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Chapter 918: Open Conflict and Hidden Struggles
Chapter 918: Open Conflict and Hidden Struggles
"The logistics and compensation for the coalition will be shouldered by the Daimyos of each country!" San Sen announced, delivering what he believed to be 'good news.'
However, this news wasn't exactly a surprise to everyone, as they had already reached an unspoken agreement. It was just that San Sen was now formally stating it.
With the rampant assassinations targeting the Daimyos and nobles, they had no choice but to expedite the Five Kage's intervention, or the casualties would only escalate.
Compared to the potential losses, providing some wealth and resources was a small price to pay.
Just yesterday, several nobles and a minor country's Daimyo had fallen victim to attacks, further unsettling the Daimyos and nobles. They couldn't afford to sit idly by any longer.
As long as the five great ninja villages took immediate action, they could quickly gather the necessary resources and funds.
San Sen's timing in bringing this up was not without pressure.
Otherwise, he, who had resolved to keep his words in check, wouldn't have spoken up so impulsively.
"Since we have support for logistics, let's discuss the deployment of personnel from the major ninja villages," Ai declared, bypassing the consent-seeking phase and jumping straight into the operational details.
When it came to dealing with Akatsuki, the Cloud Village, Konoha, and the Stone Village had already made up their minds. The only disagreements now were regarding the extent of their contributions and the command authority.
"We recently had a conflict with the Sunlight Nation, so we won't be joining the coalition!" Yekawa suddenly interjected.
She didn't genuinely intend to disrupt the coalition against Akatsuki; she was merely seizing the opportunity to exert some leverage.
At the very least, the Sand Village shouldn't be 'represented' by the Raikage without even discussing the terms, right?
"Wind Shadow, Akatsuki is the enemy of our five great ninja villages. If they dare to hunt the Tailed Beasts today, they might attack our villages tomorrow, and who knows what they'll do the day after. Do you really think the Sand Ninjas can stay out of it?" Ai reasoned earnestly, trying to convince Yekawa.
His clear and logical words revealed that he wasn't the type to act recklessly.
Jiraiya's constant disagreements with Ai were due to conflicting interests.
But when it came to Yekawa, a Wind Shadow with no conflicting interests, Ai's approach was to 'persuade with reason.'
However, Ai's words caused a strange expression to appear on Douhei's face, who was standing nearby.
The reason? Ai's tone and manner of speaking were eerily similar to his own.
These were his words! It seemed that Ai's influence in the ninja world was growing stronger by the day.
"That's a good point, but the Sand Village only has the One-Tail Shukaku. Even if we lose it, we can still bear the loss. I think it would be great if none of us had Tailed Beasts!" Yekawa offered a different perspective.
The Sand Village had always been the one with the fewest Tailed Beasts among the five great ninja villages, which put them at a disadvantage on the battlefield.
For instance, during their conflict with the Stone Village, the Stone Village had two Tailed Beasts while the Sand Village only had one, which was indeed a significant disadvantage. So, if none of the villages had Tailed Beasts, it would level the playing field for the Sand Village, which was indeed good news for them.
There was another point that Yekawa didn't mention, but everyone was well aware of.
The Sand Village was too barren! Even with the Dawn Canal, it still lagged significantly behind the other ninja villages. They would rather everyone start from scratch.
Having no desires or demands was the source of Yekawa's fearless confidence.
If the Sand Village were as prosperous as the Cloud Village or Konoha, they would be in a panic.
However, Yekawa's words were only half-truths.
The current Sand Village, while perhaps not on par with the Cloud Village, was definitely no worse off than the Stone Village and might even be more prosperous. They wouldn't want to start from scratch.
Yekawa's boldness in making such a statement stemmed from her knowledge that Akatsuki wouldn't cause trouble, so she felt free to play this game without fear of repercussions.
"Don't joke around, Wind Shadow. Feel free to state your conditions!" Jiraiya spoke up before Ai could respond.
The battle for control! Ai couldn't be allowed to dominate the conversation, or it would give the impression that he was the spokesperson for the five great ninja villages.
At this point, only Konoha and the Cloud Village could vie for the title of the strongest ninja village. If Jiraiya were to be suppressed, it might lead to the other villages underestimating Konoha, creating an unfavorable situation.
As for why Jiraiya said this, it was because he understood that the Sand Village's willingness to participate in this Five Kage Summit indicated their intention to resolve the issue with Akatsuki, even if their conditions hadn't been met.
"The Fire Country and the Stone Country impose high tariffs on us and strictly control the movement of our people. If these issues can be resolved, the Sand Ninjas will definitely seek revenge on Akatsuki!" Yekawa calmly stated her conditions.
Customs duties and immigration! As long as these two issues are addressed, she naturally wouldn't mind joining the coalition.
The impact of taxes is well-known; in the past, the Wind Country was barren, with little to sell, so the tax rate wasn't a significant concern.
But now, with its rapid development, the export of goods like crude oil, guano, and minerals is increasing daily, and high tariffs would be devastating.
If it were the old Sand Hidden Village, no matter how high the tariffs, it wouldn't affect the village much. A village can only produce and sell so much.
But now, the village is the Wind Country, and the Wind Country is the village. They are essentially one entity, so high taxes are like cutting into their flesh. It's no wonder Yekawa brought this up.
As for immigration?
The work of accepting refugees has been ongoing since Yekawa's rise to power, but the two countries do not allow refugees to enter the Wind Country. Without a large-scale smuggling operation, this issue must be resolved.
Indeed!
The second condition is the real goal.
Currently, the Sunshine Country is actively absorbing refugees, and Yekawa understands the importance of this task, more so than any other interest. So, the first condition is merely a cover; the real condition is the second one.
Once immigration is opened, she will dedicate herself to absorbing immigrants.
The Sand Hidden Village is not just a village anymore; it's a nation. Thus, the entire Wind Country can be mobilized to absorb refugees.
There's no need to worry about the supply of resources and food.
With the Sunshine Country's accumulated resources and explosive productivity backing them, it's more than sufficient.
Yes, the change in productivity is the Sunshine Country's confidence in boldly absorbing refugees.
If it were any other country, even with good intentions, they wouldn't have the strength.
With their level of productivity, they can barely feed themselves, let alone have surplus food and resources to support refugees.
So, absorbing refugees is not something anyone can do.
"I believe the Daimyos will agree. If they don't, Konoha can help 'persuade' them!"
Jiraiya, after a moment's thought, gave a definite answer.
In the past, he wouldn't dare to make such a promise.
But before today's meeting, he received a promise from the Daimyo's messenger, granting him extensive authority.
Not only Jiraiya, but Great Tree and Ai also received these promises.
However, the nobles and Daimyos of the Wind Country and Water Country had already perished at the hands of the Akatsuki organization, so they couldn't receive such promises and were subtly excluded by the Daimyos and nobles.
The Daimyos' original plan was to settle scores with the Sunshine Country and then deal with the two major ninja villages.
How dare they defy the heavenly order and directly occupy a country with ninjas?
If it weren't for the Sunshine Country, a more detestable enemy, the Sand Hidden Village and Mist Hidden Village would have faced dire consequences.
The initial appeasement turned into increasing reliance on the two ninja villages due to the Sunshine Country's persistent resistance. This led the Daimyos to decide to truly win over the two ninja villages, making negotiations about tariffs and refugees possible.
As the Hokage, Jiraiya was well aware of the changing attitudes of the Daimyos and nobles, which is why he dared to give such an assurance.
"The Akatsuki organization dares to steal our Sand Hidden Village's One-Tail! No matter the cost, we must eliminate these despicable people!"
Upon hearing Jiraiya's assurance, Yekawa immediately expressed her animosity towards the Akatsuki.
With that, only the Mist Hidden Village remained.
"The Mist Hidden Village agrees to the coalition's formation, but we can only dispatch a limited number of personnel!"
A Mei calmly gave her affirmative response.
Support!
But it won't be with their full strength.
Given that the Mist Hidden Village is far from the mainland, even if the Akatsuki were to cause trouble, they wouldn't be the first to suffer. So, this reaction is understandable.
Moreover, this support is due to trade considerations. Without this, not opposing the coalition is already a positive outcome.
Regarding A Mei's response, Jiraiya, Ai, and Great Tree were slightly displeased but not dissatisfied, feeling that it was already a good outcome.
The Mist Hidden Village used to implement a 'closed-door policy,' essentially telling the other major ninja villages to play among themselves and not disturb them. Now, they are willing to support the coalition, which is already a significant concession.
Next, the coalition's commander must be decided.
Neither Jiraiya nor Ai would give up this position.
But before they could speak, an unexpected event occurred in the venue.
(End of Chapter)
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