Orochimaru walked to the table, pulled two scrolls out of his bag, and opened one of them—it was a detailed map of the eastern coastal region of the Land of Whirlpools!
This map was extremely detailed, including the location of the Kirigakure vanguard's main camp and marking a radius of 100 kilometers around it. Within this area, thirteen large villages and nearly a hundred small villages inhabited by people were all clearly labeled.
It even indicated the approximate population of each village.
Among the large villages, the most populated one had nearly 20,000 residents, while the smallest had fewer than 100 people, consisting of just over a dozen households.
This level of detailed population distribution intelligence was clearly provided by their undercover reconnaissance team.
"According to the information from our reconnaissance forces, the Kirigakure vanguard will be dispatching a large number of ninjas this morning to these locations…" Orochimaru pointed at several large villages on the map. "These villages, which have a high population and active commerce, are all targets of Kirigakure!"
"What is Kirigakure trying to do?" Tsunade asked with a frown.
Haruto Saito had also approached the table, his gaze shifting toward Orochimaru.
"They're after money," Orochimaru replied coldly, glancing at the three of them before turning back to the map. "Based on current intelligence, the Kirigakure vanguard is sending their forces to these villages with the likely goal of taking control and imposing taxation. They may even demand back taxes from past years, which would allow them to establish a firm grip on this region!"
"They're trying to stockpile war funds?" Tsunade said, her frown deepening.
"That seems highly likely," Orochimaru responded. "Given the strength of the Kirigakure vanguard, they could easily subjugate these villages by force. However, that would create widespread panic. They can't simply kill everyone, nor can they restrict population movement. If they gain a reputation for brutality, the entire population in this region could flee within a short time."
"So," Orochimaru continued, "based on intelligence analysis, Kirigakure will likely take a softer approach. They'll use limited military intimidation, negotiate with the village leaders, and coerce them into submission. That should be enough to achieve their goal."
Tsunade nodded.
The power of ninjas was overwhelming—if an organized force of them targeted the civilian world, it would be a one-sided massacre. However, no ninja village, not even the notoriously ruthless Amegakure, would resort to outright extermination.
Because, in the end, the people are the foundation of the world. Conquering an empty wasteland holds no value.
Since the Kirigakure vanguard had only recently arrived in the Land of Whirlpools, forcing nearby villages to hand over money wouldn't be difficult. This region was just a small part of the Land of Whirlpools, with limited military resistance. A slight show of force would be enough for Kirigakure to ensure that negotiations went "smoothly."
"How can you be sure that Hōzuki Rakuba will come here in the afternoon?" Jiraiya asked.
"According to intelligence, Hōzuki Rakuba is personally leading the operation to subjugate villages," Orochimaru replied. "Before returning here, I conducted a reconnaissance mission myself. Right now, Hōzuki Rakuba is here…"
Orochimaru pointed at a large village on the map labeled "Sansui Village."
Sansui Village was located south of the Kirigakure vanguard's main camp and west of Ryūsui Village, about 40 kilometers away.
"Hōzuki Rakuba is currently in Sansui Village, negotiating with its leader. I overheard them discussing that he will arrive in Ryūsui Village this afternoon. He is personally responsible for subjugating both Sansui and Ryūsui."
Orochimaru's reconnaissance skills were exceptional. He had personally infiltrated Sansui Village, listening in on crucial conversations. He had likely been very close to Hōzuki Rakuba—perhaps even close enough to assassinate him.
But he hadn't acted.
Because that wasn't his mission.
Moreover, he couldn't afford to reveal himself prematurely. Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Jiraiya had a more important task at hand. Now was not the time for exposure.
"How many men is Hōzuki Rakuba bringing with him?" Tsunade asked a critical question.
"One hundred and thirty-seven." Orochimaru provided the exact number. "Among them, there are eight Jōnin and two Elite Jōnin."
"However," he continued, "he will likely leave some of them in Sansui Village. So by the time he reaches Ryūsui Village, the exact number of people he'll have with him is uncertain."
Tsunade's expression grew serious.
Hōzuki Rakuba had brought nearly a full battalion—this was a big problem. The more people he had, the harder it would be to assassinate him.
And this wasn't an enemy camp, where he might be off guard—this was out in the field, where he would be extremely vigilant.
"We'll wait until the afternoon," Tsunade sighed, glancing at Haruto Saito.
She was worried.
If she were assigned this task, it would be difficult but manageable. With careful planning, failure was unlikely.
But if Haruto Saito had to do it… that was another matter entirely.
Orochimaru and Jiraiya left the room one after another to continue reconnaissance. Hōzuki Rakuba was expected to arrive soon.
Haruto Saito wanted to go scout for himself, but he was denied.
His job was to carry out the assassination—nothing more.
Orochimaru and Jiraiya would handle all the reconnaissance and even draft an assassination plan for him.
Haruto Saito had only one task—to kill Hōzuki Rakuba with his own hands.
Inside the room, only Haruto Saito and Tsunade remained.
Tsunade sat at the table, gripping a teacup, motionless and deep in thought.
She couldn't hide her concern.
Before, she had been too angry to think about it properly. She assumed that with her, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya assisting, Haruto Saito's mission would be easy.
But now that the moment was drawing near, she realized—this was extremely dangerous.
Haruto Saito might die in this mission.
No one could guarantee success.
Hōzuki Rakuba was far stronger than Haruto Saito. A direct battle would be suicidal.
That meant Haruto had to rely on assassination tactics—like poisoning.
But even then, he would need to get close to Hōzuki Rakuba.
The more Tsunade thought about it, the more worried she became.
She finally looked up and asked, "Brat, are you ready?"
"Huh?" Haruto Saito, standing by the window, turned to her and smiled. "My dear Lady Tsunade, you're finally speaking to me calmly!"
"I'm not in the mood to argue," Tsunade said sharply. "I'm asking if you're ready! This isn't a joke. You need to understand—you might die on this mission."
"Am I really that bad?" Haruto chuckled, walking toward her. "Have some confidence in me!"
"I'm serious!" Tsunade scowled. "This is life and death! Assassination is one of the most dangerous missions. If you fail, you die. Stop joking around!"
Haruto's smile faded. He sighed, then nodded.
"I know. I understand. Death is very possible." His voice was calm. "But I'm a ninja. This is our world—it's cruel. I was prepared for this when I chose this path. As an assassin, I accept the risks."
Tsunade hesitated, then softened. "If things get too dangerous, don't force it. Only strike if you're absolutely sure."
"I understand," Haruto whispered.
Then, suddenly, he leaned in and wrapped his arms around Tsunade's neck.
"Tsunade," he said deeply, "I might not see you again. If I die… can you give me a kiss for encouragement?"
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