Rasa's Scheme: Using a Hero as Bait!

Orochimaru pointed at Handover Canyon on the map.

"The Land of Wind's daimyo has cut military funding. Rasa is so broke now that he can barely even issue ninja tools."

"And yet at a time like this, he is willing to hand over the mining rights to two gold mines on the Land of Fire's border."

"He has even agreed to compensate us with twenty percent of their military expenses for three years."

Orochimaru's voice carried obvious mockery.

Minato studied the map, his expression grave.

"It is indeed highly unusual."

"Rasa is someone who places extreme importance on profit."

"Even if Lady Pakura is Sunagakure's hero and her capture has a tremendous impact on the Land of Wind's morale, he is losing far too much in this deal."

Minato looked up at Orochimaru.

"Orochimaru-senpai, what about the battlefield?"

"Have there been any signs of movement from Sunagakure's main force?"

"And Fū, the One-Tail Jinchūriki—has he been approaching Handover Canyon?"

Orochimaru did not answer directly.

Instead, he turned toward an ANBU squad captain standing in the corner of the camp.

The ANBU captain immediately stepped forward.

"Report, Lord Minato."

"According to the intelligence division's uninterrupted surveillance over the past twenty-four hours..."

"There have been no unusual troop movements at Sunagakure's main camp."

"Rasa even ordered the frontline defenses to withdraw ten li, as a show of sincerity for the peace talks."

"As for Fū, the One-Tail Jinchūriki, he has remained deep within Sunagakure's main camp."

"Our sensory ninja confirmed that the massive Chakra source representing the One-Tail has not moved a single step."

After giving his report, the ANBU squad captain withdrew.

Minato's brow eased slightly, but he did not fully relax.

"At least on the surface, Rasa does seem to be sending signals that he wants peace talks."

"Sunagakure's elite