Youya never said that he would sell resources exclusively to you, the Kingdom of Whirlpool.
War can be a lucrative endeavor if used wisely.
Sure, this may be immoral, but I didn't instigate it. You collect tolls on both ends, and if the weaker ones get beaten, isn't that their own fault?
Secondly...
No one ever stipulated that I can only assist you and not others.
Kirigakure Village is a loyal partner of Konoha. Just consider the tax revenue generated by the ten shops on the commercial street—it amounts to tens of millions of taels annually, with rent adding tens of millions more. By comparison, your Uzushio Village contributes far less. Konoha benefits much more from Kirigakure.
How could Konoha not cooperate with such a valuable partner?
Of course, I wouldn't say this directly to the Uzumaki clan.
Uzumaki Mito was also somewhat helpless. What could she even say?
This situation originated with your own Country of Whirlpool. After all, Kirigakure Village is a ninja village of the Land of Water, standing on equal footing with Konoha of the Land of Fire!
Why do you think you can control them?
It has been three years since Hashirama's death, and two since it was officially announced. Do you still believe no one dares to challenge the Kingdom of Whirlpool as they did over a decade ago?
What are you thinking?
Have you really mistaken Hashirama's influence for your own power?
Although Uzumaki Mito was exasperated, she sighed and decided to help the Uzumaki clan when she saw her distraught clansmen.
The Uzumaki clan members were overjoyed and left happily.
That night, Youya was summoned back home.
Mito Uzumaki looked at Youya, who knelt before her with a composed expression.
"Don't you have something to explain to me?" she asked sternly.
Youya looked confused. "What? No, I don't."
Uzumaki Mito's anger flared. "The Uzumaki clan came to see me today. Don't you know what they said?"
Youya remained puzzled. "Surveillance? Well, the ANBU ninjas protecting you were assigned by my uncle. I don't meddle in their duties, and they don't report to me, so I'm not privy to your affairs.
"Did they come again? Didn't we just send them five large ships? Do they still want more? They'll have to offer something in return. By the way, the copper mine in the middle of the Whirlpool Country could be mortgaged to Konoha. I'd pay 10 billion—no, 20 billion taels! How about it, Mistress? I'm giving you a very favorable deal for your sake."
Uzumaki Mito's expression softened—not because of the copper mine Youya mentioned, as she didn't understand its value or location. Instead, she was relieved by Youya's clear lack of ulterior motives.
Senju Tobirama, while not devoid of family affection, prioritized Konoha far above Uzumaki Mito, his sister-in-law. For Tobirama, Konoha came first, and Mito's value as the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki surpassed her familial role.
As a living weapon capable of protecting an entire village, Tobirama ensured no vulnerabilities surrounded Uzumaki Mito. Without her jinchūriki status, his treatment of her might have been different.
Still, Uzumaki Mito harbored no resentment. Having endured wartime, she understood such priorities and was willing to sacrifice herself for peace.
However, being willing to sacrifice didn't mean it was easy. Complaints lingered in her heart about Tobirama's coldness.
Yet, looking at Youya, obediently kneeling before her, she felt satisfied.
"Don't kneel so formally here—it'll hurt your legs," she said, waving him off. "Just sit comfortably like you always do."
Youya grinned and shifted into a relaxed position. "So, Mistress, why did you summon me today?"
Uzumaki Mito explained the Uzumaki clan's visit and asked, "Isn't it improper for Konoha to supply both the Whirlpool Country and the Land of Water?"
Mito had planned to appeal to morality, but Youya simply grinned and laid out the economics.
"Supporting the Whirlpool Country is essential to ensure it remains aligned with Konoha. But as for the war—so long as Konoha supports the Whirlpool Country, it won't collapse. Even if we supply Kirigakure, they can't completely overtake the Whirlpool Country.
"We sold 30 million taels' worth of ninja tools this trip, earning millions in profit. Stopping this trade would mean losing a massive income for Konoha."
Uzumaki Mito hesitated. "But...won't this prolong the war and lead to more deaths in the Whirlpool Country?"
Youya shrugged. "The war can end tomorrow if the Whirlpool Country declares defeat and negotiates peace. Konoha can intervene to prevent their destruction, negotiate with Kirigakure, and secure their withdrawal. But if the Whirlpool Country insists on tolls, Kirigakure will keep fighting."
Uzumaki Mito fell silent. While she disliked the idea, she knew the reality Youya presented was accurate.
The next day, Mito tried persuading the Uzumaki clan. However, upon learning of the immense benefits Konoha's trade expansion with Kirigakure would bring, they decided to continue the war.
More than 10 million taels in tolls—a fortune they couldn't resist.
Back in Konoha, Youya waited all day in the Hokage's office. When no one from the Uzumaki clan came to discuss peace, he understood their choice.
"Well," Youya sighed, "I gave them the chance. But since they're blinded by greed, they can't blame me..."
He smirked. The war would continue—and so would his profits.
"It's snowing in Wuhan," he mused. "So cold…"
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