While the Divine Order meeting is still underway, the most important issues for the organization continue to be discussed.
"Zenji, is there anything else you'd like to tell me?" the Leader asks.
"Of course. One of our spies in the Land of Iron informed us of an important transaction between Kumogakure and one of the nation's finest blacksmiths. Over 6 kilograms of chakra metal will be transported to the Land of Iron, with the intention of making weapons for several of the village's ninja. The rumor specifies that A plans to gift several swords to Killer B, the latter being known for collecting them," Zenji says.
"We know you need this particular metal to make the finest weapons and armor. Sourcing it ourselves is a challenge, both in terms of price and availability," Bunji adds.
The leader is interested in the news, but immediately asks, "How protected will the cargo be? How did you find out?"
"Through me," Susumu responds, "I have a close contact who works with the blacksmith, is trustworthy and is with our cause. The transportation will be by land, passing through three nations before reaching the land of iron, and as far as I understand, it will be transported by an elite team, although not very numerous."
"It's a huge opportunity. I'm quite in need of chakra metal, but it seems problematic to have to steal it, it will attract a lot of attention," says the Leader.
"That's why we need your opinion. An ambush is entirely possible, but unfortunately we don't know the route the cargo will take. We still have the option of intercepting them at the time of delivery, but that would also put us against the samurai of the land of iron. The last option is to wait and try to intercept the finished products, but there's no guarantee they'll all be transported at the same time," Bunji says.
"We could find out who's carrying the cargo and mark or track them somehow," Shizuki chimes in.
"Our presence in Kumogakure is minimal, and we don't know who's transporting it," Daizen says.
Everyone is silent for a few moments, until the Leader says, "What do you think, Zenji? I know you've thought about this longer than I have. Is it worth the risk for this?"
"The organization is growing steadily, and we need better weapons and armor. Potential apostles number in the dozens, and a new prophet wouldn't hurt. Chakra metal is key to all of this, but it's becoming difficult for us to acquire more, as the market is overly regulated," Zenji says.
"We have two potential individuals who can join our cause, a true grandmaster of the sword, whom we have been convincing to join our cause for over a year, but he is demanding in the power we can grant him, because he wants the best. The other individual is a former kunoichi, from Kirigakure, she is currently living away from everyone, one of our members found her and apparently she has an incurable disease, but our artifacts have managed to keep her alive, she says she is an expert swordsman and that she would love to help us if we give her a sword worth wielding," Bunji adds.
"Does that Kunoichi have a name?" Shizuki asks.
"She says she abandoned her old name and now goes by Tomomi. We don't have much information about her, but she says she was a jounin in her village," Bunji replies.
"This changes the situation. With so many opportunities, we're almost forced to do something; we need resources. When and where is the metal delivery planned?" the Leader says.
"In a month. From what I understand, A is still gathering the chakra metal. The delivery will be made to the blacksmith's workshop in Fujino City, east of the land of iron," Susumu says.
"Good, that gives us time to prepare. Given the situation, we have no choice but to strike when the delivery takes place. Is this blacksmith involved with our organization?"
"We've tried approaching him, but without success," Bunji replies, somewhat predicting where the Leader's words are heading.
"Then screw him. We'll attack them both. We must take out the Kumogakure ninjas to make it seem like they were the target, but in the process, we can loot the entire workshop. If what you say is true and the blacksmith is one of the best, then he must have quite a few precious metals in his possession. Susumu, make sure your contact isn't present at that time." The Leader's tone is decisive.
"Of course," Susumu says.
"Does this mean we're going to kill everyone participating in the delivery?" Bunji asks in surprise.
Most of those present show clear signs of apprehension at the idea of ending the life of an important blacksmith from the land of iron, but the Leader's words are decisive and no one seems willing to contradict him.
"Unfortunately, it must be so. Our organization cannot be revealed for now. Remember, our goal is not these petty power games, in which many of you seem to take too much importance. A great threat looms over the entire world, and the number one goal is to strengthen ourselves… There is no room for hesitation here, and if this blacksmith is willing to do business with a large ninja village, then he will take the corresponding risk. I will personally participate in the assault, along with Kiyoko and Shizuki; the rest will be all the apostles present, in addition to Zenji. We will strike quickly and retreat via emergency teleportation, leaving as little evidence as possible," the leader says, this time in a much harsher tone.
"You are the ones most interested in the organization's expansion, so gather your courage and prepare to get your hands pretty dirty… By the way, these past few days my agents have noticed the presence of certain strange individuals in some of our cities, asking questions about our organization. They appear to be Konoha ninja, so I haven't wanted to eliminate them, so everyone make sure to stay alert and try not to draw attention to themselves. Only if they get too close to us or become a nuisance will I be forced to intervene," Shizuki adds.
Shizuki's change of subject greatly delights many of those present, who were beginning to feel uneasy at the ominous nature of the Leader's words. But upon understanding the seriousness of the Intelligence chief's warning, everyone becomes alert.
"Try not to cause chaos," the Leader comments.
"You don't have to tell me. I know how sensitive our relationship with Konoha is, or rather, our policy of avoiding them at all costs. The last thing I want is for them to notice our presence," Shizuki replies seriously.
The rest of the meeting proceeded without a hitch. The Leader even proceeded to present a new apostle armor to one of the meeting members, something that had been planned from the beginning. Everyone also took the opportunity to give the Leader gifts, most of them tokens of respect, but undoubtedly quite valuable items.
The official end of the 4th meeting of the Divine Order was the moment the leader disappeared in his characteristic manner, along with his two companions. Leaving the members of the organization with very complex emotions. Some were happy about the decisiveness of the Leader's leadership, and others apprehensive about the dizzying speed of the organization's expansion.
Only time will tell if everything ends well or if they will all end up crashing into the great wall that is reality.