Chapter 1284: Follow-Up (Part 3)

“Yes, but this kind of reform is still in its infancy. Only after the meeting at the beginning of the year can a decision be made.”

“Why?”

“To distribute power a bit more, and to promote the status of mid-level and grassroots officers. In addition, the organization of ordinary soldiers and ninjas also needs to be distributed. Similarly, ninjas and Kekkeigenkai ninjas should be distinguished.”

Although this distinction will attract some dissent.

However, in a certain context, this world is just not very ‘equal’.

The average strength of ninjas is stronger than that of ordinary people.

Kekkeigenkai ninjas are even more outstanding than the average strength of ordinary ninjas.

Distinguishing the soldiers with these three different combat powers, managing them separately, corresponds to different functions.

The current management model of the military is still in its prototype stage, and this system is not yet mature.

Ichihime nodded, without opposing anything.

“By the way, didn’t Raidenmaru come back with you?”

Hakushi did not see Raidenmaru’s figure, somewhat curious.

“It is having fun in the Land of Waves and will be back in a few days.”

Ichihime replied.

She then took out a document and placed it in front of Hakushi.

It was her job report, detailing all the big and small events she experienced in the Land of Waves over the past few months.

“A job report? I’ll read it. You can rest at home for a period before heading out again; your mother misses you a bit.”

Hakushi put Ichihime’s job report aside without immediately reading it and spoke to Ichihime.

“Understood. I’ll go find my brother first; the bullets he gave me last time are almost used up, and I need to replenish them.”

Ichihime turned and left the office.

“The flintlock gun that loads chakra bullets, huh? Unfortunately, it can’t be mass-produced yet…”

Not all metals can withstand the power of chakra bullets; if it blows up directly, it would be quite a joke.

The flintlock gun made by Asuka, modeled after the Shuriken Shooter, is already a fine product, not likely to be mass-produced in a factory. If costs are cut to make it, then the corresponding chakra bullets would also have to skimp on quality.

◎

Land of Lightning.

Hidden Cloud Village.

The Raikage returned triumphantly with a ninja squad. Not only that, among the returned ranks were also two ninjas with special Kekkeigenkai.

Because of a transaction with the Land of Demons, the ordinary ninja captives were handed over to the Land of Demons for handling, in exchange for corresponding compensation.

The research value of Kekkeigenkai ninjas is high, and the Fourth Raikage showed no interest in the ordinary ninja captives, but Kekkeigenkai ninjas cannot be used for trading.

This trip to the isolated island can be described as fruitful.

Over there, the Land of Lightning had little engagement with the isolated island. Even if the island were destroyed, it would not affect the economic issues of the Land of Lightning.

Moreover, with such rich returns, the treasury of the Land of Lightning became even fuller. Thus, the funds for developing Hidden Cloud Village would only increase.

Based on the development funds provided by the Daimyo of the Land of Lightning, the Hidden Cloud Village could have up to 20,000 official ninjas in five years, barring any surprises.

With such a ninja squad scale, the Land of Lightning could become the first great nation, and Hidden Cloud Village could become the First Ninja Village—this dream is within reach.

This dream, since the time of the First Raikage, has been ingrained in the bones of every Hidden Cloud ninja.

Unfortunately, the Second Raikage was defeated by the Second Hokage, forced to agree to a ceasefire agreement, and was subsequently killed by the traitorous brothers Kinkaku and Ginkaku, unwilling to cease fighting.

Afterwards, his father, the Third Raikage, took the position, devoted himself to governing, saw the Third Ninja World War as a great opportunity for Hidden Cloud to rise, and ultimately died in the scheme of the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki.

However, at that time, Konoha was engaged in multi-front combat, suffering heavy losses. The Fourth Raikage wanted to take the opportunity to heavily damage Konoha, but encountered the Konoha ninja who left an endless shadow—the Yellow Flash Namikaze Minato, and embarrassingly fled back to the Land of Lightning.

And this time, Konoha will no longer have a chance to defeat Hidden Cloud Village.

The Sannin, with one defecting and the other two uncompliant, the Yellow Flash sealed the Tailed Beast sacrificing himself, the Uchiha Clan exterminated. In terms of high-end combat power, one could say it almost suffered a total wipeout.

Moreover, the rising military powerhouse Land of Demons is watching intently on the side. With Konoha and the Land of Fire unable to hold their ground alone, stepping down gracefully is the best choice.

As for the Land of Wind and Hidden Sand, the Fourth Raikage never considered Hidden Sand seriously.

Not to mention troop strength, Hidden Cloud now far surpasses the opponent. Even in terms of upper echelon and middle-level combat strength, it exceeds Hidden Sand Village. With Land of Demons also playing a restraining role, there is no need to focus on Hidden Sand and the Land of Wind.

“Lord Raikage, here is the intelligence from the front line of the Land of Hot Water. Please take a look.”

Upon returning to the office, the Fourth Raikage hadn’t had a chance to catch his breath before his secretary, Mafui, thoughtfully presented an intelligence report for the Fourth Raikage to read.

“I say, Mafui, I just got back, haven’t even had a chance to have a cup of tea—can’t you let me rest for a day?”

Even with strong physical endurance, after so many years of busyness, the Fourth Raikage began to feel a little overwhelmed.

“Although I would like to consider your feelings, Lord Raikage, this matter is rather important.”

Mafui stood quietly and answered meticulously.

“Just tell me what’s the matter, I don’t want to read the document.”

The Fourth Raikage placed the intelligence report down, reclining back on the sofa, and ordered Darui to pour a glass of water for himself.