The Konoha shinobi snapped back to reality after seeing Uchiha Ryun collapse. They quickly gathered to protect him, especially the Uchiha clan members.
Among them, the Uchiha shinobi who had participated in the final wars of the Warring States Period burned with fervor in their eyes. They knew the Uchiha clan had produced another powerful wielder of the Mangekyō Sharingan.
Moreover, judging from Uchiha Ryun's earlier performance, his Mangekyō Sharingan was exceptionally strong. Even though it was only the first stage, he had instantly defeated the Third Kazekage. Thus, Uchiha Ryun was now their hope.
The Uchiha revered strength, and since Uchiha Hirotomo had not revealed his own Mangekyō Sharingan, Uchiha Ryun's status among the eight hundred Uchiha members skyrocketed.
The other Konoha shinobi were also worried that Suna-nin might take the opportunity to ambush Uchiha Ryun. But seeing the eight hundred Uchiha guarding him fiercely, they understood his importance to the clan. They stepped back and formed a defensive perimeter.
However, the Suna-nin no longer dared to resist. They threw down their kunai and knelt on the ground, hands pressed against the earth. Rasa led the surrender.
"Konoha shinobi, I am Rasa. I surrender. The Third Kazekage, the instigator of this war, has been slain. I beg for your mercy." He raised a hand and declared.
No one had seen Rasa's underhanded attack except Uchiha Ryun and the deceased Third Kazekage. Rasa, ever the schemer, would never let his reputation suffer.
"We surrender. Please spare our lives, Konoha shinobi." Around eighteen hundred battered Suna-nin pleaded.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was taken aback. Then he slowly walked away from Uchiha Ryun's side. Danzō Shimura followed him. This time, Danzō was a major contributor to the battle, not just Hiruzen's shadow. He could stand openly beside Hiruzen and share the glory.
"Can you represent Sunagakure, Rasa?" Hiruzen asked sternly.
Rasa replied calmly, "I am the Third Kazekage's disciple and the heir to the next Kazekage. I believe I have that authority."
Hiruzen was moved and was about to help him up when a voice interrupted.
"Wait, Hokage. This old woman is the wife of the First Kazekage. Now that the Third Kazekage is dead, Rasa cannot represent all of Sunagakure. If you have any matters to discuss, please negotiate with me and my younger brother, Ebizō." Chiyo's expression was cold as she glared at Rasa.
She had just arrived. After being briefed by local shinobi, she understood the situation. She hadn't expected Rasa to declare himself the future Fourth Kazekage. Who gave him the right?
Rasa panicked. "Lord Hokage, that madwoman was stripped of her elder position by the Third Kazekage. Don't believe her!"
Chiyo remained silent, her eyes filled with disappointment and disgust toward Rasa. A person could be physically incomplete, but they should never grovel and call the enemy "lord."
Thus, Chiyo decided that as long as she lived, Rasa would never become Kazekage. She glanced at Pakura. Though Pakura looked surprised, she wasn't as fearful or sycophantic as Rasa.
Hiruzen hesitated. He didn't know if the Third Kazekage had named Rasa as his successor, but he knew Chiyo's status.
Danzō Shimura whispered in Hiruzen's ear, "Hiruzen, I think Chiyo is more reliable than Rasa. After all, Chiyo is from the same era as the First Hokage. She can represent Sunagakure without question. As for Rasa..."
Danzō didn't finish, stepping back. Hiruzen nodded. In Sunagakure, no one had higher prestige than Chiyo. He decided to negotiate with her.
"Chiyo of Sunagakure, I, Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage of Konoha, accept your proposal. Tomorrow at noon, we will negotiate at the border of the Land of Rain." Hiruzen said coldly.
"Yes, Lord Third Hokage. We will be there. However..." Chiyo feigned hesitation.
Hiruzen was puzzled. "What is it?"
Chiyo sighed. "Lord Hokage, we admit defeat today. With such a powerful shinobi like him, it's no surprise the Kazekage lost."
Her gaze shifted to Uchiha Ryun, then back to Hiruzen with a meaningful look.
Nara Luming's pupils contracted. What a vicious scheme. Chiyo was implying that Suna had lost to Uchiha Ryun, not Hiruzen. The Hokage had only won because of Uchiha Ryun. She was trying to drive a wedge between them.
He quickly interjected, "The Uchiha are Konoha's Uchiha. Please watch your words, Elder Chiyo. Do not attempt to sow discord."
Chiyo shot Nara Luming a venomous glare, wishing she could tear his mouth off.
Hiruzen had indeed been pondering the issue, but Nara Luming's reminder snapped him out of it. He now looked at Chiyo with disgust.
Chiyo shrugged. Since her attempt to divide the Hokage and Uchiha Ryun had failed, there was no point staying. She decided to return and discuss reparations with Ebizō and Bunpuku.
"Lord Hokage, I take my leave." With that, Chiyo led Chiron, Pakura, and the remaining 2,800 Suna-nin back to Sunagakure.
Hiruzen watched their retreating figures, lost in thought.
"Hiruzen, Hiruzen!" Danzō called loudly.
Hiruzen snapped back. "Oh, Danzō. Ah, I was just deep in thought." He laughed and scratched his head, slinging an arm around Danzō.
But Danzō knew his old friend too well. Hiruzen had taken Chiyo's words to heart.
"Hiruzen, you know Uchiha Ryun better than I do. After the Land of Rain campaign, the first person he visited was you, wasn't it?" Danzō said slowly.
Hiruzen remained silent. He might dismiss others' words, but not Danzō's. They were lifelong friends.
"And you saw Uchiha Ryun's relationship with Tsunade earlier. Given Tsunade's status, shouldn't that reassure you?" Danzō defended Uchiha Ryun.
In the past, Danzō wouldn't have spoken up for anyone. But now, Uchiha Ryun had helped him secure a major victory without making excessive demands. His only request was to add a character to their names after the war.
Thus, Danzō believed Uchiha Ryun was someone worth nurturing, a man loyal to Konoha who could achieve great things. That was why he trusted Uchiha Ryun.