discussing some other powerful contestants, their conversation shifted from the tournament to everyday matters.
"Konan, do you still receive love letters from people in Shinshu?"
Yahiko asked Konan with a smile.
Konan was quite popular within Shinshu, known as the Pure White Flower and Gentle Angel. Occasionally, brave individuals would gather the courage to express their feelings to Konan.
Nagato's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly turned to look at Konan's face.
"It's been a long time since I received any. After I rejected them all, they probably think I'm difficult to get along with, so they stopped sending them."
Konan thought for a moment and replied.
"It can't be that they're afraid of being scolded by Kakuzu-buchou after becoming his assistant, right?"
Nagato and Yahiko exchanged glances, feeling that the latter's suggestion was quite plausible.
Kakuzu was known for his straightforwardness, unafraid to voice his opinions, even about the most revered founder of Shinshu, Son Ryouka.
As long as it didn't affect work, it was fine, but if it disturbed Xiao Nan's work due to a confession, then it would be a different story.
For some reason, Chojiro felt relieved and said, "It seems that Teacher Sosuke had planned to establish a branch in Kusa Country very early on, so he sent us to different locations to learn and gain work experience."
"Indeed, during my time as the Jonin Class Leader in Amegakure, my management skills were greatly improved."
Miyahane nodded in agreement.
Although he was from a ninja organization, the Akatsuki was too small, and it was a makeshift group within a makeshift group. It wasn't until Miyahane managed a group of ninjas in a ninja village that he truly understood how challenging management was.
"Only after studying under Kakuzu did I realize how difficult it was for him."
Xiao Nan also shared her insights from work.
The three of them smoothly shifted the topic from daily affairs back to work.
They didn't ignore Sasori either, actively asking about some matters related to the Chakra Technology Bureau.
After finishing their meal and taking a walk, they finally parted ways, each going about their own business.
...
After returning, Daimoku secretly contacted the Cloud and Sand Hidden Villages through the Iwagakure Shadow Division, saying there was an important matter to discuss.
To avoid alerting Konoha and Kirigakure, the three of them deliberately created shadow clones, had the clones attend the meeting in disguise, and continued their daily activities with their real bodies, minimizing the risk of exposure.
The clones of the three Kage met in an ordinary hotel.
After the Shadow Division set up surveillance, the clones of the three Kage entered the hotel room.
First, Daimoku's clone set up a soundproof barrier inside before speaking, "The plan to assassinate Sosuke cannot continue."
As long as Konoha remained powerful, the Three Village Alliance had a foundation for cooperation, so Daimoku didn't beat around the bush and directly expressed his thoughts.
After speaking, Daimoku carefully observed the expressions of the Third Raikage and Ra Sha.
Ra Sha's face showed surprise, seemingly not expecting the assassination plan organizer, Daimoku, to change his mind so quickly.
The Third Raikage wore a thoughtful expression, pondering the implications of Daimoku's words and the pros and cons of canceling the plan.
"Konoha has shown too much potential, and it's not just about Hayate Uchiha. They are strong in all aspects. If we lose Sosuke, the strongest of all, it's likely that even with the combined strength of our three villages, we won't be able to compete with a fully developed Konoha."
Daimoku further explained.
"Indeed, it's not worth expending too much effort to kill Sosuke. Konoha's gains from this are even greater than ours."
The Third Raikage spoke in a low voice.
Konoha had to be cautious of Sosuke, the contemporary god of ninjas.
If Sosuke died, Konoha could truly develop without worries, and in a decade or so, they would be invincible in the Shinobi World.
"But if we don't kill Sosuke, the development of Shinshu will be unstoppable. It's uncertain whether Shinshu will clash with Konoha first, or with Sunagakure or Iwagakure."
Ra Sha offered a different opinion.
He believed that whether Sosuke lived or died, Konoha would still strive to become the overlord of the Shinobi World.
But if Sosuke lived, Sunagakure would be caught between two formidable forces that they couldn't afford to provoke.
Ra Sha didn't want to gamble with Sunagakure's interests, hoping that Sosuke would help the Three Village Alliance fight against Konoha in the future.
"The Five Great Shinobi Villages can unite because of Sosuke and Shinshu. We can't ignore the potential threat that Shinshu may bring just because of Konoha's demonstrated potential."
Ra Sha emphasized with a serious expression.
He wasn't refuting because he was shortsighted and couldn't see Konoha's potential.
It was only a few hours ago that he had been defeated by Uchiha Batu, one of the representatives of Konoha's new generation. How could he not recognize Konoha's development potential?
He refuted because if Shinshu remained, Sunagakure's position as the overlord in the southwestern region of the Shinobi World would soon be affected.
When Shinshu and Konoha clashed, Sunagakure wouldn't need to wait for Konoha to develop; they would directly lose their future.
The Third Raikage crossed his arms, not opposing Ra Sha.
Ra Sha's words made sense; Shinshu's survival could indeed curb Konoha, but it didn't mean Shinshu would be beneficial to the other great ninja villages.
It was inevitable that Shinshu would disrupt the balance of the Five Great Shinobi Villages.
Perhaps in a scenario where Shinshu and Konoha coexisted, these great ninja villages would decline even faster.
"So we must not only terminate the plan but also stir up the waters of the Shinobi World."
Daimoku continued to explain.
If they simply abandoned the assassination, the Three Village Alliance might face a mixed doubles match with Konoha and Shinshu.
Even if the Shinshu consumes their interests, they still have to face the threat from Konoha.
"We must create a deep-rooted enmity between Shinshu and Konoha, a hatred that will keep them at war with each other!"
During the tournament, Daimu was constantly thinking about what kind of Shinobi World situation would be better for Iwagakure and the Three Village Alliance.
After much contemplation, he finally came up with a plan that had the highest chance of success at the moment.
If they eliminate Shinshu and leave Konoha alone, Konoha will quickly realize its potential and become an unbeatable overlord.
Allowing Shinshu and Konoha to coexist might lead to a new Shinobi World order where Konoha and Shinshu divide the Shinobi World, which might not be better for Iwagakure than the first outcome.
The only way to ensure the continued development of the Three Village Alliance is to simultaneously weaken both Konoha and Shinshu through war.
"Are you going to inform Shinshu about our plan?"
Ra Sha became interested and asked.
It was clear that Daimu intended to target both Shinshu and Konoha.
"Not only will we inform them, but we will also cooperate with Shinshu."
Daimu replied, explaining his new plan.
"We can tell Shinshu about the plan to assassinate Sou Uke, making them believe that Konoha is the organizer. Then, we'll turn the tables and work with Shinshu to deal with Konoha on the day of the assassination!"
"Currently, aside from Sou Uke and Chojiro, Shinshu's overall strength is still far behind Konoha. Therefore, we don't need to hold back and can focus on weakening Konoha's strength."
Konoha has many powerful forces in Six Paths City, not just the participating ninjas.
The current Hokage, Fuyuki Kamizono, the Sanin Great Snake, and the Sanin Tsunade are all in Six Paths City, but they are not participating in the tournament.
Of course, this is not unique to Konoha; the other ninja villages also have hidden some experts.
For example, in Iwagakure, Daimu brought the Jinchuriki of the Five-Tailed Beast, but he did not let him participate in the tournament.
"If we can use this opportunity to make Konoha lose a group of powerful ninjas and geniuses, that would be great."
Ra Sha was very tempted by the plan. Even if Shinshu grows stronger, it would only change the Shinobi World order from the Five Great Shinobi Villages to the Five Villages and One Sect.
Although it would still damage their interests, it would be much better than Konoha dominating alone or Konoha and Shinshu dividing the Shinobi World.
"This plan is feasible and has a high chance of success."
The Third Raikage nodded in agreement.
Facing the encirclement of the Five Great Shinobi Villages, Sou Uke would not be able to remain indifferent and would have to retaliate, which was their opportunity.
No matter what Sou Uke thought, he would never expect that the initiator of the plan would be Iwagakure, who informed Shinshu.
In this situation, even if Sou Uke could think of a countermeasure, it would be too late. Would he refuse the help of the Three Village Alliance and face Konoha and the Mist Hidden Village alone?
Sou Uke might be able to hurt Konoha with his exceptional strength, but Konoha also has the power to easily destroy Shinshu.
In such a situation, a normal person would seek an alliance.
"I also think we can test the attitude of the Mist Hidden Village."
Daimu remembered something and spoke up.
"The risk is too high. The Mist Hidden Village is cooperating too much with Konoha now, and they are unlikely to side with us."
Ra Sha was reluctant to involve the Mist Hidden Village.
During the Third Shinobi World War, if it weren't for the Mist Hidden Village's betrayal, he wouldn't have ended up in such a situation.
Not only did he fail to secure benefits for Sunagakure, but he also gained a bad reputation.
He wanted the Mist Hidden Village to experience the pain of betrayal and, at the same time, weaken their strength.
"So, we'll just test the attitude of the Mist Hidden Village. If they also side with us, then our plan will be foolproof."
Daimu shook his head.
He found that Ra Sha was too concerned with immediate gains and losses, lacking a broader perspective.
"Let's give it a try. After all, we still have some time before the action."
The Third Raikage also thought it was worth a try.
There were still five days until the quarterfinals, and after that, the semifinals and finals would follow. The finals day was when they would secretly injure Sou Uke, so they had enough time to refine their plan.
"Then let's try it, but we must be extremely discreet. If the plan is leaked, everything will be in vain!"
Seeing that the Third Raikage agreed with Daimu, Ra Sha had no choice but to change his mind and agree.
Sunagakure's strength was originally weaker than Iwagakure and Kumogakure among the Three Village Alliance.
However, to save face, Ra Sha repeatedly emphasized the need for discretion, making it seem like he didn't agree easily.
After finalizing the plan, the three of them dismissed their shadow clones, allowing the memories to flow back into their original bodies. Simultaneously, they activated their powers and began to carry out the plan.
With the three great ninja villages working together, dark undercurrents began to stir within Six Paths City.
(End of Chapter)
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