Rong Lin made preparations in the shortest possible time, leaving Konoha and heading towards the border of the Land of Fire.
At this moment, the atmosphere at the border of the Land of Fire was somewhat tense. The disappearance of the Third Kazekage plunged the entire Sunagakure into chaos. Under the orders of other high-ranking officials, numerous Sand Shinobi left the village and began searching for traces of the Third Kazekage.
Thus, a large number of Sand Shinobi traces appeared on the border of the Land of Fire. These Sand Shinobi seemed to be searching for something, which immediately made the Konoha ninjas guarding the Land of Fire's border nervous.
The other party dispatched a large number of ninjas to search at the border. No matter how you looked at it, it seemed like they were coming to stir up trouble. You say you're looking for something, but who could prove it? God knows if you're really looking for something, or if you're just feigning ignorance—it's even possible you're planning a sneak attack from behind. How could you be so brazenly searching on someone else's border like this!
Thus, Konoha's ninjas immediately sent this intelligence back to the village, and they also warned the Sand Shinobi.
The already anxious Sand Shinobi could hardly endure Konoha ninjas' warning!
The atmosphere immediately became tense. Some minor skirmishes broke out, causing casualties on both sides, thus escalating the stalemate. Many Sand Shinobi even secretly speculated whether the Third Kazekage's disappearance was Konoha's doing. Otherwise, why would Konoha be so nervous!
And Konoha's ninjas felt that these Sand Shinobi were too audacious, searching on the border line and even ignoring warnings, taking the first step. This was equivalent to a challenge!! A challenge to Konoha!
Although Konoha was a great nation, it had always looked down on Sunagakure, believing that the other party's strength was insufficient. Among the Five Great Nations, Sunagakure's strength was the weakest. This was publicly acknowledged. After all, the environment of the Land of Wind led to its national power being weak, and without financial support, it was very difficult to develop greatly. No other great nation dared to compare with the Land of Fire financially.
With insufficient financial resources, the village's development would slow down, and the strength and proficiency of its ninjas would naturally be lacking. It was perfectly normal for Konoha's ninjas to look down on the other side. But what infuriated Konoha's ninjas was that these Sand Shinobi, whom they usually looked down upon, actually dared to provoke them at this time. Were they trying to instigate a war with Konoha?
Konoha never feared any war, nor would it bow its head to anyone, let alone the weak Sunagakure. Thus, conflict arose.
"It seems I don't even need to fan the flames; they're already starting a fire themselves." Rong Lin, who had arrived at the border, watched the escalating conflict between Sunagakure and Konoha ninjas with a hidden smile.
At this moment, a large number of Sand Shinobi were present on the border of the Land of Fire, searching everywhere. Konoha's ninjas, besides giving warnings, were constantly watching the other side's every move. But which country would accumulate so many ninjas on its border?
Now, the number of ninjas on both sides was imbalanced, so the request for support intelligence quickly reached the village.
After some consideration, the Third Hokage still dispatched a large number of ninjas to the border line, confronting the Sand Shinobi.
"Lord Rong Lin."
On the border, the ninja in charge of this matter respectfully said, "The other side has started to move again."
"What exactly are these Sand Shinobi searching for?"
After collecting various intelligence reports and transmitting them back to the village, Rong Lin, under the Third Hokage's orders, remained on the border line. He was essentially stationed at the border to prevent any genuine sudden emergency. Among the figures of the Sand Shinobi searching outside, there were even some who should not have appeared at all. This made Konoha's higher-ups wary, which is why Rong Lin received the order to stay and guard the border.
More than ten days have passed since this sudden incident erupted, but Konoha is still puzzled about what the ninjas of Sunagakure are searching for.
Although Konoha secretly apprehended several Sand Shinobi for investigation, disappointingly, these Sand Shinobi didn't know what exactly happened.
"As long as they don't cross the border line, let them be." Rong Lin had no good solution for this. Even if he did, he wouldn't say it. His staying at the border was more of a deterrent. Other matters didn't require his concern. The opponent's polite inquiry was merely a courtesy given out of respect for his strength.
If Rong Lin were to jump out and start giving orders, the other side might not necessarily listen. Since that's the case, why bother talking so much?
"How is it, is the progress at a stalemate?"
At this moment, Sunagakure was shrouded in a layer of gloom. Chiyo's face was grim. She couldn't believe such a thing was happening. This was definitely a huge blow to a village.
The news of the Third Kazekage's disappearance had been sealed, and only a few high-ranking officials and powerful ninjas in the village knew about it. And those Jonin and Elite Jonin were also the main force leading the search, so the news had not yet leaked out.
"N-no." The person in charge of the matter wore a bitter expression: "And because of our search on the border of the Land of Fire, Konoha has also made a move. More and more Konoha ninjas are gathering at the border, bringing us even more trouble in our search."
"No matter what, this must not stop! It might even be Konoha's doing!!"
Chiyo was in a bad mood, even starting to suspect Konoha.
"Konoha has started to become wary. In addition, a protest has erupted in the Land of Rivers, making the search even more difficult."
"Hmph, it's just a minor nation. Why bother with their opinions? Increase the search!!"
Chiyo snorted coldly. When did such minor nations gain their own voice? They were merely pawns between great nations.
(Wang Dedian) Once the news of the Third Kazekage's disappearance spread, the entire Land of Wind would be shaken. This was something Chiyo didn't want to see.
She had originally retired, but due to the Third Kazekage's disappearance, she had no choice but to step forward. Compared to others' hesitation, Chiyo's resolve was undoubtedly very decisive.
"But Konoha... has come."
"Continue, don't stop!!" Chiyo said coldly: "If we can't find the Third Kazekage, do you know what kind of turmoil it will cause for the village, for the Land of Wind?"
"Yes!!"
Chiyo's strong retort left the other party speechless; they could only obey. If they had truly made such a good choice, they wouldn't have invited the already retired Chiyo out.
"Also, select a suitable candidate for the Fourth Kazekage. I suspect the Third Kazekage has already met with foul play. We need to prepare for both contingencies."
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