Chapter 463: The Occupation of the Land of Waves
Kirigakure moved swiftly.
Once the decision to go to war was finalized, the entire village shifted into high gear. Thanks to Yagura's iron-fisted policies, the Kiri-nin assembled at an astonishing speed.
The next day, Yagura led the main force onto the ships, setting sail. The nearest land, the Land of Whirlpools, had long since fallen, so his first target became the Land of Waves. However, rather than seeking to occupy it outright, he intended to use it as a transit point.
The Land of Waves had no ninja village, a small territory, and a weak economy. Even if they took control, it held little value. However, as a staging ground to supply the Kiri-nin with wartime resources, it was ideal.
Less than an hour after the Kiri-nin set foot on its shores, the country was under Yagura's rule.
"Lord Mizukage, what are our next steps?"
"Konoha has likely already caught wind of this."
Shin Aoki, a young man in his early twenties, had been the Six-Tails Jinchūriki for five or six years. Personally chosen and promoted by Yagura, he was one of the key combatants in this campaign.
"I never expected to keep this from Konoha."
"As long as we avoid direct conflict, that's enough."
"The next logical step is the Land of Hot Water."