The battlefields in the Land of Grass, where Konoha and the Hidden Rock are located, need not be elaborated on, with victories and defeats on both sides. Similarly, the northern battlefield in the Land of Earth between the Hidden Rock and the Hidden Cloud is also drawing the attention of all nations.
If any of these battlefields undergo a shift, it will inevitably affect the situation of the other battlefields, possibly having a significant impact on the framework of the Third Ninja War, and could even influence the international landscape after the war.
In this regard, Hakushi is absolutely certain.
In this turbulent Ninja Realm, preserving oneself while striving to develop is of utmost importance.
"We need to lay low until Ruri successfully gives birth."
Saying this, Hakushi began to send a message to Ayane.
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The message Hakushi sent to Ayane was simple: cancel the previously decided plan and temporarily leave the White Zetsu beside Uchiha Obito, no need to rush to eliminate them.
Because clearing out the special White Zetsu beside Uchiha Obito now would disrupt future plans.
Hakushi needs those White Zetsu beside Uchiha Obito to locate Madara's position.
However, with Ruri pregnant, going after Madara now without such top-tier combat power like Ruri makes dealing with Madara seem insufficient.
Previously reviewing the memory of the instant battle between Ruri and Madara, that 'one slash beginning, one slash ending' was truly a terrifying power.
Facing the legendary power of the Uchiha that could settle the chaotic world, having two forces comparable to the current 'Five Kage' level like Ruri and Ayane also gives a sense of apprehension. Even though such a power is impossible for Madara to use for an extended period.
A battle ending in an instant is also a possibility.
Ultimately, it's still due to insufficient accumulation of power. If the power accumulation is enough, even without Ruri's assistance, two people with a few clones would be sufficient to eliminate Madara.
Moreover, Madara, knowing they have outstanding, hard-to-detect infiltration personnel, yet brazenly placing White Zetsu beside Uchiha Obito, leaves Hakushi unable to fathom Madara's thoughts; the White Zetsu there might very well be a pre-designed trap.
Based on these judgments, Hakushi made this decision.
"Is that woman pregnant?"
The focus of the matter was completely shifted by Ayane.
Her attention was not on dealing with Madara, instead, she fixated on the news of Ruri's pregnancy, immediately showing displeasure on her face.
Although such a thing was anticipated before, she didn't expect it to become a settled fact so quickly, leaving Ayane exceptionally frustrated and with an unexplainable, tangled irritation.
Clearly, she was first!
However, the one who first defined the relationship and could openly appear as a couple in the eyes of others was Ruri.
The one who first lay in the bed was also Ruri.
And now, the first to get pregnant is still Ruri.
Ayane, who refuses to admit she is a loser, for the first time feels a sense of defeat.
Why did things turn out this way?
It's truly infuriating.
It's all the fault of that damned Caged Bird Curse! Ayane thought to herself.
If it weren't for this annoying curse on her forehead from the start, and the detestable rules of the Hyuga Family, she wouldn't have let that Sharingan woman take the lead.
So, it's all because of the Caged Bird and the mistakes of the Hyuga Family.
But thinking from another angle, if it weren't for this damned Caged Bird, perhaps she wouldn't have had the courage to confide in him at that time.
"Did I come at a bad time? It's like you're in a bad mood, young lady."
Entering was a short-statured old man with a red bulbous nose on his face, none other than the Third Tsuchikage of the Hidden Rock, Onoki, known as the Dust Style Ninja both scales.
It is said to be a bloodline ability more powerful than Kekkeigenkai, known as Kekkeitota.
"Oh, not at all, it's just the food provided here is too little, I didn't eat my fill."
"..."
Onoki let out an awkward laugh.
Ayane's reputation as having a large appetite had already been reported to him by Kitsuchi.
Clearly looking like a pure and quiet girl, she ended up having an appetite totally at odds with her gentle demeanor.
"You've already eaten food for several dozen people today."
"But didn't the agreement say room and board are supplied free?"
Who would have known you could eat so much!
Even Onoki, who could be considered quite elderly, couldn't help but internally comment on Ayane's food intake.
This young lady sure can eat.
Is she really not a ninja from the Akimichi Clan?
"Seems like Kitsuchi's suggestion for self-sourced food needs to be implemented quickly."
Continuing to let Ayane eat for free in the Hidden Rock, even with the substantial resources of the Hidden Rock, this Tsuchikage would also feel heartache.
"What did you need me for at this time?"
"Ahem, we're going for a tentative attack on the Hidden Cloud, and I need you to disrupt the Hidden Cloud's supply points."
Onoki coughed, getting to the business of why he looked for Ayane.
The last attempted assault on a Hidden Cloud supply point failed, but that was due to encountering a group led by the Fourth Raikage, forcing a strategic withdrawal.
Even Ayane doesn't dare casually enter the captivity of the Hidden Cloud, following in the steps of the Third Raikage who, even in his grave with grass grown on it, had once died harboring a bellyful of rage for being surrounded.
Thus, in such circumstances, Ayane chose to retreat, abandoning the destruction of the Hidden Cloud supply point, with Onoki saying nothing about it. After all, their cooperation is mercenary; he does not expect a Renegade Ninja to fight the Hidden Cloud Village Ninja to death for the Hidden Rock.