Just as the Raikage in Kumogakure issued the order to advance on Konoha.
In a land shrouded by wind and sand, yellow dust filled the sky. Yet amid such a harsh environment stood building after building.
The Land of Wind, Sunagakure.
Within Sunagakure, several figures wearing white masks had gathered in a simple hall.
"Kazekage-sama, are we preparing to depart for Konoha now?"
A stern-faced Sunagakure ninja asked in a deep voice.
Hearing him, a gloomy-looking red-haired man seated at the head of the room glanced at him before replying in a low voice.
"That's right. This time, we will be going to Konoha as allies. Be sure to mind your attitudes."
At his words, the people below him all tensed slightly.
At that moment, someone else seemed unable to suppress the thoughts in his heart and spoke up.
"But... Kazekage-sama..."
"If that is the case, what about Iwagakure...?"
Before he could finish, the Kazekage's sharp gaze intimidated him into freezing where he stood, his expression turning deeply awkward.
Rasa merely gave him a cold glance and did nothing else, only speaking slowly.
"Remember this: Sunagakure and Konoha have already reached an understanding. Our honeymoon period with Iwagakure is over."
At that, his breath caught slightly. A sharp glint flashed through his eyes as he swept his gaze over the room and spoke slowly.
"This matter concerns the reason for the previous Kazekage's death. I hope you can all distinguish what is important..."
At his words, the pupils of everyone below contracted!
The death of the former Kazekage, Chidong, had always remained an unsolvable mystery within Sunagakure.
Some of those present had been there at the time. In their memories, Chidong's corpse had seemed to wear an expression of deep guilt.
As though he had long anticipated his own death,