Therefore, long before the Hidden Sand Village took action, he had already instructed Ayane to lead an elite squad of a hundred ninja, secretly heading to the border between the Land of Demons and the nearby Land of Bear, hiding there to prevent Hidden Sand Ninja from disturbing the citizens of the Land of Demons.
Meanwhile, the Hidden Star Village was also prepared to launch a surprise attack on the Hidden Sand forces from the rear, ready to move at any time.
The only thing left to wait for now was the moment when the conflict between the Land of Wind and the Land of Demons erupted.
"But seeing their current stance, they are waiting for us to make the first move."
Ruri was not oblivious to the current situation, but believed that continuing to drag this out would allow the ninja from the Hidden Sand Village to come and go on the Land of Demons' border at will, which would diminish the authority of the Land of Demons.
The chain reactions sparked by this could become very troublesome.
Ruri understood the nature of some great nations; when encountering a soft target, they always think of squeezing it a bit.
For example, the Land of Lightning and the Hidden Cloud.
Stealing medicinal secrets of the Land of Demons, the Hidden Cloud Village Ninja was the most enthusiastic in their covert operations.
Up to now, nearly twenty Hidden Cloud Village Ninja were still lurking within Shion City, trying every possible way to infiltrate the military and steal confidential medicinal information.
Seeing the Land of Demons remain indifferent to the bullying by the Hidden Sand, they concluded that there was an opportunity to exploit, and the Hidden Cloud wouldn't hesitate to come share a piece of the pie.
If the Hidden Cloud were to intervene by then, things would undoubtedly become tricky.
"For a war, strategy, tactics, human resources, industry, economy, logistics, mobilization capability, and ideational capability… all are extremely important factors. The side that is impatient, lacks a complete strategy and tactics, or adopts impractical strategies and tactics, is bound to lose half the battle first."
Hakushi said with a smile.
As for strategy and tactics, the military of the Land of Demons had begun deployments several years ago, and compared to the forced arrival of the Hidden Sand Ninja, the Land of Demons was well-prepared, having set up a comprehensive chain of traps in advance targeting the Hidden Sand.
As long as the deployment is proper, in terms of strategy and tactics, the Hidden Sand Village would be unable to discern the true intentions of the Land of Demons, having already fallen behind.
As for industry, economy, logistics, and mobilization capability, these were also prepared in advance; for many years efforts had been made readying for this war whereas the Hidden Sand was severely underprepared, making the disparity clear.
"Have you thought of a method?"
Ruri was curious about how Hakushi would provoke the Hidden Sand Village to attack.
Given the current situation, the Land of Demons was unwilling to initiate an attack, and likewise, the Hidden Sand was also cautious and wouldn't rashly make a move.
"Almost. Make arrangements with the merchants there to temporarily halt the transportation of goods, especially medicines, food, and water, to the Land of Wind. Publicly claim that due to issues with product quality within the merchants, there will be a temporary halt in unilateral commercial cooperation with the Land of Wind."
Hakushi smiled meaningfully.
Since the Hidden Sand couldn't find a reason to start a war, we'll provide them an excuse that barely gives them a reason to make the first move.
Medicines aside, for the Land of Wind, which heavily relies on imported food and water, cutting off these resources would have predictable consequences.
Even though the Land of Wind imports food and water from other countries besides the Land of Demons, the amount transported annually from the Land of Demons to the Land of Wind is considerable, which will more or less impact the Hidden Sand Village.
"I understand, I'll make arrangements with the merchants. However, you really are as insidious as ever, leaving not a single chance of victory for the Hidden Sand Village."
Deploying all measures comprehensively against the Hidden Sand, whether it was the initial forced military exercise or the potentially escalating conflict events afterward, it was less of the Hidden Sand Village independently arranging matters, and more from the start, the rhythm of Sand Hidden was already controlled by Hakushi.
They, from the moment they stepped onto the battlefield, were puppets in Hakushi's hands.
Merely a dramatic puppet invited onto the stage to prepare the way for the Land of Demons' emergence onto the major power stage.
"War is no joke or child's play; it involves real deaths, as you should know. Perhaps after this incident, future generations might deem me as the century's most terrifying ambitious person, a fearsome battle enthusiast, carrying various infamous titles…"
Hakushi chuckled softly.
However, he had long prepared to shoulder such infamy.
All he desired was to change this Ninja Realm that he loathed, where human rights and laws were severely trampled.
Clearly, with such excellent potential, whether it be Natural Energy or Chakra, these were unique things that could benefit the world. Yet, within the Ninja Realm, the Five Great Nations kept entangled in a bizarre cycle of war, hindering their potential progress, all very baffling.
This is precisely what Hakushi wished to change.
In comparison, the quest for peace seems a dull plea, merely a natural trend in the progression of society's spiritual and material civilization advancements.
The liberation of thought is what deserved the utmost priority.
How much longer can the era where the Five Great Nations govern the Ninja Realm last?
Hakushi did not know, for the future was unpredictable.
But, the bell signaling the end of the one country, one village era, under his influence, had quietly begun tolling.