Ch. 521The final despair
After Jiraiya’s defeat, Sunagakure’s leaders debated the village’s worsening crisis and Rasa’s plan to relocate civilians to the Land of Birds while continuing to attack Leaf supply lines. Some elders secretly agreed to cooperate with the Leaf Village and preserve Sunagakure’s people by turning against Rasa, Chiyo, and Ebizo.
- Chiyo reviewed reports of Jiraiya’s defeat and the deadly, unexplained illness afflicting scouts who approached the enormous crater left by the battle.
- Rasa said Sunagakure’s forces had infiltrated the Land of Fire and were harassing Leaf supply lines to stretch the Leaf front and buy time.
- Ebizo warned that starvation and a lack of clean water were driving civilians to flee Sunagakure, and Rasa said they would be moved to the Land of Birds.
- Chiyo approved using the Land of Birds as a short-term base after reviewing its terrain, resources, and transport route.
- Two elders secretly discussed the Leaf Village’s offer to spare them and preserve the Land of Wind’s autonomy if Sunagakure disbanded its shinobi force.
- The elders agreed to help the Leaf Village and considered eliminating Rasa, Chiyo, and Ebizo before the Leaf arrived.