"This intelligence gathering business is all about combining internal and external sources. If the internal intel is cut off, we look for clues externally. I've already informed the Nine Heavenly Stems through secret channels. The moment there's any movement in the other ninja villages, we'll get the news immediately."
Yamashita Tetsu spoke with supreme confidence.
"Yes, that's the logic, but intelligence takes time to flow back and forth. Isn't this a bit too rushed?" Jing Hang expressed his concern.
"Of course it's rushed. The external intel isn't meant to root out the traitor; it's to figure out who we should retaliate against after the rebellion."
Yamashita Tetsu winked mischievously.
"Could you just spit it all out at once?" Jing Hang was clearly annoyed.
"My apologies, my apologies," Yamashita Tetsu said with a bow. "I've come up with a plan. Let me know if you think it's feasible."
"Alright, tell me."
"Since their target is you, why not turn the tables on them?"
"You mean...?"
"I'll stage an assassination attempt on you in advance!"
Yamashita Tetsu grinned wickedly.
Jing Hang's eyes widened in shock for a moment, but he quickly understood.
"Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! Only our Sand Village's 'strategist mutt' could come up with such a twisted idea."
Their target is me, right? If I suddenly "disappear," wouldn't their plans be disrupted and the rebellion forced to start earlier than expected?
"Wait! No, this isn't right! Wouldn't that put Rasa in danger?" Jing Hang interjected.
According to the Sand Village's "Emergency Act," passed by the Village Representative Council, if the Kazekage were to meet with an accident or become unable to handle village affairs due to health reasons, the Kage Assistant would assume full authority over the Kazekage's duties.
If Jing Hang were "assassinated," then Rasa, his staunch supporter, would naturally become the "second target." This wouldn't do. Betraying a brother? That wasn't Jing Hang's style—especially since he'd need Rasa to fight for him in the future... or rather, to charge into battle!
"Don't worry. If they attempt to assassinate you, they're operating in the shadows while we're in the open. We don't know who the assassin is or when they'll strike, making it hard to defend against. But if you're 'assassinated' in advance and Rasa becomes the new target, then they'll have to adjust their timeline. The strategic situation shifts from their advantage to ours.
Moreover, external forces interfering will also have to change their deployments. In the ensuing chaos, we'll have the perfect opportunity to strike."
"You make a compelling argument. But we still need to ensure Rasa's security."
"Of course. And only the three of us—yourself, me, and Rasa—can know about this plan. Not even Lady Tsunade can be informed. Since the enemy managed to steal the weakening agent, there must be spies in the Medical Department."
"Good point," Jing Hang nodded.
"But there's still one problem. We need to find a suitable assassin—someone who won't arouse suspicion and has the right identity and motive."
"I've already found the perfect candidate."
"Who?"
"The grandson of the former Minister of Military Affairs, Dust Sand—Ying Zhao."
Land of Earth, Iwagakure, Tsuchikage Tower - Secret Chamber
"Mr. Zetsu, it's not that I don't want to honor our agreement, but it's simply impossible right now. Iwagakure's strength is far inferior to Sunagakure's. Moreover, we've just withdrawn from the Ninja Alliance. If we go to war now, the other four great ninja villages will surely take advantage of the situation, and the foundation of Iwagakure will be destroyed."
The real power behind Iwagakure, Kitsuchi, looked deeply troubled.
"Lord Kitsuchi, we had an agreement. I helped release your father and trapped the Fourth Tsuchikage Shii in a genjutsu. In return, you agreed to fulfill two conditions for me. It hasn't been that long, and you're already going back on your word?"
Zetsu spoke calmly.
"The agreement was between you and my father. If you're so insistent, you can go find him to fulfill it."
Kitsuchi's expression darkened.
"Hahaha, is that so difficult? Summoning..."
Zetsu was about to perform the Edo Tensei to summon Ōnoki, but Kitsuchi quickly stopped him.
"Mr. Zetsu, there's no need for that. I know exactly how that technique works. Even if you summon my father, he would still be under your control. He wouldn't sacrifice the village's interests, even in this state!"
Kitsuchi's tone was firm.
"Oh? You won't fall for that trick? Lord Kitsuchi, let me remind you: the genjutsu on Shii was cast by me, and I can lift it as well. Think about it—once I release the genjutsu, can you and your brothers withstand the wrath of Son Goku?"
Zetsu's tone carried an unmistakable threat.
"This..."
Kitsuchi hesitated. He knew that if Shii woke up, he would be the first to face her wrath.
"Lord Kitsuchi, I'm not asking you to mobilize Iwagakure's entire military against Sunagakure. To be honest, Sunagakure is already on the brink of a large-scale rebellion. All I need is for you to send a few hundred elite ninja. With internal and external coordination, even if we don't destroy Sunagakure, we can significantly weaken their strength. Isn't that exactly what you want?"
Kitsuchi was no rookie. He had followed Ōnoki into battle as a teenager, and years of ninja experience had honed him into a cautious and prudent leader. He knew that while he had seized control of Iwagakure, the coup had severely weakened the village. The losses of Ōnoki, Shii, and other Kage-level combatants had left Iwagakure in an unprecedentedly fragile state. Picking a fight with Sunagakure now would be suicidal.
What to do?
Caught in a dilemma, a brilliant idea suddenly struck Kitsuchi.
"Mr. Zetsu, how about this? Let's meet halfway."
"Meet halfway? What do you mean?"
Zetsu asked.
"For this plan to attack Sunagakure, Iwagakure won't participate directly. However, we can fund the operation and hire mercenaries to do the job."
"Mercenaries?" Zetsu pondered.
"That won't work. Most rogue and mercenary ninja are too weak. They wouldn't be able to effectively disrupt Sunagakure."
"Well, if that doesn't work, there's nothing more I can do," Kitsuchi said dismissively, waving his hand.
"The group I'm suggesting is highly reliable and exceptionally capable in combat. Their strength rivals that of Iwagakure's own ninja."
"Who are they?"
"The Akatsuki organization from Amegakure. They've recently seized control of the entire village. We've worked with them before; their skills are top-notch."
Kitsuchi spoke earnestly.
"You mean them?" Zetsu lowered his head in thought.
After a long pause, Black Zetsu finally looked up.
"That could work. Fine, I won't press further. If you can convince the Akatsuki to launch an attack on Sunagakure on schedule, your obligation will be considered fulfilled. We'll owe each other nothing.
But let me remind you—do not reveal anything about me."
Kitsuchi exhaled in relief. He had finally navigated through this tricky situation.
"Deal."
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