Sunagakure Compromises

Chiyo, now over seventy, could truly be said to have devoted her entire life to Sunagakure. Yet in the final stretch of her life, she had never expected to end it early in this way.

However, Chiyo felt no sorrow. There was only acceptance. She believed that sacrificing herself in exchange for Gaara's new life was worth it.

Chiyo let out a soft breath and said to Gigue,

"I've made my decision. Rather than withering away like dead wood, I'd rather become nourishment for new leaves."

"No!"

To everyone's surprise, before Gigue could say anything, Rasa, lying on the ground, anxiously let out a furious roar.

It wasn't because Rasa had any particular feelings for Chiyo. He simply couldn't bear to sacrifice a Kage-level expert. Sunagakure was already so weak that it was nearly being pushed out of the Five Great Ninja Villages. At a time like this, the death of a Kage-level expert would be far too great a loss for Sunagakure.

And judging from the current situation, Gaara's Tailed Beast being extracted was practically unavoidable. Even if a Jinchuriki who had lost their Tailed Beast survived, how much value would they have left?

No matter how gifted Gaara was, how long would it take him to reach Kage-level?

Sunagakure's long-standing predicament had truly driven Rasa, the Fourth Kazekage, to the brink of madness. In his heart, the village's interests outweighed even his own son.

Gigue gave Rasa an indifferent glance and pressed his palm down in the air. The cube pinning Rasa down immediately sank several inches deeper. Already severely injured, Rasa spat out another mouthful of blood and no longer had the strength to speak.

Seeing his father's miserable state, Kankuro could no longer endure it. He attacked in fury, sending his puppets at Gigue. Yet before