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Sunagakure.
After several days of travel, resupplying at multiple logistics stations, and only pausing for quick bandaging before continuing, Pakura and her team finally returned to Sunagakure.
However, they brought back bad news.
Underground Meeting Room.
The Third Kazekage, who hadn't shown himself in the Village, at the front lines, or elsewhere for many days, now sat at the head of the table in this secret underground room, his expression grave, his fingers interlaced, quietly reading the mission report summary submitted by Pakura.
Pakura, her arms and thighs not yet fully healed, sat upright beside him, still covered in injuries.
It wasn't until he finished reading the mission report that the Third Kazekage rubbed his brow with a heavy expression, his eyes bloodshot from exhaustion, leaving him momentarily unable to recover.
"An Uchiha in the Sealed Land, a terrifying giant, a hidden trump card of Konoha, a young man who can fight them, even to the point of tearing the world apart, and the sacrifices of Rasa and Monzaemon?"
The events of the past two or three days indeed gave him the illusion of having been struck hard on the head.
All of it was almost unimaginable.
Moreover, at such a critical moment, he had lost two of his greatest generals in one fell swoop.
Both Monzaemon and Rasa were powerhouses at the 'Kage' level, respected in any Village they visited.
But they died, seemingly unable to resist, at the hands of a young man from Konoha?
Konoha...
They had truly deceived him miserably.
After a long silence, the Third Kazekage finally cleared his thoughts and nodded to the people at the conference table:
"Although this operation targeting the Sealed Land was proposed by Rasa, as Rasa's teacher, I am responsible for the Village suffering such significant losses. I cannot shirk my responsibility."
"I will bear the responsibility for the failure of this operation."
Upon hearing this, everyone present, whether Ebizo or Pakura, instinctively pressed their hands on the table and spoke up:
"Third Kazekage-sama..."
But the Third Kazekage simply raised his hand: "It is decided."
He knew very well what this meant.
It meant that as soon as the war ended, his position as Kazekage would likely come to an end.
However, the Third Kazekage also knew very well that if he couldn't take responsibility now and instead let the blame game descend into internal squabbles, leading to various issues and a lack of unity, the harm to Sunagakure would be far more severe than his inability to serve as Kazekage.
Besides, whether he could even survive until the war ended was a question mark, so it was no longer important.
The Third Kazekage immediately shifted the topic to the next step, calmly stating:
"The problem now is that our strategic judgment of Konoha was flawed; they are hiding trump cards we don't know about."
"Pakura, have Konoha's spies found any intelligence corresponding to that young man?"
"Yes."
Pakura immediately replied: "After returning to the Village, I drew his appearance."
"According to our spies' comparison, this should be a newly promoted Jonin named 'Sawara Kiri,' rumored to be the lover of Tsunade, one of the Sannin, known for his 'special abilities' in the lower body, and not 'Kakashi Hatake' as he claimed."
"Newly promoted Jonin..."
Upon hearing this title and the subsequent string of related information, all the high-ranking Sunagakure officials present became increasingly certain that this was a deliberate smokescreen created by Konoha as part of a conspiracy.
Presumably, it was intended to deliver a decisive blow against them at the very end.
How cunning, Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Almost simultaneously, this thought arose in the minds of everyone present.
"Fortunately, this operation at least uncovered intelligence on Sawara Kiri."
The Third Kazekage's tone was calm: "The sacrifices of Rasa and Monzaemon were not in vain."
"If not for them, when Sawara Kiri truly appeared on the battlefield according to Konoha's original plan, our Sunagakure would probably have to pay tens or even hundreds of times the price."
"This is the only good news obtained from this operation."
"Furthermore, we can even think deeper—is the intelligence Konoha is currently hiding truly limited to just Sawara Kiri?"
"Besides Sawara Kiri, how many troops are they still hiding?"
Upon hearing the Third Kazekage's extended question, everyone present fell silent.
In fact, before this, many in the upper echelons of Sunagakure had some doubts about the Third Kazekage's all-or-nothing decision.
In their view, it would have been sufficient to steadily rely on their numerical superiority and continue advancing towards the Land of Fire.
But now, having witnessed the deaths of Rasa and Monzaemon firsthand and realized the cunningness of Sarutobi Hiruzen, they felt like hunters hidden in a dark forest, forced to consider his decisions with the most ruthless and cunning mindset.
Was Konoha's ambition truly so limited?
According to intelligence gathered from various countries, the current Konoha Ninja registration numbers had already reached the 'seven' series.
This indicated that from the Village's founding until now, Konoha had at least 70,000 or more total Ninja—and furthermore, they hadn't even begun a full mobilization yet; the Ninja Academy was still operating on a six-year system.
Did this mean their forces were still abundant?
Then, did they have a well-stocked ambush force on the Sunagakure's front lines?
Where were these ambush forces? What did they plan to do?
Almost simultaneously, these high-ranking Sunagakure officials all thought of one thing.
Did Konoha intend to devour the entire Land of Wind in one fell swoop?
Everyone looked up, collectively gazing in the direction of the Third Kazekage.
"It seems everyone has already thought of it."
The Third Kazekage's expression remained as serious as ever, his bloodshot eyes sweeping over everyone: "For the Land of Fire and Konoha, situated in a four-way war zone, no amount of wars can resolve their disadvantaged position of being surrounded."
"This is also the only reliance our other four great nations have to contend with the immense power of Konoha."
"Precisely because of this, for Konoha, the greatest gain a war can bring is never merely becoming the victor of a single battlefield—but rather, fundamentally changing this disadvantage."
"By consuming the Land of Wind, Konoha would gain a vast rear mining region and an outflanking route against the Land of Rain and Land of Earth."
"At the same time, they would firmly establish their title as the strongest nation in the Ninja World, allowing them to command all factions."
Just imagining such a scenario sent shivers down the spines of the high-ranking Sunagakure officials present.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, you hid yourself so well.
We even thought you were an honest man; we never expected you to truly be the disciple of that cunning Senju Tobirama.
You truly inherited his teachings!
At this thought, Chiyo immediately spoke up: "Given how dangerous the situation is now, why don't we contact the other three nations and launch a joint offensive against the Land of Fire?"
The Third Kazekage calmly said: "Ultimately, this is merely our speculation—who would believe us?"
"You must understand, Sawara Kiri is not only unheard of in Sunagakure, but other nations have never received any news of him either; even within Konoha Village, he is considered a scoundrel who rose through his 'lower body' connections."
"Such a genius, yet hidden to this extent... How terrifying?"
"And precisely because of this, even if the other nations were to learn of this information, they would only perceive it as an excuse from Sunagakure, struggling to hold on and seeking to rally them into deploying troops."
Ebizo sat in his seat, his voice hoarse as he spoke: "Then does this mean we have no other options?"
They were clearly in a strategically advantageous position, yet after a thorough analysis, they discovered their own side was treading on the edge of a cliff, liable to make a fatal misstep at any moment.
This psychological disparity was truly difficult to bear.
"No."
"There is still a way."
The Third Kazekage closed his eyes, calmly stating: "First, we must prepare for failure."
"To leave some trump cards for the next generation of Sunagakure."
"Secondly..."
"Continue to increase our leverage."
Upon hearing this, everyone looked up, staring at him in astonishment.
After the meeting concluded.
The Third Kazekage sat quietly in the secret room, his hands covering his forehead.
Rasa was his most outstanding disciple and one of the people closest to him; their relationship was like father and son, deeply affectionate.
Indeed, the Third Kazekage had long planned in his heart to let Rasa inherit his position as Kazekage once he had matured enough.
But now, he had died on the battlefield before him.
How could such a grudge not fill him with anger?
However, as Kazekage, he had an even heavier responsibility.
Just as he was trying his best to suppress his anger and calm his emotions, there was a soft knock on the door.
"Enter."
The Third Kazekage looked up.
Outside the door, a slender girl with light brown short hair, carrying a large sand gourd on her back, stepped into the secret room.
On the girl's face, there was also a hint of sadness that was difficult to conceal.
"Teacher."
She called softly.
Seeing her, the Third Kazekage forced a strained, unpleasant smile.
But he quickly realized from the girl's reaction that it was probably useless, so he returned to his previous calm and serious demeanor.
The girl before him was Karura, the woman who, in the original world line, would later bear three children with Rasa.
She was also one of the Third Kazekage's disciples, possessing excellent Magnet Release manipulation techniques.
Although she didn't innovate upon Magnet Release like her teacher and Rasa, who could manipulate substances other than sand, she was still one of the few geniuses of her generation in Sunagakure.
"Karura, sit."
Upon hearing this, Karura came and sat opposite the Third Kazekage.
However, as soon as she looked up, she saw two scrolls placed before him.
As if connecting the dots, the sadness on Karura's face involuntarily froze.
"Teacher, are these...?"
"Yes."
The Third Kazekage nodded slightly: "These are Rasa's remains."
Upon hearing this, the girl's facial muscles involuntarily tensed and tightened, as if she were about to cry at any moment, yet she tried her best to hold it back, biting her teeth tightly and clenching her fists.
"Teacher, I..."
Seeing her like this, the Third Kazekage couldn't help but sigh softly in his heart.
Even when they were younger, he had noticed the feelings between them, but he had never acknowledged it, hoping that they would naturally come together later.
Who would have thought that their next meeting would be a separation by life and death?
Thinking of what he was about to say next, he couldn't help but lower his head slightly, feeling a hint of cruelty.
But he was the only one suitable to say those words.
When the Third Kazekage looked up again, he slowly placed his large hands on the two scrolls and pushed them towards the young woman in front of him.
"Karura."
"From now on, you are to leave the battlefield, and even Sunagakure, and go to the secret realm I have prepared for you."
"Inherit Rasa's will."
Karura was stunned by the words, and she looked up with some difficulty understanding: "Teacher, what does this mean?"
The Third Kazekage's expression grew colder: "This scroll contains Rasa's corpse, and the other contains the preliminary research data for Monzaemon's 'Human Puppet Technique'—all content is now declassified, and the team I've assigned to you will continue the research."
"According to his research process, 'Human Puppets' can only exert their maximum power when controlled by someone with the closest spiritual connection or Chakra."
"Originally, they should be made from living people, but those who have just died can also barely work…"
"Teacher!"
Karura suddenly stood up, so angry that tears almost flowed: "Rasa is already dead, are we still going to desecrate his body?!"
The Third Kazekage merely looked at her calmly: "Then, do you want Rasa's death to be in vain?"
"Karura."
The young woman's expression immediately froze.
The Third Kazekage tapped the scroll in his hand, his voice so calm it was almost sorrowful:
"Teacher, he can only do this much for him, for you, and for Sunagakure."
"This is the helplessness of the weak."
"Whether it was during the time of the First Hokage, or the Second Hokage, or now."
Whether it was the secret cooperation with the Land of Wind's Daimyo, strengthening Sunagakure at all costs, cultivating talents and collecting Ninjutsu for over a decade, or searching for mineral veins in the desert during his free time—all of it was due to Sunagakure's weakness, and he had no choice but to do it.
Having strived so hard, as a mortal, he truly could only achieve this much.
"If I die, you will inherit the Kazekage title."
"I'm sorry, Karura."
After saying this, he did not continue to explain anything, but instead rose from his seat and walked out of the secret room door without looking back.
In the secret room, Karura was left alone, staring blankly at the two scrolls in front of her.
She remained silent for a long time.
Three months later.
The war between the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind continued.
However, compared to the lukewarm clashes before, the intensity of the battlefield was now significantly more fierce after the two sides had 'familiarized' themselves.
"Kill—!"
Accompanied by a sudden roar.
In the forest, which had been silent just a second ago, a series of dense rustling sounds suddenly erupted.
Countless Kunai and shuriken flew out, and Sunagakure Ninja, dressed in earth-yellow vests, rushed out with lightning speed, launching an assault on the Konoha logistics team that was transporting supplies along the main road.
In just a blink of an eye, several Konoha Genin walking at the front had already been taken down by Ninja tools, leaving only the Chunin captain who swung his Ninja blade, deflecting the shuriken aimed at him with two 'clangs', and then immediately dashed towards the direction of the assault, fearlessly swinging the blade in his hand.
However, Konoha and Sunagakure had long since entered a true war, and countless comrades, companions, and even relatives on both sides had died at the hands of the other.
Even though this Konoha Chunin was brave enough to cut down the two Sand Ninja at the front first, he still couldn't dodge the Wind Release from behind him.
With a mere 'splatter', he was easily cut in half.
But the Sand Ninja who had launched the sneak attack from the shadows didn't even have time to gloat before a Kunai struck his temple with a hiss.
Dozens of Sand Ninja ambushing on both sides of the road, and more than a dozen Konoha Ninja protecting the logistics team, clashed like two turbulent currents, instantly erupting in ripples of blood and fire.
Unfortunately, the Konoha side, being at an absolute disadvantage in numbers, was ultimately outnumbered.
After just a few minutes of chaotic fighting, they were surrounded and killed until only three and a half people remained.
Just as despair filled their hearts, a rune branded on the supply vehicle suddenly appeared.
In an instant, four figures suddenly appeared in the center of the battlefield.
Under normal circumstances, a mere small squad would have no impact on a battle involving dozens of people.
However, the moment those four figures appeared as if by teleportation, everyone on the battlefield, both Konoha and Sunagakure, changed their expressions.
The Konoha side's expressions suddenly brightened:
"Sawara Squad!"
The leading Jonin of the Sunagakure side turned pale:
"Damn it!!"
Sawara Kiri stood in the center of the battlefield, one hand on his hip, looking at the scene with a repetition rate so high it wouldn't pass a first review, and couldn't help but mutter tiredly:
"You really don't learn, do you."
The next moment, a blade erupting with flames suddenly swept across the entire battlefield, carving a charred, foul-smelling path of blood through the Sand Ninja crowd like cutting through waves.
Namikaze Minato and Uchiha Megumi followed closely, with Sawara Kiri as the arrowhead, tearing open the entire Sand Ninja formation from the front and taking a fierce bite.
Only Yakushi Nonō, who had been cautiously hopping around at the very back from the beginning, began to treat the remaining Konoha Ninja.
At this moment, they all looked with fervent expressions at these powerhouses who had appeared before them in their time of crisis.
Awesome!
Is this the overwhelming difference in strength?
Truly worthy of being the legendary Sawara Squad.
Over these three months, the Sawara Squad, relying on the Second Hokage's Flying Thunder God Technique to quickly support various battlefields, had already become famous on the Sunagakure front, centered around Kikyo Castle.
This super elite squad, composed of three Jonin, could tear apart any formation, escape any encirclement, and had saved countless lives in the most critical moments.
Among them, Sawara Kiri's almost dazzling 'Crimson Blade' was especially famous.
Over these three months, the Sunagakure side had even begun to subtly spread the name 'Scarlet Blade Mist' everywhere.
Rumor had it that he was a man who, no matter how brutal the battle, would not get a single drop of blood on him, as it would all be scorched away by flames.
Now, they had finally witnessed it with their own eyes.
Even though their injuries were incredibly painful, seeing these enemies who had killed their comrades being utterly annihilated, these Konoha Ninja couldn't help but show expressions of satisfaction.
The Sand Ninja, like a tide, continuously crashed against the arrowhead formed by the Sawara Squad, only to be swiftly torn apart by the three of them.
Wherever they passed, blood stained the ground.
In just a few minutes, the opposing leading Jonin had already given the order to retreat.
However, only the fastest few managed to barely escape the battlefield in the end.
In this forest of the Land of Rivers, only scattered, charred corpses remained.
"Are you alright?"
Sawara Kiri dropped the Ninja blade, which had already begun to melt in his hand, and turned to the Konoha Ninja whose half-body was soaked in blood, extending his hand to him.
"Yes!"
The man's eyes were a little red with excitement, as if he had seen his idol: "Thank you very much for your support!"
"Of course."
"We are all Konoha Ninja, after all."
Sawara Kiri patted his shoulder reassuringly, helped him lie down on the cart, and carefully comforted him for a few moments.
The others around them all looked at him with envy.
Only after they separated did they secretly breathe a sigh of relief.
The fervent supporters of a strong individual are mostly accumulated little by little through such life-and-death rescues and the comfort provided after a crisis is resolved.
Hatake Sakumo's high popularity was not unrelated to his gentle, kind, and companion-caring nature.
Now, Sawara Kiri had also learned a lot.
Unfortunately, no matter how fervent such supporters were, they couldn't bring him bonds or emotional connection points.
The reason was simple.
A bond is an equal, two-way connection of mutual giving; if it's truly fanatical like a fan, it cannot form a spiritual resonance with him.
Admiration is the emotion furthest from understanding.
That was roughly it.
When Sawara Kiri turned his head, Namikaze Minato was inspecting the damaged supply vehicles, his expression very grim.
As if noticing Kiri-kun's gaze, Minato frowned and said:
"At least half of the supplies were destroyed, and this time they were all food—the Sunagakure side must have learned of our corresponding supply transport list through other channels."
A Jonin from the transport team next to him also added: "The first wave of Ninjutsu attacks was entirely aimed at the transport vehicles."
Sawara Kiri and Minato exchanged glances, both frowning tightly, clearly having thought of something.
"Damn spies!"
Sawara Kiri muttered in a low voice.
Megumi also looked troubled and whispered: "The situation on the second defense line is becoming increasingly severe."
Kiri and Minato fell silent.
Don't misunderstand, even though the Sawara Squad's reputation spread far and wide, making it sound like they could intimidate an army of ten thousand Sand Ninja.
In reality, the various front lines were constantly being breached, and battle reports flew into Kikyo Castle like snowflakes every day, most of them bad news like being surrounded, trapped, supply lines cut off, and front lines broken.
This situation was not incomprehensible.
Three against one, to fight to this extent was already very difficult.
Moreover, until now, there had been no support from Konoha's rear, as if this defense line had been abandoned.
Only Orochimaru, the overall commander, continued to carry out various deployments as usual every day, and used their squad as a firefighting team, throwing them around.
Minato's Flying Thunder God Technique had improved significantly during this period.
Sawara Kiri now really wanted to know how the original world line managed to win in such a situation.
Just as they were collecting the corpses of their fallen comrades and helping the injured to Yakushi Nonō under a tree, Yakushi Nonō suddenly touched her temple and turned to the others, saying:
"Lord Sawara!"
"Headquarters has sent another notification!"
"Again?"
join p atreon.com/KeyofStars and become a Sequence 9: Reader for dozens of advance chapters for over a dozen fics | Every 100 powerstones = 1 extra chapter