48 Chapter 48

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The Land of Rivers has always been a 'major power' in the production of metal ores. Besides its rich metal resources, it's considered a typical small country in other respects.

During the Second Shinobi World War, the battlefield in the Land of Rain saw Hanzo's ambitions to extend his influence into the Land of Rivers, aspiring to rise as the sixth great ninja village. However, his plans were detected by Konoha and Suna, leading to a joint confrontation in the Land of Rain. The ensuing war quashed Hanzo's ambitions.

Surrounded by the Land of Fire, the Land of Wind, and the Land of Rain, the Land of Rivers, despite its rich metal ore resources, lacks its own ninja village. Although protected by samurai guards and ninjas hired by the Daimyo, they are far from being organized on a large scale.

The Cloud River Iron Mine, recently discovered, is said to be the largest iron mine in the Land of Rivers.

The revelation of such a mine stirred both the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind, each keen on claiming a share of the bounty.

The Daimyo of the Land of Fire, married to the niece of the Land of Rivers' Daimyo, sought to leverage this familial connection for a larger share. However, his repeated propositions were denied by the Daimyo of the Land of Rivers, resulting in the former's frustration and anger.

Consequently, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire turned to Konoha for assistance, proposing they deal with the Daimyo of the Land of Rivers and eliminate two of his heirs. This would allow his wife's nephew to ascend as the new Daimyo of the Land of Rivers, thereby securing a greater share of the Cloud River Iron Mine for him.

Given the mine's potential to generate an annual revenue of one to two hundred million, it's no wonder the Daimyo of the Land of Fire was enticed.

This prompted Hiruzen to dispatch Homura for direct negotiations with the Daimyo, recognizing the necessity of Konoha's involvement. However, he also felt that the Daimyo's palace shouldn't stint on next year's budget considering the task at hand.

With the ninja world becoming increasingly unstable and the delicate peace forged post-Second Shinobi World War teetering on the brink, Hiruzen found himself compelled to take additional precautions.

Meanwhile, Danzo, within the Root organization, pondered the implications of the Cloud River Iron Mine.

He harbored an unyielding grudge against the Uchiha and remembered the Second Hokage's policies towards them. The Uchiha, despite having members like Uchiha Kagami who were loyal to the village, represented a volatile element within a largely stable clan.

"Such instability, a clan detrimental to the village, should be isolated and closely monitored, or even eradicated," Danzo thought, his anger reignited by the humiliation he faced at the hands of the Police Force. The loss of dozens of clan members, millions in assets, and the disgrace of being stripped of his position as the Hokage's aide fueled his resentment.

"Hatake Sakumo."

Thinking of him, Danzo seethed with rage, convinced that Sakumo must have seen through the fabricated evidence but still chose to side with the Uchiha.

Should Sakumo succeed in his upcoming mission, his prestige within the village and the favor of the Daimyo would be unmatched...

"Inform our operatives outside to preemptively infiltrate the Land of Rivers... and make contact with the spy in the Sand Village."

"Yes!"

A Root ninja promptly disappeared using the Body Flicker Technique. Although Hiruzen had briefly handed Root's control over to the Anbu, it was soon returned to Danzo.

Only Danzo could manage Root's unique mode of operation effectively. Without him, the organization would be directionless.

Danzo, his eyes gleaming coldly, muttered, "Only I can lead Konoha to eliminate the threat of war."

---

**[Seizing an Opportunity]**: Gain the ability to steal once daily through physical contact, allowing the theft of any item from the person.

Yoichi carefully reviewed this new ability, which appeared quite formidable and devoid of 'side effects', making it potentially useful in combat scenarios.

Imagine, during a skirmish, if an enemy's weapon could be made to vanish upon contact, it would undoubtedly be a game-changer.

"It's worth a try."

Yoichi looked out the window; it was already deep into the night, yet Mina appeared to be still awake. Leaving his bedroom, he headed downstairs to the living room.

Mina was indulging in a late-night snack in the living room, with a pot of ramen, three sushi rolls, and a plate of sashimi, quite a feast by any standard.

Noticing Yoichi's descent, Mina's face flushed with a hint of embarrassment as she explained, "Lord Yoichi, I didn't eat enough tonight, so I made myself some snacks."

Despite her internal turmoil over the appropriateness of eating such a meal late at night in the open, she felt somewhat relieved and grateful for Yoichi's understanding and concern for her dietary needs, highlighting the need for substantial nourishment due to their chakra usage and rigorous training regimen.

"By the way, Mina, come here and shake hands with me."

"Shake hands?"

Despite her confusion, Mina complied, reaching out her hand. Yet, as soon as their hands touched, she felt a sudden drain, leaving her weak and barely able to stand, signaling Yoichi had successfully tested his new ability on her, stealing a portion of her chakra.

Apologizing, Yoichi explained his actions as a test of a new technique, advising Mina to rest and recover the lost chakra. Mina, understanding and still respectful of Yoichi's position and intentions, accepted the situation with grace, despite feeling physically depleted.

Yoichi, reflecting on the potency and potential of his new ability, considered the strategic advantages it could offer in future encounters, marking a new tool in his arsenal for the challenges that lay ahead.