With the conclusion of the meeting, the atmosphere throughout Kumogakure began to gradually turn strange.
The common people continued their daily routines, but anyone with even a slight bit of status or position began to seek out connections and pathways without exception.
The reason was simple!
Since the Kumogakure high command had thoroughly decided to join Konoha, whether they could maintain their status and position in Konoha in the future depended almost entirely on their planning during this period.
It was precisely for this reason that the Konoha Anbu led by Yamato, after receiving permission from Uchiha Jin, began to slowly move from the shadows to the light, making appearances at the Raikage Building.
Following this came various visits.
Clearly, everyone understood very well that after Kumogakure merged into Konoha, their future duties, identities, and statuses would almost all require the approval of the Konoha High Command.
And now?
These Konoha Anbu Members within Kumogakure were the only channel they could grasp.
"Everyone, I'm very sorry."
"I understand your intentions clearly, but I cannot give any guarantees."
"After all, I am merely an Anbu Member; our Konoha High Command won't listen to me."
"Of course, I can guarantee this!"
"Our Hokage-sama in Konoha will definitely judge based on all aspects; as long as someone is talented, they will be given important roles."
"Take my advice and go back!"
"..."
Inside the Kumogakure Building, next door to the Raikage's office.
This was originally the office of the Raikage's secretary, but now it had been temporarily handed over to the Konoha Anbu.
The nominal explanation was to facilitate smooth communication between Kumogakure and Konoha and to provide guidance for Kumogakure's subsequent work, thereby allowing the migration process to proceed more smoothly.
But in reality...
It was more like a statement to Konoha, proving that Kumogakure was not playing tricks and was truly prepared to fully submit to Konoha.
A short while later.
After all the visiting Kumogakure Ninjas had left, Lei Chehu couldn't help but speak up: "What a bunch of pragmatic people. During the meeting earlier, these people were more resolute in their opposition than anyone."
"It's only been a few days since the meeting ended, and now they are more fawning than those of us in the Surrender faction."
Yamato's mouth twitched, but he didn't say much.
He wasn't naturally good at conversation. To be honest, if it weren't for the fact that Konoha's expansion was currently so vast that there was a severe shortage of talent in all areas, he would never have been dispatched to handle this kind of quasi-diplomatic task.
Was this a joke?
He was just an Anbu Member!
Aside from killing people, he didn't know a damn thing!
But there was no choice!
The Konoha side was like a wound-up machine, unable to squeeze out any professional diplomatic personnel at all, thus leaving this matter entirely to the Northern War Zone.
But what about the Northern War Zone?
They lacked talent even more!
Compared to the minor matter of all Kumogakure members merging into Konoha, Tsunade's side not only had to be responsible for the traditional sphere of influence of the Northern War Zone but also needed to find personnel to handle all the supporting services for management and administration of the entire newly occupied Land of Lightning.
Diplomatic personnel?
Tsunade herself was desperately short of them!
She was even nearly driven mad herself, eventually having no choice but to plead with Senju Tobirama.
Finally.
Senju Tobirama managed to get a group of criminals and then used Edo Tensei on a large number of Konoha spirits, which barely kept the Northern War Zone's operations from collapsing completely.
There was no other way!
Although Tsunade knew this was a bit unethical—in the past, she would have never agreed to disturb the sleep of the dead.
Now, however, it was different!
Compared to being worked to death herself and the Northern War Zone collapsing entirely, the small matter of disturbing the sleep of the dead had long been tossed to the back of her mind.
As for why she would rather use Edo Tensei than seek help from other war zones?
Heh!
Because the other war zones were also short-staffed!
Don't be fooled by Kumogakure being the first to have a breakthrough; anyone with eyes could see this was just the first step. With Kumogakure's complete merger now, it was only a matter of time before issues arose with Iwagakure, Hidden Mist, and Sunagakure...
Since the other war zones had sensed this, they naturally had to cultivate management forces in advance to prepare for taking over other countries.
If they lent personnel to Tsunade, could they really ask her to return them if they needed them later?
So, heh.
Don't even think about it!
It was precisely under these special national circumstances that Yamato, the leader of the Northern War Zone Anbu, had no choice but to fill in as a diplomatic officer.
Sigh!
After a helpless sigh, Yamato then spoke seriously.
"Lei Chehu, you should hurry up as well."
"What I can tell you is that the better you perform now, the brighter your future will be."
"With the Land of Lightning merging into Konoha, other countries will soon follow. Konoha's current talent reserve is insufficient; we are going crazy from the shortage of talent everywhere."
"Don't you see an Anbu Member like me filling in as a diplomat?"
"So, work hard."
"You are a spy for Konoha after all, and you've performed meritorious service in this mission."
"If you can ensure Kumogakure joins Konoha smoothly, your contributions will be significant. Considering Konoha's current shortage of people, you will definitely secure a good position when the time comes."
This speech was well-reasoned and logical.
In fact, the old Yamato would never have said so much. As a former member of Root and now a member of the Anbu, his dark past meant he was not a cheerful person at all.
But, damn it.
The current reality forced him to be cheerful, and he could even manage to dangle a carrot in front of Lei Chehu now.
Although this carrot was crudely presented, it was already quite an achievement for Yamato.
This was also considering his own lack of ability; Lei Chehu had grown up in Kumogakure, so he understood the situation here better than Yamato did. Thus, Yamato now needed these Kumogakure spies to help him get things done.
As for the effect? It was quite good!
While old hands wouldn't fall for this, Lei Chehu and the others were willing to accept it.
The reason was simple: extreme fear and extreme uncertainty about the future.
Although these spies nominally belonged to Konoha, they had actually grown up in Kumogakure and had no basic understanding of Konoha. Now, they were suddenly told they were returning to Konoha...
No matter how calm they appeared on the surface, they were still somewhat terrified inside.
Therefore.
They were now eager to do more work, not to gain favor, but simply to let the work numb them. Otherwise, if they had free time, they feared their minds would wander into chaos.
Lei Chehu nodded and then spoke seriously.
"Good, no problem!"
"I'll go keep an eye on things now, to prevent those people from messing around."
"I hope this matter ends quickly!"