At the elders' meeting of Iwagakure Village,
Onoki presented the results of scientific ninja tools to the gathered elders, his expression grim.
"Let's discuss this matter."
Unlike other villages, Onoki held a uniquely authoritative position, even among the elders. This allowed him to act decisively for Iwagakure.
While other Kage relied on various methods—Rasa on his ability to find gold, the Raikage on strength, Sarutobi Hiruzen on political maneuvering, and Yagura being betrayed—Onoki stood firmly in control of his village.
The elders looked at the information Onoki had presented, their expressions shifting between confusion and shock.
"This is extortion! An S-rank mission only costs 1 million ryō, but they're selling an S-rank ninjutsu for 10 million ryō?!"
"That's not the point. If we don't buy these tools, and another village does, they'll be able to unleash S-rank ninjutsu on us without warning. Paying 10 million for a jōnin's power isn't unreasonable in that context."
"Why don't we unite with other villages to destroy Konoha? The Uzumaki clan was annihilated for less! Now that Namikaze Minato is gone, there's no reason Iwagakure can't take them down."
"Are you serious? Konoha just crushed Kumogakure and practically wiped them out. The fire-breathing lizard summoned by Uchiha Yashiro and Uchiha Inahiro is on par with a Kage. Do you think we stand a better chance?"
"But Konoha is divided! Sarutobi Hiruzen fled with half their forces. They're weaker than ever."
"Weaker? Those were the weaker half of Konoha's forces. The ninja clans and their top talent remain. Let Sarutobi Hiruzen and Konoha weaken each other first. Besides, we signed a peace treaty with Konoha, didn't we?"
"That treaty was with Sarutobi Hiruzen, not the current Konoha!"
The elders argued fiercely, weighing the pros and cons of attacking Konoha.
Onoki finally slammed the table, silencing the room.
"Enough!"
His voice was harsh, his mind replaying the sight of Kunichi's Mangekyō Sharingan.
"The treaty still stands for now. Let's wait and observe. Kumogakure's hatred for Konoha exceeds ours. Let them take the lead."
Onoki continued, "In the meantime, equip our forces with the first batch of scientific ninja tools. Let them get accustomed to this new style of combat."
"If Konoha claims they've withdrawn from the ninja circle, we'll treat them as such. Once every village has scientific ninja tools, the playing field will be even again, and Iwagakure will remain one of the great ninja villages!"
"What we need now is intelligence. We must understand how to maximize our advantage with these tools before other villages catch up."
"Also, Sunagakure can't afford these tools in large quantities. This is our chance to press them further."
The elders nodded in agreement, their initial panic turning into a sense of relief.
Yes, when everyone has scientific ninja tools, it would be as if no one had them. Iwagakure's strong backing from their daimyo ensured they could afford the tools and maintain their edge.
Half a month later,
Rasa, the Kazekage of Sunagakure, received alarming news:
"What did you say?! Those Iwagakure bastards attacked again?!"
Rasa slammed the table in fury as an ANBU delivered the report.
"Not only that, Lord Kazekage. The Iwagakure forces are using ninjutsu of multiple chakra natures. Each of their ninja seems to have at least three or four chakra attributes. Our forces were completely overwhelmed by their versatility."
Rasa's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Three or four chakra attributes?! Are you telling me every single one of their ninjas is a genius?!"
The ANBU grimaced. "It's not just their chakra natures. They're using powerful techniques without forming seals. Even C-rank, B-rank, and A-rank ninjutsu are unleashed instantly with devastating force."
Rasa froze, the memory of Kunichi introducing the scientific ninja tools flashing in his mind.
"Our scientific ninja tools can seal ninjutsu and release them at any time."
Back then, he had scoffed, dismissing the tools as unnecessary.
Now, his face turned pale.
"Contact Konoha immediately!"