After delivering his reprimand, the Third Kazekage led the way back to Sunagakure's camp.
The others could also tell that the Third Kazekage was angry. None dared invite his wrath, and they hurried after him back to Sunagakure's camp, leaving only a still somewhat stunned Rasa standing there.
He had only meant to express his grief over the deaths of the village's ninja, never expecting to anger Lord Kazekage. Seeing everyone leave with the Third Kazekage, Rasa could only follow sheepishly.
Back at Sunagakure's camp, the Third Kazekage took the seat of honor, with Sunagakure's senior officials seated below him. For a time, no one in the entire tent spoke.
Seeing this, the Third Kazekage could only sigh softly and say:
"If you have something to say, speak up!"
The moment the Third Kazekage finished, Rasa stood up and said:
"Lord Kazekage, I don't mean to dispute your decision. I just don't understand why you agreed to those terms. Under your leadership, we could surely sweep through Konoha like an unstoppable force!"
"Exactly! Who does Orochimaru think he is? He doesn't have the strength to make an agreement with us."
Rasa was not the only one with these questions. Sunagakure's other senior officials shared his doubts, and all stared at the Third Kazekage, wanting an explanation.
Seeing this, the Third Kazekage knew he could not settle his subordinates' minds without saying something, so he said:
"It's not that I don't want to lead the fight for Sunagakure. I can't. You've all underestimated Orochimaru's strength. Never mind any of you-even I wouldn't dare claim I could definitely defeat him. In fact, judging by today's battle, I was even slightly at a disadvantage."
The moment the Third Kazekage finished, an uproar broke out below:
"How is that possible? Lord Kazekage is the