"Force the Daimyo to stand completely on the Hidden Mist Village's side."
No one present was a fool, so they naturally understood the true meaning behind these words.
Ultimately, they had to find a way to control the Daimyo, letting the Hidden Mist Village control the entire Land of Water!
Having executed the Blood Mist policy for so many years, Yagura Karatachi had funneled an untold amount of benefits to the Daimyo of the Land of Water just to make him willingly accept something like isolation.
If they could truly control the Daimyo as Zabuza suggested, they would naturally obtain a massive amount of wealth. Consequently, they would no longer have to worry about financial issues for their subsequent development.
The critical issue, however, was that he was the Daimyo of the Land of Water!
He was one of the five most noble aristocrats in the entire shinobi world!
After that God of Shinobi, Hashirama Senju, established the system of one village per nation, the status of the Daimyos rose sharply, transforming them into the symbols and spiritual totems of their respective countries.
Once the Hidden Mist Village moved against the Daimyo and other nations found out, the consequences would be unimaginable.
"Zabuza, have you thought about the consequences of doing this?"
Mei Terumi stared solemnly at Zabuza, who had put forward this suggestion.
The latter replied with a relaxed expression, "Of course."
"First, let me explain the reasons for doing this."
"Number one, the Daimyo of the Land of Water has taken far too many unreasonable benefits from the Hidden Mist Village over the years. These are things we need to reclaim."
"Number two, those aristocrats do not engage in production, yet they control the taxes and wealth of the entire Land of Water. Each of them seeks only pleasure and is thoroughly corrupt, making them utterly unworthy of our continued support."
"Number three, after experiencing the Blood Mist, the Hidden Mist Village must absorb a vast amount of wealth to develop. The Daimyo is our best method to obtain that wealth."
"Number four, the Land of Water has been isolated for many years with little communication with the outside world. Therefore, as long as our actions are clean and swift, it will be very difficult for the outside world to notice."
Zabuza had clearly given this careful thought, as his analysis was entirely logical.
Seeing that everyone was still rather hesitant, he lightly tapped the tabletop.
"Elder Genji, everyone, the shinobi world is currently undergoing massive changes. If we blindly cling to conservatism, we will only gradually rot away, completely losing our competitiveness in the end."
Under Zabuza's instigation, Ameyuri Ringo was the first to step forward in support.
"I agree with Zabuza's recommendation. The previous Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi, was far too conservative, which brought about the tragic calamity of the Blood Mist. We absolutely cannot repeat the same mistake!"
Her eyes narrowed slightly, as though arcs of electricity were flashing through them.
"Besides, I happen to despise those aristocrats quite a bit."
Following Ameyuri Ringo's statement, Zabuza did not ask for the opinions of Mei Terumi and the others, turning his gaze instead toward Kisame, who had remained silent all along.
"What is your opinion?"
When asked, Kisame suddenly curled his lips into a grin.
"If it's a major event of this scale, one capable of subverting the entire shinobi world, I should be very interested in participating."
Zabuza nodded in satisfaction. In this manner, he had successfully secured three votes at the high-level meeting of the Hidden Mist Village.
Next, it would depend on the intentions of Mei Terumi's side.
After all, the three of them, combined with the absolutely heavy weight of Genji, totaled four votes. If their wills were unified, they could still override them.
"The Hidden Mist Village's reform has just achieved victory. Isn't it a bit too hasty to move against the Daimyo right now?" Mei Terumi said with a frown.
"Furthermore, once this matter is exposed, the Hidden Mist Village will instantly become a target for everyone, facing the combined assault of various nations."
Regarding Mei Terumi's concerns, Zabuza spoke up once more, "According to the current trends, a war among the Four Great Nations is inevitable after all. Moreover, it is highly likely to develop into a chaotic free-for-all next. At that time, under our blockade, it will be completely impossible for them to know."
"Even if they do find out, that would be after the war. By then, the various nations will have suffered heavy losses and will lack the energy to raise an army to attack the Land of Water!"
"Besides, are you truly content to let the Daimyo's estate control the Hidden Mist Village's finances forever?!"
Zabuza's harsh gaze swept across everyone present.
These words finally caused Mei Terumi and the others to waver.
This was because they had all personally experienced how unpleasant it was to be choked by the neck regarding finances.
If they could control the Daimyo and reclaim their financial sovereignty, it would absolutely accelerate the development of the Hidden Mist Village, perhaps even allowing them to overtake the other ninja villages in one fell swoop.
Yet, the immense risks inherent in doing so still left them hesitant and undecided.
Seeing this, Zabuza could only throw down his final bargaining chip.
"The Hidden Sand Village is also planning to execute a revolution, moving against their Daimyo and the various aristocrats within their borders."
These words exploded through the meeting room like a bomb.
Even Ameyuri Ringo stared at Zabuza in shock, having clearly not received this intelligence beforehand.
Needless to say, the same went for Mei Terumi and the others.
"Is the intelligence accurate?"
Mei Terumi stared fixedly at Zabuza, as though trying to read the truth from his face.
After all, this was a matter that could determine the very survival of the entire Hidden Mist Village.
"Of course it's true," Zabuza said with absolute confidence.
"The Hidden Sand Village is currently developing rapidly, yet the Daimyo of the Land of Wind consistently refuses to increase military funding. It is common knowledge that the conflict between the two sides has intensified."
"The Fourth Kazekage, whose army is strong and horses are sturdy, can no longer wait to gather all power into his own hands. When that time comes, the Hidden Sand Village, backed by ample funds, will inevitably rise to a higher level, perhaps even replacing the Leaf to become the new hegemon of the shinobi world."
Zabuza's words immediately instilled a sense of urgency in everyone's hearts.
However, Mei Terumi was not that naive, pressing further, "Where did your intelligence come from?"
Zabuza had long anticipated that Mei Terumi would ask this, replying unhurriedly, "During my time outside, I encountered someone."
He looked directly into Mei Terumi's eyes and said, "The S-rank rogue ninja of the Hidden Sand Village, Sasori of the Red Sand. I obtained a large amount of intelligence from him."
With that, Zabuza pulled out a scroll. After releasing the seal, Sasori's exquisite and perfect body appeared before everyone.
"Is this the corpse of Sasori of the Red Sand?"
Even the elder Genji stood up.
Zabuza nodded and extended his hand, indicating that those who didn't believe it could inspect it.
At Mei Terumi's gesture, Ao immediately activated his Byakugan to observe the body of Sasori of the Red Sand.
As his observation went deeper, Ao's expression grew more and more astonished.
"The vast majority of this body has already been modified into a puppet..."
With that, he placed his palm over Sasori's head. A green glow emerged, but this was not a medical ninjutsu meant to heal people; it was a sensory ninjutsu.
After a thorough examination, Ao finally looked at Zabuza in astonishment, subsequently confirming to the crowd, "This is indeed the S-rank rogue ninja of the Hidden Sand Village, Sasori of the Red Sand!"
These words caused the hearts of everyone present to shake.
After all, the illustrious reputation of Sasori of the Red Sand was known to many even within the relatively isolated Hidden Mist Village.
Yet, such a powerful figure had actually died obscurely at Zabuza's hands?
Mei Terumi could not help but alter her assessment of Zabuza.
This fellow's strength might be even greater than she had imagined.
"In that case, the intelligence Zabuza mentioned just now is highly likely to be true?"
Mangetsu Hozuki stroked his chin.
Since the identity of Sasori of the Red Sand had been confirmed, the intelligence Zabuza obtained from him also carried a very high probability of being genuine!
This held momentous significance for the plan Zabuza had proposed.
If only the Hidden Mist Village moved against their Daimyo, the Daimyos of the other four nations would inevitably pressure their respective ninja villages to launch a war against the Land of Water.
But what if the Hidden Sand Village and the Hidden Mist Village moved against their Daimyos together?
Would the other three ninja villages consider taking a wait-and-see approach to observe the situation?
In all likelihood, no Kage would willingly surrender a massive portion of their authority to a bunch of useless gluttons.
Seeing that everyone was beginning to waver, Zabuza struck while the iron was hot.
"If everyone still has doubts, we can completely make some preparations at the Daimyo's estate first. At the same time, we can dispatch spies to the Hidden Sand Village to investigate. Once the Hidden Sand Village moves against their Daimyo, we can follow suit immediately."
Since Zabuza took a step back voluntarily, it was difficult for Mei Terumi to continue being aggressive.
They were still a newly formed leadership core after all. If they fell into conflict right from the start, it would be absolutely disastrous for the development of the Hidden Mist Village.
"I agree with this approach, but we must confirm the Hidden Sand Village's intentions before launching this operation."
Mei Terumi finally relented, a glint of ambition simultaneously surfacing in her eyes.
In fairness, she was not a conservative person.
On the contrary, having experienced the harm brought by the Blood Mist policy, Mei Terumi desired change more than anyone.
However, this change had to be feasible, and the risks had to be sufficiently controllable.
With Mei Terumi relenting, the plan easily passed.
Using the chaotic state of the shinobi world as a pretext, Genji officially dispatched an elite squad to the national capital to protect the Daimyo, with Kisame Hoshigaki leading the team.
Additionally, the scouting unit led by Ao launched non-stop reconnaissance at sea to prevent the war among the Four Great Nations from spilling over and affecting the reforms of the Land of Water.
Mangetsu Hozuki led the ninja forces to enforce martial law, continuing to lock down all news concerning the Land of Water.
Of course, under Genji's leadership, various regions of the Land of Water finally restored peace, no longer executing citizens and ninjas arbitrarily under various fabricated charges.
Those hidden Kekkei Genkai clans finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Meanwhile, at an underground stronghold on the border of the Land of Water.
A white-haired youth was wielding a bone blade, launching a frantic assault against the red-haired youth in front of him.
The sharp bone blade sliced through the air effortlessly, producing a piercing, explosive boom.
Yet, despite such a fierce attack, it was repeatedly blocked by sand rising from the ground.
Although the bone blade could slice through the sand every time, under the sand's obstruction, Kimimaro's bone blade could no longer exert any decent power.
"It's my turn."
"Sand Hand!"
A cold look flashed through the eyes of the red-haired youth, Gaara. The sand that had been constantly defending suddenly surged, forming a beast claw nearly ten meters high that slammed down violently toward the youth in front of him!
The one fighting Gaara was naturally the promising newcomer Simu Kamizuki had just recruited—the orphan of the Kaguya clan, Kimimaro.
As facts proved, Kimimaro's combat ability fully earned him the title of a human weapon.
Facing Gaara's attack, no panic could be seen on his face, only tranquility.
He slowly drew another bone sword from his elbow, then charged directly toward the massive beast claw before him.
"Corpse Bone Pulse: Dance of the Camellia!"
Kimimaro's body turned into an afterimage, launching a tempestuous assault against his enemy.
The bone sword in his hand frantically dissected Gaara's attack like an exquisite scalpel.
The massive beast claw was sliced apart piece by piece, ultimately collapsing entirely under the storm-like offensive.
Seeing this, Gaara finally narrowed his eyes, a trace of interest sparked within him.
The moment the Sand Claw completely collapsed, black iron sand quietly gathered into his hands from the gourd on his back, forming the shape of a bow and arrow.
He rapidly drew back the bow to build power, aiming a pitch-black arrow composed of iron sand relentlessly at Kimimaro, who had just broken through the entanglement of the sand.
"Magnet Style: Black Arrow!"
Swoosh!
A piercing sound of breaking air rang out.
The high-speed oncoming Kimimaro crashed head-on into the flying pitch-black arrow.
Bang!
A powerful impact echoed throughout the stronghold. The arrow shot by Gaara accurately struck Kimimaro's chest, knocking him backward!
His airborne body kicked up countless clouds of dust, smashing heavily into the wall of the stronghold.
This guy...
This voice did not come from either of the two combatants, but from another brat standing at the edge of the field watching the battle.
He had black hair and exquisite looks, but a trace of gloom was hidden between his brows.
It was Sasuke.
He looked at the arrow Gaara had just shot with a somewhat solemn gaze.
If I were standing on the field, would I be able to see this attack clearly?
Sasuke asked himself.
Relying on the dynamic vision of the Sharingan, he should be able to see it clearly, but he probably wouldn't be able to dodge it.
Therefore, he could only take it head-on.
Alternatively, he could use various methods to prevent Gaara from locking onto his movements.
I absolutely cannot get entangled by that sand!
Through his battles with the Hidden Sand, Sasuke had likewise accumulated a wealth of experience, so he quickly projected himself into the scenario, preparing for his next clash against Gaara.
"Is it over?"
Gaara looked at the slowly dissipating smoke.
To his surprise, Kimimaro's figure actually walked out slowly from the shattered wall.
The broken black iron sand was scattered randomly on the ground. Kimimaro's hair was disheveled, and a trace of blood overflowed from the corner of his mouth.
Gaara's gaze landed on his chest.
The chest that should have been shattered was currently covered by solid white bone. Although it had been blasted with dense cracks by Gaara's arrow, it had not been pierced through.
Otherwise, Kimimaro could have prepared to change bodies ahead of schedule.
Even so, the terrifying vibration brought by that strike still inflicted massive damage on Kimimaro's body, leaving his internal organs severely injured.
Yet, it was precisely this kind of injury that made Kimimaro's aura increasingly terrifying.
A large number of bone spurs began to grow all over his body, and a striking red light emanated from his eyes.
He had officially entered a bloodthirsty combat state!
In this state, Kimimaro's speed increased by untold times, instantly turning into a white afterimage flying across the battlefield.
Facing a formidable enemy, Gaara's body frantically secreted adrenaline, rendering his perception incredibly focused.
He controlled a massive amount of sand to constantly pounce toward that phantom-like figure, but Kimimaro's speed was simply too fast; even Gaara could not catch him!
Left with no choice, Gaara manipulated the sand to form a thick wall in front of him.
Just as the wall was about to close, a massive bone spur appeared, piercing right through it with the immense power of a cannonball!
Boom!
A large amount of sand shattered apart. Kimimaro appeared before Gaara with frantic killing intent, a bone knife piercing through the center of his brows.
A look of terror appeared on Gaara's face, and then his entire body collapsed into grains of sand.
This was a Sand Clone!
In the next second, the surrounding sand rioted, rising from all directions to form a massive dome that enveloped Kimimaro inside.
Gaara's figure also emerged from the wall.
It turned out that after repelling Kimimaro earlier, he had hidden his real body inside the wall, precisely to use the Sand Clone to lure Kimimaro into a trap.
"It's over."
Gaara uttered these words calmly.
"Sand Waterfall Funeral!"
The sphere composed of countless grains of sand shrank violently, grinding down toward Kimimaro with tempestuous power.
Kimimaro's body was instantly crushed into meat residue by this force.
Before Gaara could celebrate, a bone spur suddenly pierced out from the ground beneath his feet, passing right from his chin through his entire skull!
Before dying, Kimimaro had launched a fatal counterattack.