Danzo arrived at the Rice Field Country.
According to the original trajectory, the Rice Field Country should have been where Orochimaru's Sound Village rose to power.
But now, the Rice Field Country had become Danzo's backup plan.
As a leader, Danzo naturally understood that no matter how meticulously a plan was prepared, there would always be a possibility of failure. Therefore, this scheming old man would surely prepare an escape route in case his plans backfired and left him nowhere else to go.
The Rice Field Country was a small nation bordering Konoha and didn't possess its own ninja village. Danzo's people had already taken control of the Daimyo here, meaning the entire country was completely under Danzo's grip.
Danzo planned to rise from the ashes within the Rice Field Country.
Moreover, he hadn't come alone from Konoha. Those who accompanied him included some former subordinates and remaining Uchiha clansmen who had followed Yuto Uchiha.
Also, within the Scientific Research Division, some researchers originally from Root were still present.
These researchers could provide him with intelligence reports on Konoha and utilize Konoha's resources for research, then make the findings available for his use.
With a grim expression, Danzo muttered, "Akatsuki organization! You truly are impressive! Konoha… Minato Namikaze… This is far from over yet!"
...
In Sunagakure.
Rasa was receiving treatment from medical ninjas. His body bore many wounds—he had lost his left arm.
His eyes darkened with fury, and the surrounding ninja all wore expressions of gloom.
This operation had ended in complete failure, dealing a heavy blow to Sunagakure. Originally planning to pressure the Daimyo through this mission, current circumstances meant the Daimyo would likely use this very opportunity against them—possibly further reducing military strength.
That wasn't even the most troubling issue. The real problem lay in Konoha not letting things rest easily either, causing troubles to snowball.
Consequently, a faction within had already begun harboring resentment toward Rasa.
If it weren't for Rasa's stubborn insistence on striking Konoha first, they wouldn't have ended up in such a dire situation.
There was also the incident involving Shindai and Pakura.
Shindai's case conclusively shows that he had been framed, since the Third Kazekage was undeniably killed by Sasori—a fact beyond doubt.
Therefore, the claim that Shindai colluded with Konoha ninja to assassinate the Third Kazekage couldn't possibly hold water.
As for Pakura, they indeed remained uncertain—the details of her involvement were known to very few, mostly just rumors.
However, since Pakura was still alive and had actually joined Konoha, there was strong likelihood Shindai's story held truth; Having been betrayed by Sunagakure, Pakura may have lost all hope in her homeland and joined Konoha together with Shindai, another victim of betrayal.
Still, some Sand ninja found the whole situation deeply suspicious.
Sasori was Chiyo's grandson. He had killed the Third Kazekage, but afterward, Chiyo and Ebizō suddenly strongly recommended Rasa to become the new Kazekage...
Could it be that Rasa is somehow related to Chiyo and conspired with Sasori to assassinate the Third Kazekage, then seized the opportunity to become the new Kazekage?
If that's the case... Could it mean that Sasori isn't actually the son of his deceased parents, but rather Rasa's son?
That seems unlikely, though. At that time, Sasori already seemed quite old. It would be difficult for Rasa to have fathered someone of that age.
But still... This is the ninja world. Anything can happen here.
Doubts about Rasa quietly took root in the hearts of some Suna ninja.
The retired Chiyo and Ebizō hurried over urgently. They hadn't known anything beforehand about this invasion of Konoha by Sunagakure. Only after its failure, upon hearing others talk about it, did they learn of the event.
Ebizō anxiously asked, "Fourth, what exactly is going on? You invaded Konoha?"
Rasa really didn't want to admit it—it was truly humiliating—but he knew he must take responsibility for it. Thus, he explained his entire plan to invade Konoha, revealing that it had now completely failed.
Chiyo and Ebizō listened, stunned.
Coming to his senses, Ebizō sighed, "What recklessness! Danzo of Konoha is famously cunning and treacherous. Even if you had succeeded, he wouldn't have honored his promise. You were deceived by Danzo."
Chiyo said worriedly, "The bigger issue now is what to do next? Konoha definitely won't let this go, and our village simply cannot afford any compensation payments! Not to mention, there's a massive gap in strength between us and Konoha should war break out!"
Yura, whose legs were both in casts, suggested, "Maybe we could ask the Daimyo to help cover the costs. After all, as one of the Five Great Nations, the Daimyo won't just sit back and watch us decline."
Ebizō frowned, "If the Daimyo were willing to help us, he wouldn't have cut our military budget in the first place. For the Daimyo, securing his own interests comes first."
As everyone struggled to find solutions, a ninja rushed in urgently before Rasa, saying anxiously, "Lord Kazekage, a Konoha ninja unit has appeared in the Land of Wind, heading straight toward Sunagakure!"
Rasa's pale face changed expression instantly, "What? So fast?"
Ebizō turned serious, "Before they arrive, let's at least discuss a preliminary resolution. This Konoha force must be an advance squad sent to intimidate us. Fourth, we cannot wage war—we have no choice but to seek peace!"
Rasa naturally understood Sunagakure's current situation. The Sand ninja he had taken to Konoha were Suna's elite forces. Many of these elites had either died or been wounded. If another war broke out with Konoha, their chances of survival would be extremely slim.
Rasa reluctantly agreed.
...
"After so many years, I've finally made it here."
Shindai stood in the desert sands, gazing toward the faint outline of Sunagakure in the distance.
Kakashi and Obito stood on either side of Shindai.
Obito, assuming Shindai might still bear ill feelings as a former Sunagakure ninja, tried to comfort him: "It's all in the past, Shindai."
Shindai grinned savagely. "In the past? Like hell it is! I hope they come out swinging like they've got guts! I'll make them wish they never came out!"
Kakashi shrugged helplessly. "I knew it—he isn't some sentimental guy, just someone who holds grudges easily."
Shindai glanced sideways at Kakashi and said coldly, "Hmph, Kakashi, you'd better keep quiet. Don't think I haven't noticed that missing scroll!"
Kakashi awkwardly scratched his cheek. Out of all the scrolls labeled "Kakashi" that he had found in Shindai's research room, he secretly kept one instead of returning it.
Since Kakashi had witnessed the puppets called forth by Shindai against the Akatsuki organization, he was convinced the scroll contained detailed countermeasures specifically aimed at him.
Obito asked curiously, "What scroll?"
Kakashi replied nervously, "Nothing important."
Attempting to change the subject, Kakashi shifted his gaze to Shisui, who stood ahead.
Instantly, Shindai performed the Body Flicker move and appeared directly in front of Shisui, proudly slapping his chest and volunteering.
"Shisui, let me give them a taste of my power first! I'll make sure they remember it!"
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