Chapter 1232: Alliance and Surprises_3

Chapter 1232 -123: Alliance and Surprises_3

The fiercer the conflict between these countries, the better. It would be best if the Land of Wind gets involved too.

“So, as the initiator, what do you plan to arrange?”

The Fourth Raikage looked at Hakushi and asked.

“Occupying the Isolated Island is not difficult for us, but we need to pay attention to handling public opinion afterward.”

“We will handle this internally. With the combined forces of four nations, having enough evidence in hand would be sufficient to resolve the disturbance.”

The Fourth Raikage said.

Isolated Island?

He didn’t care much for such forces. Although the interests involved are significant, they’re negligible when faced with the military might of four powerful nations.

Once the Merchant Alliance of Isolated Island is eradicated, we can then cultivate a more obedient Merchant Alliance.

Following that, the Daimyo will undoubtedly deal with the aftermath, rather than just leaving it unattended.

The Land of Lightning simply wants to suppress the Land of Fire and fulfill its long-cherished desire to become the leading nation in the Ninja Realm.

Whether it’s money, resources, or military strength, these are not things that the Land of Lightning lacks.

“That’s good to hear. After wiping out the Isolated Island, our four countries will assess the assets there and then split them equally. How do the three of you feel about this?”

Hakushi suggested.

“Split equally?”

Onoki raised his eyebrows.

“Does the Tsuchikage have any objections?”

Hakushi glanced at Onoki.

“No, I just find the proposal quite reasonable. I have no objections.”

Onoki smiled, then fell silent.

In reality, he wanted to leverage the fact that the Land of Demons is not recognized as a major power to reduce the share of interests for them. However, seeing that neither the Fourth Raikage nor Yagura seemed to have objections, he had to comply.

Although not bearing the name of a great nation, the Land of Demons possesses military power comparable to that of major countries.

Equal division seems acceptable.

“Then, please sign the agreement, the three of you, and we’ll discuss the timing for attacking the Isolated Island and how many forces are required to be properly allocated.”

As soon as Hakushi finished speaking, Amanoheno had already placed the prepared agreements in front of Onoki, the Fourth Raikage, and Yagura.

These three will represent their nations’ Daimyo and sign the cooperation agreement aimed at the Merchant Alliance of Isolated Island.

◎

“Has another assassination attempt occurred? This group really goes to any lengths to force me to emerge.”

In the office study, Ichihime had received such news multiple times now, starting from resignation and now numbness.

It’s not exactly anger; after all, in Ichihime’s view, this is just their last desperate struggle.

The fact that they resort to assassination means these Isolated Island merchants, collaborating with the Land of Fire, have exhausted their options.

“After all, they are merchants, without means beyond money.”

If it were normal business competition, Kado might have scrambled a bit, but assassination… Against the current Land of Demons, these merchants are quite bold in their thinking.

Is it the Land of Fire that bolstered their confidence?

“I heard you’ve been attacked recently too, is that true?”

Ichihime looked at Kado.

“Thanks to you, it was a narrow escape.”

Kado replied humbly.

In fact, he didn’t even see those assassins; his guards had dragged them out and buried them in a place where no one saw.

For assassins who live by the blade’s edge, there’s no need for mercy; making them disappear serves as a warning to those merchants not to resort to such boring assassination tactics.

If assassination were truly warranted, the Land of Demons could kill these merchants countless times.

But it’s unnecessary, nor does it align with the military principles of the Land of Demons.

Once assassination tactics become popular, the reputation of the Land of Demons’ military will be questioned by the public.

“What does headquarters say?”

Since the Merchant Alliance of Isolated Island had begun taking action, this matter unquestionably needed to be reported to the military headquarters of the Land of Demons to let them understand the situation in the Land of Waves and make effective counterstrategies.

“Wait.”

Kado offered a single word.

“Wait?”

“Being so close to the Land of Fire, igniting conflict in the Land of Waves makes it easy for the Land of Fire to seize the opportunity.”

“That doesn’t align with the old man’s usual approach.”

Ichihime contemplated briefly.

He knew Hakushi usually prefers to act after thorough planning, but it doesn’t mean he wouldn’t retaliate if wronged, nor does he enjoy being passively struck continuously.

Thus, Ichihime felt slightly puzzled by the instructions from headquarters.

“Perhaps Lord Hakushi has other considerations. After all, the Land of Demons is presently facing challenges not only from the Land of Waves and the Land of Rain, but the Underground Black Market has started to rebound as well. Although it doesn’t pose a significant threat, it can still add some troubles for the military.”

Kado said.

“No need for explanations, I understand such matters well. As long as it’s what headquarters decides, I’ll carry through with it.”

The inequity of intelligence is something Ichihime is aware of.

If headquarters made this decision, perhaps it knows some information she doesn’t hold, or has initiated plans unknown to her. They want her to wait there to avoid affecting the broader layout.

Lack of experience is Ichihime’s biggest weakness.

Thus, in the Land of Waves, she is mostly learning while Kado handles most affairs.