"Sandstorm!"
Everyone raised their heads, looking in disbelief at the terrifying sandstorm that covered the sky and rolled towards them.
This…
It was too terrifying!!
As people living in Sunagakure, they were no strangers to sandstorms, but…
They had never seen such a massive and terrifying sandstorm before.
It blotted out the sky!
The surging yellow sand rolled forward like a giant wave.
"Whoosh—!"
The Suna-nin seemed to sense something and exchanged glances.
Chakra!
They felt the fluctuations of chakra within the endless yellow sand. Their expressions immediately turned serious. This sandstorm was clearly not a natural occurrence!
But just how much chakra would be needed to create such a terrifying sandstorm?
"Kurosō, go report to the Kazekage immediately," said a Suna-nin with a headband tied around his forehead, his face grave. "The rest of you, sound the alarm and follow me to evacuate the villagers."
This sandstorm…
Was definitely not ordinary. Whoever could unleash such a massive storm—who could it be?
Or rather…
What did they intend to do to Sunagakure?
"Understood!" Everyone sensed the gravity of the situation and nodded solemnly before dispersing to carry out their tasks.
No matter who the enemy was…
As Suna-nin, they would not allow anyone to harm their village.
...
"How spectacular!" Uzumaki Jun marveled at the jutsu he had unleashed. "The Suna-nin must have realized something is wrong by now."
Indeed…
This was the kind of scene that should accompany the appearance of a legendary weapon!
Without something extraordinary, how could it intimidate others? And…
Seeing this spectacle, ninja from other villages would surely sense something amiss. By then, he could step forward and direct their hatred toward Black Zetsu. Heh…
Good luck with that.
He hoped Black Zetsu would last long enough.
...
"Kazekage-sama," Kurosō hurried toward the Kazekage's office. "Outside, there's…"
Before he could finish speaking…
"I already know," the Kazekage nodded, his face contemplative. "Have the villagers been evacuated?"
Such a terrifying sandstorm—he had noticed it immediately. If he hadn't closed the windows in time, his office would already be covered in sand.
And…
"What astonishing chakra!" the Kazekage remarked. "Order all ninja to prepare defenses immediately and place the entire village on high alert."
"Also, send scouts to investigate the surroundings."
"Find out who is behind this."
A ninja capable of wielding such vast amounts of chakra was definitely no ordinary individual.
"Understood!" Kurosō's expression hardened as he nodded and turned to carry out the Kazekage's orders.
Now…
There wasn't a moment to lose!
...
"Aren't you going out to take a look, sister?" Ebizō cast his fishing line, his face expressionless. "Something seems off outside."
Even the battle alert had been sounded.
Had war broken out again after just a few years of peace?
These ninja really had too much free time.
"Heh," Chiyo chuckled. "No, no."
"Since we've retired, we shouldn't meddle. What if we end up getting in the Kazekage's way?"
"I'm sure the Kazekage will protect Sunagakure."
For the past few years, she and Ebizō had stayed in the mountains, only leaving when absolutely necessary.
She had come to understand—what was the point of fighting for power?
The Kazekage probably just wanted them to stay here quietly and fish, not show their faces around the village.
And…
She had visited Sasori just a few days ago. He had grown so tall!
But joining the military…
Chiro and his wife were really something. Couldn't they just let Sasori stay with them?
Wouldn't it be better for him to become a teacher or work in the mechanical department with Chiro?
Peace…
Wouldn't last long.
That red-haired kid was too naive. As long as ninja and power existed, war was inevitable.
If something happened to Sasori, his parents would regret it deeply.
"You're right," Ebizō nodded. "We've already retired. Best not to interfere."
He sighed as he looked at the small pond before him…
"Fishing is much better!"
Though this pond was a bit small, and there were no fish.
"By the way, sister, you visited Sasori a few days ago, didn't you?"
...
Konoha.
"You'll have to go on another mission," Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Jiraiya with satisfaction and smiled. "This task will be assigned to you and Tsunade. I hope nothing goes wrong."
The shortest one he had taught back then had now grown up.
And…
He had gradually caught up to Orochimaru and Tsunade.
He…
Really was a great teacher.
"Old man, if you know it's tiring, why send me out again?" Jiraiya sighed. "Can't someone else go?"
He had just returned yesterday.
And now he had to leave again for another mission?
He had planned to gather some money, stay for a while, and then head to Uzushiogakure.
After all…
The kids there were still waiting for his lessons.
"Sigh," Hiruzen exhaled, stood up, and took a puff of his pipe. "Who else can Konoha send right now?"
"Aside from you and Tsunade, who else can I trust?"
It was simply too dangerous.
What if someone accidentally awakened the sword spirit?
Though he believed in the loyalty of Konoha's ninja and their adherence to the Will of Fire, still…
What if something went wrong?
And while this appeared to be an auction on the surface, it was essentially a Five Kage Summit!
Since the Hokage couldn't attend, his disciples would have to represent him.
"What about Advisor Danzō?" Jiraiya pondered. "He's a good fit too!"
He really wasn't.
"He has other missions," Hiruzen shook his head. "Though Danzō is suitable, he's occupied with important tasks and can't go to the Land of Iron."
"I see…" Jiraiya sighed. "What about Tsunade's condition…"
"I know," Hiruzen waved his hand, cutting him off. "Tsunade can't fight due to her hemophobia, but…"
"Maybe going out for a change of scenery will help?"
"And…"
Hiruzen gave a kind smile.
"Aside from you two, I'll also assign other ninja."
As long as Tsunade didn't see blood, she'd be fine. Her skills were still sharp, and with other elite ninja accompanying them, any trouble could be handled.
"Fine then," Jiraiya reluctantly nodded. "I'll make another trip."
It seemed the old man wouldn't let him off the hook.
But…
"Who else is coming?"
As soon as Jiraiya spoke, there was a knock at the door.
"Knock knock!"
"They're here," Hiruzen smiled and called out, "Come in."
"Hokage-sama."
A blonde young man with a gentle smile walked in, bowing respectfully to the Hokage. Then, he turned to Jiraiya…
"Jiraiya-sensei…"
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