Rasa, If You're Surrendering, Act Like It

On the border of the Land of Wind, Rasa and Ebizo anxiously awaited a reply.

However.

"Something terrible has happened!"

"What, Konoha won't agree?"

Rasa immediately grabbed the other person's hand.

Ebizo was more composed than him.

"Rasa, calm down. Jingxiong is in charge of security and intelligence in the Land of Rivers, not negotiating with Konoha."

Anbu Ninja Kageo glanced at Rasa, then looked at Ebizo.

"Elder, Konoha has attacked!"

"What?"

Ebizo had just said he was going to stay calm, couldn't hold back any longer.

He was taken aback at first.

Then came a wave of panic.

"How so?"

Rasa is unbelievable.

They've all said they're going to surrender, so why won't Konoha accept it?

Or is it...?

They misunderstood; Konoha actually came to discuss peace talks.

Ebizo also thought of this.

"Are they here to fight, or to negotiate?"

When speaking to one's own people, one naturally has to use nicer words; Ebizo couldn't bring himself to use a word like "surrender."

Jingxiong said, "My lords, it's time to fight! They've made arrangements with the Land of Rivers, and ten elite squads have already crossed the border and are heading this way."

Who is leading the team?

"Minato Namikaze, and that other genius Jonin from Konoha."

Jingxiong answered.

Ebizo's breath hitched.

He realized that Konoha was serious and had no intention of accepting their surrender.

"That's impossible!"

"How could this be? Normally, Konoha wouldn't refuse..."

Ebizo muttered to himself.

Having dealt with Konoha for over a decade, he believed he understood the Konoha quite well, and that Konoha should have agreed to such a condition.

Rasa was silent for a moment, then said, "I heard that Konoha is being commanded by that child this time?"

"What exactly are they trying to do? If there are terms you disagree with, you can raise them and we can discuss them further. How can they do this?"

Ebizo furious. "Does a child really have the ability to command a major battle? Orochimaru must be manipulating things behind the scenes, and then he can use the child's name to shirk responsibility."

Even now, he still feels that Kyohiko doesn't have that ability.

All the previous intelligence was just a trap deliberately set by Orochimaru to lure them into making mistakes in their haste.

Orochimaru excels at this.

Rasa looked distressed.

He is definitely the most difficult Kazekage in history.

Oh no, he's not the Kazekage yet. He's only received Ebizo's nomination and the Third Kazekage's favor, so he'll most likely become the Fourth Hokage.

Rasa took a deep breath.

"Elder, that's not the key point right now..."

To fight or not to fight?

He asked in a low voice.

Ebizo glanced at him and said decisively, "Fight! We definitely have to fight. Only if we win can we negotiate better; otherwise, Konoha will only become more and more unreasonable!"

We must negotiate, and we must fight!

With Konoha launching another attack, Ebizo had a vague idea of what was going on.

What you can't get on the battlefield, you can't get at the negotiating table either.

We must win this battle!

However, he looked at Rasa and said, "You shouldn't interfere."

"Why?"

Rasa was surprised; wasn't this a good time for him to establish his authority?

Ebizo said, "Your injuries haven't healed yet, so rest well. I'll go this time."

He patted Rasa on the shoulder and then walked outside.

hurt?

I'm not hurt!

A moment later, Rasa came to his senses.

He had already fought against Minato Namikaze and Kyohiko Yoshimine of Konoha. Although he possessed Magnet Release, he didn't have the advantage. Now, Konoha seems to have found a way to counter it, and if they were to fight again, he might suffer a crushing defeat...

The Fourth Hokage are probably doomed too!

Ebizo meant well, but after thinking about it, he realized he couldn't just stand by and watch forever.

Let's take a look first.

"Kyohiko, when are we going to make our move?"

"Don't rush."

Kyohiko looked ahead.

Sunagakure should have received the news by now.

He took out the Sealing Scroll and then solemnly released the seal.

After obtaining this piece of flesh, Kyohiko made some attempts. After several attempts, he tried to combine it with his Wood Clone, thereby using the life force of Hashirama Cells to release a more powerful Ninjutsu.

At first, he failed.

Flesh and blood absorb Chakra and the power of Wood Clone to strengthen themselves, eventually forming an unpredictable state.

but.

After several attempts, Kyohiko summarized a pattern—

This thing can't be used as a continuous "battery".

At least for now, he can't do it.

However, Kyohiko can use it as a one-time bomb to make his own Ninjutsu even more powerful!

Minato Namikaze, standing to the side, frowned slightly as he watched Minato solemnly take out a bottle.

What's this?

flesh?

He became suspicious.

"I'll make the first move. No one is allowed to make a move before I do, understand?"

Kyohiko looked behind him.

Ten elite squads, plus them, make exactly forty people here.

Among the forty people, even the weakest is an elite Chunin.

If they were to fight in formation, facing hundreds or even thousands of Sunagakure ninjas, they would likely suffer considerable losses.

so.

His main purpose in coming here was to intimidate Sunagakure, make them understand the situation, and draft a new surrender statement based on their strength.

Everyone around responded in unison.

Minato Namikaze nodded. "Don't worry, but what exactly do you want to do?"

"It's nothing, just helping Sunagakure trees to alleviate their desert climate."

Kyohiko smiled.

He then broke the seal again and took out the flesh and blood inside.

Not far ahead, Ebizo watched them from afar, his gaze sharp as a hawk's.

Eagles circled overhead.

Konoha really only brought forty people!

He felt a surge of anger.

This is outrageous!

Ebizo looked coldly at everyone behind him.

"Lord Kazekage is most likely dead."

"..."

The crowd was silent.

This incident dealt them a significant blow, almost to the point of a breakdown where their faith crumbled. In recent days, they have tacitly avoided mentioning it, simply because they don't know how to cope with it.

However.

At this moment, Ebizo brought it up on his own initiative.

Ebizo, stood at the front. "Rasa fought twice, and was injured both times. We suffered a crushing defeat."

A faint sound of weeping could be heard from the crowd.

"But!"

Ebizo's voice was loud and clear.

"We have no way out. Behind us lies our country, and beyond that, our village. The other side only has forty men. Are we going to let them set foot on our land?"

No! No!

Loud shouts echoed.

Morale is high, and the troops are in good hands.

Ebizo raised his hand. "I, Ebizo, will charge ahead and never retreat! Everyone, follow me... to protect our homeland!"

After shouting, Ebizo was indeed the first to rush out.

He had no way out.

Sunagakure had no way out; they could only continue forward, fighting their way through.

A road leading to the negotiating table.

Ebizo raised his hand.

"Rush!"

Hundreds of people surged towards Konoha.

There had been prior tactical planning, so the ninjas spread out and didn't huddle together.

The disaster that Kusagakure is still fresh in our minds.

They didn't want to become a force to be reckoned with in Konoha's eyes.

The Konoha remained unmoved.

Ebizo remained calm at that moment.

He Hand Seals with his hands.

Wind Style: Wind Blade!

Seeing this, the surrounding ninjas all followed suit.

As elites of Sunagakure, they must also know the Wind Blade.

In an instant, Wind Blade swept towards the forest where the Konoha Ninja were located, overwhelming and terrifying, with sandstorms rising up like a sandstorm.

In the forest.

"Kyohiko, should we let everyone leave first?"

Minato Namikaze surveyed his surroundings.

He was confident that he could protect the two of them with his Flying Thunder God, even if it was just him and Kyohiko.

But more than forty people...

Even he couldn't protect everyone.

"Don't worry."

Kyohiko glanced to the side, "My Wood Clone will only take two minutes."

Everyone was utterly shocked.

Wood Release.

Although everyone had heard some rumors internally before, no one had ever seen Kyohiko use Wood Release Ninjutsu before; it was mostly speculation and gossip.

But now.

Kyohiko's Wood Clone has confirmed to everyone --

He does indeed know Wood Release.

and.

He can even use Sage Mode.

This is an ability that only the First Hokage possessed!

Suddenly, in everyone's eyes, Kyohiko almost resembled the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju.

Minato Namikaze seemed lost in thought.

Two minutes.

Previously, even at his fastest, Kyohiko would need four minutes; now, that time has been halved.

Have Wood Release and Sage Mode achieved further breakthroughs?

That explains it.

As for that piece of flesh and blood.

Minato Namikaze's pupils contracted as he looked at Kyohiko in disbelief.

He understood.

This is...

The legendary First Hokage Cells!

He glanced around and whispered, "Kyohiko, are you confident?"

Yes, I've tried it.

Kyohiko knew that Minato had guessed what he was planning to do.

He didn't hide it from him.

"Minato, I need your help. If I Chakra later, you absolutely must take me back and seal my flesh and blood."

Don't worry.

Minato Namikaze's expression was serious.

As Jiraiya's disciple and Jonin of the village, the First Hokage Cells had heard some things, especially after Tsunade Jiraiya gained more authority.

One of these was the "Cell Experiment" from back then.

Yamato is the product of experimentation.

He was fully aware of the power and danger of the First Hokage Cells, and he also knew what Kyohiko wanted him to do.

Behind them, Kakashi gripped his knife, his palms sweaty.

nervous.

I'm so nervous!

A howling wind swept across the sky, whipping up a terrifying sandstorm.

Hundreds of Sunagakure simultaneously unleashed Wind Style, creating a massive force that they alone could not withstand.

Wood Release...

Is it really possible?

Just as he was having doubts, Kyohiko and his Wood Clone acted simultaneously. The difference was that Kyohiko's forehead seal was broken, and lines carrying Chakra were released.

Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence!

The Wood Clone underwent a strange transformation, its body becoming as lush and green as a tree, its body and arms seemingly evolving into trees.

Minato Namikaze knew that this was the First Hokage Cells turning against the Wood Clone—

Even though Kyohiko's Wood Clone was filled with Senjutsu Chakra, it still couldn't completely resist the erosion of the First Hokage Cells.

Unless Kyohiko's clone doesn't use Chakra.

However, at the same time, the clone was also casting the Deep Forest Emergence.

The main body and the clone work together simultaneously.

The earth shook violently.

"What?"

Ebizo was bewildered. Then, he saw trees growing not far in front of him, absorbing the surrounding power. The wind Wind Blade were quickly absorbed and dissipated by the trees.

Wood Release!

The First Hokage's Wood Release?!

How could that be!

How could Konoha possibly do that!

Beneath their feet, the earth cracked and writhed.

The saplings sprouted and quickly grew into large trees.

The forest enveloped their group of about a hundred people.

At this moment, everyone in Sunagakure was completely stunned.

They couldn't believe it...

In addition to developing a technique to counter Magnet Release, Konoha also regained mastery of Wood Release Kekkei Genkai.

If that's the case, is there still hope for Sunagakure?

Despair gripped their hearts.

Ebizo shocked, followed by fear and disbelief. Wood Release was a nightmare for Sunagakure. Back then, the First Hokage's Wood Release, combined with the Genjutsu of the others, made them flee in panic at the mere sight of it.

now...

The enemy seems to want to use this method to make them collapse without a fight.

Ebizo attempts to dispel the Genjutsu.

However.

Everything is real, not a mere illusion.

He immediately flicked the scroll, and four puppets flew out from it.

"I don't believe it's Wood Release! Charge!"

Ebizo roared.

The four puppets charged forward with him, slamming their blows into the trees.

Click!

The tree split open, severed in an instant.

"See? Sure enough, it's all show and no substance!"

Ebizo happily.

The First Hokage's Wood Release was as tough as steel, making it impossible for puppets to break through.

What about now?

The puppet's slash alone destroyed a tree; it was nowhere near the strength of the First Hokage.

"Rush!"

He shouted.

The surrounding crowd perked up and immediately charged at them again, unleashing Ninjutsu and puppets in a frenzied attack.

However.

The more Ninjutsu is used, the more Chakra the trees absorb...

finally.

Broken trees suddenly began to grow at an accelerated pace.

The severed limbs and broken bones transformed into sharp swords, turning the entire forest into a sea of knives and swords, a veritable hell.

Ebizo charged ahead, and seeing the trees piercing towards him, he immediately manipulated his puppet to protect himself. But then, a branch swept past—

The Chakra Threads have been severed!

The next moment.

Laugh!

Tree stumps pierced through Ebizo's body.

Ebizo -eyed, his eyes filled with disbelief and pain, before he felt his strength gradually disappear.

He knew he was going to die!

"Sister, Lord Kazekage..."

Ebizo's eyes were dark and unfathomable.

He regretted it.

If I had known this would happen, I shouldn't have become an enemy of Konoha, and I shouldn't have agreed to the Third Kazekage's plan.

Konoha.

Why does Heaven favor Konoha so much?

He was still puzzled.

After Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha, there was Hiruzen Sarutobi Senju Tobirama, followed by Hiruzen Sarutobi and Shimura Danzō, and now, the Legendary Sannin, Minato Namikaze, and Kyohiko Yoshimine.

There are geniuses in every generation.

At that moment, he suddenly thought of Chiyo's grandson.

Sasori of the Red Sands.

"Sister, if only Scorpion could really help the village!"

On his deathbed, he felt only regret and resentment. What he saw before him was water and fire, thunder and lightning, and a swarm of Konoha elites.

On this day, blood stained the Gobi Desert red.

When Rasa rushed out, half of the people had already been swallowed by the forest, and only half of those who escaped survived.

Nearly two hundred elite Sunagakure soldiers died in the forest.

His eyes were bloodshot.

"Konoha, Konoha..."

He was incoherent, his mind filled with Sunagakure and fear.

Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence

The existence that Sunagakure once feared has now reappeared before their eyes.

Even though Rasa knew that the technique before him was not from Hashirama Senju, he still couldn't suppress the instinctive emotions within him. At this moment, he didn't even have the courage to resist.

Rasa's mind went blank.

"Rasa, Rasa... you have to, you have to step forward!"

Jingxiong was also very scared.

But he knew.

Ebizo is likely doomed; there's no one left in Sunagakure.

Rasa must step forward!

Step forward?

Rasa's lips trembled; what did he have to offer in order to step forward?

After a long silence, he mustered his courage and Body Flicker Technique forward.

On the front lines of the battlefield, a yellow figure moved like a flash of light.

After Minato Namikaze helped Kyohiko seal his clone, he began to reap the rewards.

That kind of Body Flicker Technique was so fast that no one could stop it, and the Sunagakure ninja were routed.

They've lost their courage!

Rasa understood that they couldn't fight anymore.

He Hand Seals with his hands.

In an instant, endless Gold Dust surged forth from the earth and the Gobi Desert, separating the two sides, and vast seas of sand converged to isolate them.

Rasa stood on the sea of sand.

Before them stood Minato Namikaze, and beside him was the son of Konoha's genius Jonin and White Fang, as well as another child who looked completely unfamiliar.

A child?

Rasa couldn't help but glance at it a few more times.

Then he

The Konoha Ninja who had been chasing them all converged on Minato Namikaze and his group.

Rasa felt sorrow in his heart.

Hundreds of Sunagakure were no match for forty opponents. At this moment, they were all terrified, and their elite appearance was nowhere to be seen.

Is there any point in continuing the fight?

He said dejectedly, "Gentlemen of Konoha, what exactly do you want? We... we were already planning to negotiate, but you refused!"

"Peace talks need to be conducted properly. The Sunagakure attacked two important strongholds of my Land of Fire, and we only sent forty people. Isn't that already very polite?"

Minato Namikaze said calmly, "You want to talk because you can't win, not because you want peace."

He yearned for peace, but he was not foolish.

If they truly agree to peace talks, who will they turn to for justice for the Konoha ninjas who died at Kikyo Mountain?

Minato Namikaze has a sharp eye.

"We're here today to issue a challenge: either surrender, or we'll continue fighting!"

"You!"

Surrender?!!

The Sunagakure around them were all dumbfounded, but then they fell silent and dared not utter a word.

What else could they do but surrender?

That's Wood Release!

Rasa, who was at the very front, opened his mouth but couldn't utter a rebuttal.

They were the ones who attacked Konoha twice.

They wanted to negotiate before only because they lost; now they're begging for mercy because they have no other choice.

He understood what Konoha meant.

Their previous peace talks placed them on too high a pedestal, making them think there was still room for negotiation.

In reality, from the moment Magnet Release was broken and the Third Kazekage was killed, Sunagakure had no room for negotiation.

Rasa lowered his head.

"Sunagakure is willing to surrender unconditionally!"

"Can you represent Sunagakure?"

Minato Namikaze laughed.

Rasa nodded and said decisively, "I Rasa, can represent Sunagakure."

"Surrender must be done with the proper attitude. You will remain here and guard this place, without sending any messages out. Konoha will give you an answer within three days."

Minato Namikaze scanned the area, then raised his hand.

Swish!

The dozen or so people dispersed and disappeared into the surrounding area.

We will do as instructed.

Rasa understood that this was to monitor them, and if they made any moves, Konoha would come again.

even.

It's not impossible for them to fight their way all the way to Sunagakure.

The Sunagakure is now powerless to resist.