"But if we directly declare war, wouldn't it be inappropriate?"
Rasa does not think directly declaring war on the Land of Demons is a wise choice.
After all, the root cause of this issue still lies with them.
There's no legitimacy in declaring war.
Moreover, the current environment in the Ninja Realm is 'peace'.
Even if it's superficial peace, it won't last long, but right now we must try to maintain this balance.
If the Land of Wind actively disrupts this balance, it would bring many troubles.
The Daimyo of the Land of Wind thought for a moment and said, "Then use military exercises as an excuse to pass through the Land of Bear to militarily threaten the Land of Demons."
The Land of Wind does not share borders with the Land of Demons, with the Land of Bear lying in between.
If they are to militarily threaten the Land of Demons, the Land of Bear cannot be bypassed.
"Is that so? That's a feasible plan. So, to what extent should the military threat be? Do we stop when it's good enough, or..."
Rasa's expression became serious.
"Test the limits of the Land of Demons and engage in an actual fight with them. However, don't expand the scale of the battle, a localized conflict will suffice. Also, the conflict must not be instigated by us; even if we look for an excuse, let them attack first. This way, after the war, we have reason to demand reparations from the Land of Demons and make them cough up everything with interest."
The Daimyo of the Land of Wind, although eager to teach the Land of Demons a lesson, understands that as a national leader, he cannot easily start a war with another country, even if it's a small nation.
Although the outcome is determined with the Land of Wind as the victor, the process is equally important.
If handled properly, it can not only recover their lost face but also cut a significant piece off the Land of Demons.
"I understand. However, although this is a short-term localized conflict, I hope Daimyo will provide Hidden Sand with sufficient resources, as we have used up most of this year's military budget."
Rasa requested.
The Daimyo of the Land of Wind folded his fan together, a slight smile appeared on his plump face, "Rest assured, Kazekage, we are fighting side by side this time, so don't worry about the supplies, I will prepare them for you."
"Then, I entrust this to you. Leave the matters of the Land of Demons to us in Hidden Sand Village. Let them witness the absolute disparity between ninjas from small nations and those from large nations."
Rasa smiled knowingly and nodded to the Daimyo of the Land of Wind before getting up and leaving Tenshu Tower.
◎
"Launching a war against the Land of Demons... So suddenly!?"
Maki was immediately shocked upon receiving the news.
He knew the Daimyo of the Land of Wind would take action to regain face, but launching a war against the Land of Demons so suddenly seemed too rash.
The Land of Demons is a neutral country, and many neighboring countries have a favorable impression of it, especially the Land of Swamps and the Land of Shadow which have similar cultures. The people in these countries have a high affinity and recognition for the Witch.
Although the Land of Shadow and the Land of Swamps have weak national power, when these small nations unite, they form considerable strength.
Moreover, after the previous battle, Maki no longer underestimated the Land of Demons' ninjas.
"It's not a war but a localized conflict, just enough to let the Land of Demons experience our Sand's strength, and imprint this absolute suppressive power into their souls. In future days, they will become more compliant."
Rasa shook his head.
"But can it truly be controlled by then?"
Maki seemed worried.
"As a Jonin from Hidden Sand, you know the strength of Hidden Sand, don't you? Do you think that as Kazekage, I wouldn't be able to control a battlefield in a small country?"
When he said this, Rasa's tone was full of confidence.
He had once emerged from the battlefield of the Third Ninja War, just like Konoha's Yellow Flash.
Rasa never thought he was weaker than others. His rise as the Fourth Kazekage was widely supported, with no significant obstacles during the power transition, and the internal affairs of Hidden Sand were harmonious.
Moreover, with Advisors Chiyo and Ebizo retiring, much of the power in Hidden Sand now rests with him... the only sore point is that he lacks notable achievements since rising to power as Fourth Kazekage.
"Yes, while I trust Kazekage-sama's abilities, this move still feels a bit abrupt. I'm afraid internationally we may face condemnation from various countries..."
Maki's concern is not that Hidden Sand Village would lose in a conflict with the Land of Demons. Indeed, he never considered this possibility.
What can small countries offer in comparison to big nations?
Ninjas?
Defeating him does not signify Hidden Sand Village's failure.
Among Hidden Sand Jonin, he is not the strongest ninja—just an elite Jonin.
Jonin like him are not rare in Hidden Sand Village.
From the size of the territory, to the number and quality of ninjas, they are on completely different levels.
Even possessing such a peculiar Ninja Tool offers only minor advantages.
Maki simply believes that without a suitable reason, declaring war on a neutral country isn't wise.
Even a localized conflict could develop into a full-scale confrontation.
"A few condemnations will not shake our status in Hidden Sand and the Land of Wind. You are overthinking this, Maki. You need to view this matter from a broader perspective. The Daimyo's face needs to be salvaged at all costs. Those notorious Debt Collectors have already caused chaos in our Daimyo's Mansion of the Land of Wind. If we don't show them some consequences, what might they do next?"
```