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"Lord Daimyo, I've noticed an increase in the guards at the Daimyo's residence in the past few days. It seems you've taken our advice to heart."
The Sand Village's Sasori addressed the River Country Daimyo, feeling confident that this time he could sway the Daimyo to their side. This would increase the Sand Village's resource share and stockpile war weapons.
"Lord Daimyo, although you have familial ties with the Fire Country Daimyo, the stable annual production of several hundred million ryō from the Unkai Iron Mine is enough to tempt anyone. Moreover, you've rejected the Fire Country Daimyo's offer, leaving cooperation with our Sand Village as your only option."
The Sand Village had taken the initiative to persuade the River Country Daimyo alongside representatives from the Wind Country Daimyo's estate.
If they succeeded in convincing the River Country Daimyo, not only would they gain a larger share of the Unkai Iron Mine, but they could also push their defensive lines to the doorstep of the Fire Country, directly confronting Kikyo Castle. Eventually, they aimed to assimilate all of the River Country's metal resources.
This was the strategy discussed by the Sand Village's high command.
Even without the individual who had secretly informed them, the Sand Village's leadership had planned to slander Konoha, claiming they intended to harm the River Country Daimyo.
However, that was no longer necessary. To their surprise, Konoha actually had such intentions. The Sand Village was initially skeptical of this information, but after thorough verification and activating a spy hidden within Konoha, they confirmed the news was largely accurate.
This bolstered the Sand Village's confidence in persuading the River Country Daimyo, who seemed somewhat inclined to believe them.
After a moment of silence, the River Country Daimyo finally spoke, "Let's discuss this matter later. The Fire Country has also sent an envoy, and their emissary will visit in half a month. There will also be messengers from the Rain Village. Wouldn't it be better to discuss this with all four parties present?"
The River Country's neighbors included only three other nations. Excluding any of them in trade discussions was difficult, though the Rain Village typically didn't claim a large share, it was mainly to give Hanzo face.
Otherwise, completely isolating the Rain Village might drive Hanzo mad.
"Lord Daimyo, the envoy from Konoha is just a decoy. If they truly come, it's likely they'll come to assassinate you."
Sasori solemnly advised, "If Lord Daimyo wishes, the Sand Village is willing to provide three Jōnin teams to ensure your safety."
"The current guard strength at the Daimyo's residence is sufficient, your concern is appreciated," the River Country Daimyo replied, closing his fan. "However, regarding the Unkai Iron Mine, it would be best if all four parties discussed it together. The River Country is too weak to give a definitive response to your request, unless... the Sand Village is willing to support the creation of our own ninja village!"
"That's impossible!" Sasori blurted out, his expression changing abruptly. Realizing his tone, and seeing the Daimyo's displeased look, he quickly added, "This is not within my power to decide. I will convey Lord Daimyo's wishes to the Kazekage!"
Even if conveyed, agreement was unlikely. The Sand Village had been troubled by the rise of the Rain Village and the idea of the River Country establishing its own ninja village was out of the question.
Another ninja village would mean fewer missions for the Sand Village and complicating their access to the River Country. This was a consensus reached between the Sand and the Leaf, to absolutely prevent the River Country from founding its own ninja village.
Hearing this, the River Country Daimyo responded indifferently, "In that case, we'll wait for the envoys from the Fire Country and the Rain Village to arrive before discussing the Unkai Iron Mine."
"Then, I shall visit another day," Sasori conceded, realizing persuasion was futile for now.
After the Sand Village delegation left the castle, Sasori glanced at Yōichi and Kakashi guarding the entrance.
Once outside, Sasori asked his subordinates, "Have you identified how many guards the River Country Daimyo has hired?"
A ninja from the Sand Village responded, "We've confirmed an addition of six individuals, seemingly hired from the underground exchange. It's unclear if there have been further additions."
"If these six dare to venture outside, notify me immediately."
Sasori intended no courtesy towards the River Country Daimyo. Small nations should remain aware of their place, not presuming a few hired rogues could stand against a great nation.
Shortly after the Sand Village group departed, one of the Daimyo's residence guards suddenly collapsed. Another guard rushed to assist, asking, "Hey, what happened to you?"
"Me? I don't know, why did I suddenly faint?"
The guard regained consciousness, puzzled as if he had just been asleep with no memory of the event.
Elsewhere, Ryōsuke suddenly opened his eyes, relieved, "Since there are no sensory ninjas, this will be easier."
He then performed hand seals and launched a sensory jutsu, quickly locating the Sand Village group.
---
Two days later, Sasori had no opportunity to act. He knew the new guards were unlikely to leave, understanding even rogue ninjas maintained basic mission discipline.
Still, he didn't plan to give up. If he couldn't target the River Country Daimyo's new guards, he'd attack the original samurai guards, proud assets of the Daimyo and rumored to be capable of killing a Jōnin.
He intended to teach the River Country Daimyo why the Sand Village was one of the Five Great Ninja Villages.
"Sir."
Someone suddenly entered, appearing panicked and quickly approaching him.
"Don't panic. What's the matter, and who are you?"
Before Sasori could finish, he sensed something amiss, swiftly grabbing a kunai and attempting to retreat.
But the person disguised as a Sand ninja seemed to anticipate this. As Sasori reached for his kunai, a flash of white light appeared.
Whoosh!
An invisible wind blade sliced through, causing Sasori intense pain. Before he could scream, he saw his arm fall to the ground.
"Ah"
"Silence!"
A white-glowing short blade pressed against Sasori's throat, its reflection in the light revealing the attacker's identity.
White hair and a nearly invisible white short blade.
"You, you're the White Fang of Konoha!?"
Sakumo pressed the blade slightly into Sasori's neck, then interrogated, "How many from the Sand Village are here? What reinforcements are expected?"
"Do you think I would tell you?"
Boom!
Before Sasori could finish, Sakumo knocked him out with the hilt of his blade, intending to take him back for Ryōsuke to extract information directly from his mind.
Sakumo knew trusting any information from a Sand Village ninja would be foolish.
(End of Chapter)