Just after Sarutobi Hiruzen left, Uchiha Kō slowly picked up the steaming cup of tea in front of him, took a small sip, and then drank it all in one gulp.
As he put down his teacup, he couldn't help but let out a soft sigh, as if his heart was filled with endless sorrow and troubles.
He slowly picked up the teacup, gently swirling the remaining tea inside, but his gaze was somewhat vacant, as if his thoughts had already drifted far away.
After a long while, he muttered to himself, "A storm is brewing..." Then he looked up at the sky, lost in thought.
At this very moment, atop a distant mountaintop, the Third Kazekage stood silently.
His tall figure stood as upright as a mountain, overlooking the vast and boundless land below.
His sharp eyes were fixed on the distance, his gaze sweeping over the territories he had conquered—three mountain peaks already in his grasp.
A gentle breeze stirred, causing the Third Kazekage's long, dark blue hair, as hard and sharp as a hedgehog's, to sway gently in the wind.
At this moment, he was rapidly calculating the next strategic deployment in his mind, thinking about how to lead the army to continue advancing.
After Elder Chiyo voluntarily resigned from her position as elder, he decisively ordered Chiyo to return to Sunagakure to protect their home. Pakura, who possesses the Scorch Release ability, also returned with her.
However, this decision displeased Ebizo. Now, Ebizo sits in his tent all day, silent and indifferent to the battle plan, completely shirking his duties.
The Third Kazekage knew very well that even though he knew Ebizo resentment, he did not regret his decision. In his view, only by firmly grasping all the power of discourse could he truly make people feel at ease.
Not long after, a loud shout rang out, "Teacher, I'm here!"
The sudden shout startled the Third Kazekage, who instinctively turned to look.
As soon as they could see, a figure was walking quickly towards them; it was none other than Rasa.
A sense of doubt arose in the Third Kazekage's mind. He wondered to himself, when did he order Rasa to go to the front lines?
Before he could even ask, Rasa stepped forward with a smile and explained, "Master, upon learning that you were personally commanding the battle, I rushed here to provide support. I am willing to be your vanguard, fighting alongside you and sharing your fate."
Rasa's words were like a gentle spring breeze, instantly softening the Third Kazekage's originally sharp and piercing gaze.
Regardless of whether Rasa was cunning or not, the Third Kazekage felt a natural affinity for him simply because Rasa had always steadfastly stood on the same side.
"You mustn't act so rashly and without authorization next time! But considering your loyalty this time, I'll let you off the hook for now."
"Get out of my way! I am not so old that I need my disciple to fight in my place!" The Third Kazekage's mood was much better because of Rasa's arrival, and his tone became much gentler as he spoke.
"Yes, sir!" Rasa replied respectfully. He was incredibly intelligent and knew the Third Kazekage's personality traits like the back of his hand. He was well aware of his ambition and also understood the soft spot in his heart.
This is why he was always able to cater to the Third Kazekage's wishes perfectly, thereby winning the latter's trust and affection.
Is it because they are truly master and disciple, or is it simply that Rasa is exceptionally perceptive?
"Rasa, tell me, when should we launch our attack?" The Third Kazekage looked at Rasa thoughtfully, secretly considering taking this opportunity to thoroughly assess his beloved student's ability to lead an army.
Rasa understood perfectly well that this was a test his master had given him, so he calmed down and began to think about it seriously.
A moment later, a glint suddenly flashed in his eyes, and he respectfully said, "Master..."
However, before he could finish speaking, the Third Kazekage frowned deeply and reprimanded him sternly, "During wartime, you must address people by their official titles! Don't be so rude!"
Rasa was taken aback for a moment, but quickly recovered and hurriedly smiled and corrected himself, "Commander-in-Chief!"
Upon hearing Rasa's change of address, the Third Kazekage nodded slightly in satisfaction. He then raised his right hand and gestured for Rasa to continue.
Rasa took a deep breath and confidently analyzed, "Commander-in-Chief, think about it, for those ninjas, the night is undoubtedly their most reliable natural protection."
Not only do we understand this, but Konoha is certainly aware of it as well. Therefore, in my opinion, launching an attack at night will not work."
At this point, Rasa paused slightly, observing the Third Kazekage's expression. Seeing that the other party did not intend to interrupt him, he continued, "Why don't we launch a surprise attack and immediately send troops to attack Konoha!"
As the saying goes, "Speed is of the Godspeed in war," this way, we can definitely catch those guys from Konoha off guard and take them by surprise! As he spoke, Rasa revealed an extremely confident smile.
After hearing Rasa's words, the Third Kazekage was completely stunned. He had been hoping to hear some unique and ingenious strategic plans from Rasa, but he never expected to receive such a ridiculous answer.
At this moment, the way he looked at Rasa had completely changed. The previous test and appreciation had vanished, replaced by a speechless expression as if he were looking at an idiot.
What the hell? Attacking in the middle of the day? Are you some kind of Konoha spy? Are you afraid the enemy won't discover our presence?
No, no, with this level of military skill, even a Genin probably couldn't come up with such a bizarre fighting strategy, right?
"That's it?" the Third Kazekage asked.
"It's gone!" Rasa's eyes lit up, and he said firmly.
The Third Kazekage glanced at Rasa's expression, his lips twitching slightly. He then patted Rasa's shoulder and said, "Well said. Don't repeat that next time!"
Then, the Third Kazekage turned away, inwardly cursing himself. Why did he have to think of testing his disciple? Wasn't he just asking for trouble?
Rasa scratched his head, but he quickly composed himself and followed the Third Kazekage with a serious expression.
Just as the sun was about to set, the Third Kazekage shouted, "All troops, follow me into battle!"
As the sun sets and the light is about to be swallowed up, darkness is imminent; this is the best time to attack.
The Third Kazekage led the way, with Rasa following behind. Both master and apprentice used Magnet Release to fly through the sky, while six thousand ninja from Sunagakure followed behind.
This demonstrates the Third Kazekage's determination to fight Konoha. Six thousand ninjas—it's no exaggeration to say that this was the last remaining strength of Sunagakure.
If he wins, he will surpass the previous Kazekage Third Kazekage, defeat Konoha, and become the undisputed strongest Kazekage, remembered by Sunagakure Land of Wind.
If he loses, he will be branded with shame and scorned by the people of the Land of Wind, so he can only win! He cannot lose!