“So, you agreed?”
…
Senju Tobirama’s words made the Raikage clench his fists, his eyes flashing with unwillingness and anger.
“I had no choice!” He roared, “After the war, the Village was already severely weakened! If we cut military spending again, what will we use to train the next generation of Ninja?!”
His voice held suppressed fury, but more than that, it held helplessness.
With such a foolish Daimyo, what could they do?
“That’s easy enough. If you can’t solve the problem, then solve the person who raised the problem…” Renye offered his opinion.
Since the Land of Lightning Daimyo didn’t support Hidden Cloud Village, wouldn’t it be fine to just replace him with someone who did?
Anyway, for the common people of the Land of Lightning, it made no difference who was Daimyo.
So why not replace him with a Daimyo who would be beneficial to Hidden Cloud Village?
Given Hidden Cloud Village’s strength, achieving such a thing wouldn’t be difficult.
The Raikage was stunned, as if he had heard such a viewpoint for the first time, then his eyes suddenly lit up.
This was indeed a good suggestion!
As long as the Land of Lightning Daimyo died, no one would be able to reduce Hidden Cloud Village’s military spending!
Unfortunately, he no longer had the opportunity to put it into practice.
Thinking of this, his eyes instantly dimmed.
…
“Renye!”
Renye’s words were cut short by Senju Tobirama’s sharp interjection.
He looked at Renye in shock, not expecting this Old Man to say something so rebellious.
Killing a Daimyo, this was simply unthinkable!
Of course, if the Land of Fire also encountered a similar situation, it could indeed follow this Old Man’s line of thinking.
Renye pouted, wisely saying no more.
This Old Man was still too conservative…
If they truly followed what he said, the Village’s development could be even faster.
Senju Tobirama turned to the Raikage and continued, “Do you know why Konoha can become the leader of the Five Great Nations?”
The Raikage was puzzled, not understanding why the Hokage would ask this question.
Why was Konoha the leader of the Five Great Nations?
There was no need to ask; it was, of course, because of its superior geographical environment and abundant national resources.
Otherwise, why would they attack the Land of Fire?
Wasn’t it precisely because they coveted the Land of Fire’s rich resources?
…
“It’s not because my Ninjutsu is strong, nor is it because we have many Ninja.” Senju Tobirama’s tone was calm, “It’s because we understand that true power isn’t gained through slaughter and plunder.”
The Raikage was stunned.
What on earth was this guy talking about?!
The main reason for wars in the Ninja World was that a nation’s resources could not meet the needs of its people, necessitating external wars.
By attacking other nations and seizing resources, they could alleviate their own problems.
They were precisely lacking resources, which was why they needed to attack the Land of Fire.
Otherwise, who would fight for no reason?!
Hidden Cloud Village did have two war fanatics, but they had already died on the battlefield.
Although he really wanted to complain, seeing his current predicament, the words died on his lips.
Right, right, right, you won, everything you say is right.
“You just became Raikage; you should be leading Kumogakure towards prosperity, not being used as a pawn by the Daimyo.” Senju Tobirama said indifferently, “Killing you would do me no good.”
Renye and the Raikage both showed shocked expressions; neither seemed to have expected Senju Tobirama to say such a thing.
Renye stared at Tobirama with a strange expression, wondering what was wrong with this Old Man?
Logically, only Senju Hashirama would say such things; Senju Tobirama, a ruthless and decisive person, shouldn’t act so sanctimonious…
Could it be that the roasted mushrooms this time were really poisoned?!
Or, was he seeking a greater benefit!
“What do you want?” the Raikage asked warily.
He absolutely did not believe the Hokage would let him go so easily!
Renye also looked at this Old Man curiously, wanting to know his purpose in doing this?
“Because compared to a dead Raikage, a Raikage who owes Konoha a favor… is more valuable.” Senju Tobirama explained, looking at the distant sky.
Renye suddenly understood; he knew this Old Man wasn’t that kind-hearted.
Making the Raikage owe Konoha a favor meant that Hidden Cloud Village would not go to war with Konoha for a short period.
After all, the Raikage still owed Konoha his life.
Upon hearing this, the Raikage fell silent.
After a long time, he deeply looked at Senju Tobirama and finally whispered, “…I will remember today.”
Senju Tobirama’s lips curved upwards imperceptibly.
“Very good.”
Just as the Second Raikage was about to gather his subordinates to leave, he saw Hiruzen Sarutobi and others approaching.
It was obvious that all five Elite Jonin had been wiped out.
These five were almost the last remaining strength of Hidden Cloud Village.
After a war, the Village could only gather so many Elite Jonin.
As a result, all of them were lost here this time…
What a huge loss!
If the Daimyo hadn’t been so stubborn, things wouldn’t have turned out this way.
Just then, the Raikage couldn't help but recall what Renye had just said.
“If you can’t solve the problem, then solve the person who raised the problem…”
As long as he killed the Daimyo and took his place, he wouldn’t have to worry about the Village’s financial problems anymore.
When he came to his senses, he was startled by his dangerous thought.
This action would undoubtedly break the unwritten rules of the Ninja World…
If the matter was exposed, Hidden Cloud Village would be jointly boycotted by all nations.
Other Daimyo would definitely cut off trade with the Land of Lightning without hesitation.
Such an act would endanger their personal safety, and to prevent other Ninja Villages from following suit, the Daimyo would unite to boycott or even attack the Land of Lightning.
As Raikage, he naturally did not want to see such a situation.
But high risk meant high reward; as long as he quietly eliminated the Daimyo and replaced him with one of his own people, then Hidden Cloud Village would surely develop rapidly!
After Renye’s reminder, he suddenly realized that the Daimyo was just someone responsible for providing financial support.
Anyone could take on such a role…
The Raikage finally made up his mind; for the development of the Village, he would accomplish this matter!
He planned to act after the Hidden Leaf Emissary Group left the Land of Lightning.
Even if the matter was exposed in the future, he could blame Konoha, saying that the death of the former Daimyo was inextricably linked to Konoha!
There was no problem with saying this, because this suggestion was kindly provided by Konoha’s “Poison Expert.”
At this moment, Renye didn’t expect that he had just casually mentioned it, and the Raikage actually intended to kill the Daimyo, and had even prepared to shift the blame onto him.
If he knew, the Raikage would be lying on the ground right now.
Unfortunately, he didn't know.
After a simple rest, Renye and the others took the severely injured Raikage to the Daimyo’s Mansion.
Senju Tobirama had originally intended to extort a large sum from the Land of Lightning, but the Daimyo sent the Raikage to assassinate them, failed, and was caught red-handed. Now, he would demand an even greater price.
This time, the Land of Lightning would definitely bleed heavily!
Renye was already thinking,
How could he make the Daimyo lose everything?