News of the attack on Yellow Stone Pass and the annihilation of its defenders swept through Sunagakure at blinding speed, like the fiercest sandstorm.
The initial shock gave way to surging fury and deep-seated humiliation.
The unease that had hung over the village streets since the Kazekage's disappearance was replaced by a shared grief and outrage.
Sunagakure's shinobi gripped their Kunai, while civilians gazed toward the Kazekage's Office with worried, hopeful eyes, though no reassuring orders had come from there in a long time.
The atmosphere inside the Kazekage's Office was heavier and more oppressive than at any previous meeting.
It was as if the stench of blood from the distant border had drifted into the room.
Elder Chiyo and Ebizo, who were temporarily handling the village's affairs, sat at the head of the table. On either side sat the village's two most powerful and influential elite jōnin, as well as the strongest candidates to become the next Kazekage—Rasa and Pakura.
Rasa wore the standard Sunagakure jōnin vest. His expression was stern, and his short red hair gave him a composed, capable air.
He folded his hands beneath his chin, his gaze lowered as if studying the strategic map spread across the table, or perhaps lost in thought.
Rasa's Magnet Release Kekkei Genkai, which allowed him to control gold dust, was seen as the hope of restoring the Third Kazekage's glory. This had won him the favor of the conservative faction, led by Chiyo and Ebizo, and most of the village leadership.
Seated across from him, Pakura was a kunoichi with a fierce presence.
Her long orange hair was tied back, and her eyes were as sharp as an eagle's.
As the wielder of Scorch Release, Pakura had earned great acclaim in the previous war for her devastating power. She enjoyed tremendous prestige among the village's hardliners and the younger generation of shinobi.
Now, Pakura folded her arms and leaned forward slightly, making no effort to hide the fury and urgency in her expression.
"The report has been confirmed."
Ebizo broke the suffocating silence. His voice carried a trace of fatigue, but he remained composed.
"Yellow Stone Pass... no survivors. That includes Ryosuke, an elite jōnin.
The Third Raikage's son, A, and the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, Killer B, took part personally. Their attack was swift and brutal."
"Bang!"
Pakura slammed her hand on the table. A faint scorch mark appeared on the hard wooden surface, and the air seemed to ripple with heat. "Those brutes from Cloud Village! How dare they!
They took advantage of our Kazekage's disappearance to launch such a despicable sneak attack! If we don't avenge this, how can Sunagakure show its face in the Shinobi World?"
Pakura's voice trembled with anger as she turned her blazing gaze on Chiyo and Ebizo. "Elder Chiyo, Elder Ebizo, give the order at once!
I'll lead the troops to the border myself. I'll make Cloud Village pay in blood!"
"Pakura, calm down." Rasa finally raised his head. His voice was steady, carrying an undeniable note of reason.
"Revenge is inevitable, but we need a strategy. The Raikage and the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki led the attack in person. That means Cloud Village planned this for a long time and committed its top fighters.
They chose Yellow Stone Pass not just to destroy a stronghold, but to test our strength, crush our morale, and perhaps even lure us into sending our main force into a decisive battle."
"Rasa, what are you saying?"
Pakura's brows drew together, and her tone turned sharp. "Just because the enemy is strong, we're supposed to swallow our anger and sit by while they ravage the border and slaughter our people?
That will only make Cloud Village think we're weak and easy prey, and encourage them to push even further! The blood of Sunagakure's shinobi must not be shed in vain!"
"I never said we should swallow our anger."
Rasa met Pakura's gaze without backing down. "I'm saying we can't let our anger cloud our judgment and lead us into the enemy's trap.
Cloud Village attacked with overwhelming force. Their morale must be high right now, and we don't know what else they have planned.
If we send out a large army without proper preparation, the strain on our supply lines in the Land of Wind's harsh environment will be immense. And what if Cloud Village sets an ambush along the way?
Or another village—like Iwagakure or Konoha—takes advantage of our main force being away and attacks our undefended home? The consequences would be disastrous."
Rasa turned to Chiyo and Ebizo, speaking respectfully but firmly. "Elders, I believe there are two urgent priorities.
First, we must immediately reinforce every remaining border post and guard against a second, or even third, attack.
Second, we must choose a new Kazekage as soon as possible!"
Rasa's words were like a boulder dropped into an already turbulent lake, making the mood in the room even more fraught.
Pakura gave a cold snort. "Rasa, you never miss a chance to bring up the Kazekage's seat. With a powerful enemy at our doorstep, shouldn't we unite against them first?"
"Precisely because we face a powerful enemy, Sunagakure needs a legitimate 'Shadow' who can coordinate the entire village!"
Rasa's voice turned grave. "Right now, Sunagakure has no one in command. Our orders are inconsistent, and our forces are acting independently. That's the greatest danger we face.
With a Kazekage, we can unite the will of the entire village and show the other villages that Sunagakure hasn't fallen apart just because Lord Third has disappeared!"
Baki, an elite jōnin seated nearby, spoke up at the right moment, his steady voice supporting his superior. "Lord Rasa is absolutely right.
According to the intelligence, Cloud Village didn't push farther inland after the attack. They've been lingering near the border, apparently looking to provoke and test us further.
They may well be waiting for disorder within our ranks, or for us to make an irrational decision."
Ebizo gave a slight nod and looked at his sister. Elder Chiyo had listened silently to both sides of the debate, her cloudy but keen eyes moving between Rasa and Pakura.
After a long pause, Chiyo spoke, her voice hoarse but authoritative:
"Rasa's analysis better suits the village's current situation and long-term interests."
Those words all but settled the matter.
Pakura's face darkened, but she held back her anger.
Chiyo continued, "Revenge is necessary. Sunagakure's dignity must be restored with the enemy's blood. But we must not rush blindly into it.
Pakura, your courage and strength are treasures to the village, but you should learn from Rasa when it comes to seeing the bigger picture."
She paused, then made her decision. "Rasa will be responsible for coordinating the border defenses, especially along the northeastern front.
Baki, as Rasa's deputy, you'll carry out the reinforcements and fortifications. Make sure our main routes and resource points are secure."
"Yes!"
Rasa and Baki accepted the order at the same time.
Chiyo turned her gaze to Pakura. "Pakura, assemble an elite mobile unit. It shouldn't be too large, but every member must be a jōnin or Special Jōnin.
Your mission isn't to clash head-on with Cloud Village's main force. Instead, patrol the borderlands, hunt down small Cloud Village reconnaissance teams and any isolated shinobi, protect our supply lines, and look for opportunities to harass and sabotage their rear.
Remember, your Scorch Release is suited to high-mobility, high-lethality tactics like these. I want the heads of Cloud Village's shinobi to serve as an offering to the souls lost at Yellow Stone Pass!"
Before you continue