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The Fourth Raikage's seemingly terrifying injuries were quickly healed thanks to the medical ninja's treatment.

But that horrific wound was forever branded on his body, echoing the cross-shaped wound that Kazashiro had inflicted years ago.

Fortunately, the Fourth Raikage's strong kidneys were not affected by the wound.

It was a stroke of luck amidst misfortune.

Although he had recovered from his injuries, the news of Raikage's injury still affected the morale of the troops to some extent.

Having just assembled, they were filled with righteous indignation upon hearing that their Raikage had been defeated by the White Death God, but deep down, a seed of fear was planted in their hearts.

What would happen if I encountered an opponent that even the Raikage couldn't defeat?

Moreover, the commander-in-chief of the large force dispatched by Konoha Hiruzen Sarutobi, whose reputation was even greater than that of Kazashiro.

The Raikage was aware of the situation, so just as Hiruzen Sarutobi led his main force into the Land of the Land of Moon, a diplomatic letter from the Kumogakure, intending to reopen negotiations, was delivered to Sakumo's desk.

However, even after receiving the diplomatic letter, Sakumo only ordered the raiding force to cease its attack. Hiruzen Sarutobi's main force still entered the Land of Land of Lightning according to the original plan and took over the strongholds and fortresses destroyed by the raiding force.

After all, the other side only agreed to negotiations, and the two sides remain in a state of war until the outcome is determined.

Seeing Sakumo's actions, the Raikage was furious, but he couldn't help but admire the changes in Konoha. He then sent high-ranking officials to negotiate with Konoha's envoys at the border.

Meanwhile, the high-ranking officials of Sunagakure, an ally of Konoha, were also holding a high-level meeting.

Now, Rasa holds absolute power, and everything in Sunagakure is decided by him.

The reason for all of this can be traced back to the day Konoha was attacked.

After his battle with Sasori, Sakumo sent someone to Sunagakure to inform them of the discovery of Human Puppet suspected to be the Third Kazekage.

When it comes to such superb Puppet Technique, the only people that Rasa can think of are the Third Hokage Chiyo of the Chiyo family.

Chiyo was old and stayed in the village during that time. Her son had passed away early, and the only one with such strength was Sasori of the Red Sands, whose whereabouts were unknown.

Chiyo, who knew more about the situation, changed her expression the moment she received the news. Not long after, she and her younger brother Ebizo announced their retirement, handing over all their power to Rasa.

Chiyo's departure wasn't a big deal, but the plan to select the next One-Tail Jinchuriki was put on hold.

Originally, according to Chiyo's plan, Shukaku was supposed to be sealed inside her youngest son Gaara.

However, Chiyo decided to quit, and Shukaku remained sealed in the temple of the Land of Wind.

My head hurts.

Rasa shook his head, trying not to think about Shukaku.

"It is said that Konoha and Kumogakure have gone to war again, and Hiruzen Sarutobi has personally led his troops there. If we launch a surprise attack on Mount Kikyo now, could we reach a humiliating treaty with Konoha?"

After a moment's thought, Rasa stated the main topic of the meeting.

Due to the delay in information dissemination, Rasa is currently unaware that the Raikage has already surrendered.

Upon hearing that their own Kazekage was planning another attack on Konoha, the high-ranking officials present were once again reminded of the horrific events of the Battle of Kikyo Pass.

The last war severely damaged the reputation of Sunagakure, which had just begun to recover. Not only did many mid-level ninjas die, but the village was also reprimanded by its own daimyo, resulting in a further reduction of its already meager military budget by 10%.

Although Hiruzen Sarutobi is not here, Hatake Sakumo is still in the village, and their side has not yet chosen Jinchuriki, so they have no ability to start a war with Konoha.

The higher-ups all fell silent.

Rasa saw their attitude and knew that this was indeed asking too much of them, so he didn't insist anymore and just sighed.

If this continues, Sunagakure will eventually become a vassal of Konoha.

Although he saw through everything, he had no power to change it.

Should I really just let Konoha continue to grow stronger?

What if, what if Hiruzen Sarutobi were to die at the hands of the Fourth Raikage?

What if Konoha's main force is ambushed by Kumogakure while on a campaign mission abroad?

A sense of relief suddenly rose in Rasa's heart.

"First, assemble the troops."

Upon hearing Rasa's voice, the higher-ups were immediately startled.

The fact that his own Kazekage issued this order means that he is determined to go to war with Konoha.

"Lord Kazekage..." a high-ranking official hesitated before speaking, preparing to try and persuade the other party.

"Let's first assemble our troops, ostensibly to support our ally Konoha. That way, we'll be prepared to respond if things change."

Rasa didn't even glance at the other person, and proceeded to issue orders on his own.

"However, Konoha's diplomatic letter clearly stated that Sunagakure's support is not needed for this operation..."

Another senior executive raised objections.

"We are allies with Konoha, not in a superior-subordinate relationship. There's no need for us to act according to their wishes in everything!"

Rasa's voice rose a few decibels.

Thus, at Rasa's insistence, Sunagakure began its mobilization without the Daimyo's knowledge.

However, the mobilization had only just begun when Rasa's Anbu delivered important intelligence to him.

The Fourth Raikage chickened out.

He invited Konoha to reopen negotiations on the condition that he acknowledged that Kumogakure had plotted against Byakugan.

Meanwhile, the Anbu also brought news that the Fourth Raikage was suspected of being injured.

"How is this possible? The Fourth Raikage was seriously injured by Konoha Ninja before Hiruzen Sarutobi even arrived on the battlefield?!"

"Who on earth did this? Who could it be?! Could it be Sakumo Hatake?!"

Upon hearing this news, Rasa's first reaction was disbelief.

Aside from Kirigakure, where the current ruling generation is unknown, the strength and background of the other Five Kage are not major secrets.

The Fourth Raikage, while not fully inheriting his father's perfect physique, far surpassed him in speed, second only to Konoha's Yellow Flash.

Wait, Yellow Flash --

However, according to intelligence, while Minato Namikaze is faster than the Fourth Raikage, he lacks the means to break through defenses...

"Continue the investigation. We must find out exactly who the Fourth Raikage fought!"

Compared to Rasa's disbelief, Ōnoki's reaction was much calmer.

"That Fourth Raikage kid failed to inherit his father's formidable strength."

Taking the hot tea from Kitsuchi's hand, Ōnoki gently blew away the tea leaves floating on the surface, revealing a playful expression.

What a bunch of idiots, actually trying to challenge Konoha with the strength of an entire village. In the end, they're just too young and haven't experienced the brutal beatings from Konoha.

Ōnoki couldn't help but recall the past.

"Back in the day, I fought alongside my predecessor against Madara Uchiha..."

"Yes, yes, Kurotsuchi, I've heard this story many times, Father."

Kitsuchi shook his head and sighed; he had lost count of how many times Ōnoki had brought up this old story.