For the Land of Wind, applying military pressure on a neutral country is not a matter of ability, but rather a matter of willingness.
After all, the Land of Demons is still viewing the Ninja Realm through the lens of a traditionally weak country.
In this Ninja Realm, reverence has always been for the strong.
The power of the ninja is the only eternal theme in this Ninja Realm.
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In the office, Hakushi brewed hot tea with a nonchalant expression as he casually glanced at the report presented by the diplomatic officials, a hint of a smile finally appearing on his face.
"As I expected, they're really planning to do just that."
He didn't need a detailed analysis; he could understand all the contents of the report.
Over two years ago, when the Hidden Sand Village postponed the repayment date, he had already predicted this situation.
Given the Hidden Sand Village's ugly actions in the Land of Rain in the past, Hakushi was not surprised by this move.
"What should we do next, Lord Hakushi?"
The man standing in front of Hakushi asked.
His appearance was ordinary, with cracked fingernails and rough skin, looking like someone who often worked in the fields.
In reality, he was a member of the espionage department of the Land of Demons military, serving as a team captain.
Codenamed Uschi, he was a trusted subordinate of Hakushi.
"The prerequisites for engaging with the Land of Wind have been almost completed. Next, we just need to guide the situation to develop in a direction favorable to the Land of Demons."
"So you mean..."
Uschi squinted his eyes.
"Yes, just as you thought, we can close the net over the Land of Bear. I'll leave the task of delivering the message to you, Uschi."
"Understood, I know what to do."
Uschi nodded, assisting the ninja of the Land of Demons in gathering the Land of Bear was part of his task.
These years, the Land of Demons had been secretly operating in the Land of Bear for a long time, even replacing many of the Land of Bear's officials with their own people, not to mention the larger grassroots organizations.
The reason for choosing to act now was to prevent any plan mishaps that might obstruct the entire strategy.
However, from the current perspective, there was no longer any need to act so discreetly.
"Then, Lord Hakushi, I'll take my leave now."
"Go ahead."
Hakushi nodded, watching Uschi leave.
After Uschi's departure, Hakushi began to skim through a new document.
Before long, the door sounded again, and a man walked in from outside.
He wore a black coat embroidered with the Shion Flower emblem, carrying a heavy-looking black leather suitcase, giving off a silent and mysterious aura.
A pure gold round plaque hung at his chest, also featuring the Shion Flower design.
This plaque represented the identification of a debt collector of the Shion Flower Merchants Association, specifically the highest-ranking Gold Debt Collector.
"Mr. Kakuzu, long time no see. You haven't changed a bit."
Hakushi set down the document in his hand and smiled at the Gold Debt Collector.
"Likewise."
Kakuzu stared at Hakushi's face.
Over the past few years, Hakushi's appearance seemed unchanged to him.
Even though he was a man in his thirties, he still looked like a young man in his twenties.
The two women around him were the same, maintaining the youthful beauty of an eighteen or nineteen-year-old.
Considering the fact that the other was a Medical Ninja, once a student of the Sannin of Konoha, Tsunade, Kakuzu found it unsurprising.
In the Ninja Realm, ninja techniques vary significantly, and there exist techniques for maintaining youth and extending life.
He himself was the best example.
As long as enough hearts were supplied, one could live forever, witnessing the historical vicissitudes of this world.
"In fact, the reason for having Mr. Kakuzu, as the Gold Debt Collector, called over this time is to ask for your assistance on a matter."
Hakushi straightened his face and spoke of the main business.
"If it's something you've come to me personally for, I imagine it isn't a simple task."
Being suddenly sought out by Hakushi, Kakuzu already knew that the matter the other party was asking him for help with would not be an easy one.
"Here, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent an invoice. Please have a look, Mr. Kakuzu."
Hakushi picked up a sheet of paper.
Kakuzu stepped forward to take it, his eyes quickly scanning over it.
"I see, the Hidden Sand Village has exceeded the deadline and has not repaid on time. Do we need to press for the debt? However, this level of issue isn't something I, as a debt collector, can handle alone."
Kakuzu stated objectively.
Even though he had become the only Gold Debt Collector in the Shion Flower Merchants Association with his exceptional abilities over the years, he did not have the authority to intervene in such matters.
These matters are not something a debt collector can manage; they involve national levels and require formal negotiations between diplomatic personnel and the Land of Wind.
"However, now the Kazekage of the Hidden Sand Village and the Daimyo of the Land of Wind are blaming each other, and neither side is willing to give a definite answer. This leaves our diplomatic personnel at a loss, revealing they have no sincerity in repaying the debt."
"So, you mean..."
Kakuzu squinted his eyes, his voice slightly low.
He had long known the Land of Demons wouldn't settle for the status quo.
On the surface, commercial prosperity was visible. Yet, more frightening than business was the deeply hidden military institution that never revealed its true strength.
People's understanding of the Land of Demons was merely the tip of the iceberg.
When the entire iceberg beneath the water eventually emerges, it will definitely shock the entire Ninja Realm.