When they arrived at Sunagakure, the sandstorm showed no signs of abating.
The Ino-Shika-Chō trio had now personally experienced the harsh weather of the Land of Wind.
Seeing them braving the sandstorm, the guards of Sunagakure looked surprised but quickly welcomed the trio inside. They were covered in sand and appeared rather disheveled.
Though they knew time was pressing, their current appearance was not suitable for a meeting with the Fourth Kazekage. Thus, under the guidance of Sunagakure's shinobi, the Ino-Shika-Chō trio took a moment to wash up before heading to meet the Kazekage.
The Kazekage's office was simply furnished. Just a desk, a chair, and a bookshelf.
The desk was wooden, the same color as sand, its surface worn and aged, suggesting it had been in use for quite some time.
Due to the harsh environment and extreme weather conditions, the economy of the Land of Wind had struggled to develop. Fortunately, the Fourth Kazekage had the ability to extract gold dust, gradually improving Sunagakure's situation.
Although the office appeared empty, there were no fewer than fifteen Anbu hidden in the shadows. These were the Kazekage's personal guards, sworn to protect him.
Rasa sat with his hands clasped under his chin, observing the trio with a calm expression. Skipping any pleasantries, he went straight to the point:
"What brings you here?"
Arriving unannounced in Sunagakure was not normal, and Rasa was well aware of that.
Shikaku stepped forward slightly and spoke with a respectful tone, "We have come regarding Ye Zi."
Rasa's eyes darkened for a moment, a cold killing intent flickering before he suppressed it and waited for Shikaku to continue.
"Before I explain further, I hope the Fourth Kazekage will first review the intelligence we have compiled."
Shikaku took out the prepared intelligence scrolls, four copies in total. Compared to verbal explanations, written reports were clearer and more direct.
If they wanted to convince the other villages to form an alliance, this intelligence was the key. Even if the other villages refused to cooperate, Konoha was willing to provide this information free of charge.
Whoosh!
Without needing Rasa's command, an Anbu swiftly appeared before Shikaku, took the scrolls, carefully examined them, and then handed them to the Fourth Kazekage.
This overtly cautious action made the Ino-Shika-Chō trio sigh inwardly, the road to alliance was indeed a long one.
After receiving the scroll, the Anbu disappeared in a flash, returning to his hidden post.
Rasa quietly examined the contents of the intelligence scroll. His expression remained cold.
Ye Zi was a sworn enemy of Sunagakure, one the entire village wished to eliminate.
After reading through the entire report, Rasa placed the scroll back onto the desk. His face remained calm, but internally, he was slightly pleased.
This intelligence was extremely valuable.
"You may continue," he said, making no effort to conceal his intention of keeping the report.
Shikaku was unfazed by Rasa's reaction and nodded slightly before stating solemnly, "Konoha seeks to unite the great ninja villages and launch a joint attack against Ye Zi and Amegakure. Now that you've read the report, I believe you understand the potential threat they pose."
The intelligence contained crucial details, including the locations of Ye Zi's strongholds.
Rasa looked at Shikaku and said calmly, "I acknowledge the necessity of this alliance, but…" He paused briefly before continuing, "Our priority is Ye Zi."
If the great villages could truly unite, it would be beneficial for Sunagakure. However, Rasa's main objective was clear, he wanted Ye Zi dead. As for Amegakure, he was unwilling to commit his forces to that front.
Shikaku remained composed and pressed on, "Amegakure is gathering tailed beasts. Their ambitions are far from simple. If we can eliminate them, we can return the One-Tail to Sunagakure. Moreover, if all five great villages join forces, the casualties will be minimal."
Rasa raised an eyebrow.
Shikaku had pinpointed two critical points: One was the return of the One-Tail, and the other was the potential casualties Sunagakure would have to bear.
If the One-Tail could be recovered, the village elders would likely support the alliance without hesitation. However, what concerned Rasa most was the cost in lives. Among the five great villages, Sunagakure was the weakest and had the hardest time developing. If the conflict were limited to targeting Ye Zi, the risk to Sunagakure would be far lower.
After a brief moment of contemplation, Rasa finally made his decision.
"If Konoha can persuade the other villages, then we will participate in this alliance," he said in a deep voice.
He recognized the necessity of this cooperation, but he also knew that the real challenge was whether the other villages would agree. He didn't need to ask about Konoha's progress with the other villages, he only cared about the final outcome.
If everyone agreed, Sunagakure would join.
If even one village refused, the alliance was off the table.
Shikaku understood that this was the true challenge. Negotiating with the various villages was his task, and he had already prepared for the possibility of failure. At the very least, he had successfully laid the groundwork for the alliance.
The first step had been a success.
Sunagakure's agreement was within Shikaku's expectations. The most difficult village to persuade, however, would be Kumogakure.
After politely declining Rasa's offer to stay the night, the Ino-Shika-Chō trio departed Sunagakure, braving the sandstorm once more. Their next destination: the Land of Earth.
If they could convince Iwagakure, the alliance would be halfway to success.
Using the tailed beasts as leverage, persuading Kirigakure would likely not be too difficult.
The real challenge was Kumogakure.
Kumogakure had no direct conflict with Amegakure or Ye Zi. Additionally, it was the most prosperous of the five villages, meaning they had no real reason to commit troops.
If Kumogakure refused to participate, the other villages would likely back out as well.
The reason was simple...
If the strongest village abstained, their advantage would only grow larger.
The other villages would not stand for that.
Even Konoha wouldn't allow it.
Traversing rugged mountains and treacherous paths, the Ino-Shika-Chō trio finally arrived at Iwagakure, a village with a distinct architectural style.
As expected, they were stopped at the outer perimeter. Only after receiving Tsuchikage Ōnoki's approval were they allowed to enter.
They were escorted by an elite squad of jōnin, their wary stance unmistakable.
Strictly speaking, even if Iwagakure decided to eliminate the trio right then and there, Konoha wouldn't be able to do anything about it.
The escort led them directly to the Tsuchikage's office, where the jōnin squad remained stationed around them. There were also numerous Anbu hiding in the shadows.
Ōnoki sat behind his desk, a middle-aged man standing beside him.
"State your business directly. No nonsense," Ōnoki said coldly.
Inoichi and Chōza tensed up, the atmosphere heavy with tension.
Shikaku, however, remained calm as he presented the intelligence scroll…
....
Meanwhile, in the Land of Waterfall, Ye Zi remained unaware of Konoha's actions. Even if he knew, he likely wouldn't care.
He was pleased with his team's recent performance. Despite their young age, strength mattered far more.
Kimimaro, in particular, caught his attention.
With Hashirama's cells, the Sharingan, and the Shikotsumyaku, Kimimaro's potential was immense. Coupled with the Curse Mark, his Dance of the Seedling Fern could unleash devastating area-wide destruction.
Soon, Ye Zi planned to resurrect Fugaku Uchiha, Jiraiya, and the two Great Toads using Edo Tensei.
He had already informed Orochimaru in advance.
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Currently on Chapter 542 - He Who Commands The Six Paths of Pain