Shadow of the Wood

Chapter 240 Second Accident

The time required for the third exam is much longer than that of the first two exams, so candidates have more time to prepare.

If there is no accident, Shikamaru should focus all his attention on the upcoming Chunin exam in the near future. Even Tsunade who is the Hokage will not underestimate this exam.

This grand event was unprecedentedly large, and it cost Muye Village far more energy than last year.

However, a sudden news from abroad completely disrupted the thoughts of Tsunade and many ninjas in Konoha, and Tsunade managed to hold a meeting in the shortest possible time.

After several years of closure, since the civil strife in Wuyin Village, Water Country, which has been adopting a closed-door attitude, finally opened its customs three days ago!

"This... is not a trivial matter!" Shikamaru squinted at the huge map hanging behind Tsunade, which almost occupied a wall, thinking in his heart that the topography of the five major countries and small countries were clearly marked on it, and Detailed data records, this is not the earth of Shikamaru's previous life, this map alone has a lot of strategic value here, so all the ninjas attending the meeting are also cadres of various departments.

Tsunade is located behind the large wooden table facing the door in the conference room, with her hands propped on the table, covering most of her face, making it impossible to guess her thoughts. <And Mitomon Yan, as for the other elder, Danzo Shimura, once again absent from the meeting on the pretext of being unwell.

On both sides of Tsunade sat a group of cadres side by side. The vice-captain of Anbu, who was also the captain of the first unit of Anbu, was wearing a windbreaker and a mask on his face. He sat first on the left hand side of Tsunade. The cadre of the department, Shikamaru Mingmian, is actually a subordinate of Anbu, so he sits on the left side.

On Tsunade's right hand side, the person sitting opposite the vice-captain of Anbu is neither the chief of the medical department nor a cadre of the education department, but Shikahisa Nara, the newly promoted squad leader of the ninja squad. The ninja squad is not a combat unit. Strictly speaking, it belongs to logistics, managing a series of seemingly miscellaneous issues such as the salary and task assignment of the upper ninja in the village. This scope of authority makes this position have a lot of rights. The rights and opinions of all jounin in the village.

Not many cadres participated in the meeting. If it wasn't for the identity of Tsunade's disciple, with Shikamaru's qualifications, even if he was a captain-level cadre of the Torture and Interrogation Department, he would not be eligible to attend the meeting, next to Morino Ibiki's His expression was serious, not only because of the atmosphere in the room, but also because of the content of the news being passed on today.

The founding of the Kingdom of Water also means that Hidden Wu Village will also change from a closed state. After a period of recuperation, it finally starts to try to protrude its tentacles again, and begins to fight for the interests of the village more actively and make up for the losses. From some perspectives, this is also a strong competitor sharpening their swords, intending to share the big cake.

No ninja village is willing to distribute benefits with other countries, let alone the awakening of a big country. Take this Chunin exam as an example. In the third exam, Muye Village invited to sit on the rostrum with Hokage. The leader of Taki Ninja Village, but Kazekage of Sand Hidden Village represents Ebizo.

Even in this competition, none of the candidates from Sand Hidden Village made it to the end, and this will not change, because Konoha Village will never make it clear that Taki Ninja Village has the qualifications to sit alongside it.

It is an established fact that Shayin Village and Konoha Village are both the five major ninja villages, and it cannot be changed. Ninja Village, how could it be allowed?

Of course, this is not what Shikamaru and the cadres of Konoha Village are most concerned about today. Focusing on the Ninja World map, it can be easily found that the Fire Country to which Konoha Village belongs happens to be surrounded by the other four major countries. Some small countries serve as buffers.

In the lower left corner of the map, to the southwest of the Land of Fire, is the Land of Wind to which Sand Hidden Village belongs.

In the upper left corner of the map, to the northwest of the Land of Fire, is the Land of Earth to which Yanyin Village belongs.

In the upper right corner of the map, northeast of the Land of Fire, is the Land of Thunder to which Yunyin Village belongs.

On the map, to the east of the Land of Fire and below the Land of Thunder is the Land of Water to which Wuyin Village belongs.

The territory of the Land of Fire is indeed rich, but compared to the other four big countries, it can be regarded as the land of the Four Wars. It is no wonder that there were several ninja wars in the past, and they almost fought with the surrounding countries, and there were even wars with many countries at the same time. Tradition.

If it weren't for outstanding people and ninjas who often appear alone, I am afraid that they would not have the status they have today.

However, it is precisely because it is in the place of the Fourth World War, and has experienced the difficult period of successive wars with other countries, that Konoha Village realized the importance of allies. The existence of the Kingdom of Wind is an example.

"Yunyin Village has been expanding its armaments in recent years, and its military strength is no less than that of Muye Village. They have always had a 'tradition' of aggression in the south, and all previous wars with them have also occurred because of this." After the meeting began, Mitomon Yan then said in a deep voice: "The Kingdom of Water did not adopt a step-by-step approach, but established a comprehensive country. It is indeed unexpected. This in itself is a gesture of attitude—they need allies now."

"Konoha Village just suffered a war last year, and the allies are still part of the invaders. Both Konoha Village and Sand Hidden Village have suffered a lot of damage," Tsunade raised his head after Mitomonyan made his opening remarks. Come on, his eyebrows are frowned, his face is tense, and he is extremely serious: "If the country of thunder and the country of water are made to form an alliance, the two countries are likely to have military strength higher than ours. Not only that, but their alliance will also form an alliance. A semi-surrounding circle targeting the Land of Fire, excluding the Land of Wind."

"The two countries cannot form an alliance. This is the consensus of the elders and I." Tsunade glanced around at the many Konoha cadres including Shikamaru, and said loudly: "However, we need to integrate the various methods in more detail. After making a decision based on the situation of the department, you can also express your opinions.”

Tsunade didn't say a word, which is actually a precaution for the war that is likely to come.

There are many mountains and plateaus in the Land of Thunder, high altitude, and lack of resources. They have always coveted the land of the Land of Fire, not to mention the grievances between Yunyin Village and Muye Village. An accident happened on the day of the alliance. Die in the hands of the opponent.

The most important point is that in recent years, in a peaceful environment, all ninja villages, including Konoha Village, have reduced a lot of military expenditures at the request of the country where they are located. Only Yunyin Village, although not doing much, has With the support of the daimyo of the land of thunder, the military expenditure is still slowly but firmly increased, and the military force is expanded, which has to make Muye Village feel jealous.

Up to now, Wuyin Village, which has returned to the ninja world, urgently needs something to re-establish its banner and prove its own value.

War is undoubtedly an excellent means. It can unify the thinking in the territory and alleviate some conflicts that still exist in the country. This is a trick used by a certain country in the previous life. Of course, the premise of preparing for war is to win a battle, not defeat.

The senior management of Wuyin Village may not maintain a firm idea of ​​a war, but now they face the countries with an open attitude and attract allies, and they must have such thoughts.

Otherwise, the country of water can open customs to a limited extent, and cooperate with the country of fire and the country of thunder to do sea trade, and slowly plan to make up for the losses caused by the domestic civil strife.

Perhaps in recent years, Water Country and Wuyin Village have adopted a completely closed policy to recuperate, which has brought resentment in the village to a certain level—not for their own village, but for the disparity between their original status and their current status. ——The method that has to be taken, the method of flowing water for a long time, seems not to be considered by the country of water and the hidden fog village.

This result has caused Muye Village a headache now.

A rich country is always easy to be peeped at. The history of Shikamaru's previous life told him more than once that a country that is rich but does not have enough force will sooner or later be raped by people, even in a modern society known as "civilization".

In contrast, the geographical environment of the Kingdom of Wind is not much better than that of the Kingdom of Thunder. They are actually not very worried about the aggression of Yunyin Village and Wuyin Village, especially the premise that they had a dirty relationship with Muye Village not long ago. Down.

Muye Village does not hesitate to use the worst assumptions to estimate what may happen in the future, because only in this way can the most complete and sufficient preparations be made so as not to be caught off guard.

"The worst case scenario is not the alliance between the Land of Thunder and the Land of Water." Nara Shikahisa said after some deliberation: "Sand Hidden Village is currently facing the problem of Kazekage's succession, and is undergoing educational reforms. They don't want to face another war, and they don't have to worry about the aggression of Yunyin Village and Wuyin Village."

Attacking Konoha and Fire Nation, Thunder Nation and Cloud Hidden Village can rob land resources, and Water Nation and Mist Hidden Village can make a name for themselves. On these two points, Wind Nation really cannot compare with Konoha Village.

Although Nara Shikahisa didn't say it clearly, everyone present understood what he meant—it is very likely that Sand Hidden Village will not abide by the alliance treaty after the war, and sit back and watch Konoha Village be besieged, and may even be stabbed in the back.

If luck is too bad, Yanyin Village joins in, and it eventually turns into a war among countries to carve up the country of fire. Muye Village may suddenly fall from its original status like Takinobu Village.

Maybe this is the so-called big tree attracting wind?

"Perhaps we can establish contact with the Land of Water and Hidden Fog Village as soon as possible, and use the form of trade to increase the connection between the two countries. In this regard, our Land of Fire has an absolute advantage." A cadre from the medical department suggested.

"This is appeasement." Morinoi Hibiki was the first to object, shaking his head, "If they had mischievous intentions, this would instead become an act of enlisting the enemy, and it would also make them peek at the wealth of the Nation of Fire." <Listen Uncovering the meaning hidden in Mori Ibi's hilarious words, he unconsciously tapped on the armrest of the chair with his fingers, and said with a frown, "If you're not careful, you might push Wuyin Village to the side of Yunyin Village."

"I think you all forgot a question." Hearing this, Shikamaru was a little impatient. Although it was a bit abrupt to speak in his capacity as a member of the meeting, it is not known how long the meeting will last if this continues, let alone him. I also have my own ideas: "Now our most important energy should be on the Chunin exam. This competition has consumed a lot of our energy, so there is no reason to give up halfway, not to mention taking advantage of this to make the name of Konoha Village and beat the countries. Isn't that what we were aiming for from the beginning!?"

"Compared to the incident in the country of water, at least the Chunin exam will not trigger a war." Unexpectedly, the first person to refute Shikamaru did not close his mouth and frown after he opened his mouth. The two elders, but Shikahisa Nara who sat across from him: "The two are not the same at all, you think the Chunin exam is more important!?" Shut up and give him a chance to continue explaining.

Sure enough, after hearing Nara Shikahisa's words, several cadres looked at Shikamaru, waiting for his explanation.

"No, there is actually an inevitable connection between the two." Although Shikamaru understood Nara Shikoku's intentions in his heart, he said with no expression on his face: "After the Chunin exam, we Konoha will get a A batch of young and talented Chunin, Rixiang Ningci, Li Luoke and Yume Shino are already qualified to become Chunin. No matter what the Wuyin Village and the Water Country plan, we have to communicate with them in advance , I suggest that with an elder as the core, form a diplomatic team with enough young ninjas as the main members, and go to Wuyin Village for exchanges."

"Or it would be more appropriate to say that it's more appropriate to learn from each other," Shikamaru breathed a sigh of relief, and continued without waiting for the meeting room to react to his self-recommendation: "Also, if possible, I hope Hokage-sama can recall Jiraiya, Let him temporarily join the team."

"Communication?" Nara Shikahisa frowned and asked, "What's the use of forming a team with such young ninjas!? Why did you let Jiraiya-sama join the team? Deterrence?"

The vast majority of people in the conference room understood Nara Shikahisa's trick at this time, but they did not expose it, but continued to listen to Shikamaru's explanation.

"If it's just for the purpose of deterring force, wouldn't it be better to let Hatake Kakashi-senior join the team?" Shikamaru seemed to reply unkindly: "Young means that they are not the main force of Konoha Village's war, just It is just a new force when necessary, and through communication, that is, the gap between fighting with ninjas of the same age or level, to let Wuyin Village recognize its own strength, this is a more ingenious threat."

This strategy has extremely high requirements for talents. Fortunately, Ri Xiangningji, Li Luoke and Yume Shino are enough to take on this responsibility. In fact, if it weren't for Uzumaki Naruto and Renzhuriki, he would also be a good candidate to join the team. Simple To put it bluntly, Shikamaru wants to form a team of all "geniuses". By crushing the ninjas of the same age and the same level in Wuyin Village, let the ninjas of Wuyin Village who are addicted to the glory of the past and a little arrogant because of seclusion To a certain extent, the gap with Muye Village is actually an invisible deterrent, very polite, even if some Wuyin Village loses face, it will not force them to go to Yunyin Village.

Because it is only a comparison of the younger generation, without the participation of the group of ninjas who have been the main force of Konoha Village's war, such as Hatake Kakashi and Shiranui Genma, it can better reflect the strength of Konoha Village.

As for Jiraiya, this is a clear deterrent, without much meaning.

Shikamaru has always agreed with the radish and stick foreign policy of a certain country in the previous life. Before that, it was a big stick for Wuyin Village, and then naturally it should be given radish for it and the country of water.

"The construction of the Land of Waves has been good in recent years, and a trade line with the country has also been established. We can use this as a buffer to form a sea trade line with the Land of Water." Shikamaru said: "In this regard, we are indeed better than Lei The country has many advantages, but they don’t have good access to the sea, so their own country is the best choice for trade.”

This world, even an island country like the Land of Water, doesn’t like contact with others without a buffer. This may be a matter of the form of war. The mobilization of troops in the previous life can always be captured through a lot of information. The scale of ninjas in this world is no bigger than in the previous life. The army is mobilized quickly and flexibly, and when it is caught off guard, the enemy is likely to enter one's own border. If there is a country as a buffer in between, this situation can be somewhat prevented.

The Land of Fire has the Land of Waves, which can act as a buffer for sea trade with the Land of Water, but the Land of Thunder cannot match this advantage.

"In addition, as the proposer of this plan, I recommend myself to join this diplomatic team as the team leader." In the silent meeting room, Shikamaru raised his eyebrows and said calmly: "I will submit the promotion in two days. Jōnin's application—Junin's status should not make Wuyin Village feel that he has been underestimated."

As the highest rank among ninjas, Konoha Village has never had a precedent for the Jōnin assessment even in a special period. Shikamaru vowed in front of many cadres of various departments of Konoha Village that he would become Jonin, although with his usual calm look on his face, Nara Shikoku still felt that Shikamaru was a little strange at this time.

Somewhat arrogant...Nara Shikahisa lowered his eyelids, thinking in his heart, just at that moment, Shikamaru seemed to have a certain temperament.

Just like a falcon who knows that he is about to get free! ?

[Yesterday after the night shift, the party members held a half-day meeting alone. At this time, the party members are required to lead by example. What's more, it turned out that I just checked the update table, so it didn't exist?Sorry everyone.... (>_<). 】