Inside the Land of Rain.
At a Konoha outpost.
After receiving the message from Konoha, a young man with a cold expression furrowed his brow slightly.
Inside the tent, several Konoha Ninja looked at one another in confusion. Clearly, they found it strange that Sosuke had suddenly been appointed commander of the all-out offensive against the Sand Ninja.
"C-Captain Tokino, everyone can see the damage we've inflicted on the Sand Ninja. Why didn't the village appoint you as commander-in-chief?"
Below him, one of the Konoha Ninja spoke indignantly, clearly displeased on Tokino's behalf.
At his side, Hazama frowned and shot him a glance before speaking in a low voice.
"Don't say such ignorant things, Shinsuke. You should know that Captain Sosuke is no weaker than Captain Tokino..."
Although Yuhi Ma fully acknowledged Tokino's strength, he had no doubt that the man who had always been ahead of them back then was now far more powerful than they were.
There was no particular reason; it was simply an inexplicable feeling.
The things that man had accomplished back then were still beyond their understanding, even now. That alone showed just how powerful he must have been!
After hearing Hazama's words, Shinsuke still seemed to want to say more. But when he glanced at Tokino and saw the expression on his face, his resolve wilted, and he didn't continue voicing his shallow opinions.
Tokino stood dazed in front of the table. From the look of him, he clearly hadn't paid any attention to their conversation.
Instead, he was thinking about something.
Why had Sosuke chosen to keep taking part in this campaign against the Sand Ninja? What was his purpose?
As one of the Ninja most eager to kill Sosuke, Tokino was desperate to know the answer.
"What does he hope to gain