Chapter 306: The Kingdom
The Land of Water, surrounded on all sides by the sea, is the smallest of the Five Great Nations in terms of territory. Its resources are scarce, and its primary source of income has long been maritime trade. However, due to its deteriorating relations with the other four major nations, the Land of Water's economy has gradually stagnated—and even begun to regress.
"Thanks to recent news reports, the citizens of the Land of Water have developed a growing resentment toward the Lands of Fire, Wind, Lightning, and Earth," the Daimyō of the Land of Water said, looking at the clone of Emoju and Gray Wolf No. 2 in front of him. "With the help of the Ability Beasts and S.H.I.E.L.D., I believe that even if war breaks out with all four nations at once, the Land of Water will still emerge victorious."
Emoju and Gray Wolf Clone No. 2 exchanged glances, then turned to the Daimyō.
"The Ability Beasts and S.H.I.E.L.D. can certainly provide support, but in exchange, I request to be appointed as the wartime deputy commander," Gray Wolf Clone No. 2 said.
The wartime deputy commander, put simply, is granted the highest level of authority aside from the Daimyō himself during times of war.
"That's not a problem," the Daimyō replied. "But as for S.H.I.E.L.D...."
The Daimyō looked toward Gray Wolf Clone No. 2, clearly hesitating.
"Unless Hydra formally enters the war, S.H.I.E.L.D. won't send personnel to assist you," Gray Wolf Clone No. 2 said. "However, they are willing to sell scientific ninja tools and enhancement serums to the Land of Water at a discounted rate."
One wanted power, the other wanted money. The Daimyō looked at the two in front of him, clenched his fists, and reluctantly agreed. In truth, the Land of Water's economy had already regressed to an alarming degree.
After the Fourth Great Ninja War ended and peace returned to the ninja world, all nations experienced rapid population growth—the Land of Water included. But with the four other major nations imposing restrictions on its maritime trade, the domestic economy alone was no longer sufficient to support the country's booming population.
"Then I'll be counting on you both," the Daimyō said at last.
Kirigakure, Land of Water
Mizukage's Office
"What exactly is S.H.I.E.L.D. planning?" Emoju narrowed his eyes at Gray Wolf Clone No. 2.
"Just trying to make a bit of money," Gray Wolf Clone No. 2 replied nonchalantly. "Besides, S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Ability Beasts are allies. It's only right that we support our partners."
Emoju didn't believe a word of it. Though the two sides were currently in an alliance, he knew they would inevitably come into conflict.
"Is that so? Then on behalf of the Ability Beasts, I thank S.H.I.E.L.D. for the favor," Emoju said dryly.
"But surely the Ability Beasts aren't satisfied with just a wartime deputy commander position, right?" Gray Wolf Clone No. 2 continued, pulling out a small vial of green liquid.
"A zombie virus? And not even your top-grade version—just S.H.I.E.L.D.'s lowest level strain?" Emoju stared at the vial in confusion. While his body had been enhanced after becoming an Ability Beast, his intelligence hadn't improved.
"Use this to infect the Daimyō of the Land of Water..."
With just a slight hint, Gray Wolf Clone No. 2 got Emoju to catch on.
"Turn the Daimyō into a zombie puppet... make the Land of Water the kingdom of the Ability Beasts..."
Not just the Ability Beasts' kingdom—it would also be Orochimaru's kingdom.
With the Land of Water surrounded by sea, it was the perfect environment for Orochimaru's biological experiments.
Outskirts of Konoha, at Night
A figure darted through the forest, leaping from branch to branch before landing on one and scanning the area. He muttered to himself, "Strange... where did it go?"
"Uzumaki Boruto."
Boruto turned toward the voice that had called his name. He immediately dropped into a battle-ready stance and said warily, "Orochimaru?! What are you doing here?!"
"First of all, I'm not Lord Orochimaru. I'm his Clone No. 3. Secondly, I'm the one who summoned you here."
The reason modern-day Boruto had ventured out to Konoha's outskirts at night was because he'd seen a white snake—one of Mitsuki's familiar summons.
"So, what do you want?"
"I have intel for you: Mitsuki has been captured by the Ability Beasts and is currently imprisoned in the Land of Water."
"What?!" Boruto stared at the clone. "Isn't Mitsuki a member of S.H.I.E.L.D.? Why would..."
"Mitsuki is just an external affiliate. S.H.I.E.L.D. isn't about to go to war over an outsider."
Boruto narrowed his eyes. "Why are you telling me this?"
"My mission ends here. Whether or not you save Mitsuki is up to you."
As soon as Orochimaru Clone No. 3 finished speaking, Boruto threw a shuriken, embedding it directly into the clone's chest.
The clone's body fell from the tree and quickly shriveled up, small snakes slithering out and dispersing into the underbrush.
Boruto looked back toward the lights of the Hidden Leaf Village—then steeled himself and headed for the Land of Water.
The Next Morning
Naruto, who hadn't returned home all night, was drooling in his sleep at the Hokage's desk, giggling foolishly from time to time. Suddenly, the door to the office swung open.
Startled by the sound, Naruto rubbed his blurry eyes, glanced at the figure entering the room, and yawned. "Shikamaru? You're here early."
"Naruto, this report just came in from our border patrol in the Land of Water."
Shikamaru handed over two intelligence files.
"The Land of Water has just declared war on the Lands of Fire, Wind, Lightning, and Earth. And the Daimyō... has fallen ill. For now, the nation is being led by wartime deputy commander Emoju."
"And the second report, Naruto."
Prompted by Shikamaru, Naruto read the second page—his expression gradually turning grim. "Boruto went to the Land of Water? When did this happen?"
"This morning," Shikamaru replied, frowning. "By now, Boruto should already be inside the Land of Water. Don't you think it's a bit too much of a coincidence? The Land of Water declares war, the Daimyō falls ill, Emoju takes over, and Boruto leaves the village—all in the same night."
Naruto nodded. "We have to send someone to the Land of Water and get to the bottom of this... Oh, and Shikamaru, keep this from Hinata for now, would you?"
Konoha Village Gate
Naruto stood in front of two individuals. "Shuyu, Sarada. I'm entrusting this mission to the both of you."
"Understood, Lord Hokage. We'll get to the bottom of everything. And we'll bring Boruto back too," Sarada said firmly.