The Adventurous Gamer Ninja - Daichi Hekima [Vol. 02]

Chapter 305 - All Eyes on Fire Nation

Hidden Stone Village - 6 p.m.

In a large stone-built chamber adorned with carvings and filled with scrolls, an authoritative figure sat at the head of a massive long table. Around him were the council members, each bearing the insignia of the Hidden Stone Village.

All of them were engaged in a serious discussion. Multiple reports from the Hidden Leaf Village and Land of Fire lay open on the table.

One of the older council members read the reports and then leaned back in his chair crossing his arms. "For some reason the Leaf village is suddenly on high alert. They've increased patrols and are reinforcing their borders."

"And it's something they're not even trying to hide from our intelligence network." Another member noted.

The Tsuchikage narrowed his eyes and subconsciously rubbed his chin as he thought about the situation. 'What is happening over there? They're making such a big show. What the heck happened?'

Silence filled the room as everyone turned their attention to the old leader who was in deep thought.

After a few moments Onoki raised his head and looked around. "Hiruzen won't act without a good reason. If they're suddenly increasing security around the country then something significant must have happened. What's concerning is that they haven't had such a large deployment in several years."

Onoki glanced at the Chunin shinobi standing nearby and gave him a small nod.

Seeing that he was given permission to speak, the Chunin gave his report. "This is the latest intelligence we received from our people in the bordering small nations. The Leaf Village has nearly doubled the number of patrols near the border. Supply lines are moving faster. But no public announcement has been made."

The councilors exchanged worried glances. They were concerned and wary about this new development.

One of the senior council members, a seasoned strategist, spoke up. "Lord Tsuchikage, could this be a show of strength? The Leaf might be flexing its muscles to deter any potential threat."

Onoki was silent. He crossed his arms and after several seconds slowly shook his head. "I told you, that old monkey won't act without any cause. That isn't his style."

"But Lord Tsuchikage, regardless of the reason, we now have to be vigilant and ready for any possibilities." One of the members gave his thoughts.

The leader of the Stone Village nodded. "I know. Send word to our scouts in the Stone-Grass crossings first. I want detailed reports on their movements, their recent missions, and any unusual activities."

Another councilor who was younger and more impulsive, spoke up. "Lord Tsuchikage. Shouldn't we respond in kind? Maybe increase our own patrol squads around the borders?"

"For what? We don't even know what's going on with them?"

"Yeah. Increasing border patrol means fewer ninjas carrying out the necessary missions and an increase in consumption of resources. And if this was all just a stunt or something that's solved within their own borders, then we'd have burned money for nothing."

Two experienced veterans on the council disagreed with the younger man's aggressive approach.

The Tsuchikage leaned forward and nodded his head. He looked at the younger man and spoke with a calm tone. "They're right, you know. Besides, at the moment I don't want to escalate tensions unnecessarily."

He became silent for a second and then glanced at everyone. "However, that being said, we have to be prepared for any eventuality. Order our shinobi to remain vigilant, but refrain from aggressive actions unless absolutely necessary. That means not provoking them unless they cross the line first."