The Ordinary Life of a Clear-Ryu Ninja Chapter 693

The next morning, as Konoha began to bustle, Toshi had already completed his training. Jugo stood not far away, a dog-beating stick given to him by Fukasaku-sennin tucked into his waist, only focused on teasing a small bird that had landed on his hand.

After training, Toshi simply washed up, changed into clean ninja clothes, and headed to the Staff Office with Jugo. Pushing open the door to the Staff Office, Shikaku sat at his desk, a map in his hand, his brows slightly furrowed, seemingly deep in thought.

“Senior Shikaku, I have important intelligence.”

Seeing Toshi enter, Shikaku put down the map, revealing a tired smile.

“Toshi, coming to find me so early, it seems you have something important.” Shikaku said, motioning for Toshi to sit down.

Toshi nodded and said straightforwardly, “Senior Shikaku, I just returned from the Land of Rice Fields. There’s a Hidden Sound Village there, which was originally Orochimaru’s base. I’ve now reorganized it and brought it under my secret control. On the surface, I’ve also facilitated an alliance between Konoha and Hidden Sound. This might affect the Staff Office’s strategic planning.”

Seeing Shikaku nod in understanding, Toshi continued, “However, I came here for another matter. The Hidden Rain Village is now controlled by a force called the Akatsuki. This organization is extremely powerful; its members are rogue ninja from various countries, and their strength far surpasses that of ordinary jonin.”

Since Hidden Rain and Konoha signed an alliance agreement after the Third Great Ninja War, and it is located in the gap between the three great nations of Fire, Earth, and Wind, its strategic significance is immense. At this, Shikaku’s expression became serious, and he leaned slightly forward, motioning for Toshi to continue.

Toshi roughly introduced the situation of the Akatsuki, including their plans, the abilities of some members, in short, everything he could say. After listening, Shikaku clenched his fist then released it, falling into deep thought.

“The Akatsuki is indeed a big problem, but it’s too early for us to confront them head-on.” Shikaku said slowly, “I have an idea: we can leverage the geographical advantage of Hidden Rain Village. Hidden Stone Village has recently deployed three thousand troops in the Land of Grass. We can use Hidden Stone’s power to deplete Hidden Rain Village’s strength, or rather, use Hidden Rain Village to disrupt Hidden Stone’s deployment.”

Toshi nodded, indicating for Shikaku to continue.

“Hidden Rain Village is originally an ally of Konoha. Although small nations usually don’t directly participate when great nations are at war, this time, we can put on a show.” A confident smile appeared on Shikaku’s face. “We send people to Hidden Rain Village to discuss jointly dispatching troops to deal with Hidden Stone. At the same time, regardless of Hidden Rain’s reply, we spread the news that Hidden Rain is going to send troops to assist the Fire-Wind Alliance against Hidden Stone. In short, we need to make sure Hidden Stone receives the signal that Hidden Rain is about to make a move. After Hidden Stone Village learns this, they will inevitably develop hostility towards Hidden Rain Village. Then, we secretly send people disguised as Hidden Rain Village ninja to attack Hidden Stone troops’ supply lines. This way, no matter what Hidden Rain and Hidden Stone think, they will only be able to factually go to war.”

Toshi nodded, finding the plan feasible: “This indeed kills two birds with one stone.” If Hidden Stone doesn’t deal with Hidden Rain, then when Hidden Stone and Konoha go to war in the Land of Grass, Hidden Rain could launch a surprise attack from behind Hidden Stone’s forces at any time, especially on the supply lines. Hidden Stone suffered a great loss at Kannabi Bridge due to their supply lines being cut, which would make Hidden Stone pay greater attention to security from the flank.

With just a little push, Hidden Rain would fall into this scheme. Even if both Hidden Stone and Hidden Rain might realize that Konoha set the trap, Hidden Stone’s only choices would be to either deal with Hidden Rain first before attacking Konoha, or to retreat directly.

It’s really real, and fake becomes real. Shikaku really likes to use these kinds of stratagems.

After the two discussed the plan against the Akatsuki, Shikaku then introduced Toshi to the true situation of the five great nations…