420. The Big Fat Sheep

At all costs, we must obtain these emerging technologies from the Leaf Village!

This was the Fourth Raikage's first thought after realizing the strategic value of the airship.

Similarly, the group from the Land of Earth, the Hidden Stone Village, was also shocked by the airship and the Leaf Village's various modern facilities.

Unlike the Raikage, Ōnoki wasn't too worried about the airship's impact on the battlefield.

After all, he himself possessed the ability to fly and the devastatingly powerful kekkei tōta, Dust Release.

No matter how high the airship flew, he was confident he could bring it down.

However, the Leaf Village's astonishing pace of technological development still filled Ōnoki with deep concern.

If they could develop an airship now, what kind of war machines would they create in five or ten years?

By then, would their century-old combat methods still be viable on the battlefield? Or would they be rendered obsolete by the new era?

These were questions Ōnoki needed to carefully consider.

In contrast, his student Deidara showed great interest in the airship.

"If I could hit that airship with a C3 bomb, it would create an explosion of true art!" Deidara licked his lips as he spoke.

Even the mouth on his palm seemed to smack in agreement.

Hearing his words, Ōnoki's face darkened.

He promptly gave Deidara a sharp knock on the head and warned, "We're in the Leaf Village now. Control yourself!"

"If you cause any major incidents, even I might not be able to protect you!"

Deidara didn't seem too concerned by Ōnoki's warning.

He gently rubbed his head, his single exposed eye darting around as he continued to ponder how to create his so-called "art."

Seeing this, Ōnoki could only sigh in frustration.

His student's combat intelligence and talent were top-notch, but his personality was far too unruly.

All he cared about was his "art is explosion," which had caused numerous explosions within the Hidden Stone Village.

No matter how much Ōnoki scolded him, Deidara's mischievous nature remained unchanged.

If only Deidara's personality could be swapped with the steady and reliable Kurotsuchi's.

Or if Kitsuchi had Deidara's talent.

Thinking this, Ōnoki couldn't help but sigh again.

However, he soon had something even more troubling to worry about.

A piece of news that left him deeply frustrated was delivered to him.

"What? The daimyo's son has already arrived in the Leaf Village and met with Danzō?"

Ōnoki's expression turned grim as he read the report.

"So the daimyo has finally lost his patience, huh? And he even went to Danzō for help!"

From the way he gritted his teeth, it was clear he was truly angry.

After all, the Land of Earth's daimyo had been the first to publicly condemn Danzō.

But now, in his quest to strengthen his own power, he had actively sought out Danzō.

Such shameless behavior was almost too much for Ōnoki to bear.

"If you're going to be this dishonorable, then don't blame me for being ruthless."

Ōnoki narrowed his eyes, a hint of ruthlessness flashing in his gaze.

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Meanwhile, Mei Terumī, who had come from the Hidden Mist Village, was also stunned by the sight of the Leaf Village.

As the acting Mizukage, she had brought her assistant, Ao, and the young participants for the exams to disembark from the airship.

Seeing the steam-powered cars driving on the wide asphalt roads, the towering buildings, and the bustling commercial streets filled with neon lights, advertisements, and colorful signs, Mei felt as if she had stepped into a completely new world.

Or rather, a world from the future!

In comparison, the Hidden Mist Village, which had just emerged from turmoil, felt like a rundown mountain village... The stark contrast left Mei feeling hollow inside.

But soon, a spark of hope ignited in her heart.

If the Land of Water underwent reforms like the Leaf Village, could it also become like this?

Thinking this, her eyes lit up with determination.

At that moment, the Leaf Village's welcoming convoy arrived at the airport.

Shikaku Nara, the head of the Nara clan and an assistant to the Hokage, personally came to greet them.

"Acting Lady Mizukage, the Hokage has been waiting for you at the Hokage Building for some time. This way, please."

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At the same time, the eldest son of the Land of Earth's daimyo was in a meeting room, engaged in intense discussions with Danzō Shimura, a high-ranking official of the Leaf Village.

"To be honest, Elder Danzō, my father truly hopes to establish a partnership with the Leaf Village."

"As long as the Leaf Village agrees to send troops, the Land of Earth is willing to offer this amount."

With that, the daimyo's son held up five fingers.

"Five billion ryō!" he declared firmly.

"If the Leaf Village assists the daimyo in eliminating the rebels, we are willing to pay five billion ryō as compensation!"

It had to be said, these nobles were truly extravagant.

Five billion ryō could buy how many synthetic ninja brigades...

Despite such a generous offer, Danzō firmly shook his head.

"I'm sorry, but please inform the daimyo that the Land of Fire has always adhered to the principle of non-interference in other nations' internal affairs."

"Sending troops to assist the daimyo is something we absolutely cannot do."

Faced with Danzō's resolute refusal, the daimyo's son sighed in disappointment.

Just as he was about to lose hope, Danzō's next words reignited it.

"However, while the Leaf Village cannot directly send troops, we are open to doing business."

With a smile, Danzō pulled out a thick catalog of military equipment. Everything the Leaf Village had to offer was listed inside.

From steam-powered machinery and cars to the newly developed airships and cannons, as long as the price was right, everything was up for sale!

In addition, there were also various ninja tools, medicines, and more.

As soon as the daimyo's son picked up the catalog, he was dazzled by the wide array of weapons and equipment.

Seeing this, Danzō kindly added, "If you have any doubts about the performance of these weapons, we can arrange a demonstration at a suitable time."

Hearing this, the daimyo's son's eyes lit up.

"In that case, I'd like to see the airship we just rode, as well as its cannons and armored vehicles."

"And these, these, and these—I want to see them all in person!"

Seeing the eagerness on the daimyo's son's face, Danzō smiled warmly.

But those who knew him well understood that such an expression only appeared when Danzō was dealing with a "big fat sheep."