"How are things looking?"
"Not optimistic." Nara Shikaku's expression was heavy. "Kumogakure has publicly released its Lightning Release Body Activation training method. It drastically increases movement speed."
"They've used it to mass-produce lower- and mid-ranked ninja specialized in high-speed transport. As a result, nearly all delivery-type missions from the Sacrificial Shop are being monopolized by them. Konoha's ninja can't compete at all."
"The same goes for construction," Jiraiya added, rubbing his temples. "Ōnoki went all in. He brought over Iwagakure's entire demolition corps."
"Earth Release combined with explosive techniques—plus their joint-ninjutsu coordination—means their efficiency is absurd. Projects that normally take half a year are finished in one month, and the structures are sturdier than most fortifications."
"Construction teams now prioritize Iwagakure by default. If this continues, Konoha's mission share will be completely squeezed out."
Shinnosuke flipped through the compiled reports, his face equally grim. "The Sacrificial Shop now supplies food for all its staff. The number of construction workers and service personnel alone is staggering—the daily consumption is astronomical."
"And the Spirit Beasts are extremely picky," he continued. "Their dietary demands are even higher."
"Kirigakure seized the opportunity," Shinnosuke said, tapping the report. "They deployed large numbers of ninja for deep-sea fishing, using Water Release to assist fleets. They specialize in rare, high-quality seafood, which the Spirit Beasts favor."
"They've now taken roughly ninety percent of the Shop's seafood supply."
"And that's not all," he added. "They bundled food distribution into a delivery service, packaging seafood with vegetables, fruits, and meat."
Tsunade frowned. "Sunagakure?"
Shikaku handed her another dossier. "The Armory Building has an enormous demand for rare metals. Sunagakure formed a Magnet Release exploration unit led by jōnin, dedicated to locating and refining high-purity ores."
"They even halted production of their puppet corps, diverting all resources into metal purification."
Shikaku closed the file slowly. "The Land of Iron's Daimyō has already signed an exclusive supply agreement with Sunagakure. Even within the Land of Fire, several nobles have voluntarily granted them priority purchasing rights to their mineral reserves."
Before informing the other villages about the Sage-Immortality Pearl, Tsunade hadn't imagined each of them could pivot so decisively. She exhaled and looked at Shikaku.
"What's Konoha's way out?"
Shikaku took a deep breath. "Education."
"The Daimyō has already approved an expansion of Konoha's ninja roster. The Land of Fire also has the largest population in the Ninja World. That's our advantage."
He unfurled a scroll. "Spirit Master cultivation on the Douluo Continent is divided into elementary and advanced stages."
"Elementary education focuses on foundations. Advanced institutions cultivate elites."
"We can replicate this model."
"Establish basic ninja academies throughout the Land of Fire. Open enrollment to anyone with aptitude. Tuition low enough for commoners. Graduation does not require joining Konoha."
Tsunade listened intently.
"The key," Shikaku said, tapping the scroll, "is advanced ninja schools."
"Send jōnin instructors. Recruit students from across the Ninja World. Even release selected Konoha techniques."
Tsunade's eyes narrowed. "You're saying—"
"Outstanding talents are absorbed into Konoha," Shikaku said calmly. "Ordinary students pay high tuition. Exclusively in sacrificial coins."
Realization struck.
"You want to drain sacrificial coins from rogue ninja and other villages," Tsunade said slowly.
Shikaku smiled faintly. "Exactly."
"The Daimyō will never agree to widespread dissemination of ninjutsu," Tsunade said.
"Which is why Hokage-sama must endure the pressure," Shikaku replied quietly. "Before the Daimyō reacts, we expand aggressively. Once the profits are obvious, the clans will bring their funds—and oppose him alongside us."
Jiraiya scratched his chin. "Then what about the Sacrificial Shop's missions? If we don't compete, how do we obtain the Pearl?"
"That Pearl isn't vital to Konoha," Shikaku replied. "We can withdraw and trade our non-participation for political support."
"While the others fight over missions, we standardize ninja education."
"If Konoha becomes the global benchmark for ninja training, then regardless of power shifts, we remain indispensable."
Tsunade and Jiraiya exchanged looks. Temptation was obvious.
The one-country–one-village system had been created by the First Hokage himself. Breaking it first carried risks—
"Hokage-sama!" Shizune burst through the door. "Emergency!"
"Border of the Land of Fire and the Land of Tea—an enormous chakra signature detected! Affected radius exceeds three kilometers. Energy level surpasses that of a Tailed Beast!"
"What?!" The room erupted.
"Notify the other Kage immediately!" Tsunade slammed the table, tying on her Hokage hat as she stood. "Everyone, move!"
"Yes!"
They arrived to find the other Kage already present.
"…It's Uchiha Madara," Ōnoki said grimly.
"…And Danzo Shimura," Yagura added.
He explained everything—from the Land of Water incident to Biwa Jūzō's encounter with the black-robed figures.
Tsunade's fury flared. "The Fire Daimyō—"
Shikaku nodded once.
The old agreement was broken. Konoha no longer needed to restrain itself.
"So Madara likely obtained a Longevity Pill," Ōnoki muttered. "Twenty years…"
"The Sacrificial Shop?" Ay asked tightly.
"The Spirit Masters returned to rest. The Shop shows no reaction," Yagura replied. "As if Madara isn't a threat."
Sasha snorted. "Then there's nothing to discuss. Prepare for war."
Yagura clenched his fist. "He manipulated the Mizukage. He is our common enemy."
No one objected.
Back at the Sacrificial Shop, the twenty from Douluo finally regrouped.
"We lost badly," Ning Rongrong complained. "All our Fortune Pearls are gone."
"How many left?" Huo Wu asked.
"I have one," Dai Cheng said.
Silence followed.
"He's that strong?" Zhu Zhuyu asked quietly.
"No," Jade Heavenheart said. "He's beyond that."
Black Zetsu made his decision. Tobi entered the Shop alone.
An hour later, Tobi returned.
"Public mission posting: 30 million sacrificial coins," Tobi reported. "Direct commission: 45 million."
Black Zetsu's face darkened.
The Longevity Pill was secured—but the price was clear.
"…We rely on Madara," Black Zetsu concluded. "There is no other path."