Ninja rarely stage large-scale military drills with showy performances.
Although events like the Chunin Exams are sometimes held as publicity stunts to secure funding from Daimyo and attract nobles and wealthy merchants to witness Konoha's vitality, a public demonstration of actual combat and training operations by ninja forces has never been done before.
For ninja, information is considered the most valuable asset. If critical intelligence such as a ninja's personal jutsu traits or secret techniques were exposed, it would make them vulnerable to targeted countermeasures during missions or battles, often resulting in tragic defeats.
Hyuga Soushu saw it differently.
In large-scale combined ops involving entire ninja armies, individual jutsu traits don't matter much.
Take Konoha Ninja Forces' Combined Ninjutsu as an example—a Wind Release (C-Rank) paired with a Fire Release (B-Rank) could create a synergistic effect far greater than the sum of its parts, producing powerful tactical outcomes which make "1+1>2" possible.
Under these circumstances, no sensitive personal information about individual ninja would be leaked.
As for revealing general tactical patterns specific to Konoha's military strategies, that wasn't considered particularly sensitive either—just like how Iwagakure utilized regimental-scale jutsu, Konoha had long relied on various forms of Combined Ninjutsu to dominate the battlefield.
"They seem somewhat different from the standard Konoha Ninja Forces."
Once arriving at the grandstand for the military exercises, Kitsuchi focused his complete attention on the Coalition Force of Ninja Clans and participating Border Forces assembling in the distance.
"And they're even wearing armor! That's quite unusual!"
An Iwa jonin voiced his observation: "Judging by their silhouettes, those wearing armor should be taijutsu specialists from the Akimichi Clan. Although wearing heavy gear might reduce mobility, it mitigates damage from close-range attacks."
"That's just surface-level stuff!"
Another Iwa jonin disagreed: "Looking at the formation structure, these clan ninja have already been integrated into mixed-unit deployment. While this may not achieve the unparalleled synergy seen among the Ino–Shika–Cho triad alliance, it's still highly impressive!"
"Cut the chatter—just watch."
Irritated, Kitsuchi waved his hand dismissively, signaling his subordinates to stop talking.
Once all participating units had taken their positions, at a single command from Hyuga Soushu, two opposing forces commenced offensive and defensive maneuvers.
Although purely for demonstration purposes, both sides launched volleys of ninjutsu from distances far beyond direct engagement range.
Restricted by the effective ranges of their ninjutsu, neither side's jutsu actually reached inside each other's formations. Yet this created a spectacular scene—multiple Combined Ninjutsu clashed dramatically in midair across the neutral zone between the two forces, fusing together in breathtaking bursts of explosive chakra artistry that became a stunning visual feast.
Following precise instructions issued from the command center, both ninja armies sequentially demonstrated rapid consecutive launches of Combined Ninjutsu, wide-area cluster bombardments, and a variety of advanced tactical offensives. Each exchange of jutsu erupted into soul-shaking chakra explosions, orchestrating a grand symphony of battlefield power and intensity.
"Just some lackluster old-fashioned tactics."
Although Kitsuchi's expression looked somewhat unpleasant, he still managed to offer this evaluation, attempting to boost morale for himself and his subordinates.
The Iwagakure Jonin were similarly shocked, but at least they could maintain a surface appearance of calm composure.
However, the ambassador from the Land of Earth had turned completely pale.
Long accustomed to luxurious comfort, these nobles no longer bore the martial spirit of the Age of Warring Clans. Sheltered by ninja protection, most had never even slaughtered a chicken themselves, let alone set foot on a battlefield. So despite their previous reputations for military expertise, witnessing the awesome might of ninja warfare for the first time inevitably unsettled them deeply, making their former pride seem insignificant and fragile before the thunderous roar of ninjutsu.
Even this ambassador had begun secretly wondering—if the noble families, proud of their thousand-year lineage and aristocratic bloodlines, would really be able to mount any effective resistance should the ninja collectively decide to break free from the village system and take matters into their own hands.
The ninja force demonstration lasted nearly an hour, and gradually, Kitsuchi's originally composed expression began showing signs of panic as well.
What astonished him most wasn't just the power of the ninjutsu itself, but rather this sustained bombardment with ninja tools being thrown continuously over an hour.
After all, ninjas—high offense, low defense combat professionals—had always suffered from limited stamina in prolonged battles, particularly regarding chakra consumption that couldn't be easily replenished within short periods.
According to the exercise setup, participating ninja adopted staggered team strategies to maintain relentless attacks through continuous ninjutsu volleys, each round carefully restrained without unleashing full strength. However, setting aside these details, the emerging formation tactics concept alone was sufficient to prompt Iwagakure, long-priding itself on strict discipline and accustomed to confronting enemies with large-scale unit ninjutsu, to reconsider its current operational models and strategic thinking.
Especially during protracted conflicts, whether Iwagakure's ninja forces could maintain superiority under such intense, high-frequency ninjutsu barrages now became a questionable matter.
[Sigh]
Kitsuchi couldn't help but let out a long sigh.
He didn't even care if this demoralized his subordinates anymore.
Because those accompanying Iwagakure Jonin were already contemplating the same issue, their expressions looking particularly grim.
They were Jonin after all—smart enough to see things for themselves. No point wasting breath trying to cheer them up.
Instead, he simply stared blankly toward the training ground where exercises were beginning to wind down.
Iwagakure must make concessions; otherwise, if conflict truly erupted again, they would certainly gain no advantage on the battlefield.
Furthermore, should they become bogged down in a drawn-out stalemate, Sunagakure, currently maintaining silent standoff, might get fresh ideas once more.
[Victory Beyond Count!]
[Long Live Lord Soushu!]
Following three synchronized shouts, this uniquely conducted military drill concluded successfully.
It ended somewhat like a tiger's head but a snake's tail—mighty start, weak finish. But for these Ninja World newcomers, such deterrent display had proven quite sufficient.
Hyuga Soushu once again summoned Kitsuchi and the ambassador from the Land of Earth, restarting negotiations atop the training ground platform.
"Honorable Jonin Kitsuchi, you have witnessed the might and grandeur of our ninja forces. What do you think?"
Hyuga Soushu's face beamed with a warm, approachable smile, yet his words carried clear undertones of threat: "I wonder how far along Iwagakure's military expansion has come? And to what extent have they restored their pre-war ninja forces?"
"Iwagakure remains filled with loyal warriors who will not retreat even in the face of overwhelming enemies."
Kitsuchi's response felt somewhat evasive, yet accurately conveyed his intended meaning.
Before departing for these negotiations, Tsuchikage Onoki had already established strict boundaries regarding acceptable negotiation outcomes.
Although Kitsuchi genuinely wished to achieve lasting peace through compromise, he could only maneuver within those predetermined limits, absolutely refusing to be bullied or manipulated by the influential Ninja Clan Capital Corporation.
"Everyone recognizes Iwagakure's unity and bravery."
Hyuga Soushu didn't bother to argue. Instead, he turned his gaze toward the visibly trembling envoy from the Land of Earth. "And what does His Highness the Daimyo think about this matter now?"
"Fire Country and Earth Country have a long history of trade and tradition—it's not something either side can just forget."
The Earth Country envoy swallowed hard before stammering out his nervous reply.
"Continue."
Hyuga Soushu signaled for him to go on.
"The people of our two countries have never truly hated each other. As neighbors, Fire and Earth should naturally get along—"
The Earth Country envoy continued speaking nonsense with growing confidence.
"Enough!"
With obvious impatience, Hyuga Soushu waved his hand while pointing out the flaw in the envoy's statement: "There's Herb Country right in between Fire Country and Earth Country acting as a buffer! Don't try to play dumb and rewrite history!"
"Eh… well…"
Caught off guard like this, the already terrified Earth Country envoy suddenly felt warmth spreading in his pants as a pungent smell began filling the air.
"What kind of person is this?"
Looking thoroughly disgusted, Hyuga Soushu gestured for his attendant ninja to step forward and drag the completely frightened Earth Country envoy off the platform.
"No! No! Don't kill me!"
As they dragged him away, the envoy kept shouting in fear.
Perhaps due to extreme panic affecting his voice, his screams came out particularly weak and feeble, sounding like dying groans.
"Haven't you got anything to say, Jonin Kitsuchi?"
Hyuga Soushu directed his attention back toward Kitsuchi, who had been neglected for a while.
"Peace remains the most precious asset across the entire Ninja World."
Kitsuchi had no choice but to simply bow his head and respond accordingly.
With Hyuga Soushu getting tougher and less predictable by the minute, Kitsuchi worried that pushing back too hard might set him off. It seemed wiser to just go along with it.
"What conditions then?"
Hyuga Soushu continued asking.
"Opening our doors should be reciprocal."
Though adopting a much softer attitude, when it came to matters concerning Hidden Leaf Village interests, Kitsuchi still insisted on advocating forcefully: "Unilateral opening of Earth Country borders for trade would seriously damage Iwagakure's prestige!"
"It's merely merchant caravans entering—who cares?"
Hyuga Soushu's previously fake smile gradually disappeared, his expression turning cold and indifferent: "Could there possibly be some secret schemes being prepared behind the scenes?"
"Absolutely nothing of the sort!"
Kitsuchi flatly denied it.
As a man from Iwagakure, no one knew better than Kitsuchi that once you're associated with dirt, even if it's clean, it smells foul. No matter what, Kitsuchi could not allow the Hidden Village to be falsely accused by Hyuga Soushu.
"Herb Country can also serve as a development zone, and goods from the Land of Earth could enter tax-free on equal terms. Isn't this open-door policy precisely demonstrating our shared vision of mutual benefits!"
Hyuga Soushu presented the unequal treaty disguised as a seemingly fair and mutually beneficial condition.
"Tax matters belong to the country itself; we ninja of the Hidden Village have no right to interfere."
Kitsuchi had absolutely no intention of taking the bait.
"If neither this works nor that satisfies you, then why not just go to war directly?"
Hyuga Soushu stood abruptly and threw down his words: "I'll give you three days. Go talk thoroughly with those insects in the village and the Daimyo's court! The Ninja Clan Capital Corporation has never hesitated using force to defend its own interests!"
"Honorable Soushu, peace in the Ninja World is something all can agree on!"
Kitsuchi unwillingly softened his stance again: "Let's discuss things peacefully, please don't rush into war so easily."
"Today's talks have at least brought us to some level of mutual understanding!"
Hyuga Soushu explained patiently: "Although we haven't finalized an official commercial treaty of friendship, we've established constructive consensus; and this will become the cornerstone for expanding cooperation and maintaining peace throughout the Ninja World in the future!"
"How exactly do you define 'constructive consensus'?"
Kitsuchi had never considered himself uneducated, yet he truly felt confused right now.
Without lingering further, Hyuga Soushu departed directly with his entourage.
As for the Envoy of the Earth Daimyo who was dragged off the platform, he was tossed aside like a bundle of rags on the stairway beneath the stage, trembling all over, tears streaming down while daring not to cry aloud.
"Esteemed Envoy, everything's fine now."
Only after the group of ninja clan members left did Kitsuchi jump down and help up this noble envoy who had been terrified half to death by fierce ninja clan warriors.
"Jonin Kitsuchi, please bring peace back to our nation!"
The shaken Noble Envoy, barely steadied after being helped upright, pleaded tearfully: "It's all up to you now."
With these words, the frightened envoy rolled his eyes upward and fainted outright.
But to a ninja's trained eyes, even though these dishonest nobles might excel in disguise and deception skills, none of that could escape detection by ninja perception.
Kitsuchi was absolutely certain that this envoy appearing to have fainted from emotional shock was actually just pretending. But the problem was—Kitsuchi couldn't exactly expose him either!
Left with no choice, Kitsuchi could only summon a subordinate and instruct: "Carry the envoy back to his residence for rest."
And as he spoke, Kitsuchi caught a slight twitch on the envoy's lips from the corner of his eye. The so-called unconscious noble was clearly faking—and secretly smiling inside.
"What kind of nation am I serving here? Clearly it's ruled by the nobles!"
Kitsuchi began to reflect on whether the model of the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation represented the correct path forward for the future of the Ninja World.
The day following Hyuga Soushu's final ultimatum, Kitsuchi—who had separately notified both the village and the Daimyo's court about Soushu's attitude—received a unilateral response from the Earth Daimyo's court.
According to the secret decree, the Minister of State of the Land of Earth—acting as the Daimyo's plenipotentiary ambassador—authorized Kitsuchi to sign a Treaty of Friendly Mutual Assistance and Commercial Access with the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation. This act officially opened the Land of Earth to the corporation.
At the same time, the previous ban on goods from the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation entering the Land of Earth was lifted. Furthermore, the previously imposed duties were voluntarily lowered to ten percent.
As a reciprocal condition for equality, the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation was also required to open commercial access to the Herb Country for the Land of Earth. Additionally, all goods sold into the Land of Earth granted the nobility the right of first refusal. Meaning that as long as the nobility desired, they could purchase all such goods in bulk at their already-low prices and then resell them to the general populace at marked-up prices!
More importantly, even after taxation and double markup by aristocrats, mass-produced goods from the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation might still be nearly half cheaper than handmade products from the Land of Earth! This imbalance caused by a massive productivity gap would completely wipe out the existing industrial base of the Land of Earth.
Thus, upon receiving the truce proposal submitted by Kitsuchi, Hyuga Soushu no longer insisted on demanding further advantages and immediately held a signing ceremony, formally concluding this historic agreement destined to affect the future of an entire nation.
"Congratulations, Jonin Kitsuchi!"
After the signing, Hyuga Soushu shook Kitsuchi's right hand firmly several times in celebration: "Congratulations on successfully restoring peace to the Ninja Clan homeland from the Herb Country!"
"Of course, the constructive agreement reached with the company was equally important too,"
Kitsuchi replied with the same words Hyuga Soushu had used earlier.
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