In Sunagakure, the village leadership was utterly overwhelmed. The Kazekage's disappearance had already left them embroiled in infighting, with no one to take overall command.
Kumogakure's sudden attack had caught Sunagakure completely off guard.
Their front lines suffered defeat after defeat, losing considerable territory, while the surging Kumogakure forces looked poised to drive straight through and crush the Land of Wind entirely.
Chiyo's Residence.
After learning that her grandson had disappeared—and that he was very likely responsible for killing the Kazekage—Chiyo seemed to have aged more than a decade.
Completely drained of spirit, Chiyo sat in her room studying the puppets her grandson had left behind.
Knock, knock, knock!
"Elder Chiyo, this is Rasa. I have an urgent matter to discuss with you."
When no reply came after a long wait, Rasa pushed open Chiyo's front door and entered with his girlfriend, Karura, and her younger brother, Yashamaru.
They found Sunagakure's most senior elder in her workshop.
"My apologies, Elder Chiyo. We came in without your permission."
"Oh, it's you. The Third Kazekage's student. What was your name again?"
"Elder Chiyo, I'm Rasa. This is Karura, and this is her younger brother, Yashamaru."
Seeing that Chiyo had actually forgotten his name, Rasa showed no anger. Instead, he respectfully introduced himself and his two companions.
"Elder Chiyo, the village's very survival is at stake. Please lend us your strength and help the village through this crisis."
"Oh, Rasa. So what brings you to this old woman? I'm nothing more than a lonely old lady now, with no one to turn to. I'm afraid I can't be of much help."
Rasa spoke anxiously.
"Lady Chiyo, please pull yourself together. I believe my teacher's disappearance has nothing to do with your grandson. There must be some misunderstanding.
"If I get the chance, I'll