But for now, this is something that Yagura doesn't need to worry about.
Jinchuriki rarely leave the village, and with the current internal chaos in the Land of Rain, it diverts Akatsuki's attention. Even if they detect traces of a Tailed Beast, they still need a detailed plan to proceed.
Without a comprehensive plan, when facing the Hidden Mist Village or equally ranked Ninja Villages, relying solely on the strength of those core members would make it very difficult to escape the ensuing pursuit even if they did manage to capture a Jinchuriki.
Moreover, he, the Mizukage, is indeed a Jinchuriki—one of the very few perfect Jinchuriki in the Ninja Realm.
Any action targeting him must consider not only the strength of the Mizukage himself but also a large number of Jonin and Anbu Guards.
Even those guards are enough to cause trouble for Akatsuki's core members.
"By the time that moment arrives, Kisame should have already gathered quite a bit of information."
"Kisame? I haven't contacted him for a while; he just needs to be ready to help us at the right moment. By the way, what do you plan to do about the situation in the Land of Waves?"
This was Yagura's primary purpose for coming.
As the Mizukage, he certainly wasn't here to complain to Hakushi about the power struggles within Hidden Mist.
Terumi Mei is also the successor he designated, and strictly speaking, this isn't a power struggle.
It's merely a transfer of power, something he had already discussed with the elder masters of Hidden Mist long ago.
Otherwise, over the years, his path to becoming Mizukage wouldn't have been so smooth, and difficulties would have been inevitable.
"Even the Daimyo of the Land of Water is aware?"
To maintain the appearance of collaboration, only a few people know about the rift between Hidden Mist and the Daimyo of the Land of Water.
To outsiders, the relationship between Hidden Mist and the Daimyo of the Land of Water still appears as close as ever.
"It's hard not to notice. Although the relationship isn't great, many times I'm compelled by circumstances to maintain appearances. To what extent do you plan to handle this?"
Yagura asked directly.
The Land of Waves, despite its proximity to the Land of Fire, is also situated between the Land of Fire and the Land of Water.
Thus, the events of the Land of Waves cannot go unnoticed by the Daimyo of the Land of Water.
"To what extent? It depends on future developments. That area is an important testing ground and a stepping stone to probe the Land of Fire and every country that has a Daimyo system."
"Like the current situation in the Land of Rain?"
Ninja Realm's small countries often experience war, but the cause of these wars generally stems from the manipulations of larger nations.
"It might be slightly different, but even if it fails, we can learn from the experience. The key is to station a hidden unit there, which can become a razor-sharp blade piercing the heart of the Land of Fire when needed."
Yagura nodded. Even if the plan for the Land of Waves isn't successful, it can still serve as a diversion, masking the second objective.
It's not just the Land of Demons; the Hidden Mist Village is also scheming with surrounding small countries, planting covert agents for operations when necessary.
"Speaking of which, there's a delicious piece of cake right now. Want to come over and have a slice?"
Hakushi asked with a meaningful smile.
Yagura raised an eyebrow, unsure of the meaning behind Hakushi's words.
"You know the Isolated Island Merchant Alliance, right? They plan to target the Land of Waves and are already consumed by their greed, forgetting the duties of merchants, hence being watched by the Land of Fire. Instead of letting the Land of Fire take advantage, why not strike first and use their wealth to enrich ourselves?"
"Those lawless merchants? I've heard of them, but wouldn't this make the Land of Demons a target again?"
Yagura was not intimidated by the so-called Isolated Island merchant alliance, which, despite having numerous ninja under its banner, is no match for the Hidden Mist Village elite.
This gang-like merchant organization lacks discipline and only bullies small countries with inadequate military strength.
More than that, Yagura worries that actions by the Land of Demons would cause many troubles.
The problem isn't eliminating those merchants but rather the excessive wealth they possess, making Yagura feel it's unrealistic for two countries to share it.
"I didn't say two countries; I meant four countries."
Hakushi's eyes flashed with a hint of amusement.
"Four countries? Besides us, who else?"
"The Land of Earth and the Land of Lightning. At the same time, I'll secretly contact the Tsuchikage and the Raikage, letting them join in the plan while excluding the Land of Wind and the Land of Fire."
Hakushi's smile was somewhat malicious.
Yagura considered briefly before smiling: "That's just like your style, scheming against them at this moment."
With the greedy nature of the great countries, once they grasp the significant leverage of the Isolated Island merchant alliance, they will not remain indifferent.
Their greed can make them far more terrifying than merchants.
Moreover, deliberately excluding the Land of Wind and the Land of Fire will further fracture the alliance of the Five Great Nations, stabilizing the Land of Demons' position in the coming international scenario.
"If the Land of Rain weren't so weak right now, I'd consider pulling them in as well, so the Land of Fire gets occupied with something, saving me from their constant troubles. Unfortunately, even if I wanted to do this, the Land of Earth and the Land of Lightning wouldn't allow it."
Because the credentials aren't equal.
The Five Great Nations acknowledge the Land of Demons' military strength but won't recognize the Land of Rain's capabilities.
Therefore, involving the Land of Rain in sharing the Isolated Island's spoils wouldn't be appropriate and would make the Land of Earth and the Land of Lightning think the Land of Demons is belittling them.