Ninja Master Sosuke has once again gained fame, becoming known by numerous ninjas in a very short time.
This time it's different from before; previously it was because the experiences of Sosuke's alias were too legendary and sparked discussions, but this time it's purely due to his strength.
The Ninja World is a world where strength reigns supreme. The quickest way to become famous is to defeat a renowned strong opponent. The stronger the opponent defeated, the greater the fame, thus the larger the impact.
Before participating in the Third Ninja War, Namikaze Minato was only somewhat well-known within Konoha.
But once the war began, things changed. The new AB team used the corpses of veteran elders of the Ninja World to demonstrate their strength, and Namikaze Minato single-handedly fought the AB team to a standstill, proving his strength and becoming the feared Yellow Flash on the battlefield.
Of course, just fighting isn't necessarily enough for fame; it depends on the timing, setting, and personal intentions.
Achieving success and glory on the battlefield makes it difficult not to become famous. Mokgetsu accidentally encountered Pakura and defeated her, but since neither party publicized it, it didn't create much impact.
Even though Mokgetsu didn't intentionally market his alias this time, due to the "Ninja Sect Heritage," too many people are watching him, and his open and fair battle against Kakuzu quickly spread.
Those who learned the fastest were naturally the Rain Village, the strongest force in the Land of Rain.
"Defeated Kakuzu, and maintained an advantage throughout the victory." Hanzo's expression showed thoughtful contemplation.
Strong individuals in the Ninja World are not many; apart from those hiding in secluded areas, even if one's fame isn't particularly large, everyone knows a bit about each other.
Hanzo had heard of Kakuzu's stories in the black market and knew that Kakuzu's strength was extraordinary.
After all, Kakuzu specifically targeted highly rewarded individuals; high-reward ninjas either have strong abilities or special identities. If Kakuzu didn't have skills, he would have long been killed instead of dominating the black market for decades.
Hanzo previously had a momentum contest with Mokgetsu and knew Mokgetsu wasn't a simple ninja. However, he hadn't expected Mokgetsu to defeat Kakuzu so quickly.
"It's a pity he's not a Rain Village ninja." Hanzo shook his head somewhat regretfully.
Currently, Hanzo faces a minor headache; the Rain Village is facing a generational gap.
By Small Ninja Village standards, there aren't any problems with Rain Village, but Hanzo always compared it to the Five Great Ninja Villages. The next Leader of the Rain Village must be a top-tier strong figure in the Ninja World.
Unfortunately, Hanzo hasn't seen a ninja in the younger generation of Rain Village with the potential to become a top-tier strong individual.
Kurosaki Ichigo, who recently joined Rain Village, is quite good but not yet trustworthy.
"I suppose I can hold on for another twenty years; there's time for Rain Village." Hanzo's expression returned to his usual composure.
As one of the pinnacle figures in the Ninja World, Hanzo has enough confidence in himself.
Even though Mokgetsu defeated Kakuzu, Hanzo still only considered Mokgetsu a talented junior, not his opponent.
Hanzo isn't arrogantly confident without cause. Based on Mokgetsu and Kakuzu's battle records, Mokgetsu specializes in Fire Release Ninjutsu, while Hanzo specializes in Water Release, which counters Fire, plus his superior battle experience gives him confidence in his Taijutsu. Comparing everything comprehensively, Hanzo doesn't believe Mokgetsu would be his match.
Apart from Rain Village, several major and minor countries bordering the Land of Rain and various ninja organizations also learned of Kakuzu's defeat.
In Konoha, at the Root Organization Base, Shimura Danzo cursed Sarutobi Hiruzen's short-sightedness after reading the latest intelligence from the Land of Rain.
If they had increased their ninja forces in the Land of Rain, they could have acted directly.
"I must find a way to obtain the Ninja Sect Heritage." Shimura Danzo started devising a plan to smoothly acquire the Ninja Sect Heritage from Mokgetsu.
If he obtains the Ninja Sect Heritage along with Wood Release ninjas, becoming the Fourth Hokage would be a natural progression.
However, Shimura Danzo currently faces a difficult issue: lack of strength.
The forces he currently has arranged in the Land of Rain aren't enough to seize the Ninja Sect Heritage from Mokgetsu.
Not only is Mokgetsu strong enough to defeat Kakuzu, but he also has seventy-two ninjas under his command, a considerable force indeed.
But this didn't stifle Danzo's plans. He quickly formulated a counter-strategy through role reversal thinking.
"I can join forces with Hanzo against Sosuke." Shimura Danzo thought to himself.
Given Mokgetsu's formidable strength and intent to rebuild the Ninja Sect, if Shimura Danzo were Hokage and the Land of Fire faced such a ninja force, Danzo would have sleepless nights. He couldn't tolerate threats to his authority.
The more Shimura Danzo pondered his plan, the better it seemed.
If Hanzo eliminated a major threat, he would gain the Ninja Sect Heritage, paving the way for a bright future for both.
"It's also an opportunity to engage in deep cooperation with Rain Village, involving them in the war, and later generating support for me in the Fourth Hokage election." Shimura Danzo nodded in satisfaction.
If his plan succeeded, it would be the best outcome for both him and Konoha.
After refining the plan in his mind, Shimura Danzo immediately issued tasks for his subordinates to start acting.
First, he needed to investigate the relationship between the two parties; if it wasn't as he thought, then he must stir up some hatred between them.
In addition to assigning tasks to the Root Ninjas, Danzo also began devising a way for himself to legitimately leave Konoha.
Such a significant matter, he would certainly have to personally meet with Hanzo.
Land of Earth, in the Tsuchikage Office at Rock Village.