Land of Rain, Ninja Sect Headquarters.
Mokgetsu and Yahiko were discussing the location for the Ninja Sect's main base with others.
The situation is different now compared to the past. The current status of the Ninja Sect is equivalent to that of the Rain Village, so they can't just pick any place to settle down; it must be considered from multiple angles and perspectives.
"A village in the central part of the Land of Rain would be ideal, so our Ninja Sect can extend its influence nationwide, improving the security of the Land of Rain," Yahiko said enthusiastically.
What he wants most right now is to restore peace in the Land of Rain. Establishing the main base in the center would allow Ninja Sect members to quickly reach all parts of the country.
"You mean to have all Ninja Sect actions under the watchful eyes of the Rain Ninja?" Kakuzu countered.
The Rain Village is located in the central region of the Land of Rain, with the difference in numbers between them, it wouldn't be difficult for the Rain Village to monitor the Ninja Sect.
Although both sides are coexisting peacefully now, in Kakuzu's eyes, an enemy who isn't currently fighting is still an enemy and needs to be treated with caution.
"If we choose the center, it's inevitable to provoke the Rain Ninja," Ike Masaya added.
During the peace talks, Hanzo already showed deep apprehension towards the Ninja Sect. If the sect were to move right next to the Rain Village, Ike guessed that Hanzo might be too uneasy to sleep well.
Though Hanzo's sleep quality is none of their concern, it's also conceivable that Hanzo might be so panicked by the Ninja Sect's growing power that he'd tear up the ceasefire and start an internal war.
For the Ninja Sect, the longer the delay, the more advantageous it is for them.
"Then let's not set up in the center," Yahiko found himself lacking consideration after hearing this and looked back at the large map of the Land of Rain on the table, searching for a favorable position for the Ninja Sect.
"Nagato, have you found any good spots?" Yahiko asked Nagato casually as he looked at the map.
"Since our goal is to restore peace, the eastern part seems like a viable option," Nagato thought for a moment and replied.
The words of Mokgetsu had always stuck with Nagato, that he should clarify his purposes before taking action.
"The eastern region is in chaos due to the Konoha vs. Hidden Rock and Hidden Sand vs. Hidden Cloud wars. If the chaos in the eastern region can be quelled, it should significantly contribute to the peace of the entire Land of Rain..."
Nagato realized everyone was looking at him as he spoke, making him wonder if he had said something wrong, and his voice became more cautious.
Yahiko happily patted Nagato on the shoulder, "Nagato, it seems like you're progressing fast and considering things more comprehensively than I am."
Nagato smiled sheepishly; he didn't feel as capable as Yahiko. He had simply remembered Mokgetsu's words more and coupled them with existing intelligence for analysis.
"If we can quell the chaos in the east, it will definitely contribute significantly to the peace of the Land of Rain, but the danger there might exceed that of the central region," Kakuzu reminded them.
The eastern part adjacent to the Rain Village is close to two battlefields: above is the Land of Grass battlefield between Hidden Rock and Konoha, and below is the Land of Rivers battlefield between Hidden Cloud and Hidden Sand.
Being caught in between, the eastern part of the Land of Rain has become full of holes, and running into a ninja from a Great Ninja Village is quite common.
Because of this environment, the eastern region is currently where most of the wandering ninjas in the Land of Rain are, and where the Ninja Organization is most active.
"After all, our Ninja Sect lacks a considerably sized middle-tier force," Kakuzu pointed out the current critical weakness of the Ninja Sect.
Even as a Ninja Village, their high-level combat strength isn't weak, with warriors like Mokgetsu, who can rival the Demigod Hanzo, and Nagato, a promising young talent.
But when it comes to the middle tier, they're far behind. Most of the Ninja Sect's ninjas can't compete with the experienced Chunins from the Five Great Ninja Villages.
No matter how chaotic the east becomes, there's no one foolish enough to provoke Mokgetsu or Kakuzu, but other Ninja Sect members wouldn't have that protection, and conflict and battles could be inevitable.
Nagato's expression became hesitant, and he wanted to negate his previous suggestion. He didn't want his companions to face danger.
"I'm not saying not to go, though. A dangerous environment can train your abilities, which might actually benefit the entire Ninja Sect," Kakuzu interrupted Nagato and then fell silent.
Hearing Kakuzu, Nagato hesitated again, unable to immediately decide if going east was a good idea.
"Let's vote on it and let them decide for themselves," Mokgetsu suggested.
Moving east is indeed more advantageous for Mokgetsu, as Konoha lies to the east of the Land of Rain, adjacent to the Land of Fire, making it closer to Konoha and more convenient for travel.
But as the Leader of the Ninja Sect, Mokgetsu couldn't make a decision based on personal reasons.
In the end, it was as Mokgetsu said; they made the pros and cons clear to all the Ninja Sect members and let hundreds of ninjas vote together.
After the votes were tallied, Nagato was surprised to find that the most votes went to the clearly more dangerous eastern region.
Nagato was a bit confused; the majority of the Ninja Sect weren't as strong as Yahiko or Konan, so why would they want to go to the most dangerous east?
If it were before, Nagato would have pondered it quietly by himself.
But now, he had a trustworthy teacher by his side, so Nagato chose to ask Mokgetsu directly.
"If you want to know the answer, you shouldn't ask me, but those who voted," Mokgetsu led Nagato to those who cast their votes for the east.
"I'm actually from the eastern part of the Land of Rain. That place hasn't just become chaotic recently; it's been that way since the Second Ninja World War. If the Ninja Sect can bring peace there, it could be considered a contribution to my hometown. As for danger? When is being a ninja ever not dangerous?"