Tsk tsk, the situation in this Leaf is truly complex. Should I say it is worthy of being the greatest village in the Shinobi World?
Locked within the small dark room, Simu marvelled as he processed the information transmitted back by the Black Beetles. Throughout this period, he had used his Black Beetles to gather a vast amount of intelligence within the Hidden Leaf. Having previously started his own "business" in the Hidden Sand Village, he could not help but compare the two ninja villages.
In terms of scale, the number of ninjutsu in the Hidden Leaf far exceeded those in the Hidden Sand. This was determined by national circumstances. After all, the Land of Fire occupied the best territory in the entire Shinobi World. Its abundant resources and harmonious climate allowed its population to surpass the Land of Wind by a significant margin.
Most of the latter's regions were deserts, and residents could only establish villages and towns near oases. This was a world of difference compared to the forest-filled environment of the Land of Fire. A large population meant more wasteland could be cultivated. Consequently, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire could collect more taxes and grain, providing the Hidden Leaf with ample funding.
Furthermore, because the residents of the Land of Fire lived relatively well, they generated a higher volume of missions, which greatly boosted the Hidden Leaf's fiscal revenue. As for the Hidden Sand Village, it was likely still fretting over the Daimyo reducing financial expenditures. In terms of finances, there was simply no comparison between the two.
With sufficient financial support, the number of ninjas the Hidden Leaf could cultivate was naturally much higher than in the Hidden Sand. Additionally, as the first ninja village ever established, the Hidden Leaf had absorbed a large number of Kekkei Genkai clans and secret technique clans. In terms of Kekkei Genkai alone, they possessed the Uchiha and Hyuga clans.
The strength of ninjas from these two families far surpassed that of ordinary ninjas. The Uchiha Clan goes without saying, but the Hyuga Clan's Byakugan is a peerless scouting tool on the battlefield. This type of Kekkei Genkai, which can see through enemy ambushes and traps at a glance, is something countless villages long for but cannot obtain.
Beyond Kekkei Genkai, the various secret techniques mastered by the Hidden Leaf were absurdly numerous. There were those who manipulated minds, shadows, bodies, insects, dogs, or even crows. Everything one could imagine was there. It was enough to make Simu's head spin. Therefore, in the variety of ninjutsu, the Hidden Leaf also held a complete victory over the Hidden Sand.
Next was high-level combat power. There was the new generation: Kakashi, Shisui, and Itachi. The previous generation included Jiraiya and Tsunade. Then there was the Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, along with those old fellows hidden behind the scenes.
If the Fourth Hokage hadn't died in the Nine-Tails' rebellion a few years ago, if Orochimaru hadn't defected, and if the legendary Sakumo Hatake hadn't committed suicide, the current Hidden Leaf would likely be truly invincible. Of course, even after experiencing so much weakening, the Hidden Leaf still ranked first in the Shinobi World. However, the Hidden Cloud Village had begun showing signs of catching up in recent years.
Looking at the Hidden Sand Village, aside from the Kazekage Rasa, there seemed to be no particularly outstanding ninjas. Perhaps one could count the two Hidden Sand elders hidden behind the scenes and the elite Jonin Baki? In terms of high-end combat power, the Hidden Sand was also utterly defeated. Not to mention, they even had their Tailed Beast stolen.
Though, I was the one who stole it.
The only thing worth praising about the Hidden Sand Village was likely the individual strength of their ordinary ninjas. Due to budget cuts and the harsh natural environment, the Hidden Sand had no choice but to make their ninjas elite. Thus, setting aside the top-tier ninjas, the strength of ordinary ninjas in the Hidden Sand was likely more well-rounded than those in the Leaf.
However, this was of little use. On the battlefield, the role a top-tier powerhouse can play is simply too great. For instance, a powerhouse like Nagato could step onto a battlefield and unleash a few Almighty Pushes, instantly wiping out hundreds or even thousands of people. After a few times, would any morale remain?
Fortunately, the Hidden Sand Village was getting better and better under the grace of Lord Jashin. Kawanishi had developed several secret techniques at a young age and had even produced a massive biological army through the Broodmother Nest. They had also developed specialized secret techniques for these newly born creatures.
In addition to the Scorpion Jade, there were techniques like Poison Blade and Sand Dog. The strength of the Hidden Sand Village had significantly increased. Of course, Rasa had no intention of exposing these trump cards for the time being. On the surface, they still only possessed the Scorpion Jade as a new secret technique. This fellow was waiting to amaze the world with a single brilliant feat. Everything was progressing steadily.
Simu rubbed his chin, reflecting, The current Leaf is still too strong. If it isn't weakened a bit, the Hidden Sand won't be able to play at all.
Just as he thought this, his stomach let out a loud growl. He was hungry. To prevent being detected by the barrier surrounding the Leaf, Simu's clones within the village could not receive replenishment from the outside. Not only that, but they also had to provide energy for the Black Beetles scouting everywhere.
Fortunately, the body named Tomu could use the name of the chamber of commerce to purchase large quantities of meat, which maintained the daily consumption of these Black Beetles. After all, as a chamber of commerce, it was quite normal to buy various types of meat to produce Food Pills, right? As for this clone named Yi, he would have to solve the problem himself.
Thinking of this, Simu kicked open the door of the confinement room without hesitation. The Root ninja standing guard outside was startled and said with a look of high alert, "Lord Danzo said you cannot come out."
Simu curled his lip. "I'm not going out. I'm just hungry. Go find me something to eat: tonkatsu, Ichiraku Ramen, or some barbecue will do."
"Uh... but Lord Danzo said you aren't allowed any food." The ninja seemed somewhat conflicted. After all, the person in front of him was someone who dared to strike Lord Tatsuma Aburame.
Simu's brows furrowed instantly. "Aren't you afraid I'll kill you?"
Hearing this, the Root ninja trembled, but he still shook his head firmly. "Although I don't want to die, I absolutely cannot violate Lord Danzo's orders."
Tsk, another one who's been brainwashed into stupidity.
It had to be said that while Danzo himself was unremarkable, his brainwashing skills were indeed excellent. At the very least, most of these Root fellows were willing to die for him. Of course, his own "brainwashing" was even more severe; he could even make the whole world his enemy for Danzo's sake!
What if Danzo didn't want to be the world's enemy? Then he would help him become the world's enemy! However, since the man wasn't even afraid of death, Simu had no other choice.
Genjutsu, activate!
The ninja's vision suddenly blurred. He then dazedly ran out to buy a large pile of food and brought it back to Simu.
"That's more like it."
Simu nodded with satisfaction. While munching on a pork cutlet, he closed the door of the confinement room. After finishing all this, the Root ninja's eyes finally regained their clarity. He looked at the closed door and scratched his head in confusion.
Did I forget something?