New Orders

Fourth Kazekage Rasa's appointment was like a shot of adrenaline injected into Sunagakure, which had grown somewhat dispirited after suffering repeated blows. Without wasting a moment, he began reorganizing and adjusting the village's strategic deployments with decisive efficiency almost the very next day after his appointment was finalized.

Inside the Kazekage's office, orders were swiftly signed and passed down one after another. The most eye-catching—and emotionally complicated—was the highest directive personally signed by Rasa:

[Effective immediately, cease all external missions concerning the search for Lord Third Kazekage. All related squads are to withdraw at once and return to their original units.]

Like a heavy, helpless sigh, this order brought an official end to the nearly half-year-long and fruitless search operation. It formally declared Sunagakure's leadership collectively pessimistic about the Third Kazekage's chances of survival, and meant that the village had to completely abandon its hopes and face the cruel reality of having no "Strongest Spear."

At the same time, another order was issued:

[Given the current tense situation, all combat squads are to rotate for rest and recovery by company after completing necessary border patrol missions. During this period, all shinobi must strengthen their training and improve their combat capabilities, remaining prepared at all times for larger conflicts that may erupt.]

This order was practical and levelheaded. Rasa knew well that, after Kumogakure's surprise attack, the village desperately needed time to recover. Blind external operations would not only drain their already limited manpower, but could also lead them into another nation's trap again. Holding their ground, recovering, and growing stronger were the wisest choices for now.

The orders quickly reached Jing Liang's Squad.

"It's finally... over." Xu, the Genin, let out a breath of relief. There was a trace of release in her voice, but also a touch of despondency.