As they read, the expressions on their faces changed quite dramatically, and an astonished look went up at the culprit.
- Ah hah hah hah hah hah! Kiri is just phenomenally unlucky! - Sakumo suddenly exploded with a gloating laugh and turned to Ryo. - It wasn't enough for them to lose twenty jonins, now they've lost another ten along with three swordsmen! After a blow like that, it'll take them a long time to recover! Well done, boy!
Even for Konoha, which had the largest contingent of jonins and S-class fighters from the last war, this would be a painful blow, and for Kirigakure, who had not had time to recover from their losses at the storming of Uzushiogakure, this would be a disaster, dropping them below the Sandpeople, who were in last place among the elemental countries in terms of combat strength.
- It's just plain lucky to get this chance," the young Nara grinned, "and the knowledge of the opponents' abilities, the surprise attack, and the weakening of the swordsmen's vigilance.
- It would take two Kiri no Shinobigatana Shichinin Shuu to deprive Mist of all the S-class fighters except the Mizukage, except for the jinchuriki," Tsume grinned, of course surprised by what she had read, but as Ryo's former partner and more fully aware of his potential than the others present, she had been expecting something like this for a long time.
The jonin exam was quite telling.
- The Mizukage wants to kill Pakura very badly if he sent such a force into an ambush," the elder shook her head.
- As if that would help him! - Hyuga snorted, throwing a respectful glance at the scarlet-haired jonin standing behind his clan leader.
- Am I the only one who's worried about the new Kazekage's attempt to consort with the Blood Mist behind our backs just days after the alliance and the embassy departed? - The head Uchiha raised his eyebrows, throwing a barrage of ice water on the enthusiasm of the crowd. - He would not hesitate to stab us in the back if he thought it would be to his advantage, no matter what agreements he made.
- Killing the three swordsmen of Kiri no Shinobigatana Shichinin Shuu and their support is a great achievement indeed, and Nara-san will be rewarded from the village treasury in a manner befitting the mission, but Todoroki-san is right," the Hokage nodded curtly, "such questionable behavior on the part of the new ruler of Suna raises serious concerns.
- Rasa has a mixed reputation in his home village and the main reason he was chosen for the post, apart from not having much personal power, was the ability of the kekkei genkai to provide additional financial inflows to the treasury," the Anbu commander said calmly, "after receiving a commitment from us that will allow the Sands to recover from the financial crisis in just a few months, his importance will rapidly decline and eliminating a stronger and more popular rival seems like a reasonable thing to do, even if it is outright harmful.
- That's all well and good, but from what I understand from the report, the battle took place this morning, and since Ryo has cleaned up all traces, we have a lot of room to maneuver," the unusually serious Disciple of the Third waved the sheets in his hand, "which is why Nara-dono has called an emergency meeting.
- That's right, Jiraiya-dono, since I don't have the authority to make such important decisions for Konoha, I hurried to convene the Council as soon as I received the report," Shenesu nodded, looking around at the assembled ninja, "and now we have to work out the most appropriate strategy for the actions of the fighters directly involved, as well as on the political front.
- What to think about - a kunoichi of similar strength with a kekkei genkai will be useful here, and about the ambush to spread the rumor that this is our joint action with an ally, - shrugged Hyuga, - Kazekage hinted that it is not worth it to do so behind our back.
- Better a clear enemy than an ally," Senju shook her head, "and by bringing in a Rasa rival, we're only increasing the chance of betrayal.
- Based on the psychological profile of the new Kazekage, that's the most likely scenario," the Anbunin confirmed.
- Threatening to revoke the alliance agreement because of its obvious sabotage," the Uchiha suggested, "would allow Rasa to be removed from office, just like the last leader of Suna.
I've got more interesting stuff on patreon (+ 200 chapter)
patreon.com/Chill76