The Ninja World… is about to be shaken!
Why?
Kankuro and Temari couldn't fully understand.
But they both knew that losing their Tailed Beast was already a devastating blow to Sunagakure—one it could hardly afford.
Now, things would only get worse.
"Teacher… are we going to save Gaara? He can't just fall into Konoha's hands," Temari asked, her voice full of hesitation.
Gaara's importance was obvious. Yet, that terrifying wooden giant had crushed Shukaku with terrifying ease.
Rescuing Gaara now seemed almost impossible.
And this was Konoha.
The Sand Shinobi forces were nearly wiped out.
Only a small remnant had managed to flee back toward Sunagakure, dragging with them the Konoha ninjas they had captured.
It was intentional—but pitifully weak.
Not only had their plan fallen far short of expectations, it had turned into an even greater disaster.
Kankuro clenched his fists, his expression growing darker. He wanted to ask his father—why? Why did he ever plan this reckless attack on Konoha?
"You two, listen carefully," Baki said, turning with a grim face.
"The plan has failed, but we haven't lost everything."
"We've taken many Konoha ninjas—shinobi from the great clans, all of them holders of secret techniques."
"Even if we can't force out every secret art, they're now Sunagakure's most valuable hostages."
His voice was heavy, filled with pressure.
"This is the most critical moment for Sunagakure. We've lost our Jinchūriki. But if we can bring those Konoha shinobi safely back to the village… then we may still have a chance to trade or negotiate for Gaara's return. Do you understand?"
Baki's logic was sharp.
The Sand had suffered terribly—but Konoha had also been hurt.
As long as the Sand could bring back the captured shinobi, they had bargaining power.
Of course, in terms of sheer value, no clan ninja could compare to a Jinchūriki.
But this was Konoha.
If Konoha gave up their own clansmen for the sake of one Jinchūriki, their reputation would suffer a crushing blow.
And when the lives of their own people were at stake, internal strife was inevitable.
"You have only one mission now: ensure the safe return of our forces, and escort the captured Konoha shinobi back to Sunagakure. Understood?"
Kankuro and Temari both nodded solemnly. "We understand."
"Teacher… what about you?" Kankuro asked.
Baki's gaze shifted toward the edge of Konoha, his expression icy.
"I have another priority. Among the captured Konoha shinobi is a very special one. I must personally ensure she is taken back to Sunagakure."
"Who?" they asked in unison.
"That girl from the Hyuga clan."
At his words, both siblings immediately recalled Hyuga Neji, who had fought Yuichi first.
The Hyuga—the strongest bloodline clan in Konoha. Their people were indeed the most valuable of all.
Naturally, they would become the prime target of Konoha's pursuit.
Meanwhile, elsewhere—
"What!? The daughter of Hyuga Hiashi was captured by the Sand?" Kakashi's voice cracked with shock.
He turned to Nara Shikaku, unable to believe it.
"And not just the Hyuga," Shikaku replied heavily. "Almost every clan shinobi has been taken. The Sand's goal is clear—they're after Konoha's secret techniques."
Kakashi's eyes narrowed. The realization was chilling.
The secret arts of Konoha… stolen?
That was nothing less than an act of war.
"Have pursuit squads been dispatched?" he asked quickly.
"Yes. Several teams. They'll intercept before the Sand reach the Wind Country."
"And who's going after Lord Hiashi's daughter, Hinata?"
Shikaku's eyes shifted toward Yuichi, who was speaking with another Hyuga clansman. "Nagano Yuichi."
Following his gaze, Kakashi frowned. "Why him…?"
"It wasn't my call. It was Lord Hiashi's request."
"But Yuichi is Wood Style! He's vital to Konoha. His strength is undeniable, but surely a pursuit mission would be better suited to me or Guy—"
"No," Shikaku cut him off. "You and Guy must stay. Especially now—you cannot leave Konoha."
"Why?"
Kakashi and Guy exchanged sharp looks.
Shikaku knew exactly what Kakashi was thinking.
The Wood Style—so close to the First Hokage's power. Yuichi was the brightest candidate for Hokage, if not now, then soon.
But Shikaku's eyes flicked to the cut on Kakashi's face.
Hatake Kakashi—Konoha's Copy Ninja. Against Sand shinobi, he should never have been touched.
For him to bear even a single wound meant his opponent had been terrifying.
Beside him, Might Guy panted heavily—Konoha's Blue Beast was visibly exhausted.
What kind of enemy could press both Kakashi and Guy so hard at the same time?
Shikaku had a grim suspicion.
Which was why he would not allow them to leave.
At that moment, Yuichi stood before Hyuga Hiashi.
"Hiashi-sama, don't worry. I will bring Hinata back."
Hiashi gripped Yuichi's shoulder firmly. "I entrust her to you."
"Please see a medical-nin, Hiashi-sama. Your injuries—"
"It's nothing. As long as Hinata returns safely, it's nothing."
Yuichi nodded. "Then I'll depart now. Every moment wasted lets them slip further away."
"Yes… please."
With a sharp breath, Yuichi vanished from Konoha in a blur of motion.
As he left, Shikaku spoke gravely.
"The Third Hokage… is dead."
Kakashi and Guy froze in shock.
"What? The Third!?"
"The killer was Orochimaru," Shikaku continued. "But Yuichi fought him. I can't say if Orochimaru is dead, but he's certainly gravely injured, if not worse."
"The Sand are no longer the greatest threat. The real danger… is the one who fought you two."