CHAPTER 337: KAZEKAGE NINJA-CHAPTER 126: SHŌGUN OF THE CONQUEST

Konoha and the Wind-Cloud Allied Forces fell into a strange calm.

Konoha was busy reorganizing military equipment, restructuring ninja forces, secretly dispatching envoys, and seeking external aid.

Sunagakure and Kumogakure were occupied with continuing to build fortifications, strengthen defenses, and train tactics.

Both sides presented a scene where they could hear each other’s roosters and dogs yet never interacted.

This standoff lasted nearly two months.

This wasn’t surprising at all. In this state, both Jinghang and Hiruzen Sarutobi knew that whoever struck first would be at a disadvantage.

But Jinghang wasn’t anxious at all. The logistics for twenty thousand troops were handled by Kumogakure Village, the transport routes weren’t far, and the Third Raikage had specially arranged dedicated personnel for mutual supply. Since Konoha didn’t dare rashly attack, there was no problem. Moreover, Jinghang had arranged for Akaruofen to establish a solid logistics base in Yugakure Village—military supplies could support them for at least half a year. Even in a war of attrition, they had nothing to fear.

Furthermore, they could receive continuous supplies from Yuexi Peninsula. As Yuexi Peninsula Governor Maki put it: "Lord Kazekage, just go ahead and beat up those Konoha bastards. I won’t say much else, but supporting you for three to five years is no problem."

As for the external aid Konoha sought, Jinghang had made arrangements long ago.

Now that the Amegakure war was over and pressure on Moon Lake New District had suddenly decreased, Shadow Rasa handed all 7,000 ninja under his command to Akasha Guimu, who was stationed at Black Wind Stronghold. Combined with the original garrison, their forces instantly swelled to 9,400.

With his backbone strengthened, Akasha Guimu immediately became assertive. Without a word, he led his forces north to station troops on the Iwagakure border, forming a pincer formation with General Diyi’s 8,000 Kumogakure ninja guarding the northern frontier. Like iron tongs, they firmly clamped down on Iwagakure Village’s vital points.

Under this military threat, Fifth Tsuchikage Kurotsuchi, who had originally been eager to strike and grab some benefits, once again lowered his flags and silenced his drums.

Regarding Kirigakure, Jinghang had also made arrangements. Konoha sent envoys? Well, so would they.

Yuexi Peninsula Governor Maki had also contributed greatly during Kirigakure’s Yeming Rebellion. He personally led the delegation with Xuechi Gaojin as deputy to visit Kirigakure Village.

They were allocated 2 billion ryō just for operational expenses and given full autonomy—whether buying off, bribing, gift-giving, or entertaining, anything goes! There was only one requirement: make Kirigakure Village stay put. For at least six months.

Why six months?

Because Jinghang had always kept a strategic reserve force on Yuexi Peninsula—the Fourth Division of the regular army. Even during the most intense fighting on the eastern front, Jinghang gritted his teeth and never deployed them, precisely to prevent Kirigakure from marching north and stirring up trouble.

In another three months, Kakuzu’s "collection" mission would be basically complete. These three thousand ninja could then be freed up to return to Yuexi Peninsula for defense. Combined with the Fourth Division and reorganizing local security forces, they could muster eighteen thousand ninja in another three months.

Coordinating with Yuexi Peninsula’s coastal defenses, blocking Kirigakure wouldn’t be a problem.

By that time, Sunagakure would have absolute initiative—money earned, Konoha weakened. Whether fighting or withdrawing, it would be pure profit.

Just then, a delegation broke the tranquility of the Wind-Cloud Allied Forces camp.

"What? An envoy from the Fire Country Daimyō? What’s his name?"

Jinghang looked at the document in his hand with great surprise. Now Jinghang, as supreme commander of the Wind-Cloud Allied Forces, handled all army affairs. The Third Raikage had confidently entrusted military authority to Jinghang while seriously studying the "Phantom Dragon Nine Seals."

"The visitor calls himself Masanobu Izu."

Sasori replied.

"Oh, that’s quite a figure. He’s the Fire Country Daimyō’s chief retainer. Bring him in, and don’t neglect proper etiquette."

Chief retainer—equivalent to the Daimyō’s prime minister, the number one person under the Daimyō, definitely a power player in Fire Country.

This Masanobu Izu—though Jinghang had only met him once during the Five Kage Summit without deep interaction, the intelligence files from Yuexi Peninsula’s information station rated him quite highly.

Resourceful and decisive, extremely skilled at controlling situations, and possessing governance abilities, earning him the reputation of "Wise Izu."

Soon, a thin, hawk-faced middle-aged man entered the tent. Looking at Jinghang, he didn’t bow but just stared directly.

Is he waiting for me to bow?

Jinghang thought to himself.

But Jinghang just casually raised his hand.

"Chief Retainer, you’ve traveled far. Please sit."

He showed no intention of standing up.

Though his words were mild, his attitude was quite arrogant.

This put Masanobu Izu in an awkward position. His brow furrowed as he looked at Jinghang with obviously unfriendly eyes.

"Insolent! How dare a mere ninja show such disrespect!"

The speaker wasn’t Masanobu Izu but a samurai guard with a fierce expression, his katana already half-drawn.

Jinghang rolled his eyes.

"Let me clarify—I’m not just a ninja, but also a noble with official rank."

"Hm?!"

At these words, Masanobu Izu was somewhat surprised.

"I’m not only Sunagakure Village’s Third Kazekage, but also Wind Country’s..."

Jinghang pointed at a small green flag hanging in the tent.

"Shōgun of the Conquest!"

"Hiss!"

Masanobu Izu sucked in a cold breath.

How could Wind Country’s Daimyō be so reckless, giving this title to someone else!

Shōgun of the Conquest was the title for supreme commander of a nation’s entire armed forces. Though only a nominal title, it was incredibly prestigious, carrying the authority to lead a nation’s troops in conquest. Usually the Daimyō would hold it personally or grant it to extremely trusted subjects—generally sons, nephews, brothers, or at minimum, relatives by marriage.

Could Wind Country’s Daimyō have married his daughter or sister to the Kazekage? He’d never heard of such a thing!

"Who knows if your title is real..."

The samurai was still questioning when Jinghang leisurely pulled out a golden token.

"Recognize this thing?"

"Wind Command Token!"

Masanobu Izu was shocked again.

So this Wind Country Shōgun of the Conquest title was real!

How did this thing end up in Kazekage Jinghang’s hands? Masanobu Izu was completely puzzled.

How did it come about?

Naturally, won at the gambling table.

Over these past ten years, Wind Country’s Daimyō had spent more time on Yuexi Peninsula than in Dragonfly Castle. His luck got worse year by year—first losing cash, then the treasury, then land. Today losing 300 miles, tomorrow 500 miles. Speculating on iron ore left him completely bankrupt.

Put it this way—by the time the Third Great Ninja War began, except for Banshan Green Palace and Temple of Wind

, Wind Country’s Daimyō didn’t own a single inch of land that belonged to him in Wind Country.

Having lost everything, Wind Country’s Daimyō simply gave up completely. He sold everything sellable, pawned everything pawnable, and spent his days living in drunken luxury at Crystal Palace under the Daimyō title.

This Shōgun of the Conquest title and Wind Command Token were just the stakes of one hand of cards.

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