Sunagakure's Unit of Measure: White Fang!

Outside the borders of the Land of Wind, the Third Kazekage turned back.

With one eye closed, his Chakra extended, manipulating an Iron Sand Eye in the air.

The ninjas of Konoha escorted them all the way from the Land of Rivers back to the Land of Wind.

Leaving now would be truly unwilling.

The Third Kazekage glanced around and then said, "You all wait here."

"Lord Kazekage!"

Everyone was shocked.

Is the Kazekage going back to fight Konoha?

But.

So why should they wait here?

The Third Kazekage was not explained.

He gathered Iron Sand on his back, and flew away in Body Flicker Technique at an extremely fast speed.

In the blink of an eye, the Third Kazekage had closed the distance.

He did not act immediately.

"Konoha ninjas, we have returned to our own borders. Can't that prove we had no intention of invading your country?"

"Thank you for your understanding Lord Kazekage."

Minato Namikaze remained neither humble nor arrogant, but they couldn't find fault with the Kazekage's actions.

They withdrew from the Land of Rivers and maintained mutual restraint.

This is beneficial to both parties.

But.

Why return now?

What does he want to do?

Yamanaka Inoichi couldn't understand it.

He was a direct subordinate of Hiruzen Sarutobi and had always worked for Hiruzen Sarutobi, and this time was no exception.

The main purpose of searching for Sasori of the Red Sands is to find out if there is any connection between Sunagakure and Sasori, in order to determine whether Sasori truly betrayed the village or acted under this pretext like the "missing-nin" kept by Danzo.

Currently, it appears that there is indeed no connection between Sunagakure and Sasori; otherwise, Sunagakure wouldn't have needed to send its Kage in person, leading to this awkward situation.

The Third Kazekage's withdrawal was a rational and correct choice.

When Shikaku agreed to Kyohiko's plan, he made this judgment, believing that the Kazekage would not stay in the Land of Rivers.

But now.

This seems to have gone against expectations.

Everyone quickly retreated.

Kyohiko looked up at the sky. The Third Kazekage was unhurried, not sending his subordinates to chase after them, and there were no ambushes around. It didn't seem like he was about to make a move.

"Is he trying to test our strength?"

Kyohiko seemed to be deep in thought.

Upon hearing Yamanaka Inoichi: "It's not impossible."

Above, the Third Kazekage had already spoken.

"Everyone in Konoha is a talented young man, and I would like to spar with you all."

Let's have a friendly exchange?

Minato Namikaze stopped.

"A friendly exchange?"

"Yes, just a friendly exchange."

The Third Kazekage smiled and said.

To exchange ideas and learn from each other.

Minato Namikaze's gaze swept around.

The retreat from this location went poorly; if all efforts were in vain, the Sasori of the Red Sands would coordinate their attacks...

"Don't worry, I still have some prestige, and the current Sunagakure simply doesn't have the strength to start another war with your Konoha, otherwise I wouldn't have retreated here to bring this up."

The Third Kazekage sensed their concerns.

Then, he chuckled softly, and immediately—

One after another, Iron Sand Spikes appeared behind them, raining down on them.

At the same time, the Third Kazekage fell from the sky.

His wings gradually disintegrated.

No refusing allowed!

Magnet Release: Iron Sand Shower.

As if they were alive, countless iron needles attacked the four of them, while the Third Kazekage moved freely among them.

The strongest Kazekage of all time...

Kyohiko moved swiftly among the iron needles, his gaze fixed on the Third Kazekage's trajectory.

Everyone quickly dodged.

but.

Those iron needles even have a magnetic force!

Kyohiko and Kakashi's swords were uncontrollably drawn towards that direction, but just as the Third Kazekage landed, Minato Namikaze appeared beside him.

Immediately--

Big Ball Rasengan!

A giant, Rasengan instantly slammed down on the Third Kazekage.

Boom!

The Iron Sand filings quickly formed a defense.

but.

Sizzle!

The sound of Iron Sand and Rasengan colliding was harsh and shrill.

Minato Namikaze conjured another Rasengan in his right hand, and in the next instant, his figure vanished.

Wow, so fast!

The Third Kazekage was shocked.

He had never seen such speed before; even the Iron Sand couldn't keep up...

Immediately.

The Third Kazekage condensed Iron Sand in his hand, transforming it into a small shield.

However.

Just then, he sensed a figure rapidly approaching.

Magnet Release: Iron Sand World Method!

Iron spikes grew outwards from him, forming a small steel forest in the blink of an eye.

They cannot grow to a sufficiently dense density in a short period of time.

For an ordinary ninja, such high speed would naturally be too slow to react.

However.

The Third Kazekage's opponents were no ordinary people!

In the blink of an eye, Minato Namikaze had dodged most of the Iron Sand, while Kyohiko had closed in on Minato. Kyohiko avoided most of the Iron Sand spikes, but some were unavoidable, and he was cut.

but.

This cost resulted in --

One punch!

With Strength of a Hundred, a surge of Chakra energy blasted forward, striking the small Iron Sand shield in front of him.

The shield's spikes are sharp, but the Strength Enhancement Technique is not Taijutsu, but rather a flow of Chakra, which does not require physical contact at all.

In an instant, the terrifying impact blasted the Iron Sand off course.

Ninjas like Minato Namikaze...

Life and death often hang in the balance in an instant. Unless the Third Kazekage's Iron Sand can completely cover the area, forming an armor-like defense against the Rasengan, it's all meaningless.

This opportunity was created by Kyohiko, and he has to seize it no matter what!

Immediately--

Minato Namikaze's figure clashed with Minato's.

Rasengan!

The Third Kazekage's body was covered in Iron Sand, but it couldn't stop the powerful breakthrough of the Rasengan. In the blink of an eye, he was sent flying dozens of steps, and the Iron Sand shattered one by one upon impact.

"Walk!"

Minato Namikaze succeeded and did not linger, grabbing the injured Kyohiko and quickly retreating.

He's faster!

The Third Kazekage was struck in the shoulder and sent flying backward, lying on the ground for a long time before struggling to get up.

He coughed up blood continuously.

"Lord Kazekage!"

"Lord Kazekage... Elder Chiyo, Lord Kazekage is injured!"

"What?"

Chiyo had just arrived from providing support when she heard the shouts from this side, and immediately lost all interest in giving chase.

She rushed over immediately.

After the treatment, Chiyo's brows were furrowed.

"Luckily, the bullet only hit near the shoulder; any further down and it would have hit the heart, the consequences would have been unimaginable. And thankfully, there was Iron Sand for protection, otherwise..."

This attack came too suddenly.

No one expected that just a moment ago, the Third Kazekage was evenly matched with his opponent, but the next second he was countered.

and.

The most terrifying aspect of this Ninjutsu is not the surface injuries, but the Ninjutsu caused after breaking through the Iron Sand defenses, which affects deeper blood vessels and internal organs.

If the blow had been slightly off-target and landed near the heart, it could have caused significant long-term effects.

The Third Kazekage possessed an unwavering will.

Even after being severely injured, he didn't lose consciousness but remained fully conscious. Under Chiyo's treatment, he gradually recovered, gritted his teeth, and sat up, saying, "Minato Namikaze, his speed is incredibly fast, no less than White Fang then. Kyohiko Yoshimine is also very powerful, that kind of strength..."

"If I'm not mistaken, it should be Tsunade's technique."

The Third Kazekage frowned deeply.

The Second Hokage, White Fang, Jiraiya, Tsunade...

There are too many similarities between Kyohiko and others.

and.

He used every technique exceptionally well. The angle and timing of his Strength of a Hundred just now were so precise that he couldn't dodge Minato Namikaze Rasengan.

Fortunately, he wasn't without the ability to fight back. If Minato Namikaze wanted to kill him, he would still be able to protect himself.

However, such speed poses a major hidden danger to Sunagakure.

Then, he looked at Chiyo.

Elder Chiyo, are you still going?

The Third Kazekage's gaze was serious.

Chiyo was his elder, and he understood Chiyo feelings. He knew that she wanted to bring Scorpion back, but Scorpion was no ordinary person, and the sudden combined attack just now had caused him great losses.

As a puppeteer and Medical Ninja, Chiyo was naturally excellent.

However, the Third Kazekage did not believe that Chiyo's abilities were enough to contend with Minato Namikaze and Kyohiko Yoshimine, and that even with a small team, it would probably be difficult.

When facing a speed-type ninja, you either need to use absolute Ninjutsu to counter them, or be physically strong enough to be unafraid of their attacks.

Chiyo possesses none of these qualities.

Upon hearing this, Chiyo immediately understood the other party's intention to "spar" and was deeply moved.

She remained silent for a long time, lost in thought...

Finally, Chiyo gritted her teeth and said, "I still want to go!"

Disappointment was evident in the Third Kazekage's eyes.

He made his move in the hope of probing the opponent's strength so that Chiyo would understand the situation or back down.

but.

Even so, Chiyo still insisted on going to find Sasori...

The Third Kazekage remained silent for a moment.

Finally, he sighed.

"Then let's go."

The Third Kazekage stood up. "We'll be waiting for you at the border."

Chiyo bowed deeply, expressing her gratitude silently.

"Yes! I will definitely bring Scorpion back and have him serve the village!"

"Don't force it."

The Third Kazekage spoke earnestly.

Then, he waved.

"Pakura, you take some men to assist Elder Chiyo and protect her safety."

"Yes!"

"So strong!"

Halfway up the mountain in the distance, Kai and the others watched and provided support. They were shocked to see Kyohiko and Minato Namikaze join forces to send the Third Kazekage flying. Choza Akimichi and Nara Shikaku stunned.

That's the Kazekage!

The Third Kazekage, hailed as the strongest Kazekage in the history of Sunagakure.

Although there are only three now.

but.

Now, they've suffered a setback under the combined attack of Minato Namikaze and Kyohiko. Although the extent of their injuries is unknown, they must be serious, otherwise a group of people wouldn't have surrounded them without giving them a chance to pursue.

That's it!

Might Guy was incredibly proud. "Kyohiko is our pride! He will lead us to protect Konoha and become Hokage!"

"Oh? He wants to become Hokage too?"

Nara Shikaku couldn't help but laugh, "So, in your team now, two people are aiming for the Hokage. Who do you think will win in the end?"

"Two?"

Might Guy paused for a moment.

Choza Akimichi chuckled, "Minato's goal is also to Hokage, and not only him, his wife Kushina also wants to become Hokage..."

"Ah?"

Might Guy scratched his head.

He asked blankly, "Is the Hokage such a cheap target?"

"Hahaha!"

Nara Shikaku, then his smile gradually faded.

If we're talking about Hokage...

Previously, he thought Minato had a tiny, albeit slight, chance.

After all, Minato was Jiraiya's disciple, with extremely high talent. He was already Jonin at a young age. As long as he accumulated merits and prestige, he might become Hokage in the future.

but.

The situation is different now.

With Tsunade's return, the struggle for power has begun, and she seems determined to win.

Once Tsunade power...

The situation is less certain about the Fifth Hokage.

Nara Shikaku pondered for a moment, then secretly shook his head.

Why think so much?

The fourth generation hasn't been released yet, and it's hard to say when it will be available. Thinking about it for so long is really thinking too far ahead.

He looked closely and saw that Kyohiko, Minato, and the others had already returned.

"Minato, you guys..."

"Treat them first."

The Mystical Palm Technique is extremely difficult to use.

While on the run, Kyohiko was unable to focus his Chakra on healing and endured the pain the whole way.

He originally intended to treat himself first.

but.

I glanced at it a few times...

The Minato was even worse!

His arm was cut open, and when he escaped, he dragged Kyohiko along, causing the wound on his arm to reopen.

The blood on her leg was also flowing continuously.

"Senior, let me treat you first."

"Thanks."

Minato did not refuse.

Kyohiko Hand Seals.

Mystical Palm Technique!

The surroundings were quiet. In the Yamanaka Inoichi caught a bird and Mind Body Switch Technique.

Nara Shikaku and Choza Akimichi stood guard outside, keeping an eye on the situation inside.

What skillful Mystical Palm Technique!

Is there anything this kid can't do?

The three, who knew nothing about Kyohiko, were naturally shocked, but looking at Kakashi and Might Guy...

All right.

It seems that this is standard procedure for Kakashi and Might Guy.

Nara Shikaku at a loss for words.

He rested his chin on his hand, recalling the scene he had just witnessed from afar.

After the treatment was over, Kyohiko also treated himself, and his Chakra was almost completely depleted.

Mystical Palm Technique Chakra too much chakra!

but.

The advantage is that the treatment is more thorough; for external injuries like these, the treatment will not affect combat effectiveness.

"How did you end up fighting the Third Kazekage?"

Nara Shikaku then inquired.

Minato Namikaze, "His purpose in forcing us to spar with him is not very clear."

"Senior Inoichi, what are their next moves?"

Kyohiko did not answer directly.

Inoichi regained his composure and said, "They've returned to the Land of Wind, but I think I saw a part of them that didn't move, though it's too far away to be very clear."

"Would they want to do the same thing as us?"

Kyohiko countered with a question.

You mean...?

Nara Shikaku in thought.

That would be quite troublesome!

"Let's observe. At least one thing is certain now: the relationship between Sunagakure and Sasori isn't that close. Otherwise, they wouldn't have mobilized the Third Kazekage. I think his desire to investigate Sasori is more for Chiyo's sake."

Chiyo's position in Sunagakure is similar to Tsunade in Konoha.

Her poison, Medical Ninjutsu, and Puppet Technique are among the best in Sunagakure. Her value to Sunagakure is definitely higher than that of Sasori of the Red Sands.

However, she was old, while Scorpion was young.

Nara Shikaku pondered for a moment and said, "Let's retreat first. We'll rest for a while, then move along the border and investigate leads. Just make sure Sasori doesn't harass our ninjas."

"Good."

Minato Namikaze nodded, indicating his willingness to cooperate.

After escorting the Third Kazekage out of the country, both sides withdrew from the Land of Rivers, and neither took another step forward.

Chiyo originally wanted to follow Konoha's actions, but Konoha didn't take any action at all.

At least on the surface.

Suddenly, her punches felt like they were hitting cotton, but she was unwilling to leave.

At this moment, Sasori of the Red Sands is not so important.

Konoha's needs don't necessarily include finding the body.

It would be best to find nature.

It's simply not worth risking our own people's safety if we can't find them.

Even so, neither of their teams dared to withdraw from the border, nor did the Sunagakure.

The two sides are deadlocked.

Ten days later, near the border of the Land of Fire and close to the Land of Rivers, Kakashi suddenly stopped and waved from a distant hilltop.

Might Guy sped up to catch up.

Call out!

Kai and Kyohiko landed at the same time.

In front of Kakashi, a rock was smashed to pieces, and the scene looked very messy, as if someone had fought there.

but.

These traces don't seem like something the Sunagakure Puppet Technique could produce; they're more like those of the Iwagakure ninja. And this place is bordered by the Land of Fire and the Land of Rain, so you have to pass through the Land of Rain to get here.

"Kyohiko, what do you think?"

"Scorpions excel at Puppet Technique and poison, but they lack this kind of destructive power."

Kyohiko said.

He crouched down to examine the marks.

"It definitely wasn't left by Sasori, and it doesn't seem to have the destructive power of Ninjutsu; it's more like it was shattered by brute force!"

Kyohiko examined it carefully and then gave his judgment.

The scene before me resembled the rampage of some rabid beast, leaving behind traces of battle, and ahead...

"There!"

Kyohiko walked forward.

A short while later, the three of them found a broken tree in the woods ahead, with clear fist marks on the fracture.

That was from a punch!

Kakashi was shocked and asked, "Who could have such Dali? Kyohiko, could you do that?"

"I can't do it."

Kyohiko shook his head.

Even if he used his Strength Enhancement Technique, he wouldn't have that kind of destructive power right now, and if he tried to compensate with sheer numbers, his Chakra wouldn't be enough.

He considered one possibility.

Could it be that a similar constitution to Jugo also appeared in the Land of Rivers during this period?

"Let's wait for Minato- senpai to arrive and then discuss it further."

Kyohiko stood up.

Given the unclear situation ahead, it wouldn't be a good idea for the three of them to rush in rashly.

"Good."