Around the main island of the Land of Water, there were more than a dozen small islands.
Due to land reclamation, the small islands, once scattered like stars, were now connected into a complete landmass. This caused the territory of the Land of Water to more than double in size.
Shun stood on high ground, observing all of this, but there was not much of a smile on his face. To him, this land reclamation project was merely a temporary solution to the immigration crisis.
"Your Excellency's strength is peerless! To expand the territory by a five hundred kilometers with his own power is an unprecedented feat throughout history!"
"With this new land, the Land of Water's food production can at least double, and we will no longer have to worry about famine."
"The Ninja World's nations, witnessing this miracle, will surely hold the Land of Water in even greater awe and dare not provoke it easily again."
The officials of the Land of Water surrounded Shun, who was in the main seat, their faces filled with uncontrollable excitement, and flattery poured forth like a tide.
Shun sat in the main seat, his fingertips gently tapping the table, his face showing little emotion. He scanned the excited faces of the crowd.
Once the officials' enthusiasm had somewhat subsided, he slowly spoke, "The planning for the new land will be handled by the Ministry of Civil Affairs. A detailed plan must be produced within three days to quickly demarcate farmland and residential areas, ensuring that every immigrant has a place to live and food to eat."
"As for the flattery, there is no need to continue. The strength of the Land of Water is not built on words, but on real stability and power."
Upon hearing this, the officials all fell silent, but their faces still held reverence.
"The meeting is adjourned. Report any issues to me at any time."
After the meeting, Shun went alone to the top-floor terrace of the royal palace, and his golden Six Tomoe Rinnegan instantly activated.
Ocular Technique: Cosmic Control!
He attempted to establish a connection with the Ninja World's planetary consciousness, but a moment later, a hint of disappointment flashed in his eyes.
The compatibility value displayed remained at only 6.8%, far from his expected level.
"Still not working? If it's only 6.8%, then using Cosmic Control in the Ninja World will have its effectiveness greatly reduced."
In contrast, the consciousness of the Nameless Planet, Hiroto, had already reached 100% compatibility with him. He could freely manipulate the planet's energy and environment, a feeling of complete control that was far beyond what the Ninja World could offer.
"It seems I still need to focus more of my energy on the Nameless Planet."
However, the current situation in the Ninja World still required his personal oversight.
He retrieved a gilded black mask to avoid exposing his identity. Then, space began to distort, and in the next second, he appeared in Amegakure.
"Who goes there? How dare you trespass into Akatsuki's base?!"
A commanding voice, muffled by the mask, came out. "Don't panic, it's me."
Then, Shun raised his hand and removed the mask, revealing his true face.
Nagato's vigilance lessened slightly.
Konan's gaze, however, was somewhat complex as she asked, "Your Excellency, why have you suddenly come to Amegakure?"
Shun put his mask back on, his voice devoid of emotion. "I heard you plan to continue conquering cities in the Land of Fire, so I came to see your next plan."
Nagato was silent for a moment, then nodded, his tone carrying a hint of determination. "The Land of Fire is one of the Five Great Nations of the Ninja World, with vast territory and abundant resources. As long as we can occupy more land, Akatsuki's strength will increase faster, bringing us closer to our goal."
Shun interrupted him unceremoniously, "Nagato, you are wrong. You only see the territory of the Land of Fire, but not its foundation. The Land of Fire was once wealthy, but after more than a decade of warfare, the ninja population has long been decimated."
He walked to the map in the base, his finger pointing to the territory of the Land of Fire. "Even if you occupy all of the Land of Fire's territory, it will be difficult to recruit enough ninjas locally to replenish your strength. Instead, you will need to divide your forces to garrison each city, dispersing your existing power. At that point, let alone expansion, whether you can even hold onto the occupied territory will be a problem."
Nagato was stunned. He had never considered this aspect.
These days, his mind had been entirely focused on expanding territory, but he had overlooked the most fundamental reserve of strength.
He instinctively pressed on, "Your Excellency, then what do you think I should do?"
Shun walked to the map and pointed to the location of the Land of Birds. "First, annex the Land of Birds. The Land of Birds is located at the junction of the Lands of Wind, Earth, and Rain, making its strategic position important."
"Moreover, it has been in a neutral state for many years, and its ninja forces are relatively intact, having not experienced much warfare. After occupying the Land of Birds, you can recruit local ninjas to join, replenishing fresh blood."
Then, he drew a circle on the map that included parts of the Land of Earth and the Land of Wind and said, "Next, concentrate your forces to attack the border cities of the Land of Earth and the Land of Wind. Then, using these cities as a springboard, heavily recruit ninjas from the two great nations to rapidly expand your strength."
Nagato looked at the map, and his eyes gradually lit up. He had previously only thought about expanding territory, but had overlooked the importance of replenishing strength.
"Your Excellency, you are right."
Konan nodded in agreement. "Your Excellency's strategy is more far-sighted. This will not only prevent us from falling into the dilemma of 'easy to occupy, difficult to govern,' but also rapidly strengthen our military power."
Shun nodded with satisfaction and said, "Remember, the competition in the Ninja World ultimately comes down to reserves of strength. Although you do not lack top-tier combat power, insufficient mid-to-lower-tier combat power will lead to an unstable foundation, so you cannot rush for quick success. Once you have integrated all the forces around the Land of Rain, we will then consider the next step."
Nagato solemnly said, "Thank you for your guidance. We will adjust our plans immediately."
Konan looked at Shun, hesitated for a moment, but still couldn't help but ask, "I've always had a question. With your strength, it should be easy to bring peace to the Ninja World, so why are you taking such a roundabout approach?"
Shun smiled slightly, his tone somewhat heavy. "The aristocratic ruling system of the Ninja World has lasted for thousands of years, and the number of nobles totals tens of millions. Am I to kill them all?"
"Overthrowing the old system is easy, but establishing a new one is very difficult. I need some time to gain the recognition of the world, so that I can minimize bloodshed."
Upon hearing this, Konan's tone became much more respectful. "I understand. Thank you, Your Excellency, for clarifying."
Shun nodded slightly. "I have other matters to attend to, so I will return to the Land of Water first. If you have any questions, contact me at any time."
After he finished speaking, the space around him distorted, and his figure instantly vanished.
Nagato watched Shun come and go in a hurry, lost in thought.
Konan, however, took his hand and gently said, "Nagato, don't think about it. I know your worries. But no matter how much you think, it won't change anything. The gap in strength between us and him is too great."
Nagato smiled helplessly and said, "I understand. As long as the wars of the Ninja World can be ended..."