After receiving Ōnoki's orders, Rasa furrowed his brow slightly.
He glanced at the Sand Ninja below and couldn't help murmuring under his breath.
"At a time like this, Lord Tsuchikage can still hold back... Is he being even more cautious as the crucial moment draws near? As expected of someone who's survived since the First Shinobi World War."
He looked down at the Sand Ninja and said in a low voice,
"Rest here for a while. When night falls, prepare for battle!"
Hearing Rasa's words, the Sand Ninja below responded in unison,
"Understood, Captain Rasa!"
By now, Rasa had earned considerable authority among the Sand Ninja through his exceptional strength. And with Chidong's support, in the eyes of all the Sand Ninja,
Rasa was one of the best candidates to become the next Kazekage.
Rasa stood quietly atop a thick tree trunk. His dark-rimmed eyes held little expression as he gazed at Konoha in the distance and murmured,
"So this is the mighty Konoha... I wonder, after tonight's battle... will it still be able to hold on to its former standing?"
A gentle breeze swept past, carrying his murmur away until it vanished.
As time passed, the sun slowly sank toward the horizon, hanging at its edge like a great red orb and casting a crimson glow that was bright but not harsh.
The sunset's fading light fell over the lush forest, giving the green leaves an unusual sheen.
In the melancholy twilight, a group of ninjas in close-fitting clothes made the most of their remaining time to rest, sleeping soundly.
Beside them, some of the older ninjas wore tense expressions, looking restless.
Every so often, they glanced at the sleeping young ninjas and couldn't help smiling wryly, envying them for being able to sleep.
But when they thought