The [Shadow] existed because everyone in the village hoped for one.
And to answer those hopes, the Third Kazekage, who bore the name of the [Strongest], made his choice.
He would bear all the blame alone. Even if the burden bent his body, even if he had to trudge forward with heavy steps, even if he might never have the chance to rest in peace after death, he had long since accepted it.
Even if his own future looked so bleak, he would lead the village step by step toward prosperity and bring hope to its people.
The Third Kazekage watched his subordinates gradually moving supplies, radiant smiles of genuine joy on their faces. For some reason, his slightly restless heart grew calmer—and more resolute.
The Shinobi World was small. The children of the daimyō often married into the families of other daimyō. When the news spread, the daimyō of the Land of Earth strongly demanded that Ōnoki attack and kill the Sand Shinobi.
The Iwa Shinobi had just endured two wars. Their physical wounds had healed, but mentally, most of them had grown somewhat weary of wars they had started themselves.
The gap between wars had been too short.
There was nothing Ōnoki could do about it. He could only stall, reassuring his old friend, the daimyō.
Once the Iwa Shinobi had recovered, what was a mere Sand Shinobi village, with not even half as many registered ninja as Iwa? They could crush it whenever they wanted.
Nara Shikaku analyzed the situation regarding the Land of Wind as soon as possible, then gave Hatake Sakumo a detailed report. The situation could very well escalate into war.
But Hatake Sakumo had no mind to deal with it just then. Compared with the distant Land of Wind, the person right in