Black Naruto: Shadow Moon

Faced with the influence of firearms in the Land of Wind, the Third Kazekage gradually realized that the monopoly of firearms technology in the hands of the Land of Whirlpools and the Awakening Organization was not good, and would have a profound impact on the military landscape of the Land of Wind and even the entire ninja world.

Especially now, reports from the front lines indicated that Konoha had been using firearms extensively with excellent effect, greatly improving the combat effectiveness of Konoha's Genin and Chunin. The Third Kazekage could no longer turn a blind eye.

Taking into account the unique geographical environment and resources of the Land of Wind and the Sand Village, the Third Kazekage began to realize that the production and use of firearms should be in the hands of the Sand Village itself, and should not rely entirely on the supply from the Land of Whirlpools.

The Third Kazekage knew that although the Whirlpool Country was willing to sell firearms, it was an ally of Konoha. Once a larger-scale war broke out between the Sand Village and Konoha, the situation of relying on external procurement would put the Sand Village in a passive position.

The Whirlpool Country might even "stuck the neck of the Sand Village" at a critical moment, preventing it from obtaining weapons supplies.

Therefore, the Third Kazekage made a key decision: the Sand Village must master the production technology of firearms and no longer rely solely on external supplies.

He ordered the technical department of the Sand Village to study the existing firearms and quickly improve their own production capabilities.

At the same time, he ordered a secret investigation into the manufacturing process of the Whirlpool Country's firearms, and reverse research from the weapons seized from the front line to ensure that the Sand Village could independently produce similar or even more advanced firearms.

The Third Kazekage was also very aware that the form of war was changing.

As an emerging weapon, firearms not only changed the fighting mode between ninjas, but also had a huge impact on the overall military structure of the ninja world.

Although the Sand Village is the main force in the Wind Kingdom, in order to maintain its advantage in the upcoming war, it must be the first to master the manufacture and use of firearms to ensure that it does not fall behind other major powers in the military competition.

After the Konoha front achieved significant results using firearms, the Third Mizukage of the Hidden Mist Village soon received detailed battle reports from the front.

Knowing that Konoha's Genin and Chunin could quickly improve their combat effectiveness with the help of firearms after simple training, the Third Mizukage realized that this weapon was not just a temporary advantage on the battlefield, but would even change the combat mode of the entire ninja world.

Therefore, in the face of the quick responses of the Hidden Cloud Village, the Hidden Iwa Village, and the Hidden Sand Village, the Hidden Mist Village's attitude became clear: it must not fall behind in this arms race.

In fact, the Third Mizukage was no stranger to the power of firearms.

They had already seen the power of firearms when the Hidden Mist Village tried to suppress the pirates and rebellious fishermen around the Land of Water.

Although these fishermen had not received ninja training, with the help of firearms provided by the Land of Whirlpools, they were able to cause heavy damage to the ninjas of the Hidden Mist Village in the naval battle.

Especially in flexible and maneuverable naval battles, the long-range strike capability of firearms makes up for the lack of physical fitness of ordinary people, allowing fishermen and pirates to have combat power close to that of Genin or even Chunin in battle.

This experience deeply influenced the Third Mizukage's attitude towards firearms.

As reports on Konoha's use of firearms on various fronts reached the Hidden Mist Village, the Third Mizukage decided to adopt a follow-up strategy.

He understood that the Hidden Mist Village was known for its isolation and mystery in the ninja world, but it could not be left behind by other major powers in military technology.

Especially in the confrontation between Konoha Village, Kumogakure Village, Iwagakure Village and Sand Village, firearms have demonstrated their great strategic significance.

The Third Mizukage immediately gave orders, requiring the technical department of the Hidden Mist Village and the ninjas in charge of diplomacy to contact the Kingdom of Craftsmen.

The craftsmen of the Land of Craftsmen are well-known in the ninja world for their superb weapons manufacturing technology. Their handicrafts and superb skills can quickly build a firearms production line for the Hidden Mist Village.

The Third Mizukage knew very well that the establishment of this production line was the key to ensuring that the ninjas of the Hidden Mist Village could be quickly equipped with firearms. At the same time, he also secretly planned to threaten or lure the craftsmen of the Land of Craftsmen to work for the Hidden Mist Village to ensure that the Hidden Mist Village would not lose out in future battles.

The Third Mizukage acted very decisively. Although the Hidden Mist Village was relatively closed, once they decided to enter an arms race, their actions were more direct than other ninja villages.

By threatening and bribing craftsmen, the Hidden Mist Village can catch up with the firearms production level of other major countries in the shortest time possible, ensuring that the village's combat effectiveness will not lag behind in a new round of war.

The Third Hokage of Konoha Village, Sarutobi Hiruzen, his assistant Hokage, Shimura Danzo, his advisor Utane Koharu, Mito Kado En and other village leaders were overjoyed when they saw the results of the new weapons - firearms - on the front line.

Seeing the good results of the Konoha ninjas' use of firearms, Sarutobi Hiruzen was very excited. He believed that with such powerful weapons, Konoha could hold its defenses and resist the joint operations of the four major ninja villages.

The Konoha high-level officials were all very happy for a moment, especially since this plan was originally just to alleviate Konoha's shortage of manpower, but it unexpectedly achieved unexpected success.

The Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen said: "It seems that the procurement plan of Whirlpool Country must continue to move forward. We must ensure that there are enough guns and ammunition on the front line, and at the same time train more ninjas to master this weapon as soon as possible."

Hokage advisors Utane Koharu and Mito Kado En also expressed that financial support for firearms production must be increased, especially in terms of the speed at which ninjas learn. They also proposed that a special training camp for firearms should be set up to ensure that Konoha can continuously send out new recruits who master such weapons.

The Konoha high-level officials all agreed that this would be a great advantage in future wars.

However, Danzo Shimura, a Konoha conspirator, raised an important question out of careful consideration of the situation.

He said calmly: "Although this is an advantage, we cannot ignore one point - other ninja villages are likely to try to obtain this weapon, not only by seizing it on the battlefield, but also by purchasing it from the Land of Whirlpools, or even learning how to produce it."

These words were like a bucket of cold water poured down on me.

The Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen immediately fell into deep thought and realized that what Danzo said made sense.

Reports from the battle front indicated that the firearms were significantly more powerful, and if other ninja villages also mastered such weapons, Konoha's advantage would likely quickly disappear.

The Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen said slowly: "Danzo's concerns are justified. Other ninja villages, especially the Third Tsuchikage Ohnoki and the Third Raikage Ai, these old rivals, will never sit idly by and watch us have this advantage."

Then, Sarutobi Hiruzen immediately made a decision: "We must classify the use and manufacture of firearms as Konoha's top secret, and never let these weapons fall into the hands of the enemy. Under any circumstances, it is better to destroy the weapons than to let other ninja villages seize them. At the same time, we must strengthen internal counterintelligence work to ensure that no intelligence is leaked."

Regarding the attitude of the Whirlpool Country, Sarutobi Hiruzen said: "As for the Whirlpool Country, they are our ally, but in order to ensure Konoha's advantage, we need to communicate in depth with Shadow Moon and the Whirlpool Country to ensure that they will not sell these weapons to other ninja villages during the war. As long as the war continues, everything should be based on war first."

In the end, the Konoha high-level officials unanimously agreed to Sarutobi Hiruzen's proposal and quickly formulated a new plan to prevent the leakage of firearms technology.

At the same time, the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen prepared to go to the Land of Whirlpools in person to discuss this matter in order to ensure that Konoha always maintained a technological advantage in the Ninja World War.