"Yes."
"And do you really think Lord Daimyo is making trouble with the Land of Demons just out of anger?"
"What?"
Maki was stunned.
"Ever since the Third Ninja War began, how much funding the Land of Demons has accumulated through this war, we do not know. But according to experts, while the Five Great Nations were exhausting each other, the Land of Demons' economy soared. It was the only country during the Third Ninja War whose national power increased rather than decreased. As far as I know, many years ago, they established a military institution, integrating ordinary soldiers and ninjas, proving they have ambitions to develop militarily."
"So that means..."
"Although it's a Neutral Country, there is a need to curb their development. The commercial capabilities of the Land of Demons have advanced rapidly in recent years, affecting the Land of Wind's treasury income. Many people's money in the Land of Wind has been taken by merchants from the Land of Demons. Unable to outcompete them commercially, they have to resort to certain military measures to recover. Lord Daimyo's plans are not just about saving face, but also for the future development of the Land of Wind."
In this confrontation, it seemed to stem from a mere debt collection incident, but in Rasa's view, it all boiled down to two words.
——Interests.
In the face of enormous interests, any rules and principles can be broken. With enough strength, anything is possible.
Throughout the Ninja World Wars, regardless of which great nation, this has always been the accepted truth, and it works every time.
Because of the battle, the big nations' environments became more stable, and governance became much more fluid.
"The Ninja Realm is a chessboard, small countries are the pieces, and we are the players who determine victory or defeat. Hidden Sand and the Land of Wind are one, and as Kazekage, it's my duty. I have the obligation and responsibility to make the country and the village stronger."
This is the eternal win-win contract between village and country.
Rasa had to admit, in his view, that the God of Ninja's establishment of such a contract was a masterstroke.
The interests of the nobility are secured, ninjas' lives become better, and countries become increasingly stable. Overall, this balance is a scenario Rasa is willing to see.
"I understand. I will recover quickly and do my part. Please allow me to counteract my offenses with merits this time, Lord Kazekage."
Maki requested Rasa's permission.
"Alright, you will have the platform to showcase your abilities then. But don't push yourself too hard; in the short term, we still need to make detailed deployments and are in no hurry to force the Land of Demons to take military action against us. Also, we must be on guard for the Land of Demons' flying tools in advance, not giving them any opportunity."
Rasa nodded in agreement with Maki's request.
"Well, rest well here, Maki. I need to return to the village to discuss with the elders how to deploy our actions."
"Please take care, Lord Kazekage."
Rasa nodded, turning away with the Anbu.
While the strategic end goal is given, the process of deployment is also critical.
The most important point is how to make the Land of Demons start the war, triggering the conflict, so Hidden Sand can conduct rightful 'defensive' military actions, forcing the Land of Demons into complete submission.
The only concern is if the Land of Demons fears the Land of Wind's power too much, ignoring the provocations from the Land of Wind.
"Never mind, if the Land of Demons doesn't take the bait, creating a justifiable pretense for war isn't out of the question, just that it might lead to some gossip in the end..."
But in absolute interests, some jealous people's idle gossip, Rasa felt it wasn't necessary to care about them.