What they need is not love, but rebellion, battle, to take back what belongs to them.
Her own father, Hakushi, is paving this path.
In the future, this is also the path she will follow, steadfastly moving forward in the footsteps of her predecessors.
Standing at the pinnacle of the world, to see a view that has never been seen in the Ninja Realm for thousands of years.
Hakushi took out a map, marked with the locations of two small countries.
"Since you haven't made up your mind, let me choose for you. Land of Hot Water and Land of Waves, pick one region, I will prepare the armaments and money for you. Within the small countries near the major nations, establish the power that belongs to 'us.' When the Fourth Great Ninja War begins, they will become sharp blades that stab into the hearts of the major nations!"
"Land of Waves?"
Ichihime looked at the map, at the small island country situated between the Land of Water and Land of Fire, thoughtful.
Although the Land of Waves is between the two large countries, its position is closer to the Land of Fire.
This small island country is likely to become a dagger for the Land of Demons against the Land of Fire, piercing deeply into the heart of the Land of Fire.
"That's right."
"What excuse should we use to enter?"
Ichihime asked.
If they can't block the Land of Waves in the initial stages, it won't be good if other countries become aware of the Land of Demons' malicious intentions.
The same goes for the Land of Wind war.
Even though the Land of Demons annihilated thousands of ninjas from Hidden Sand Village, it did not encounter condemnation from other nations internationally.
Being powerful is one thing, but what's most important is having a justified cause.
Hidden Sand Village initially attacked the border town of the Land of Demons, ignoring the Land of Demons military's warnings, making the Land of Demons' counterattack a justified defense, a righteous side.
Now, in a certain sense, the Land of Demons has become a focal point for the countries' attention. Without a suitable excuse, they can't seek trouble with the Land of Waves or infiltrate this country.
"This country, like the Land of Wind, took out a large loan and did not repay it on time. Because this involves the next steps of the Land of Demons' plan, I didn't let Kakuzu collect debts from the Land of Waves' Daimyo and nobles. Use this excuse to enter the Land of Waves; if they don't agree, then make them agree. I will have Kado assist you at that time, and you'll want to take his advice on this matter."
Hakushi didn't regard Ichihime's concerns, expressing his view.
Kado? Ichihime was taken aback.
A figure appeared in her mind — a short man wearing black sunglasses, always with a sinister smile.
He is a veteran of the Shion Flower Merchants Association, and over ten years ago was a loyal senior official under Hakushi, initially holding an important position in the Shion Flower Medicine Company.
Now transferred to the Shion Flower Shipping Company, serving as president.
A money-loving and rather insidious guy.
But undeniably capable. With his assistance, the road in the Land of Waves should be much smoother.
"Although the Land of Waves is a small country and doesn't have ninja forces, don't be complacent. Konoha will certainly be cautious, gradually approach... The most important thing is to incite the people of the Land of Waves to rebel when the nobles and Daimyo make mistakes, let the people themselves resist, and you remotely control things from the shadows, without giving anyone any handle on you."
"I understand." Ichihime looked at Hakushi with a peculiar expression.
She felt her father's abilities in planning rebellion were unexpectedly high.
He had seen Hakushi's classified records from Konoha, and after thinking it over, he dismissed it.
According to Aunt Ayane, at the age of six, her father had been deceiving her and planning to defect from Konoha. Even up until just before leaving Konoha, he was still recognized by the Hokage as inheriting the Will of Fire, only later becoming the most wanted dangerous criminal by the Hokage.
"Alright, once everything is prepared, probably needing more than half a month, and after signing the agreement with Hidden Sand Village, you will be arranged to go to the Land of Waves. Now, you and your mother go on a mission to Konoha and depart this afternoon to bring back the Uchiha Clan's heritage. Consider it a trip to relax and unwind."
"Understood, I'm leaving then."
Ichihime nodded and disappeared from the room.
After Ichihime left, Hakushi breathed a sigh of relief.
"Finally some peace…"
Then, Hakushi opened a drawer and took out a stack of manuscript paper.
It was confidential 'information' intercepted from Jiraiya.
Not knowing what kind of secrets this contains, whether it will endanger the national defense security of the Land of Demons, he, as the military leader, must rigorously review this classified document.
Ruri isn't very relaxed; it seems only Ayane's Byakugan can unlock all the secrets on this.
I'll find her tonight for in-depth research.