Fourth Kazekage

Kumogakure's retreat brought little joy of victory. What remained was devastation and crushing grief. Sunagakure's southeastern defenses had been almost completely destroyed: scorched earth, shattered puppet wreckage, bloodstains not yet dry, and the lingering stench of burning and blood in the air all spoke of the brutality of the battle that had just taken place.

The casualty report was swiftly submitted, and every number weighed heavily on the hearts of the village's leadership. Many core shinobi and precious puppeteers had died in the initial ambush, while the infrastructure had suffered severe damage. Though they had repelled a powerful enemy, Sunagakure had paid an exorbitant price. Its national strength, already weakened by the Third Kazekage's disappearance, had suffered another crushing blow.

On the second day after the battle, the atmosphere in the top-floor conference room of the Kazekage Building was more grave and oppressive than ever. The elder council led by Elder Chiyo and Ebizo, the heads of every department, and the Elite Jonin who had rendered outstanding service in the battle were all present. Rasa, Pakura, Baki, and the others were among them, every face marked by exhaustion and solemnity.

"The situation is already clear." Elder Chiyo's voice was hoarse and heavy as she broke the suffocating silence. She swept her gaze across the room before it finally settled on the ruined land beyond the window. "The Third has been missing for nearly half a year. The chances of his survival... are slim. Kumogakure dared to cross the sea and attack us so brazenly because they saw our fatal weakness: leaderless and internally fragile."

She paused, her tone turning sharper. "We were fortunate to hold them off this time, but what about next time? Hidden Rock Village is eyeing us from the northwest, Konoha's stance remains ambiguous, and the surrounding