Chiyo Wanted to Curse Someone

"There are still enemies at the nine o'clock position!"

As the mummified corpse fell to the ground, the two Stone Ninja who had been guarding it fled from its side as quickly as possible.

Fire Release: Great Fire Annihilation!

Uchiha Hikari quickly moved to another location, and taking advantage of the others' distraction, unleashed a wide-range Fire Release technique.

"Explosion Release: Landmine Fist"

Just as the flames were about to engulf everyone, Hunter, who hadn't made a move until now, seized the opportunity and slammed his fist into the ground.

The ground ripped up by the explosion collided with the fire-escape technique, hindering the flames' advance.

"Earth Release: Multiple Earth-Style Walls"

The other Stone Ninja took this opportunity to activate Earth Release, completely isolating the flames from the outside.

Pakura intended to take this opportunity to ambush one of the Stone Ninja, but before her fist could even touch him, Kari launched a flying kick before she could react.

With her arms crossed, Pakura blocked Kari's powerful attack. After landing with a backflip to deflect the force, she squinted at the renowned Explosion Release ninja before her.

"Scorching Release Pakura, I never expected that our small team would attract the Kazekage's personal attention. It's truly an honor."

Kari also sized up Pakura, adopting an attack stance with a mocking expression.

"That was close!"

Before he could finish speaking, Shou leaped up, dodging the fireball that came from below.

"I almost followed in Ōnoki's footsteps."

The Ōnoki that Kari mentioned was the Stone Ninja who had previously died at the hands of Pakura.

There will be an opportunity.

After Pakura finished speaking, he lunged forward, surrounded by four fireballs.

"Close combat? I've really underestimated you."

While dodging Pakura's attacks, Kari made exaggerated noises and didn't forget to provoke her opponent with words.

"While it's true that you should capture the leader first, you've only brought one Fire Release user. You're underestimating my teammate."

A punch was thrown out, but Kari forcibly pulled it back just before it hit Pakura.

That was a deliberate opening created by Pakura; the fifth fireball quietly appeared where Kari had just been.

Both are extremely skilled in close combat and possess the ability to deliver a fatal blow.

"If you can really do it."

Pakura almost burst out laughing.

Do you want to listen to what you're saying?

With these few little karami you brought along, you think you can kill an Uchiha with the Mangekyō Sharingan?

How could you drink like this after just a few dishes?

"Ah--"

As if to confirm Pakura's idea, a shrill scream pierced the night sky, and a Stone Ninja lay on the ground clutching his head.

Illusion Technique.

Kari was stunned for a moment, and almost got hit by Pakura's Scorch Release.

Thanks to his body's instinctive reaction, he narrowly escaped death.

Impossible! Stone Ninja are masters of teamwork; how could they be forced into this situation by a mere Fire Release user?

Screams rose and fell, each one belonging to someone Hunt could name.

"Damn it, Explosion Release: Rending!"

He slammed his fists into the ground repeatedly, and with the help of his Explosion Release power, countless pieces of earth and rocks flew up and were propelled towards Pakura by the impact.

"Scorch Release: Veil!"

Pakura adopted a defensive stance.

"We succeeded!"

Taking advantage of the moment when Pakura formed a fire curtain defense with fireballs, Kari quickly rushed to Pakura's side, swung his right fist, which was full of Chakra, and prepared to take down his opponent in one blow.

"Scorch Release: Flame Wave."

Faced with Hunt's attack, Pakura freed one hand and unleashed a burst of flame.

The flames collided with the Hunter's Explosion Release, resulting in an explosion.

He stumbled back a few steps, and before he could regain his footing, he saw Pakura rushing towards him, wielding Kunai.

Kari instinctively dodged the Kunai attack, and Pakura, who had anticipated this, revealed a cruel smile.

"Scorch Release - Over-Vaporization Kill"

As Kazashiro finished packing up and placing Shou's body away, Pakura bid farewell to Uchiha Hikari before leaving.

Thank you so much this time.

After saying goodbye, Pakura did not forget to express her gratitude.

"It's nothing, just remember to send her some local delicacies from Sunagakure."

Having witnessed the entire battle, Kazashiro accepted the other party's kindness.

Who asked you?

Pakura rolled her eyes and immediately retorted.

"Um, if possible..."

Uchiha Hikari weakly raised his hand, indicating that Kazashiro's suggestion was not entirely unacceptable.

"Huh? Deep-fried scorpions, a specialty of Sunagakure, is that alright?"

Pakura was surprised that Hikaru really wanted to try the local specialties of Sunagakure, and hesitantly named a few fierce-looking dishes.

"Stir-fried centipede, ghee-coated locusts..."

With each dish name he uttered, his originally handsome face grew increasingly pale, eventually turning completely ashen.

"Is life in Sunagakure always this difficult?"

After Pakura finished her explanation, Hikaru finally mustered the courage to ask a question.

I thought the food I ate during my time as War Weapon was bad enough, but I didn't expect the Sunagakure to be even more valiant. Whose subordinate is this?

Upon hearing Guang's words, Pakura was taken aback at first, then hurriedly waved his hand to explain, "You misunderstood. I was just talking about local specialties. Actually, our village can eat meat two or three times a week."

Two or three times a week?

Kazashiro was shocked. This is what Sunagakure feeds their own ninjas?

It's important to know that even during the Fourth Shinobi World War, Konoha was able to ensure that the ninjas on the front lines had at least one meal of meat a day.

Your ninjas are already very loyal to the village for being willing to serve.

Watching Pakura's departing figure, Kazashiro, suddenly realizing that deliberately causing trouble for Sunagakure was a pointless endeavor.

Upon returning to the village, Pakura immediately convened a meeting of the village's leaders.

"I'll wipe out the entire squad led by the Explosion Release ninja, Hunter, at the border. Tomorrow morning, I'll have the ninjas stationed at the border reclaim our commission."

Pakura's words instantly snapped the still somewhat drowsy executives back to reality.

What did you say?

Who did you wipe out completely?

What else do you want to take back?

Chiyo, in particular, jumped up from her seat after hearing Pakura's words, pointing at Pakura, unsure of what to say.

"Advisor Chiyo, what's wrong with you? Didn't I follow your instructions and launch a strong attack on Iwagakure?"

Pakura pretended to know nothing and shifted all the blame onto Chiyo.

Chiyo felt incredibly bitter after hearing this.

I'm telling you to be firmer, not to just go and annihilate them!

Even if you were really planning to take action, shouldn't you at least consult with us, or at least mobilize your team?

Now look what happened. The Iwagakure came prepared, while our ninjas weren't ready, and you rushed to take them down.

Ancestors, former Kazekage, I think this Sunagakure is doomed.

What left Chiyo speechless was that after hearing Pakura's words, all the other high-ranking officials turned their attention to her.

They all assumed that Pakura's actions were truly based on Chiyo's advice, and their gazes towards Chiyo held a more enigmatic meaning.