Shocking News

Within Konoha, discussion of the thrilling spar between Kyohaku Uchiha and Orochimaru had yet to die down. Just as the higher-ups and major shinobi clans were still digesting the shock brought by this suddenly emerged Uchiha genius, an even more explosive piece of news—one concerning the entire Shinobi World's balance of power—swept in like a hurricane from the western border, instantly scattering all internal speculation and debate.

Inside the Hokage's Office, the atmosphere was so heavy it seemed water could drip from it. Hiruzen Sarutobi held the latest encrypted scroll, utterly unaware that his pipe had gone out long ago. Advisors Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura sat nearby, their expressions equally grim. Even the ever-gloomy Shimura Danzō stood leaning on his cane, his one eye fixed silently on the Land of Wind marked on the map.

"Has the news been confirmed?" Utatane Koharu asked hoarsely.

"It has." Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded heavily and handed the scroll to the two of them. "Kumogakure... what a bold move! An elite force led by the AB Combo bypassed our northern defenses, passed through the waters of the Land of Hot Springs, launched a surprise attack on the eastern coast of the Land of Wind, and drove straight into Sunagakure's heartland!"

"Have they lost their minds? Such a long-distance assault, with their supply line stretched so far!" Mitokado Homura exclaimed, but his expression immediately darkened further. "Could it be... they intend to take advantage of the Third Kazekage's disappearance and Sunagakure's internal turmoil to swallow the Land of Wind in one stroke?"

"That is most likely their intention." Danzo spoke coldly. "What is there that that warlike Raikage would not dare to do? If he succeeds, annexing the Land of Wind's resources and Sunagakure's ninjutsu, the next target will surely be our Land of Fire!"

The office fell deathly silent. Everyone realized the gravity of the situation. If Sunagakure collapsed, Konoha would have to face an unprecedentedly powerful and crazed Kumogakure alone.

However, the battle report that arrived soon after brought a dramatic reversal.

Several days later, more detailed intelligence arrived one after another.

A ninja from the Intelligence Team reported respectfully, his tone carrying a trace of disbelief. "Kumogakure's AB Combo launched an extremely fierce offensive. In particular, the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki Killer B unleashed terrifying destructive power after fully transforming into a Tailed Beast. Combined with the Fourth Raikage's horrifying speed and attack power, Sunagakure's frontline forces nearly crumbled on contact, suffering devastating losses."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's brow knotted tightly. "Sunagakure... could it really be over just like that?"

"No, Lord Hokage!" The intelligence ninja suddenly raised his voice. "At the critical moment, a Jonin from Sunagakure named Rasa stepped forward! He may be the Third Kazekage's successor, and he used the same Kekkei Genkai—Magnet Release: Gold Dust Technique!"

"Magnet Release? Gold Dust Technique?" The higher-ups were all stunned.

"Yes! According to frontline observers and survivors, Rasa controlled Gold Dust that filled the skies, forming an absolute defense that forcibly withstood multiple Tailed Beast Ball bombardments from the fully transformed Eight-Tails! At the same time, the Gold Dust turned into countless enormous arms and weapons, clashing head-on with the Fourth Raikage's Lightning Release Nintaijutsu. Though he was on the defensive, he successfully contained the AB Combo's fiercest assault and bought precious time for Sunagakure's forces to regroup!"

The scene seemed to unfold before them through the intelligence officer's description:

Across the endless desert of the Land of Wind, the massive Eight-Tails Gyūki roared as a Tailed Beast Ball gathered destructive energy. Fourth Raikage A, his entire body blazing with Lightning Release chakra, moved like a bolt of blue lightning, every charge shaking the earth. Opposite them stood a red-haired young ninja with a resolute expression, both hands pressed to the ground. In an instant, the earth rumbled as endless Gold Dust—heavier than ordinary sand and gleaming with a luxurious yet deadly light—erupted into the sky. It formed an indestructible barrier that withstood the Tailed Beast Ball's explosion, then condensed into a giant palm that collided thunderously with the Raikage's Heavyweight Boulder Jutsu!

"Magnet Release... could it truly possess such power?" Utatane Koharu murmured.

"Not only that," the intelligence ninja continued, "after Rasa stabilized the front, Elder Chiyo of Sunagakure personally led the most elite puppet forces in rapid reinforcement. The White Secret Technique: Chikamatsu Collection of Ten Puppets, together with Ebizo's strategic coordination, caused Kumogakure's forces enormous trouble. Seeing that they could not break through Rasa's defenses in a short time, while Chiyo's forces had already arrived, and with their supply line overstretched from their long-distance assault and their momentum failing, the AB Combo ultimately... had no choice but to retreat. Kumogakure's invasion ended in defeat!"

"..."

The Hokage's Office fell silent once more, but this silence carried an entirely different meaning.

After a long while, Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly let out a breath, his gaze complicated. "Rasa... Magnet Release Gold Dust... it seems Sunagakure has produced a truly remarkable figure."

To step forward in a crisis, turn the tide, and repel the powerful AB Combo—Rasa's prestige in Sunagakure would surely soar to unprecedented heights. The power vacuum left by the Third Kazekage's disappearance would likely soon have a new master.

"Sunagakure has stabilized, and Kumogakure has withdrawn. On the surface, this appears favorable to us..." Mitokado Homura analyzed. "But after this battle, the hatred between Sunagakure and Kumogakure has only deepened. Rather than easing, tensions across the Shinobi World have been doused with a bucket of hot oil. The shadow of a great war has drawn closer."

Danzo snorted coldly. "Now that Sunagakure has recovered, they may not thank us for remaining idle. And with a new hero, Sunagakure's ambitions may well rise again."

Hiruzen Sarutobi walked to the window and looked out at the seemingly peaceful Konoha, his heart churning. The astonishing strength of Orochimaru's disciple, Kumogakure's mad gamble, Sunagakure's sudden new hero... all of it foretold that this oppressive peace had reached its end.

"Pass down the order," he said as he turned around, his voice regaining its usual authority. "Raise border alert levels to the highest! Cancel all leave for every shinobi on vacation; they are to remain on standby at all times! Assign additional personnel to the mission posting office, speed up mission turnover, and stockpile strategic supplies!"

"Yes!"

The orders were swiftly relayed. Though Konoha's war machine had not yet officially started, all its gears had already begun spinning faster, issuing a dull rumble.

Kyohaku Uchiha stood in his family courtyard and heard this earth-shattering news as well. He looked up at the clear blue sky, as though he could feel the bloodshed of the distant desert and the gleam of Gold Dust.

"Rasa... the Fourth Kazekage?" he murmured. The Three-Tomoe in his eyes slowly turned. "The AB Combo has entered the stage as well. The wheel of history really has begun to accelerate."

He clenched his fist, feeling chakra surging through his body. The storm had arrived. He had to acquire enough power amid the colossal waves sweeping across the entire Shinobi World and complete the final restoration.

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