Contest for the God Child

As time passed, the cooperation between Konoha and Sunagakure grew increasingly close.

The intelligence Jiraiya had compiled was swiftly delivered to Sunagakure, and the two villages established a joint command headquarters. Jiraiya, who had contributed the most, served as commander-in-chief, while Ebizo acted as deputy commander and Nara Touya as strategist.

That said, all strategic decisions were still discussed and decided jointly by the few of them.

"Based on the intelligence gathered so far, the Jashin Cult has roughly three thousand so-called Divine Guards. Most possess strength ranging from Genin to Chunin, while only a handful of Second-Class Priests have reached Jonin level—around ten in total."

"Their main combat forces are still the Three High Priests, the Three Apostles, and those two mysterious individuals."

"The Three High Priests possess Elite Jonin-level strength. Of the two mysterious individuals, one uses Magnet Release ninjutsu, while the other specializes in taijutsu and the Summoning Jutsu."

At that moment, Nara Touya was briefing all the Jonin involved in the campaign on the rough intelligence.

They had all already received more detailed information about the Jashin Cult, so there was no need to elaborate.

However, when Magnet Release ninjutsu was mentioned, the Sunagakure Jonin present showed strange expressions.

After all, whether it was that Jashin Cult member's ninjutsu or the way it was used, it was highly similar to their long-missing Third Kazekage. There might even be some connection between the two.

Konoha had not been without doubts about this matter either.

But after extensive analysis, they ruled out the possibility that the Sand Shinobi and the Jashin Cult were working together.

After all, the damage and loss of reputation the Jashin Cult had inflicted on Sunagakure were real. If it was all an act, the price was far too great. There was simply no