Rasa: We Can't Win. We Just Can't!

Tents were pitched at the Kikyo Mountain.

Some were wounded soldiers from Konoha, while others were wounded soldiers and ninjas from Sunagakure, including some children as young as four or five.

They also became Genin) and went to the battlefield to participate in the war.

On the mountain, Kyohiko and Minato Namikaze sealed the corpse, looking down at the forest below. Neither of them spoke, and a silence and sighs filled the air.

The soil behind him twisted, Orochimaru arrived Earth Style.

"Lord Orochimaru."

The two turned and bowed.

Regardless, Orochimaru is their senior and superior, and they should be treated with basic respect.

Orochimaru waved his hand.

Then, he looked at Kyohiko and Minato: "How do you feel about participating in a war of this magnitude?"

"Unless their strength reaches a certain level, even Jonin has a very limited impact on the battle."

Minato Namikaze.

Orochimaru smiled and looked at Kyohiko: "And you?"

"The course of the war depends on the top-tier combat power, but the main force is the Chunin and Genin. Sunagakure has an advantage in the lower and middle ranks, but above the Jonin, Puppet Technique will become a disadvantage..."

Kyohiko shared his opinion.

Even the most skilled puppeteer is only at the level of Scorpion.

Orochimaru chuckled softly and said, "Kyohiko, it's not that puppeteers are too weak, but rather that your vision is too high and your talent too great."

He looked down the mountain.

"War and death—you'll understand once you've experienced enough of them. Many things are unavoidable; you can only make better choices."

The next moment, a smile appeared on Orochimaru's face.

"However, unlike some stubborn old people in the village who only raise problems and expect others to solve them, you have come up with a more reliable solution yourself."

Use technique to overcome technique.

Orochimaru didn't believe that Kyohiko had really discovered it by accident; he must have deliberately studied it for a long time.

Having a plan before intervening is a significant advantage over many village officials.

His eyes showed admiration.

"Once things are finished here, I will report the facts truthfully."

Kyohiko did not take credit for it.

"Thanks to Lord Orochimaru's research and improvements, and everyone's collective wisdom and efforts, otherwise Minato and I alone would have had no chance of defeating Sunagakure."

"The war is certainly everyone's achievement, but the achievements vary in size. There's no need to refuse what's yours."

Orochimaru said hoarsely.

He then looked at the two of them. "Tell me your thoughts on what to do next."

Minato Namikaze's opinion was more about facilitating reconciliation and maintaining peace between the two sides.

Orochimaru remained noncommittal.

Minato wasn't angry.

He knew that Orochimaru really wanted to hear Kyohiko's opinion.

After this great battle, Orochimaru clearly valued Kyohiko highly, and may be considering grooming him for a future role.

Kyohiko did not answer immediately.

"It's not reconciliation, it's Sunagakure's surrender."

Furthermore, the key issue of "surrender" definitely involves the corpse of the Third Kazekage, as well as the Scorch Release Kekkei Genkai Pakura, who was captured by them.

"Minato, this is the difference between you and Kyohiko. One-sided peace only moves your own heart and will ultimately harm your own people."

Orochimaru couldn't help but smile after hearing this.

He strongly agreed with Kyohiko's opinion.

Regarding the issue of the corpse.

Orochimaru pondered for a moment and then came up with some information.

Human Puppet!

"Sasori of the Red Sands?"

"Yes."

Minato nodded.

Orochimaru asked, "Do you have a plan?"

"The bodies must definitely be returned, otherwise it will violate the rules of the ninja village war, and it will be difficult to resolve the pressure from the major villages. But we can exert pressure regarding the Human Puppet."

Kyohiko paused, "This forbidden technique is not only something we fear; ultimately, Sunagakure will inevitably have to expel or even kill Sasori of the Red Sands."

Minato stood silently to the side.

He simply couldn't get involved in this kind of topic.

Orochimaru said, "It's feasible, but Sasori might also take the body and become missing-nin again."

"Or, the missing-nin could be deliberately allowed to run rampant, and then they could eventually reclaim the puppets through some means..."

Kyohiko added.

Even if the Human Puppet only has half the fighting power of the Third Kazekage, it is still a worthwhile benefit for Sunagakure, which desperately needs combat power.

He didn't believe that Ebizo and Rasa were truly so upright.

Orochimaru nodded. "We need to return the corpses they couldn't use to create puppets. I'll handle that; you don't need to worry about it."

"What about Scorch Release?"

Kyohiko asked.

Orochimaru said, "Keep them locked up for now. We'll ignore Sunagakure's attitude for the time being. We'll communicate with the Land of Rivers first, then take them there. As you said, this is surrender, not reconciliation."

The border outpost of the Land of Wind was eerily silent.

The ninjas who returned from the front lines looked ashen-faced and slumped against the earthen wall by the door.

The Third Kazekage.

The strongest Kazekage of Sunagakure.

Their invincible hero has fallen today, never to return.

Morale was low, and even Ebizo and Rasa didn't know how to comfort them, because they themselves couldn't understand how Konoha had managed to do it.

"Elder, how exactly did Konoha master Magnet Release?"

Rasa recalled.

There must have been ninjas who mastered Magnet Release underground at that time.

Ebizo glanced at him, then remained silent.

If he knew, he wouldn't be sitting here.

The two sat in the chairs, unsure of what to do next.

withdraw?

If we return to Sunagakure, will Konoha let it go?

After all, they started the war first, and Konoha has already mastered the method to break Magnet Release.

If Konoha attacks, how will they defend themselves without the Third Kazekage leading the charge?

Ebizo a state of utter confusion, but he knew he had to come up with a solution.

"First, we need to identify a core concept."

"Rasa, you must shoulder the future of Sunagakure. Step forward now."

I?

Rasa opened his mouth, but dared not voice his true thoughts.

Finally, he gritted his teeth and said, "I'll go and calm everyone down."

However.

He hadn't taken two steps when he stopped again, his face contorted in bitterness.

"Elder, how should I appease them? I was no match for them to begin with, and now that Magnet Release is countered, there's no way I can defeat them..."

Morale is currently plummeting, and the reason is still the death of the Third Kazekage.

Even the Third Kazekage was no match for Konoha, so what use would his words be?

Ebizo silent.

The fundamental reason is that they can't win; unless they can find a way to reverse the situation, everything else is in vain.

He was thinking about it.

A person rushed in from outside.

Anbu Ninja.

Ebizo stood up instantly.

"How about it?"

"Elder, Konoha did not advance, but instead sent a small team to Kyoto in the Land of Rivers."

"Land of Rivers Kyoto?"

Ebizo was first stunned, then his face turned pale.

He understood.

Konoha is openly seeking passage through the Land of Rivers, setting the stage for a long-term conflict.

Whether it's true or false, it's quite disadvantageous for Sunagakure.

They must make a decision quickly.

"Rasa."

Elder.

Rasa stood still, his face full of respect.

Ebizo, "Surrender."

"What?"

"Surrender, I will surrender."

Ebizo answered.

He sighed and said, " With the Lord Kazekage dead, we can't win even if we continue fighting. It will only benefit the other ninja villages. Is there any point in continuing the fight?"

"But..."

"I'll take responsibility for the consequences. You will become the Fourth Kazekage and lead Sunagakure forward."

Ebizo patted him on the shoulder, "As for how Konoha did it, let's put that aside for now. We'll consider the reasons when we have enough strength."

"Yes, Ebizo."

Rasa changed his name.

Ebizo nodded gently. "This is the last thing I can do for the village. After that, I will retire and peacefully await death."

Then he walked outside.

In Konoha, Tsunade sighed repeatedly, unable to concentrate on correcting documents.

An attack from the east by the Mist Village.

To the west, Sunagakure is already at war with Konoha.

In the north, Ōnoki is watching with predatory eyes.

As a result Jiraiya has been sent out to oversee the north, and there are not many ninja left in Konoha.

She needs good news.

However.

So far, none of the three parties have made a move.

"Lady Tsunade."

Sarutobi Shinnosuke appears Body Flicker Technique.

Tsunade immediately strode over. "Which side are you from?"

"Lord Orochimaru's letter."

Sarutobi Shinnosuke handed it over.

This is a letter delivered by a flying eagle. Upon opening it, it is indeed Orochimaru's handwriting.

A few seconds later, a startling laugh erupted from the Hokage Office.

Tsunade slammed the paper onto the table.

"Good!"

"How should we handle the matter of the Third Kazekage?"

"I can't speak," asked Sarutobi Shinnosuke.

This is the most pressing issue right now.

We can't aid the enemy, but we also can't break the rules...

Tsunade a cold laugh.

"What's so troublesome? Orochimaru is right, delay as much as possible. There are definitely conditions for creating Human Puppet. If we drag this out for a while, Sunagakure will get is a corpse."

"Yes!"

Sarutobi Shinnosuke the unspoken agreement.

Orochimaru is right?

According to the letter, it was clearly Kyohiko who said it.

That kid is wicked!

He couldn't help but worry about his younger brother.

"Oh, right, Shinnosuke."

Tsunade put down the intelligence report, thought for a moment, and said, "You also need to keep your brother's matter in mind, and try to persuade him more often."

"Asuma?"

"Yes, he's been training like crazy with Kai, but Kai progressed step by step, while he hasn't experienced that process. Be careful he doesn't ruin his health in the end."

"Tsunade said."

Since mastering the Telescope Technique, she has kept an eye on the next generation in the village, and as a result, she noticed the almost insane Asuma.

Sarutobi Shinnosuke was slightly taken aback.

Asuma knew a little about what was on his mind. That kid didn't have any major conflicts with Kyohiko, it was just because Kurenai Yuhi was his childhood friend...

But.

The heart resides within oneself; who Kurenai Yuhi loves is her Kurenai Yuhi affair.

We need to try and persuade them!

Sarutobi Shinnosuke muttered to himself.

He nodded and bowed in thanks.

In the evening, Asuma ran with Kai, panting like a dead dog, but he just wouldn't give up and kept following behind.

Might Guy approved in his heart.

Such willpower, truly worthy of Asuma!

but.

On the surface, he still maintained a serious expression and said, "How about that? This little difficulty has stumped you? Kyohiko could have done this much a few years ago!"

"I will not give up. Sooner or later, I will surpass him!"

Hearing Kyohiko, Asuma regained his strength and quickly caught up.

but.

Kai sped up again.

The two walked one after the other, neither willing to stop.

After the Anbu finished their work, Sarutobi Shinnosuke watched the two from a high vantage point, following their every move.

Until Asuma could no longer stand.

He then Body Flicker Technique forward.

"Asuma."

"Brother... what brings you here?"

Asuma paused for a moment.

Since Shinnosuke became Anbu Ninja, he hadn't seen him for a long time. Even when they did meet, it was just at home for meals, and they rarely exchanged more than ten sentences a month.

I didn't expect to come today.

He could hardly believe it.

I need to talk to you.

After finishing speaking, Might Guy looked at Might Sarutobi Shinnosuke and said, "Thank you for taking care of my brother."

"No, I... I just exercised with him."

After saying goodbye.

Sarutobi Shinnosuke led Asuma home.

Halfway there, on a quiet street, he spoke up, "Your conflict with Kyohiko was because of Kurenai Yuhi, wasn't it?"

"What?"

Asuma was taken aback, not expecting Shinnosuke to bring this up.

He didn't react for a moment.

Why are you bringing this up?

Asuma glanced away, looking elsewhere.

Shinnosuke said calmly, "You can't decide who Kurenai likes, but I fully support you competing with him."

"Healthy competition can motivate both sides to improve. Look at Kakashi and Guy, how fast have they improved in the last two years?"

Sarutobi Shinnosuke is very patient.

As for his younger brother, he was simply too busy; that doesn't mean he was unaware of these matters.

Asuma remained silent.

Kakashi, Might Guy...

Their progress was indeed rapid, especially Might Guy. Before graduation, all he knew was that Guy's Ninjutsu and Genjutsu scores were just passing, so graduating early was nothing short of a miracle.

result.

In just two years, the opponent not only became more skilled in Taijutsu, but also diligently explored and developed his Lightning Style.

As for Kakashi...

Has Kakashi improved a lot?

Asuma asked curiously.

Since Kyohiko appeared, he has rarely heard about Kakashi.

Shinnosuke sighed, "Kakashi, he's a genius who's willing to live in Kyohiko's shadow. It seems like nobody talks about him anymore, but actually his strength is already very close to that of an ordinary Jonin."

Sarutobi Shinnosuke paused for a moment as he spoke.

"He should be able to become Jonin at most two years."

Two years...

Asuma did an estimate.

Kakashi is currently nine years old, which means Kakashi could become Jonin at the latest by age eleven?

Wrong!

The older brother meant that Kakashi's strength was approaching that of Jonin.

Asuma paused for a moment.

Then, he couldn't help but feel depressed. "Is the gap between me and them really that big?"

"They are talented, and they train very hard and diligently. Do you train as hard as they do?"

Shinnosuke didn't simply comfort or pamper her.

Asuma shook his head.

Rather than.

At least, he didn't fight as hard as Might Guy.

Shinnosuke smiled and said, "Recognize the gap between you and others, then catch up and strive to surpass them. Don't let other emotions control your thinking."

"So, what's the difference between me and Kyohiko Yoshimine?"

Asuma Sarutobi couldn't help but be curious.

Shinnosuke hesitated for a moment, then said, "Do you want to hear the truth?"

"Certainly."

Asuma nodded solemnly.

Sarutobi Shinnosuke said, "I don't know either."

"What's the meaning?"

"I don't know exactly how strong he is, but I'm sure he's much stronger than Kakashi, and might even be on par with Minato."

Sarutobi Shinnosuke sighed.

Kyohiko is a true genius, comparable to Senju Tobirama.

The gap between Asuma and his opponent...

It's way too big!

Upon hearing his brother's answer, Asuma fell silent.

Comparable to Minato Namikaze...

He never imagined that the gap between him and Kyohiko would be so vast.

Do I still have a chance?

So, you're giving up?

Sarutobi Shinnosuke scoffed.

"No! How could I give up!"

Asuma Sarutobi answered instinctively.

Then, he nodded firmly. "Yes, I will absolutely not give up!"

"Very good. I have a gift that my father entrusted me to give to you. Since you don't want to give up, accept it, and then go and become stronger and surpass him!"

Sarutobi Shinnosuke takes out his Ninja Tools pouch.

Then, he opened it and took out the Ninja Tools wrapped in cloth.

A pair of Chakra Weapon!