However, the Third Kazekage understood that Konoha intended to pressure Hidden Sand on the front lines, creating opportunities for the White Fang Squad to attack.
If Hidden Sand recklessly pursued the White Fang Squad, Konoha's main forces would press from the front.
"Is Bunbuku still refusing?"
The Third Kazekage looked at a Hidden Sand Jonin, his face solemn.
"He disagrees; no matter how we persuade him, he refuses to use Shukaku's power. He says he hopes that Lord Kazekage will value peace and stop the war, which is best for Hidden Sand."
The Jonin responded.
"Stopping the war is good for Hidden Sand?"
The Third Kazekage cast his gaze toward the Land of Fire.
The land there is richer than the Land of Wind; Konoha's genius ninjas emerge endlessly, White Fang, the Sannin, Katou Dan...
The Ninja Race includes the Inoshikacho trio and other renowned ninja clans, Sarutobi, Shimura, Inuzuka, Aburame, among others.
Even scarier is that the most intact ancient bloodline elites, Uchiha and Hyuga, are also within Konoha.
Such a powerful lineup, thinking of this makes the Third Kazekage feel a heavy heart.
If one does not seize the chance while Konoha has not recovered from the war in the Land of Rain, and pillages resources within the Land of Fire, once Konoha regains its state, it would be an uphill battle to gain any advantage.
Because Konoha's growing strength has already exerted considerable pressure on surrounding countries and Ninja Villages.
If this continues, as Konoha becomes stronger, the survival space for Hidden Sand will become increasingly limited.
Only able to continuously cut military expenses, reduce the number of ninjas, while helplessly watching Konoha's ninja numbers grow larger, military expenses become more ample, standing unique in the Ninja Realm.
By that time, Hidden Sand would thoroughly survive under Konoha by eking out an existence.
The Third Kazekage does not want to see such a Hidden Sand. No matter how strong Konoha becomes, it must be fought.
As long as Konoha's power can be weakened, Hidden Sand will be able to take a breather, seeing the hope of resurgence.
Without war, there is not a glimmer of hope to be seen.
Thus, Bunbuku's 'valuing peace' mindset is righteous from a personal standpoint, but between countries, there is no right and wrong, only strength and weakness, only gain and loss of interests.
"He's not suited for this Ninja Realm. Although Shukaku is quiet within him, if not provoked, there is no risk of rampage. But it also means Hidden Sand cannot use this weapon. Lacking weapon utilization is the greatest tragedy in war. Seems like it might be time to switch out the Jinchuriki..."
Hearing the Third Kazekage's words made the face of the Jonin beside him suddenly tense.
"Lord Kazekage, this..."
"Don't worry, I just mentioned it casually. After all, the transfer of a Tailed Beast is of great importance, it must be decided through high-level meetings."
The Third Kazekage said, yet unable to reassure the Jonin.
"What should we do now?"
The Jonin appeared resigned.
This is the greatest struggle for Hidden Sand.
Compared to Konoha, not only is there a gap in overall quality, but even in top-tier ninjas, they're inferior to Konoha.
A single White Fang alone causes them great distress, leaving such a dangerous ninja behind to conduct sabotage, the Hidden Sand ninjas all fear.
Recently, many Hidden Sand ninjas are afraid to take on patrol missions in the Land of Rivers.
Facing that White Fang, many Hidden Sand ninjas have already started to tremble in fear.
"I already have a strategy. This is a private letter from Hidden Rock Onoki; he will secretly assist our Hidden Sand."
"That Tsuchikage? To be honest, I don't recommend cooperation with him, Lord Kazekage."
"This is our only chance."
The Third Kazekage said.
As he spoke, he sat down at his desk and drafted two letters.
After writing the letters, he handed them to the trusted Jonin beside him and said, "Deliver one letter to Konoha's commander Orochimaru, and the other to the patrol team for Konoha White Fang."
"This is..."
The Jonin looked puzzled at the Third Kazekage.
"Dismissed."
"Yes."
Though confused, the Jonin still proceeded to execute the task.
"This is all for Hidden Sand... Konoha..."
The Third Kazekage murmured softly, eyes gleaming with a sharp flash.
◎
Western region of the Land of Rivers.
Located at the border between the Land of Wind and the Land of Rivers.
Hidden Sand ninjas who support the Land of Rivers from the Land of Wind will pass through this road.
Sakumo's four-member squad was here to execute a strategy of annihilation.
All Hidden Sand ninjas encountered here are annihilated without exception.
After eliminating a squad, they immediately retreat without delay, find a concealed spot to hide, then after some time, continue their annihilation mission.
Aside from Sakumo, who is a renowned Jonin, Ruri and Ayane also possess Jonin-level strength and hold special Kekkeigenkai, the destructive power brought by the three is astonishing.
Hakushi only needs to provide minor support from behind the squad, like throwing smoke bombs with poison, or explosive tags.
During non-combat periods, he makes medicine on-site, such as Soldier Rations Pills and antidotes, since the puppet master's weapons used by Hidden Sand are all highly poisonous, a careless brush can be very dangerous.
This enhances the endurance combat capability of the Sakumo squad.
This morning, they eliminated another six-member Hidden Sand ninja squad.
It seems like not many, but since accepting this task over a month ago, they've been continuously in battle every day, constantly having Hidden Sand ninjas dying at their hands, totaling over a hundred Hidden Sand ninjas.