Sho U listened quietly, his mind analyzing rapidly. Hanzou's choice seemed crazy, but it was actually a desperate struggle in a hopeless situation.
As a strategic buffer zone and a friction front, if the Land of Rain continued to passively endure the flames of war, the only result would be a slow death.
Actively declaring war and making the conflicts between the three countries public and intense was highly risky, but it might force the three nations to face the Land of Rain's existence and power, or even exploit the contradictions between them to secure a chance at survival.
This was undoubtedly a gamble on the nation's fate.
"Hanzou's move is to find life in a dead end."
Sho U spoke slowly.
"The Land of Rain has no way back. Instead of being gradually consumed by the friction between the three nations, it's better to take the initiative to stir up huge waves and muddy the waters."
"Declaring war on the three great nations seems like one against three, but it actually drags all three into the war effort against the Land of Rain simultaneously, which might temporarily break the delicate balance between them."
"It forces any single nation to be unable to easily deal a devastating blow to the Land of Rain, and might even trigger mutual suspicion and restraint among the three."
Uchiha Shao Yu's analysis made Third Raikage Ai nod repeatedly, but Sho U's words were not yet finished.
He looked at the Raikage with calm eyes and continued to explain an even bolder plan.
"Lord Raikage, this chaos stirred up by Amegakure is not just an opportunity for Kumogakure to watch from the sidelines or intervene in a limited way."
Sho U's voice was steady but carried a clear momentum.
"This is... an excellent window to significantly enhance Kumogakure's fundamental strength."
"Oh? Tell me more!"
Raikage Ai's single eye lit up; he liked such ambitious ideas.
"Kumogakure's strength lies in its top-tier combat power and the overall bravery of its Ninjas."
"But our shortcomings are also obvious: the number of Bloodline Limit Ninjas is scarce, and our reserves of special power are insufficient."
Sho U pointed directly at the core issue.
"The Yotsuki Clan's Lightning Release Chakra Mode is strong, but it's not a widespread Bloodline Limit. Top-tier Bloodline Limit clans like the Uchiha are even harder to come by. And this time, with several great hidden Villages in a chaotic melee and the flames of war spreading..."
He paused, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.
"Chaos means opportunity. It means many treasures that were originally strictly protected—those talented Ninjas with special gifts or Bloodline Limits, or small Bloodline Limit clans—might lose their protection, be exposed to danger, or become displaced due to the war."
"We, Kumogakure, can take this opportunity to lend a helping hand."
Sho U's tone carried a hint of imperceptible coldness.
"Under the guise of employment, protection, cooperation, or even... rescue, we can actively contact and recruit those special talents and families who are in trouble or feeling lost about the future. Absorb their power into Kumogakure!"
"While Konoha, Iwagakure, and Sunagakure fight to the death in the quagmire of the Land of Rain, consuming their vitality and talent, we, Kumogakure, can quietly strengthen our own Bloodline Limit power and talent reserves in the rear."
"As one side gains and the others lose, in a few years, the power balance between Kumogakure and the other great hidden Villages might undergo a fundamental change."
These words completely ignited the fire in Third Raikage Ai's eyes.
Plundering talent to strengthen the foundation.
This had more strategic significance than simply reaping war profits. What did Kumogakure lack?
It lacked these diverse Bloodline Limits and special geniuses that could bring tactical variety and break through limits.
"Good! A brilliant plan to cut the ground from under them and strengthen ourselves!"
Raikage Ai praised loudly, pacing excitedly in the office.
"Elder Sho U, this idea is exactly what I was thinking. Let's do it. I will immediately have the Intelligence Department and Anbu focus on which targets within the warring nations are worth 'recruiting'."
"At the same time, we will secretly form several elite contact squads led by reliable Jonin to wait for opportunities."
He looked at Sho U.
"You will lead this matter! You have the Sharingan, superior insight and judgment, and as an elder, you have the authority to mobilize certain resources and personnel. Just ask for whatever support you need."
Uchiha Shao Yu bowed slightly.
"I will do my best."
This was precisely the power and opportunity he wanted.
However, his plan went far beyond this.
Once the Raikage calmed down a bit, Sho U spoke again, his voice lower, carrying a tacit understanding known only to the two of them.
"Lord Raikage, besides recruiting from outside, we might also... actively create some opportunities."
"Actively create?"
Raikage Ai was somewhat confused.
"Correct."
Sho U nodded.
"For example... Konoha's Uchiha Clan."
Raikage Ai's single eye narrowed suddenly.
"You mean...?"
"The conflict between Konoha and the Uchiha is deep-rooted, and after my defection, it has only worsened."
"Now that Konoha is about to be dragged into the Land of Rain conflict, they will inevitably need to mobilize all the forces in the Village."
Sho U analyzed calmly.
"As a major combat force of Konoha, it's impossible for the Uchiha to stay out of it. Based on my understanding of the Konoha high-level, they will likely send the Uchiha to the most dangerous front lines with the highest attrition, using their power while simultaneously achieving the goals of consumption, weakening, or even killing with a borrowed knife."
"And within the Uchiha, especially those radical Hawk Faction members who are already dissatisfied with Konoha and harbor resentment—how will they feel if they are sent to a battlefield where death is almost certain?"
Sho U looked at the Raikage.
"Despair? Unwillingness? Or... seeking a new way out?"
Raikage Ai understood.
"You want to... take advantage of the fire? No, it's providing help in their hour of need, guiding them to Kumogakure?"
"Exactly," Sho U admitted frankly.
"I've been away from Konoha for a year. This year has been enough for Elder Uchiha Setsuna and Clan Head Tenjima to do some groundwork and guidance within the clan. It's time to actively contact them."
His eyes flickered with calculating light.
"I will contact Elder Setsuna through secret channels. Let him send the Hawk Faction members to participate in the Land of Rain conflict to show loyalty to Konoha. The Konoha high-level will likely agree readily, even being happy to see it happen, and send them to the most intense battlefields."
"And once the Uchiha elite forces arrive at the front line and fall into a bitter struggle or a desperate situation..."
"We take them away directly."
Sho U said.
"At that time, working from both inside and out, we can bring these elite Uchiha forces back to Kumogakure without anyone noticing. This will greatly enhance our clan's strength in Kumogakure and directly add a group of elite Ninjas with the Sharingan to Kumogakure."
Sho U concluded.
"This kills multiple birds with one stone."
The reason he said this was entirely because there were only a dozen or so Uchiha in Kumogakure, which was far too few.
With the Uchiha's power being so great, which family wouldn't want their descendants to have the Uchiha Clan bloodline? During this year, these Uchiha members were being proposed to every day; that kid Renka had already married six wives.
Even Sho U himself had been urged by Third Raikage Ai to marry many times, saying that such excellent bloodlines must be passed down.
After listening, Third Raikage Ai was silent for a moment, the light in his eyes flashing intensely.
This plan was much bolder than simply recruiting outsiders, and much more... sinister. It was equivalent to carving meat off Konoha, and carving the fattest, most core piece.
The risk was also enormous; once exposed, it would mean a total falling out with Konoha, potentially triggering an all-out war.
But the benefits... were equally huge and heart-stirring. A group of Uchiha elites tempered in the flames of war and completely disillusioned with Konoha—what a powerful force that would be.
He had seen the strength of the Uchiha Clan; every one of them was an elite.
After a long time, Raikage Ai slowly exhaled, his gaze becoming incredibly firm and sharp.
"Let's do it!"
He stared at Sho U.
"Elder Sho U, I leave this matter entirely to you! Whatever support you need, the Village will help with all its might. Contact Uchiha Setsuna, formulate the reception plan, choose the timing... use your own discretion for everything. Remember, it must be covert."
"If we succeed, Kumogakure and the Uchiha will both gain greatly. If we fail... we must minimize the impact and never leave any solid evidence for Konoha."
Uchiha Shao Yu responded solemnly.
"I will act with caution."
The two of them discussed some details and arrangements for communication methods in low voices.
Leaving the Raikage's office, Uchiha Shao Yu looked at the dark clouds gathering over Kumogakure.
For the future of the Uchiha, and to truly take root and grow strong in Kumogakure, some means had to be employed.
Those clansmen who remained in Konoha and still harbored illusions, especially those radical Hawk Faction members.
Rather than letting them be slowly worn down by Konoha's suspicion and exploitation, or die in vain on the battlefields of the Land of Rain.
It was better for him to personally lead them onto this path of defection, which might be even more difficult but was also full of possibilities.
(I'm so pissed off. I was playing a game of Honor of Kings, and as the Marksman with an 18/1 score, I was being flamed like crazy by a 0/12 Jungler. If my mom hadn't been right next to me, I would have opened the mic and flamed back long ago.)
Advance chapter available on pãtrêon Got1808