They're promoting the "Konoha threat" theory, and spouting nonsense about the Hidden

Chapter 124 Selling a Sense of Security

Using peace talks as a pretext to gain prestige, showcasing their strength with powerful but impractical weapons like the Chakra Cannon, and if all goes well, Hozuki Shingetsu could even use this peace talks as an opportunity to propose the establishment of a pan-continental ninja village alliance, taking the opportunity to discuss conditions such as mutual tariff exemption, strengthening international exchanges, and sharing domestic markets.

Finally, they used the chakra cannon to shatter the moon as bait to lure out Black Zetsu, thus indirectly controlling him.

If this move succeeds, it won't just be a win-win situation; it'll be like Qin Shi Huang touching an electrical wire – winning too much.

However, nothing can be accomplished overnight. In order to make Kirigakure's actions more reasonable in the future, we must start now to continuously promote Kirigakure's love for peace.

Only in this way can we legitimately ask to act as peacemakers when everyone is exhausted two years later.

Furthermore, they could even incite public opinion in the ninja world beforehand, deliberately exaggerating the cruelty of the war, and then, under the guidance of public opinion, point the finger at Kirigakure as the hope for ending the Second Shinobi World War.

"If the fog remains hidden, what will become of the common people?"

The mere thought of such a slogan made Hozuki Shingetsu, who was always fond of fame and fortune, feel his blood boil with excitement, startling Akiba Masanobu, who was finishing his report next to him, who thought there was something wrong with his previous report.

"Tell me, what kind of impression does Kirigakure have in the eyes of the world?"

Just as Akiba Masanobu was filled with suspicion, he heard his boss ask this question.

Do I even need to think about this kind of question? The answer just comes right out of my mouth!

"I believe that the image of Kirigakure in the eyes of the world can be divided into two distinct phases. Two years ago, before you crushed the evil group led by Ren, the world's impression of Kirigakure was that it was closed off, warlike, and poor at management."

"But since you successfully crushed those evil forces two years ago, the world's impression of us has been that we love peace, are strong and independent, have a prosperous and powerful nation, are self-reliant and never give up anything, and leave our doors unlocked at night..."

"This shows the importance of a leader. Without you, sir, Kirigakure would probably still be that backward village. How could it have achieved its current status..."

Akiba Masanobu went on and on, but the core idea was that Kirigakure was backward and ignorant before. However, since Hozuki Shingetsu came to power, it has become advanced and powerful.

Without Hozuki Shingetsu, there would be no Kirigakure as we know it today. Hozuki Shingetsu is the best gift the Sage of Six Paths gave to Kirigakure.

When your boss asks you about this kind of topic, no matter what his intention is, whether he wants to hear the truth or a lie, just flatter him relentlessly.

As a seasoned lackey, Akiba Masanobu is clearly well-versed in this art.

"..."

Although he enjoyed licking Hozuki Shingetsu, Hozuki Shingetsu clearly didn't want to hear that answer.

Under his repeated questioning, Akiba Masanobu finally revealed the truth as he knew it.

"Closed off, mysterious, and bloodthirsty and belligerent..."

Hozuki Shingetsu frowned. If the current ninja world perceived Kirigakure based on this impression, then the effect of his persuasion to the four countries to cease hostilities would be greatly reduced. Some people might even think that this was just a rumor, which was unacceptable to him, who loved fame and fortune.

Therefore, the focus of public opinion should be shifted.

With the four major ninja nations currently in turmoil, Hozuki Shingetsu's efforts to target other nations are of little practical significance.

Because they don't have the same sensitive vulnerabilities that the Uchiha clan had inflicted on Konoha decades later, and Konoha is currently being targeted by various countries, launching a propaganda offensive now would be counterproductive.

In this situation, the focus of the next stage of public opinion campaign should be on ourselves, with the main goal of beautifying our own image and enhancing our international prestige.

"However, if the focus of the publicity is on oneself, then its effect will go far beyond just gaining fame..."

Suddenly, a scene flashed into Hozuki Shingetsu's mind: the famous scene of the United States poaching European talent during World War II.

"In these turbulent times in the ninja world, shouldn't everyone long for a place free from war?"

Since the start of the Ninja World War, the safety and peace of the entire Ninja World continent have been completely destroyed.

Although the ninjas would not attack civilians, once the battle began, some civilians would inevitably lose their lives in the indiscriminate flow of swords and blades.

With ninjas out on campaigns, there was no one to carry out the various escort missions, and bandits ran rampant throughout the ninja world, disrupting trade routes.

From commoners to merchants to lower-ranking nobles, no one was immune to the loathing of war and the yearning for a truly safe place.

Coincidentally, Kirigakure has not participated in the Second Shinobi World War, and its status as a refugee, coupled with its unique geographical location surrounded by the sea, makes it a peaceful and tranquil paradise!

Is it unreasonable for Hozuki Shingetsu to use this as a basis to sell a sense of security?

After all, during times of war, "security" is undoubtedly the most valuable currency, especially for the wealthy.

Ninjas usually hold back a bit when dealing with nobles, since they still have to work under their command.

According to unwritten rules, even rival ninjas would not easily harass nobles from other countries.

But these merchants, especially the extremely wealthy ones with no political standing, will suffer greatly in the war.

In the midst of a brutal war, whether driven by a need to release stress or a practical need to amass wealth, these wealthy merchants were the perfect targets.

Either way, it's killing people, so what difference does it make who you kill? It's just a side effect anyway.

Under the cover of night, with a transformation spell and an illusion spell, and a flick of the wrist, the money can be easily brought home. Wouldn't that be wonderful?

In this situation, even the various ninja villages actually tacitly approve of it, after all, why not take the money that comes from such a windfall?

In this situation, wealthy businessmen living in large countries or cities like the Land of Fire are in a better position, and such things generally don't happen.

But those wealthy businessmen living in small countries or rural areas are in a terrible predicament.

The better ones only seek wealth and don't harm people, but the more ruthless ones will not only take your money, but also your life.

"...Hmm, go and call those people from the Foreign Affairs Department over. We need to have a meeting to discuss the next key points of our propaganda."

Hozuki Shingetsu tapped the table lightly with his finger, pondered for a while, then turned to Akiba Masanobu and gave him instructions.

-

In the tea-producing country, in the capital, a group of wealthy people are chatting and gossiping in a covered walkway.

"Sigh, business has really plummeted since this war started!"

A portly businessman, with one arm around a dancer, lamented while using both his hands and mouth.

"My business has shrunk by more than three times compared to a year ago. If this fight continues, how am I going to feed my family of seventy-eight?"

These words immediately resonated with everyone present, who echoed them.

"Absolutely! With the outbreak of this war, bandits are running rampant. Last time, the goods I shipped to the Land of Lightning were robbed in the Land of Hot Water. And when I went to Konoha to request a mission, they refused to accept it, citing a lack of manpower! If you ask me, those bandits might very well be from Konoha themselves!"

A middle-aged wealthy businessman slapped the thigh of the dancer next to him hard, complaining without paying attention to the dancer's distorted face.

"Sigh, if you ask me, you're actually doing pretty well with your goods being lost. The Yamamoto family, who sold herbs before, had a bunch of wandering ninjas come knocking on their door! Not only their money, but their entire family of over a hundred people was wiped out, especially his newly married sixteen-year-old concubine... tsk tsk, I heard she suffered a really terrible fate."

"Yes, and the Natsuta family from the neighboring Sea Country..."

Once the topic was brought up, the many wealthy businessmen present shared all sorts of information they knew. The more they talked, the more terrified they became, as if ninjas were about to burst through the door and take their heads.

"Sigh, I wonder if there's still a peaceful and stable place in this world without war!"

A wealthy businessman remarked casually, and the topic naturally shifted to this point.

"The environment in the Land of Fire is quite good. I have some business partners there. Although business is not going well due to the war, the safety of my family is still guaranteed."

"The Land of Fire? The Land of Fire won't do!"

The wealthy businessman interrupted the conversation, saying, "You must understand that the Land of Fire is currently under attack from three countries. Although Konoha has defeated Iwagakure on the battlefield, the war is not over yet. Who knows if Iwagakure will send troops again?"

"That's one of the Five Great Nations, after all! In a three-on-one situation, if Konoha loses, what will happen to the Land of Fire...?"

The wealthy businessman shook his head, then added:

"And it's not just the Land of Fire; the other four great nations aren't doing much better. I've heard that those officials are incredibly harsh on us foreign merchants! Not only will we lose our resources and be oppressed by the locals, but we might not even be taken away by those wandering ninjas; we might end up being taken away by those officials first!"

The wealthy businessmen present nodded in agreement, abandoning their plans to travel to the Land of Fire.

They had done it themselves, so they naturally believed it without a doubt.

"Sigh, are we just supposed to pray those wandering ninjas don't come knocking on our door?!"

Seeing that the time was almost right, the wealthy businessman looked around and finally stood up.

"Actually, after thinking about it carefully, there really is a place in the ninja world that meets everyone's requirements."

"where?"

"Hidden Mist Village"

Looking at the many impatient merchants, the wealthy merchant recalled Hozuki Shingetsu's promise and couldn't help but reveal a meaningful smile.

"If a wealthy businessman gets a year's tax exemption, wouldn't all these people here make a fortune if they all went?"

(End of this chapter)