When Yako entered the Hokage's office, he realized he was the last to arrive.
Tsunade and Nara Shikakaku worked in the Hokage building, while Yako's ANBU base was hidden deep within the Forest of Death.
All four leaders were seated on the sofa.
Sarutobi Hiruzen glanced at Fox… then at Tsunade.
Four years ago, after Danzo's death, he had expected the two to form an alliance and make major moves.
But four years had passed.
They had done nothing.
Tsunade had become a perfect administrative advisor, managing Konoha with precision.
Fox remained in the shadows, never interfering with village politics.
Only occasionally did he show his edge—appearing at the borders to deter enemies.
For the past three years, border conflicts had been minimal.
Even Ōnoki and the Raikage had been strangely quiet.
Until recently—
According to intelligence, Kumogakure had successfully resealed the Two-Tails into a new Jinchūriki: Yugito.
And just like that—
The world stirred again.
—
Hiruzen exhaled smoke.
"This meeting concerns the Kazekage's disappearance.
It could reshape the shinobi world.
What are your thoughts?"
Tsunade spoke first.
"The disappearance is unclear, but from my analysis—
Sunagakure's finances are deteriorating.
Their mission volume, supply purchases, even waste output have all decreased.
At first, they searched in secret.
Now, under pressure, they've deployed large numbers of shinobi across the Land of Wind.
This has caused chaos—there are reports of Suna ninja attacking civilians.
The Daimyō is dissatisfied.
Relations are worsening.
Financially… their losses may already exceed twenty percent."
Hiruzen nodded as he reviewed her report.
Despite her bold personality, Tsunade's work was meticulous.
Shikakaku continued.
"Sunagakure suffers from internal division.
Three factions exist:
First—the puppet masters, led by Chiyo.
Second—the secret technique users, centered on the Kazekage and Rasa.
Third—civilian ninja.
During the last war, Chiyo's son and daughter-in-law were killed by us, worsening tensions.
Although the Kazekage accepted her grandson, Sasori, as a disciple…
He never taught him Magnet Release.
Now, as Sasori's strength grows, the conflict intensifies.
Puppet techniques consume too many resources.
Many believe they're inefficient—especially against top-tier opponents.
After the Kazekage's disappearance:
Rasa's faction insists on prioritizing the search.
Chiyo's faction wants stability—search while appointing a new Kazekage.
Internal conflict could easily turn violent.
However—
External pressure, such as from Iwagakure, may temporarily unite them."
He paused, glancing at Tsunade and Fox.
Compared to other villages—
Konoha's internal conflicts had been… mild.
Shikakaku added,
"The greater threat lies with Iwagakure and Kumogakure.
Peace is temporary.
Both are actively preparing for war."
Hiruzen turned.
"Fox—your thoughts?"
Yako spoke calmly.
"Iwagakure is attempting to contact the Wind Daimyō.
Using the Land of Bears as a springboard, Ōnoki plans to enter the northwest of the Land of Wind and seize mission markets.
Kirigakure is targeting Sabaku Port.
Everyone wants a piece of Sunagakure.
Konoha should wait.
Let them exhaust each other.
Then decide who to strike—and how."
Hiruzen and Shikakaku nodded.
Konoha couldn't afford another early war.
"Fox," Hiruzen said, "lead the ANBU to the Land of Wind.
Gather intelligence. Monitor all villages."
Yako nodded.
"I'll depart immediately."
Half an hour later—
He left Konoha with the Leaf Monkey squad.
—
At the same time—
At Sunagakure's canyon gate—
Rasa and Chiyo were sending off a squad.
Since the Kazekage's disappearance, the two had taken joint control.
Rasa spoke firmly.
"Pakura, your Scorch Release is effective against Water Release users.
Your first mission—eliminate Mist infiltrators in Sabaku Port.
Second—capture them and extract information about the Kazekage."
Chiyo frowned.
"Rasa, don't lose your composure.
The Kazekage would never go to the Land of Water.
Pakura—focus on defeating the enemy. Don't waste time on interrogation.
The real threat is Iwagakure in the northwest."
Rasa's expression darkened.
If Chiyo and Ebizō would just retire…
He could act freely.
Pakura glanced between them, then said calmly,
"I also believe the Kazekage isn't in the Land of Water.
But I'll follow your orders, Rasa-sama. I'll capture and interrogate Mist ninja."
Rasa caught the lack of conviction—but said nothing.
After all—
The entire Land of Wind had been searched.
Nothing.
"I want to see the interrogation records."
He turned and left.
—
Once he was gone—
Chiyo spoke gently.
"Pakura, you are a prodigy.
One of the few rising jōnin in Sunagakure.
Complete this mission well—
And I will help you enter the village leadership."
Pakura shook her head immediately.
"I have no interest in politics.
Protecting the village… is enough."
Chiyo smiled faintly.
"You're too modest.
Even Konoha's Fox rose to ANBU commander at a young age."
Pakura lowered her gaze.
How could she compare herself to someone like that?
After a pause, she asked quietly—
"Lady Chiyo… any news about Sasori?"
Chiyo's expression tightened with worry.
"He said he was gathering materials…
But it's been over a month.
And he still hasn't returned."