novel-bin Chapter 352 is settled.
Chapter 352 is settled.
"Bang!"
The Fourth Raikage, A, slammed his fist on the coffee table and paced back and forth in the room in a fit of rage, like a lion trapped in a cage.
"Those bastards from Konoha, they're using a calculated scheme to force us to submit!"
Ai roared, pointing to the densely packed "Feasibility Report on the Introduction of Konoha Lightning Storage Station Technology and the Transformation of Yunlei Gorge Power Grid" on the table.
This report is the result of half a month of tireless research by the Cloud Village's think tank and Lightning Release research team.
"Lord Raikage, please calm down."
Tutai stood to the side, sighed helplessly, and picked up the report.
"The think tank and research team's conclusion is clear: the benefits outweigh the drawbacks."
A hint of helplessness and admiration flickered in Tsuchida's eyes: "We have to admit that Konoha is at least twenty years ahead of us in energy conversion and application. Yunlei Gorge is ravaged by thunderstorms all year round. If we try to study how to collect, convert, and stably output those violent natural lightning bolts on our own, it will not only be extremely costly, but it will also be very easy to cause experimental accidents."
"But if we introduce Konoha's technology, we can not only quickly solve the village's energy problem, but also use the surplus electricity for the mass production of Lightning Release ninja tools and the construction of defensive barriers. This will have an immediate and significant impact on improving the overall strength of Kumogakure."
"But!"
Ai turned his head abruptly, his eyes filled with anger.
"Once we use Konoha's technology and adopt their standards, it's tantamount to handing over our energy lifeline and part of our defense to them! If they leave backdoors in the equipment, once war breaks out, they can simply cut off technical support, and our energy storage stations will be nothing but scrap metal!"
"The think tank has also considered this," Tsuchitai calmly replied. "Therefore, while introducing the technology, we will request Konoha to open up some of the technology, and our own Kumogakure craftsmen will assemble the core components. Although this will increase costs, it will at least ensure safety."
Ai fell silent.
Although he has a bad temper, he is not without brains to have become the Raikage.
He knew that Tsuchikage was right; the piece of meat Konoha was offering was too tempting, and Kumogakure simply couldn't refuse it.
If Iwagakure and Sunagakure consume the resources, but Kumogakure does not, the balance of power will shift, and Kumogakure will eventually fall from its position among the Five Great Nations.
"What did the old man say?" Ai rubbed his temples in frustration, thinking of his father.
Upon receiving Konoha's proposal, A immediately sent a secret letter to the Third Raikage, who was living in retirement in Kumogakure, hoping to receive guidance from the man who had once led Kumogakure to its peak.
Tu Tai's face darkened slightly, and he took out another short reply from his pocket.
"The Third Generation Lord only replied with ten words."
Tutai handed the letter to Ai.
Ai took the letter and looked at the all-too-familiar handwriting.
You are the Raikage, you make the decisions, and I believe you can do better than me.
Looking at those few words, Ai felt as if something had clenched her heart.
He knew that his father was still not over the trauma of his previous defeat and capture by Konoha.
That once arrogant man, who claimed to possess the strongest spear and the strongest shield, that hero of Kumogakure, now resembles an old man in his twilight years, placing all the burdens on the shoulders of the new Raikage.
"Old man..."
Ai clenched her fist, her nails digging deep into her palm.
He took a deep breath, carefully folded the letter, and tucked it into his bosom.
When he looked up again, the anger and hesitation in his eyes had disappeared.
"Since I am the Raikage, I will take responsibility for the future of Kumogakure."
Ai walked to the table, picked up a pen, and signed his name heavily on the feasibility report.
"Tell Konoha that we, Kumogakure... have joined their shabby plan of a shared destiny for the ninja world."
"But!" A's gaze shot towards the earthen platform like lightning. "During the negotiations, tell those cunning foxes in Konoha that if they want to make money off Kumogakure, they'll have to show real skill! The construction of the power station must involve Kumogakure personnel throughout the entire process, and the core technology must be shared. Otherwise, this agreement is just a piece of waste paper!"
"Yes, Lord Raikage!" Tsuchikage bowed respectfully, finally letting out a sigh of relief.
……
On the other side of the Konoha Grand Hotel, in the room of the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi, the atmosphere was much calmer.
Yagura sat on the sofa, holding a long list in his hand, his baby face showing a maturity beyond his years.
"Elder Yuanshi, why did those old fogies in the village agree to Konoha's proposal so readily this time?"
Sitting opposite Yagura was Genji, a veteran figure from Kirigakure.
The venerable old man, leaning on his cane, smiled and nodded.
"Yes, Lord Mizukage. The elders are surprisingly unanimous; most of them believe this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
"How could it not be good?" Yagura sneered. "Konoha offered to help us open up long-distance trade routes and provide shipbuilding technology and submarine chakra communication cables. With these, Kirigakure can completely break the deadlock of isolationism, and the elders who control the ports and resources in the village can make a fortune from it."
"but……"
A glint of light flashed in Yagura's eyes: "That's exactly what I wanted."
Since taking office, Yagura has been dedicated to changing the status quo of Kirigakure.
He wanted to integrate Kirigakure into the ninja world, but this was met with strong resistance from the village's extreme conservatives and clandestine forces.
In order to implement reforms, he had to take drastic measures and use swift and decisive methods to purge a group of stubborn high-ranking officials.
Although it intimidated everyone, it also caused panic and severely damaged the village's vitality.
"This is not only economic cooperation, but also political leverage."
Master Yuan looked at the very young-looking Water Shadow with admiration and support in his eyes.
"Lord Mizukage, you have purged those corrupt high-ranking officials, and the village seems peaceful now, but there are still a few deeply hidden spies stirring in the shadows. They oppose your reforms and may jump out and cause trouble at any time."
"But what if we bring Konoha's capital and technology to Kirigakure..."
A wise light gleamed in Yuan Shi's cloudy eyes:
"Those who were originally neutral against you will immediately become your staunchest supporters once they taste the benefits of cooperating with Konoha. As for those troublemakers who dare to hinder everyone's wealth, you won't even need to lift a finger; the angry villagers of Kirigakure and the vested interests will tear them to shreds."
"Using the interests of Konoha to consolidate the Mizukage's rule is an open strategy and the most effective means."
Yagura nodded, put down the list, and a cold smile appeared on his youthful face.
"Elder Yuan, please reply to Konoha."
Yagura stood up, his purple eyes flashing with determination.
"The Hidden Mist Village has agreed to join the Shinobi World's Community of Shared Destiny. We not only want their ocean-going technology, but also to invite their engineering teams to the Hidden Mist Village to help us rebuild the streets damaged in the internal strife."
"I want everyone in the village to see that the outside world is not just about killing and bloodshed, but also about peace and flowers."
"As you command, Lord Mizukage. I will certainly do my utmost to assist you in completing this great transformation." Master Yuan bowed deeply.
……
Hokage Building, Vice Minister's Office.
Nishikawa Tetsu looked at the letter of intent for cooperation that had just been delivered to the table and stretched out a big yawn with satisfaction.
"It's done, that was really tough."