Chapter 54: The Land of Grass

Which hurts more, smashing your head with an egg or with a stone?
Your head hurts either way.

When the Land of Earth and the Land of Fire go to war, who suffers most?
The Land of Grass, caught between them, suffers the most.

The Hidden Grass Village neither possesses the formidable strength of Salamander Hanzo nor his resolve to stand against the Five Great Nations. They can only pinch their noses and tolerate the Hidden Stone Village treating the Land of Grass as a mere stepping stone for war.

As guardians of the Land of Grass, the Grass shinobi not only fail to protect the civilians, but are forced to gather provisions for the Hidden Stone Village and suppress uprisings.
This humiliating role is the fate of small nations.

Today, the front-line headquarters of the Hidden Stone Village, established in the capital of the Land of Grass, welcomed a group of mercenary ninjas whose equipment was even worse than that of bandits.

“We’re here to help you fight! Why won’t you even let us in?”

“Exactly! If you don’t believe us, we’ll take our business to the Hidden Leaf!”

“The bosses are here! Bring out the good food and the wine!”

A rowdy crowd gathered outside the mansion of the daimyo of the Land of Grass, shouting and bickering, making such a tumult that the Hidden Stone guards frowned in annoyance. Yet, faced with so many mercenaries, the guard dared not be too harsh, and could only try to calm them.

“We’ve already reported to Lord Tsuchikage. Please be patient.”

“So the commander of Hidden Stone is actually Onoki? That does suit his tough style,” Bai Mu nodded, and the thought of soon meeting the venerable old man who outlasted six Hokage made him feel oddly excited.

“Why are Hidden Stone’s forces stationed in the capital of the Land of Grass?” Xiangji asked in confusion.

Though called the capital, it was really just a larger town, hardly prosperous, but at least relatively electrified. At this moment, Hidden Stone ninjas crowded the city walls.

“Hidden Stone loves mass mobilization. Over ten thousand ninjas—so many mouths to feed, all with huge appetites. The logistics are overwhelming, so they simply have the Land of Grass support them,” Bai Mu looked sympathetically at the nearby residents, whose faces were sallow and thin, yet still hauling supplies for Hidden Stone.

At first, he’d thought Hinata eating forty-six bowls of ramen was just a manga exaggeration, but after becoming a ninja, he realized they truly could eat—especially those who trained in taijutsu. Eating twenty rice balls in a meal was nothing.

Onoki had parasitized the Land of Grass to attack the Land of Fire, truly a domineering move.

After half an hour of chaos, Onoki finally found time to meet Bai Mu. Only Bai Mu was allowed inside; Onoki knew what mercenary ninjas were like and, even if this wasn’t his own village, didn’t want a gaggle of thugs making a mess.

“Keep them here and out of trouble. I’ll be back soon,” Bai Mu instructed Kakuzu.

“Don’t worry. If anyone causes trouble and interferes with my treasure hunt, I won’t hesitate to cash them in for a bounty,” Kakuzu’s sinister, blood-red gaze swept over the crowd, and everyone fell silent, not daring to breathe.

...

Bai Mu followed a Hidden Stone ninja into the military-controlled capital, gathering much intelligence along the way.

It seemed Hidden Stone was preparing for something big. Everywhere, supplies were being boxed and moved, and Grass shinobi were requisitioning oxen and horses from door to door.

The more carts hauling supplies, the larger the scale of war.
This reminded Bai Mu of the Battle of Kannabi Bridge, the largest assault launched by the Stone ninja, which affected the entire ninja world. Perhaps they were preparing for that very offensive now.

Indeed, those helping requisition carts and livestock were not Stone ninja, but the Land of Grass’s own ninjas, wearing police uniforms and doing the work of collaborators.

Regardless of their willingness, the goods would have to be handed over. Having them peacefully collect supplies was better than Hidden Stone forcibly seizing them.

“Bastards! You’re supposed to protect us, but you’re taking our property! Our family depends on this horse!”
A young boy, hugging the neck of a small horse, shouted angrily at three Grass shinobi.

“It’s just a requisition. It will be returned…”
The Grass shinobi spoke so softly he could barely hear himself, and even he doubted the Stone ninja would return anything.

The boy’s father stepped out, slapped his son’s face, and bowed to the Grass shinobi.

“Children don’t understand. Take the horse. I know it’s hard for you too…”

Face flushed, the Grass shinobi returned the bow.

“…Sorry for the trouble. Everything will pass.”

What could they do?

Resist?

Onoki’s Dust Release wouldn’t even need to be used; the two Jinchuriki could flatten the village with a word.
From the daimyo to the Grass Kage, all had yielded. For these lower-ranked shinobi, obedience was the only option.

The boy’s father waved in resignation. In troubled times, he asked for nothing more—survival and a full belly were enough.

...

“Who came up with using Grass shinobi to control Grass civilians? That’s downright dirty,” Bai Mu said to his guide.

This way, all the civilians’ anger was vented on the Grass shinobi, while the invading Stone ninja escaped blame. With a bit of kindness, they might even enjoy themselves.

“Dirty or not, it’s Lord Tsuchikage’s rule. Stop wasting time and move along,” the guide snapped impatiently. Shinobi from the big villages always carried a sense of superiority over wandering ninja.

“Yes, yes,” Bai Mu grumbled, frustrated at his lack of power—unable to stand tall before the great figures, he stopped gawking and quickened his pace.

Onoki had at least shown the daimyo some respect, not setting up his command post within the palace itself, but nearly so; the palace’s assembly hall had become Hidden Stone’s headquarters, and the daimyo was virtually under house arrest.

The busy command center—Onoki sat at the highest seat, ensuring his diminutive frame never had to look up to anyone.

Beside him sat Akatsuchi, the earnest and loyal Tsuchikage bodyguard, legs crossed, providing unwavering protection. Though young, he’d been chosen as a personal disciple, a testament to his remarkable talent.

Standing on the other side was Onoki’s son, Kurotsuchi, learning firsthand how to be a proper Tsuchikage. In a ninja world where the average age was fifty, and the over-seventy Tsuchikage could die any day, he had to be ready to step up as the Fourth Tsuchikage.

“So you’re the leader of those mercenary ninjas? Why are you just a kid?” Onoki frowned. He’d been pleased to hear a large group of mercenaries had arrived, but now, seeing Bai Mu, realized his joy was premature.

“That’s right. I am the captain of the Black Rose Treasure Hunters, bringing two hundred fifty mercenary ninjas, ready to accept Lord Tsuchikage’s commission,” Bai Mu cupped his hands, neither humble nor arrogant.

“Black Rose Treasure Hunters?”
Onoki had never heard of them. He looked to Kurotsuchi, who shook his head.

“We were only established half a month ago. It’s normal that Lord Tsuchikage hasn’t heard of us,” Bai Mu replied proactively.

“Our recruitment notice is clear. We want mercenary ninjas, not bandits. I hope you haven’t wasted my time. Otherwise, your death will be painless,” Onoki warned.

“Of course. Only strength speaks for itself, and we hope the price offered by Lord Tsuchikage will satisfy us,” Bai Mu remained calm.

“Akatsuchi, go test their strength,” Onoki waved his hand.

“Since Lord Tsuchikage has sent only one bodyguard, I’ll send our accountant,” Bai Mu smiled slightly. He had expected a test of strength, so no matter whom Onoki sent, he would have Kakuzu step forward.

“Hmph, not old, but full of bravado,” Onoki snorted.

“Not tall, but with a big temper,” Bai Mu dared only to think, not say aloud.