area51novel Chapter 143 wasn't that difficult.
Chapter 143 wasn't that difficult.
Chapter 143 wasn't that difficult.
The problems in Konoha have always existed, but in the original storyline, they were masked by the miraculous victories that led to the disappearance of the village's true problems.
Victory at the Battle of Kannabi Bridge! The Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist are annihilated! A resounding victory at the Battle of Kikyo Mountain!
In the future, whenever these victories are mentioned, even the lowest-ranking genin on the Konoha front will unconsciously stand tall with pride.
Faced with repeated great victories, even the most scheming ninja clan members will become resolute.
Unfortunately, these victories have not yet arrived.
For Konoha, this moment is the deepest night before dawn.
Naturally, all sorts of problems were exposed to an exceptionally acute degree!
Taking advantage of the enemy's exposed weaknesses, the Akatsuki organization successfully captured the open-pit mine they had marked as target number one on the third day of their attack!
This progress was even more efficient than Shiba Kiyokawa's most optimistic pre-battle expectations!
At first, the mine owners here misunderstood the Akatsuki's style of doing things, thinking that they were still the traditional ninja organization, disciplined by rules, and dared not take action against them.
"You ninjas, if you want to fight, go fight outside! If you damage this equipment, don't expect me to give you any more commissions!"
The mine owner's foolish son, who said this, casually pointed, and by sheer coincidence, he pointed directly to Shiba Kiyokawa at the front of the line.
"That pretty boy over there, yes, it's you!"
You seem like a leader, and they all listen to you, right?
Take your ninjas and set up camp outside the mine. Don't come in!
Give me the address of your ninja village later. I'll bring money to your village and post missions there in a while!
As for now, take your people out! Don't make me say it a second time!
He was surrounded by several ronin with senbon needles in their mouths and strange eyes.
Behind them was a group of miners, dressed in rags and trembling, who had been forcibly dragged over to work, carrying shovels and picks.
At that moment, Shiba Kiyokawa suddenly couldn't help but laugh.
Ignoring the mine owner's son's blustering but cowardly threat, Shiba Kiyokawa immediately stopped and turned to Konan.
"See? This is the tragedy of traditional ninjas. They fight to the death to win the Ninja World War, but all they get in return is a few bones that others casually throw at them like beggars."
Even so, you still have to drag your wounded body to serve these people after the war, because they're not just paying a simple tip, but a mission commission fee.
At that moment, Xiao Nan also smiled.
What was once taken for granted has become increasingly apparent to her as she is now being trained and guided by Shiba Kiyokawa. She is realizing the abnormality of this rule.
Ninjas have been disciplined for far too long!
So long ago, they have completely degenerated into a pathetic species.
Before Shiba Kiyokawa could speak, a member of the Akatsuki couldn't help but ask with a strange expression.
"This place isn't far from the Land of Rain, have you really never heard of our Akatsuki organization?"
The mine owner's foolish son still stood arrogantly with his hands on his hips, saying nonchalantly, "Why should I care about your ninja war? I have money, I can issue commissions anywhere!"
"Even if your damned Ninja World War results in some kind of brain war, what does it have to do with me?"
The next moment, Shiba Kiyokawa walked lightly in front of him, flicked his hand and patted his face with the back of his hand, making the fat on his face tremble.
"I'm sorry, but it's related now."
The mine owner's son felt humiliated and was about to retaliate when he witnessed a scene he would never forget—
The ronin protecting him were all staring ahead as if they were blind, when suddenly a piece of ice crystal rose from the air and pierced their throats.
Until his death, not a single one of the ronin surrounding him made the slightest reaction, let alone dared to retaliate.
Illusion, combined with an instant-cast ice jutsu!
As Shiba Kiyokawa strolled along, he easily dealt with all the guards that the mine owner's family had gathered over the years!
"you--"
At that moment, the mine owner's simple-minded son finally belatedly sensed fear.
But Shiba Kiyokawa was too tired to listen to his nagging anymore.
Where are your household accounts? Also, do you have an accountant or housekeeper who manages your finances?
Using a bit of illusion hypnosis, Shiba Kiyokawa easily got what he wanted.
Then, with a casual flick of his wrist, he pierced the idiot's temple with tiny, sharp ice crystals.
After helping the young man to bed, Shiba Kiyokawa thoughtfully offered a piece of advice.
"In your next life, remember to pay more attention to changes in neighboring countries; political intelligence is very important."
He then continued forward, looking at a group of disheveled miners in front of him.
"Those who still need this job can stay. Your salary level will be aligned with that of the Land of Rain, so don't worry about any deductions! This is Akatsuki's promise to you!"
As for those who are unwilling to work for us, I will let you go after the conflict ends.
"If you understand, go back now. Otherwise, you'll soon understand what war is!"
During this special period, Shiba Kiyokawa did not simply appease them; his words made no attempt to conceal the underlying threat.
Combined with the swift and decisive action taken to kill the mine owner's foolish son, the miners were so frightened that they dared not step forward and all cowered and retreated.
However, among the generally retreating crowd, there was a short miner who looked quite young, with bright eyes, and his gaze towards the Akatsuki members was filled with hope.
This short man went against the flow of people and took the initiative to come forward and ask Shiba Kiyokawa a question.
"Big brother, what are the salary levels like in the Land of Rain?"
Looking at the old, patched-up clothes on the other person's body, faded from washing, and the bloody cuts on his hands, Shiba Kiyokazu's expression was complicated.
He reached out and patted the other person on the head, smiling confidently.
"Don't worry, it will definitely be higher than your current salary. It will ensure you have enough to eat, warm clothes to wear, and the ability to support your families."
The short miner's eyes lit up even more upon hearing this.
He immediately agreed, "Okay! We'll help you mine from now on!"
Before Shiba Kiyokawa could even speak, Konan behind him couldn't help but let out a sound of relief and pride.
"It turns out that changing the world isn't as difficult as I imagined."
This is their first step out of the Land of Rain and into the entire ninja world!
Looking back now, it doesn't seem as difficult or terrifying as Xiao Nan had imagined.
Shiba Kiyokawa looked at her but did not interrupt Konan's thoughts. He only smiled and reminded her after Konan came back to her senses.
"It's good to have confidence in your ideals, but don't be careless. The real test has only just begun."
Xiao Nan looked at him, quietly waiting for his answer.
Shiba Kiyokawa deliberately washed his hands with water to remove the bloodstains and dirt before reaching out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind Konan's ear.
"It's just taking over a mine. Our war isn't over yet. Besides, we still have to hold this place under the dual pressure from Konoha and Iwagakure."
At that moment, Xiao Nan's gaze followed the short miner who had just come forward. She watched as he ran back with a heart full of hope, actively becoming an advocate for the Akatsuki organization, willingly persuading his fellow miners to stay, and tirelessly repeating the few promises made by Shiba Kiyokawa.
After a while, Xiao Nan suddenly laughed.
"But we'll win, won't we? Kiyokawa-kun, we're doing the right thing. We'll win even against Konoha, right?"
Shiba Kiyokawa was helpless.
What he really wanted to say was: there is absolutely no necessary connection between doing the right thing and winning.
Moreover, people who say "we will win" usually end up losing, and it's not uncommon for them to be eliminated prematurely.
But at that moment, Shiba Kiyokawa still couldn't bear to spoil Minami's fun.
So what he said was...
"Yes, we will win! Neither Konoha nor the Five Great Ninja Villages are invincible!"
(End of this chapter)