Moving mountains isn't a difficult task for shinobi. Earth Release users can manipulate earth and stone, and with a proper plan, the project quickly got underway.
Puppet masters from the Federation were soon put to work. Their puppets could fell trees far faster than machines, and some were specially modified for construction, capable of lifting hundreds or even thousands of pounds under their controllers' guidance. Since a single puppet master could manipulate multiple puppets, their involvement significantly sped up Sunagakure's progress.
With the combined efforts of Earth Release shinobi, puppet masters, and the machines provided by the Keiko Trading Company, the mountain-moving project was estimated to be completed in about two months. Moreover, the stone materials generated from the project could be repurposed for road construction. Number 18 had already perfected all supporting plans, so the Federation only needed to follow the blueprint step by step.
As for the progress in Amegakure, Keiko Sanki had inquired, but Konan merely replied coldly, "Don't worry. Amegakure won't delay the project." Beyond that, she revealed nothing. Keiko Sanki could guess how Amegakure planned to move the mountain.
With the medical machine's treatment, Nagato could now use multiple Almighty Push techniques without much burden. Afterward, he only needed a short rest to recover his chakra before continuing.
The Sand Federation's planning was meticulous. Every shinobi was assigned detailed tasks under Number 18's calculations. Each individual functioned like a cog in a machine, ensuring the massive project proceeded flawlessly as long as they fulfilled their roles.
Number 18 presented these detailed execution plans under Keiko Sanki's name, earning him widespread praise within the Federation. No one else could have produced such a comprehensive plan in a single day—let alone a month.
On the third day of the Federation's construction efforts, Amegakure sent an envoy to invite Keiko Sanki for a visit.
Though Pakura was displeased, the two were currently allies, and Amegakure's reasoning was sound: there were still many climate modification issues requiring Keiko Sanki's expertise.
Before his departure, Pakura consulted him about a recent proposal: "Sanki, what do you think of that suggestion?"
Keiko Sanki asked, "The proposal to recruit rogue shinobi?"
"Exactly. While it could bolster the Federation's strength, rogue shinobi often come with baggage. Large-scale recruitment might disrupt our current development." Pakura sounded conflicted.
The Sand Federation undeniably lacked high-tier combat power. With its vast territories, nearly 70% of educational resources were allocated to training administrative personnel, leaving only 30% for shinobi development. In peacetime, this wasn't an issue, but in wartime, Sunagakure's military strength would fall short. The upper echelons were also severely lacking; aside from Pakura, few Suna shinobi could stand independently.
"In that case, add a political screening step during recruitment. Have the ANBU investigate the rogue shinobi's backgrounds and conduct psychological evaluations. If they're deemed unstable or detrimental to the Federation's growth, assign them dirty work—or simply reject them."
Pakura found this approach reasonable and pressed, "Sanki, elaborate further."
Keiko Sanki chuckled. "Let me refine my thoughts. I'll draft a detailed proposal for you in a couple of days."
Pakura nodded, her expression tinged with reluctance at his impending departure. "Those Amegakure fools can't even handle such minor matters without dragging you there." The thought of losing her right-hand aide left her too distracted to focus on paperwork.
"I'll be back in a few days after offering some guidance."
After reassuring her, Keiko Sanki set off for Amegakure.
The idea of recruiting rogue shinobi had been Hyuga Mirai's brainchild, proposed due to Sasori's recruitment. Though the Keiko elder under Number 18's control hadn't voiced an opinion, the retired Chiyo's presence at the meeting spoke volumes.
Chiyo longed for Sasori's return, but his status as a rogue shinobi couldn't be ignored. If the proposal passed, Sasori could rejoin the Sand Federation.
Pakura was also tempted but wary of rogue shinobi's unpredictability. If they could be controlled, she'd support the motion.
Hyuga Mirai orchestrated this to gradually reveal his hidden forces. Relying solely on the Sand Federation would slow progress. His influence spanned Roran, the Land of Tea, the Land of Hot Water, Otogakure, Kado's land and sea transport, the Uzumaki Trade Association, and the Hyakusa Trade Association.
Soon, Keiko Sanki would exit the stage. The body was nearing its limits, and though Hyuga Mirai could prolong its use, he planned to step into the light, rendering Keiko Sanki obsolete. Before his final bow, however, he might still have one last grand performance.
In Konoha, investigations into Hyuga Mirai continued, albeit covertly. Only the higher-ups, Jonin Commander Nara Shikaku, and the ANBU Director knew of Jiraiya's death. They dared not underestimate Hyuga Mirai's threat.
With one of the Sannin dead by his hand, every move Hyuga Mirai made drew Konoha's full attention. Hiruzen Sarutobi even turned a blind eye to Danzo's Root expansion. Though it risked fueling Danzo's ambitions, Konoha needed Root's strength.
Monitoring the Uchiha and handling internal and external affairs required more shinobi. Root wasn't the only force expanded—the Hokage's personal ANBU also grew significantly. After repeated failures guarding the jinchūriki, Hiruzen restructured and expanded the ANBU from 70 to 114 members, a 50% increase straining Konoha's finances.
Yet Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane raised no objections. Konoha needed more protectors.
After her confrontation with Danzo, Kushina Uzumaki began escorting Naruto to and from school daily, fearing Danzo might target him.
Now a Sage Mode user with Tsunade's Strength of a Hundred Seal and Creation Rebirth, Kushina only needed time to master these abilities to surpass her former strength. The Uzumaki's Adamantine Sealing Chains were their ultimate weapon, requiring no additional jutsu to dominate foes.
"Lady Kushina."
While walking Naruto to school, Kushina was stopped by a familiar figure.
"You're... Jonin Yuhi Kurenai?" Kushina recalled the famed genjutsu prodigy after noting her crimson eyes.
The Yuhi clan's genjutsu was subtler than the Sharingan's, with both Yuhi Kurenai and her father renowned in Konoha for their techniques.
Kurenai bowed slightly. "Lady Kushina, I'd like to ask you something."
"About 'him', right? Wait until I drop off Naruto."
Kurenai's recent hospitalization and former teammate made her intentions clear to Kushina.
"Understood."
Kurenai stepped aside, allowing Kushina and Naruto to pass but trailing at a distance.
"Mom, is she asking about that night?" Naruto asked curiously before receiving a light flick on the forehead.
"Naruto, this doesn't concern you anymore. No matter who asks, don't say a word."
Kushina glanced around before adding sternly, "Got it?"
Naruto nodded earnestly. "Got it! A shinobi's duty is to protect intel."
Kushina laughed and ruffled his blond hair. "Good. If you keep quiet, I'll teach you a new jutsu tonight."
After dropping Naruto at the academy, Kushina followed Kurenai to a deserted training ground.
"What do you want to know?" Kushina asked. "I'll share what I can."
Kurenai hesitated before asking, "Lady Kushina, Mirai intended to recruit you, didn't he?"
"..."
Kushina's face remained calm, but inwardly, she was stunned. 'How does this girl know?'
"What are you talking about? He attacked me."
"Did he force you?" Kurenai pressed, her red eyes piercing.
"He didn't—I mean, he did*attack me." Kushina nearly slipped.
Even partially revealed, Kurenai's sharpness would deduce the truth.
'Damn it!' Kushina bit her lip. 'Why did I answer so quickly?'
"Lady Kushina, I mean no harm. I've trained relentlessly but still can't stand before him. I'm frustrated and hoped you could clarify things."
Kurenai's voice carried resignation. "I swear I won't tell a soul."
Kushina patted her shoulder sympathetically. "I get it, but you should let it go. That guy's strength likely surpasses the Third Hokage's."
"I see..."
Kurenai's gaze lowered before she changed topics. "Do you know the red-haired girl with him? She resembled you."
Kushina nodded. "Ayaka? I know a bit about her..."
After their talk, Kushina bid Kurenai farewell. Once she left, Kurenai glanced at the forest behind her. "You can come out now."
"I was just passing by. Didn't want to interrupt."
Hyuga Kiyo dropped from a tree, her pale cheeks flushing under Kurenai's stare.
"The shinobi world might become unstable soon. Be prepared."
With that, Kiyo hurried off.
(End of Chapter)
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