Simply drawing a pattern on one's body could make them a believer of the Jashin Religion and spare them from a fatal destiny. Such a deal instantly tempted every Sand ninja present. This included the current temporary leader of the squad, Yuri.
"What do you think?" Simu asked plainly, appearing as though he had no intention of forcing them.
"Fine, I am willing to become a believer of the Jashin Religion." Yuri agreed almost without hesitation. Originally, he had expected this mysterious man to plant some troublesome Cursed Seal on them. He never thought it would merely be drawing a Jashin symbol. What was there to reject? In comparison, his own life was far more important!
Seeing that Yuri had agreed, the others had even less reason to refuse. They allowed Simu to plant the Jashin symbol on them and swore an oath to Lord Jashin together.
"I shall forever follow the greatest and only Lord. If I betray Him, my soul shall fall into hell for eternity."
After the simple ceremony, this six-man squad officially became members of the Jashin Religion. Furthermore, Simu did not break his word. Once they finished their oath, he released them immediately. Watching their retreating backs, a strange smile played on his lips.
"You really are bored, aren't you? Spending every day playing these kinds of tricks." Hidan, having finished his own ritual at some point, walked over to Simu's side and spoke with a hint of helplessness. Although he wasn't particularly bright, staying by Simu's side for so long had taught him one thing clearly.
That was: Simu never showed mercy for no reason. Whenever he wore a gentle smile and displayed angelic pity, it meant the devil had already marked you.
Simu looked at Hidan and sighed. "This time, I truly, sincerely intended to let them go."
Hidan rolled his eyes. "You're letting these guys back? I'm afraid the entire Land of Wind will become a Jashin Religion stronghold in a few days." While Hidan didn't know exactly how Simu would achieve this goal, past experience suggested that the Hidden Sand Village's fate was sealed from this moment.
Simu shook his head. "To think I'm that kind of person in your eyes, Hidan. How disappointing." Having said that, his gaze seemed to cross the mountain range, staring at the vast sea of sand, and he smiled. "This time, I really want to help this powerful yet weak nation."
Simu's gaze was so deep that Hidan felt a wave of goosebumps. This guy was plotting against someone again. No, this time he was likely plotting against an entire nation. To be honest, Simu was very curious to see what kind of changes a vast but harsh Great Nation like the Land of Wind would bring to the world once it obtained sufficient power.
Land of Wind, Hidden Sand Village, Kazekage Building.
After listening to his subordinates' report, the current Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, slammed his fist heavily onto the desk. Indeed, this returning squad was the one that had come back from the Land of Rain, now entirely comprised of Jashin believers.
The content of their report detailed the attack by Leaf ninjas within the Land of Rain. By now, Rasa had been the Kazekage for many years and was well-versed in politics. If what Yuri and the others said was true, the Land of Fire was undoubtedly planning a major move. First, secretly annexing the Hidden Rain Village, and then what? Attacking the Land of Wind? Or the Land of Earth?
Or perhaps... joining forces with the Land of Earth to attack the Land of Wind?
Naturally, Rasa did not fully believe Yuri's squad. He dispatched the Sand Anbu to the Land of Rain to gather intelligence and verify the truth. Even so, the news cast a dark shadow over his heart.
"Damn it, why now of all times..." Rasa looked at the documents on his desk. It was the formal proposal from the Land of Wind Daimyo to cut the military budget. This meant the Daimyo was already quite dissatisfied with the Hidden Sand Village. He felt the funds he invested weren't yielding the expected returns and began cutting the budget.
Coupled with the fact that the Land of Wind was a country with sparse natural resources and population, the rewards the Hidden Sand Village could earn from missions were limited. If the Daimyo cut the military budget further, the Hidden Sand's financial situation would fall into a massive crisis. This crisis was a chain reaction; a lack of funds meant they couldn't purchase military supplies and would have to reduce the training of new ninjas, leading directly to a decline in the Hidden Sand's overall strength.
Unless he, the Kazekage, personally went out to use his Gold Dust to pan for gold in the desert. However, as the leader of a village, doing such a thing was a bit undignified. Rasa did not want to resort to that unless absolutely necessary.
After leaving the Kazekage Building, one ninja said uneasily, "Captain Yuri, is what we're doing really okay?"
Yuri turned and gave him a long look, suddenly revealing a smile. "You aren't thinking of... betraying us, are you?"
It was no joke. They had already reported to Rasa like that. If this guy suddenly changed his story, wouldn't they all be branded as traitors? Realizing he had misspoken, the man quickly shut his mouth. Finally, as they parted ways, Yuri emphasized once more, "Remember, don't take any chances."
"Understood." Everyone returned to their homes.
All night, Yuri stood by the window observing the Hidden Sand Village, seemingly waiting for something. Meanwhile, the young ninja Kawanishi couldn't sleep at all. He stared at the Jashin mark on his hand, struggling internally. He hesitated over whether he should report the truth to the Kazekage. Otherwise, what if the Land of Wind and the Land of Fire fell into war again because of them?
War meant people would die, and the village would be filled with countless orphans once more. Thinking of this, Kawanishi finally made up his mind. He rolled out of bed, opened the window, and prepared to head to the Kazekage Building to report.
Suddenly, a searing pain radiated from the palm of his hand. It was the Jashin symbol emitting terrifying heat. Initially, Kawanishi thought this heat was a warning from that mysterious man about his intent to snitch, but he realized he was wrong.
Far off in the village, a building suddenly erupted in a violent explosion. The terrifying tremor woke almost everyone in the village. Fortunately, patrolling Anbu ninjas arrived quickly to bring the situation under order.
Looking at the thick smoke rising in the distance, a chill ran straight down Kawanishi's spine. Conversely, Yuri narrowed his eyes, appearing to finally have confirmed something.