Karura still had not quite realized who the "white-haired brat" was supposed to mean,
but Pakura had personally fought a certain white-haired boy before. She vaguely understood now, but for a moment, she still found it hard to believe.
"Elder Chiyo, do you mean… this was done by that brat named Mikami Yuu?"
"Yes. Him."
Chiyo nodded. "That brat's growth speed has exceeded our estimates. He has already become a serious threat to us… As expected, failing to eliminate him last time was a mistake."
Now even Pakura fell silent.
She knew Yuu had some ability. Objectively speaking, he was indeed stronger than her. His swordsmanship was also excellent, and anyone slightly weaker in taijutsu could easily be killed instantly by him.
At the same time, Pakura also admitted that although Rasa's character was questionable, his Magnet Release gold dust was indeed quite good. He truly had strength far beyond an ordinary jōnin.
The current her had no absolute confidence in winning against either of them.
But…
Mikami Yuu had defeated Rasa?
No, how did he do that?
Wasn't that guy good at Fire Release and swordsmanship? With just those two methods, how could he break through gold dust's absolute defense, which was comparable to an iron wall? Even her Scorch Release couldn't do that!
More importantly, Yuu was almost ten years younger than Rasa. In theory, whether in stamina, chakra volume, or combat experience, he should be far below Rasa. Even the Red Sand Scorpion at around ten years old might not be able to reliably take Rasa down, yet Yuu had actually done it.
Could someone's growth speed really be so fast it became absurd? Wasn't that too ridiculous?
Wait…
Pakura suddenly noticed a blind spot.
The last time she was captured, it was also because she participated in an operation organized by Chiyo. This time, although the operation was not led by Chiyo, Chiyo had still participated, and the result was that the acting Kazekage had fallen into enemy hands while Chiyo herself had returned in a sorry state…
Was Elder Chiyo cursed or something? Was she specifically countering her teammates?
Or could it be…
Sunagakure's elder was also colluding with Konoha?
The latter was naturally impossible. After all, Chiyo's son and daughter-in-law had died at the hands of Konoha ninja, and her grandson Sasori leaving the village could not be said to be unrelated to that. If someone like her could still collude with Konoha, Sunagakure would have been finished long ago and would never have lasted until now.
Besides, objectively speaking, the enemy had deployed two Kage-level experts, Jiraiya and Orochimaru, plus Mikami Yuu, who could already rival Kage-level combat power. Under such circumstances, Chiyo and Rasa failing to win and returning in defeat was reasonable.
But no matter what…
Pakura genuinely felt that Chiyo was somewhat ominous, almost as if she carried some kind of curse. It seemed she should avoid too much contact with her in the future. Nothing good would come of it.
Thinking this, Pakura quietly took half a step back, putting some distance between herself and Chiyo.
Chiyo: "?"
After a brief silence,
Chiyo described some more details, focusing especially on Yuu's astonishingly hot "blue Fire Release" and his almost divine Hatake Swordsmanship.
This was intelligence Rasa had traded with his body, and it was also the key reason this battle had failed. It was extremely precious and had to be spread widely.
Across from her,
Karura, having learned of her husband's condition, had turned deathly pale. Her whole body swayed, and she had to support herself on the table to stand firm.
Pakura, however, was relatively calmer.
After all, she and Rasa had never been on good terms. Although she would not gloat at a time like this since they were fellow Suna ninja, she certainly could not be called heartbroken. She was still able to think normally about their current situation and comfort her friend beside her.
"Don't worry, Karura.
"Since Rasa… Acting Kazekage-sama wasn't killed on the spot, Konoha will definitely find a way to keep him alive. You two will meet again sooner or later. But Elder Chiyo, what should we do now?
"The Kazekage's capture will definitely deal a major blow to Sunagakure's morale. Konoha will also certainly use this to make a big issue and threaten us… I suggest we immediately strengthen Wildfire City's defenses to prevent Konoha from retaking it by force. Only then can we increase our leverage in future negotiations."
"…"
Chiyo heavily sat down in the chair without speaking.
This defeat at Mount Kikyo had not only buried Sunagakure's main force on the southwestern front, but had also cost them their acting Kazekage.
Rasa's significance to Sunagakure was not merely that he was Kage-level.
His gold dust kekkei genkai was extremely useful for prospecting gold mines. Aside from ordinary mission commissions, it was a crucial source of funding for Sunagakure. If he fell in Konoha, it meant that funding chain would break, which would likely trigger a series of chain reactions.
The seriousness of the consequences was enough to shake Sunagakure's foundation.
Chiyo, as one of the highest battlefield commanders, would undoubtedly have to take responsibility for this. After she returned to the village, impeachment and accusations from the council of elders would probably follow.
For one instant, Chiyo actually felt a little envious of her younger brother Ebizō. He had stayed in the village to guard the home front and had not participated in the frontline war. Now, he had instead obtained a relatively peaceful position.
However,
now was not the time to think about these things.
As Pakura had said, Wildfire City had become Sunagakure's only trophy from this recent battle and had to be held firmly. Otherwise, this entire war would truly be like trying to draw water with a bamboo basket—ending with nothing.
"…Fine. Do as Pakura said. Strengthen Wildfire City's defenses as quickly as possible."
Chiyo slowly spoke. "After Konoha's great victory, their morale is high. They may soon arrive at the city. Pakura, immediately lead people to inspect all defensive works, barrier nodes, and trap arrangements. Make absolutely sure there are no mistakes.
"Karura, assist Pakura and calm the ninja and wounded in the city. Don't let them lose the will to continue resisting Konoha. That would be troublesome…"
"Yes."
Pakura immediately accepted the order.
Karura also did her best to suppress her emotions and nodded.
"Additionally…"
Chiyo looked out at the gray sky beyond the window, her eyes complicated.
"Send someone with the highest secrecy level to report the situation here… including Rasa's capture, back to the village. Have Ebizō preside over a council of elders meeting. We need a unified opinion."
Judging from the current situation, Sunagakure had already completely fallen into a disadvantage in this battle. Defeat was only a matter of time.
So…
perhaps they needed to seriously consider how Sunagakure could exit this war in a relatively dignified manner.
…
While Sunagakure was busy reinforcing Wildfire City's defenses and dealing with the aftermath of the defeat at Mount Kikyo,
in another place dozens of kilometers away,
Yuu brought Rin and the others, along with the prisoners, and finally arrived at Kikyo City.
Compared with the previous base, Wildfire City, Kikyo City was much quieter. After all, this place had originally been far from the border and was merely an ordinary stronghold, with only a few squads stationed there for surrounding patrols.
Now, with wounded retreating from Mount Kikyo and Sunagakure prisoners joining in, the small camp suddenly became crowded. There was not even enough space to house the wounded. The Konoha ninja originally stationed there had to go ask the city lord to borrow two residences before they could settle everyone down.
Once the situation basically stabilized,
Yuu sealed the chakra of the heavily wounded and unconscious Rasa, then handed him over to the squad responsible for guarding prisoners and told them to keep strict watch. Only then did he stretch, preparing to go rest.
This entire night, he had truly worked hard and achieved great merit. His consumption had been considerable. Now that the situation had relaxed, he felt as if the bones throughout his body had nearly fallen apart. He desperately wanted to close his eyes and sleep properly.
"Hurry and rest, Yuu-kun. From the look of you, you must be exhausted. Leave this place to me and Teacher Hebishi."
Rin looked at Yuu's slightly pale face and the dark circles under his eyes, feeling distressed as she urged him.
Hebishi beside her also nodded, signaling that he should quickly recover and that she would watch over the medical team.
Yuu did not stand on ceremony with the two of them. He found a relatively clean civilian house, lay down, and slept.
He slept so deeply that he lost all sense of time.
Only when the afternoon sunlight streamed through the window lattice and cast long patches of light across the floor did Yuu slowly wake. He sat up and stretched deeply, then rubbed his swollen temples hard. Only then did he feel his mind recover somewhat, and he prepared to go outside and take a look.
"Good afternoon, Lord Yuu!"
"Jōnin Mikami, you're awake? You worked so hard last night!"
"Have you eaten, Mikami-kun?"
Inside the camp,
many Konoha ninja warmly greeted Yuu when they saw him. Some who vaguely knew him even came over to exchange a few words. Those farther away looked at him with awe and admiration.
The strength Yuu had displayed the previous night had left a deep impression on them and had already established considerable prestige. Even though Yuu was much younger than they were, most of them already regarded him as a leading figure below Jiraiya and Orochimaru. Their respect was obvious.
One did not slap a smiling face.
Yuu nodded to each of them in turn, then found a somewhat familiar chūnin and asked, "Have Lord Jiraiya and Lord Orochimaru returned?"
"Ah, Captain Yuu."
The chūnin quickly replied, "Lord Jiraiya has returned. He's in the command center in the middle of the city, discussing matters with Lord Kashima, Lord Shikaku, and the others! Are you going over?"
"Alright."
Two minutes later,
Yuu arrived at the edge of Kikyo City's camp, in front of a somewhat simple large house.
This was the temporary operational center. Jiraiya, Nara Shikaku, Nara Kashima, and several other jōnin were gathered inside, discussing tactics around a sand table. The moment Yuu entered, he heard Jiraiya's loud, booming voice.
"Yo! Isn't this our 'Konoha hero'?"
Jiraiya put down what he was holding and came over laughing. His fan-sized hand heavily patted Yuu on the shoulder, with enough force that Yuu's whole body swayed.
"Good kid, what you did last night was beautiful! Last time it was Pakura. This time, you directly captured Sunagakure's Kazekage! In the Battle of Mount Kikyo, you take first credit! The whole southwestern front has already heard about it. Privately, quite a few people are calling you the 'White Reaper' now! Hahaha!"
Jiraiya's face was full of praise and excitement.
"Huh?"
"White Reaper?"
Yuu froze for a moment, then laughed helplessly.
Alright, it seemed he had finally made a name for himself.
In the ninja world, not just anyone could have a title.
Usually, only those who had achieved great military merit and spread their fame during the Ninja World Wars could receive this honor. For example, the Sannin, White Fang, Golden Flash, and earlier, Sarutobi Hiruzen's God of Shinobi.
Compared with those few, Yuu's foundation was still somewhat lacking.
However, the achievement of "defeating the Kage of a village" sounded a bit too terrifying. Combined with his Instant Hell Shadow Killing Formation, which was similar to Namikaze Minato's style and had extremely high killing efficiency, and which had been personally witnessed by hundreds of ninja at Mount Kikyo, it was reasonable for such a title to appear.
Besides, the name "White Reaper" sounded fairly smooth. It was not some strange or bizarre title, so that was good.
At once,
Yuu smiled and said modestly, "Lord Jiraiya overpraises me. Our victory in this battle was due to your and Lord Orochimaru's careful planning, and the result of all our comrades fighting in blood. I only did my part. I would not dare claim first credit."
"Haha, you really are too humble, kid. Just like Minato! Capturing the Kage of a village alive—such a feat would be eye-catching even in the Second Ninja World War, let alone now!
"Don't worry. I'll write your contribution into the battle report and send it back to Konoha. Once the old man learns about the situation here, he'll probably be very happy."
Jiraiya did not hold back his praise. Clearly, he was in an excellent mood.
He even pulled Yuu toward the sand table in the room.
"Come, you arrived just in time. We were analyzing the situation going forward. You listen too, and if you have any thoughts, bring them up whenever."
"…"
To be fair, this sand table was quite well made. It clearly reproduced the terrain and elevation of Mount Kikyo, Wildfire City, Kikyo City, and the surrounding area. There were also colorful little flags planted on it, seeming to indicate the troop postures of both sides.
Yuu's understanding of military strategy was limited. Seeing that two intelligent Nara clan members were present, he had no intention of showing off. He simply listened for a while. Then, during a gap in the discussion, he asked about Orochimaru.
"You mean him? That guy is still sweeping the battlefield around Mount Kikyo. Kakashi and the others are cooperating too. He'll probably come over later."
Jiraiya said.
"…Alright."
Yuu was slightly worried about Kakashi and Obito's situation, but he figured there should be no major issue. With the Battle of Mount Kikyo having played out like this, even if there were a small number of Suna ninja who had fled into the depths of the valley and tried to cross the mountains to escape, they would only be scattered remnants.
What needed to be considered now was mainly the remaining Sunagakure main force inside Wildfire City.