https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-909-The-Battle-for-the-Rinnegan-/13021025/
Chapter 910: Shikamaru's Emergence
Chapter 910: Shikamaru's Emergence
"What?!"
"You're saying that many ninja clan members have betrayed the village and joined the Sunlight Nation?!"
"They're actively recruiting our villagers?!"
Jiraiya couldn't believe what he was hearing, not because of any hearing impairment, but because the news was so shocking.
The Sunlight Nation had arrived, and they were secretly luring away ninja clan members and villagers. Now, a significant number, estimated to be over ten thousand, had joined them.
They were no longer even trying to hide their intentions; it was as if they were about to openly send people to seize them by force.
It was no wonder that Jiraiya found it hard to believe, repeatedly checking if he had heard correctly.
"Yes, Hokage-sama, this is all true!"
The ANBU member confirmed again that the report he had just delivered was entirely accurate.
This intelligence was something the ANBU initially struggled to believe, but after investigation, they realized the severity of the situation.
In the past, when Konoha was still standing, even if it were tens of thousands of people, or just a few dozen ninja clan members, the ANBU would have detected it immediately.
But now, with the village destroyed, ninja clans scattered, and villagers dispersed, the ANBU couldn't react in time, leading to this oversight.
"The Sunlight Nation?!"
Jiraiya's teeth clenched in anger.
He truly didn't understand why the Sunlight Nation was so fixated on poaching Konoha's people, especially when they had already absorbed many villagers from Konoha and even attracted those with potential.
Now, they weren't even trying to hide their intentions, blatantly poaching talent.
In Jiraiya's mind, the Sunlight Nation's actions during Konoha's vulnerable state were no different from outright theft.
"Jiraiya, we must find a way to stop them, or we'll be in trouble!"
Kamizuki Gen issued a stern warning.
While Konoha had an abundance of potential ninjas, that was in the past.
After multiple depletions and the Sunlight Nation's persistent poaching, especially with the departure of the major ninja clans, their talent pool had significantly diminished. Now, with so many people leaving, the consequences were dire.
If the Sunlight Nation succeeded in depleting their talent pool, even with Konoha's resources, they wouldn't be able to find suitable people to cultivate in the future.
The consequences of losing talent were already evident.
In the past, Konoha could cultivate a genin with 1 unit of resources, but now it required 1.5 units or more, even approaching 2 units.
This wasn't due to changes in cultivation methods but because the cultivated individuals had lower innate talent.
The lower the talent, the more resources consumed, the longer the cultivation time, and the lower the potential ceiling.
Talent had a significant impact on the village's future.
"With our current strength, if we were to confront the Sunlight Nation..."
Kakashi interjected 'rationally'.
While it was an interruption, it was also a deliberate provocation.
If someone felt that this would cause Konoha to lose face and decide to confront the Sunlight Nation head-on... that would be excellent.
Kakashi had always hoped for the Sunlight Nation's ideals to purify the Shinobi World, but he felt the progress was too slow.
If Konoha took the initiative to confront the Sunlight Nation, wouldn't the purification process accelerate?
"No!" Shikamaru suddenly spoke up, drawing the attention of everyone in the office. But he remained calm and analyzed the situation: "With Konoha's strength, we cannot possibly compete with the Sunlight Nation, especially during the village's reconstruction period. We must not engage them directly!"
Although he was young, ninjas matured early, and it wasn't unusual for someone his age to have such insight, especially someone like Shikamaru.
At this moment, his experience and mindset might not match his father, Shikaku, but in other aspects, he was no less impressive.
"Then what do you suggest we do?"
Jiraiya stopped Tsunade from scolding Shikamaru and gestured for him to continue.
"First, we should recall all the ninja clan members and villagers with potential back to the village for monitoring. There aren't many of them, so it shouldn't be difficult. As for ordinary villagers, the Sunlight Nation has no interest in them!"
Shikamaru highlighted the critical point.
The Sunlight Nation's poaching of Konoha's talent was no longer a secret.
With their origins in Konoha and the excellent treatment offered to defectors, it had become incredibly easy for them to poach talent, which explained the large number of people they had attracted.
So, they decided to counter the talent poaching by summoning the targeted individuals to the village for monitoring, effectively deterring the other party's attempts.
Jiraiya's eyes flashed with satisfaction.
This strategy was indeed worth trying.
As for the ordinary villagers?
Although it might seem cold-hearted, Jiraiya was truly unconcerned about them leaving.
Before the destruction of Konoha, they never restricted the ordinary villagers without ninja potential, let alone now.
If ordinary villagers without ninja potential were poached, the Hokage Clan would laugh it off.
After all, Konoha had never lacked ordinary people.
In the past, they had successfully deterred those who wanted to join through numerous measures. As long as there was a need, they could supplement as many people as required.
"Then, we'll put on a stance of being ready for war. The Sunlight Nation will definitely not start a conflict over such a minor issue with us, especially since we are part of the Allied Shinobi Forces!"
Shikamaru added.
If the other party were to engage in battle with Konoha, it would escalate into a full-scale war with the Allied Shinobi Forces, so they would surely back down.
Unless they were willing to take such a significant risk just to poach talent.
One could say that both of Shikamaru's strategies were precise and effective.
Even Konoe, the Elder of Kusagakure, looked at him with newfound respect.
The previous reprimand was due to his speaking out of turn, but he held no ill will towards him.
After all, the Nara Clan was a core clan within the Hokage Clan, and she wouldn't have any objections.
"Alright, we'll do as you suggested, Shikamaru. Asuma, Kakashi, take the ANBU with you and show that we're ready for battle. Also, inform the other clans to return to the village!"
Jiraiya made the decision swiftly.
Although Konoha was no match for the Sunlight Nation, he was well aware of this fact.
But if a war were to break out, it would mean that the other party was engaging in a full-scale war with the Allied Shinobi Forces, which was actually a good thing.
With the war, internal conflicts within the Allied Shinobi Forces would be prevented, allowing Konoha to focus on its own battles while also seizing the opportunity to request resources from the Allied Shinobi Forces.
"Yes, Hokage-sama!"
Kakashi and Asuma nodded and left the Hokage's office.
Naruto and Shikamaru followed them out.
"Elder Kusagakure, I'll leave the preparation work for the transplant to you!"
Jiraiya instructed Elder Kusagakure, who was in charge of the Root.
"Yes!"
Elder Kusagakure nodded excitedly.
As long as Asuma could receive the Rinnegan transplant and gain the Sage Eye, the Hokage Clan would be able to rise again.
To rebuild Konoha, we must not hesitate!
At this moment, she thought of these words, but her expression turned sour when she couldn't recall who had said them first.
Hmph, that guy's influence still lingers!
Elder Kusagakure couldn't help but wish for Tang Ping's immediate death, regretting countless times that they hadn't eliminated him when he was still weak.
Unfortunately, it was too late for regrets now.
Even if she, as the Elder Advisor, couldn't do anything, the entire Konoha was no match for Tang Ping. Only with the support of the Allied Shinobi Forces could they barely contend with him.
"By the way, when do you plan to leave for the Five Kage Summit?"
Mizuhara Gen asked about another matter.
The Five Kage Summit!
However, it wasn't convened by Jiraiya but by the Fourth Raikage of the Hidden Cloud Village.
The location was the neutral country of Iron.
The purpose was to deal with Akatsuki, the tumor of the Shinobi World.
"Let's handle that matter after this!"
Jiraiya made a decision.
It was indeed time to eradicate the Akatsuki, the cancer of the Shinobi World.
Now, without Pain and after being expelled by the Rain Country, it was indeed the perfect opportunity.
"That's good. We can also take the opportunity to restrain the Sunlight Nation and prevent their further development!"
Mizuhara Gen suggested.
Because if they let the Sunlight Nation continue to develop, it would be dangerous.
It was better to take action while they still had the strength to do so.
"I know!"
Jiraiya nodded slightly, as he also thought so.
After the discussion, the two advisors, Chiyo and Nagato, left the Hokage's office to handle the matters.
"The Sunlight Nation?"
Jiraiya turned his head to look towards the direction of the Hokage Tower.
(End of Chapter)
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