After all, the tasks he assigned to the Root Ninja have already surpassed the limits that Hanzo can bear.
However, what came wasn't news of the missing Root Squad but rather the public announcement of Hidden Rain declaring war on Hidden Sand. At this moment, he immediately had a bad thought—there is another force secretly riding on the Root's coattails, stirring war in the Land of Rain.
Although provoking a battle between Hidden Rain and Hidden Sand is what Danzo expected, this incident's occurrence had nothing to do with Root.
He and Root might have been used by a mysterious force in the shadows.
This mysterious force is not only fully aware of Root's actions but also has some unknown intent, causing Hidden Rain and Hidden Sand to attack each other.
This time, they can provoke the relationship between Hidden Rain and Hidden Sand; next time, they might provoke the relationship between Konoha and Hidden Rain.
This uncertainty could also pose a threat to Konoha in the future.
This mysterious force lurking in the shadows must be found and eliminated!
Danzo's eyes revealed a cold killing intent.
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Hidden Rain's involvement in the war, openly declaring war on Hidden Sand, was something many found unexpected.
The Land of Rain is primarily a small country, constantly facing economic, diplomatic, and military restrictions from larger nations. Its incredibly awkward geographical position inevitably makes it a battleground for big countries to fight.
If it weren't for the appearance of a ninja named 'Hanzo,' the ninja villages of great nations wouldn't pay such a small country any mind.
After all, a ninja named 'Hanzo' is a well-known and powerful presence in the Ninja Realm.
Single-handedly, during the Second Great Ninja War, he turned the tide for the Land of Rain by directly dismantling the ninja squads of great nations, bringing a glimmer of hope to the Land of Rain.
It also made the great nations realize that small countries are not entities to be easily bullied.
While bullying them, they must also recognize they possess sharp teeth capable of biting off a piece of flesh from the great nations.
Far from the flames of war, in the Land of Demons, Hakushi also learned the news that Hidden Rain declared war on Hidden Sand.
A portion of the company's personnel was stationed in the Land of Rain, opening pharmacies there. Even without deliberate investigation, such a critical event would quickly be relayed back to the Land of Demons through various channels.
Hidden Rain did not avoid or conceal anything in this matter.
On the declaration of war, Hidden Rain publicly exposed the various atrocities Hidden Sand committed within the borders of the Land of Rain. Many villages in the Land of Rain were bloodily purged for the plunder of resources, with countless casualties. This severely violated the international law that strictly prohibits ninjas from harming ordinary people in any form.
"Didn't think Konoha would use this method to break the impasse. This sort of thing was done by Danzo leading Root, wasn't it?"
Ruri, who came to Hakushi's office, was quite concerned with the war situation in the Land of Rain.
Understanding the current dynamics of the Ninja Realm through these affairs is also essential for the Land of Demons.
"The Hidden Rain Leader, Hanzo of the Salamander—though I haven't seen him in person—the title of 'Demigod' was universally recognized by all participating ninjas from Konoha, Hidden Rock, and Hidden Sand during the Second Great Ninja War. Being able to single-handedly block the army's sharp edge of great nations at that time—I don't think such a powerful ninja would easily fall into Konoha's trap."
Hakushi sipped his cup of hot tea, making this judgment.
If not forced into a corner, Hakushi doesn't believe Hanzo would be so irrational as to break ties with Hidden Sand at such a critical time.
"Do you think there are other factors that compelled Hanzo to act against Hidden Sand?"
"Yes, perhaps Hidden Sand not only has its sights on the Land of Fire but also wants to swallow the Land of Rain in one go."
"If that's the case, Hanzo indeed would clash with Hidden Sand."
"Unfortunately, Hanzo's age is quite advanced, having entered the twilight that comes for every ninja. Compared to the period during the Second Great Ninja War, his power should have declined significantly."
According to what Hakushi knows, other than Hanzo, there is no second powerful ninja in Hidden Rain Village capable of leading it.
The end of a ninja's road, at its heart, is just that.
No successor to carry on the faith. That is not only sorrowful but also indicative of a decline in spirit and disappointment.
Whether as a person or a ninja, once the beliefs held steadfastly in the heart are gone, one becomes no different from the walking dead, unable to evoke fear.
"We should just wait and see what happens next. The Land of Rain is also a critical part of our plan. From this perspective, it's indeed time to thank Hanzo for reclaiming the dignity of being a Ninja Demigod."
If not for this, Hakushi thinks the plan he has delayed would need more time to activate.
As it turns out now, there's no need to leverage Konoha's power to subtly influence events from the shadows anymore.
"On that note, I have something important to tell you, and I need you to prepare mentally."
Ruri remembered something at this time.
"Important thing? What is it?"
Ruri has only been training recently; what important thing requires him to be prepared?
Hakushi felt puzzled in his heart.
Ruri took a deep breath, gently caressing her abdomen, looked deeply at Hakushi, and said clearly in the office:
"I'm pregnant."