Although there were occasional verbal disputes with the Kazekage, when it came to significant matters, they would always support me, tirelessly working for the strength of the Hidden Sand Village.
For example, the upcoming attack plan on the Land of Fire organized by our Hidden Sand, was a comprehensive scheme finalized after discussions with the two advisors.
Upon thinking of this, a sense of pride surged within the Third Kazekage.
It is now the end of January, and the attack on Konoha in the Land of Fire is planned for February, aiming to swiftly invade the borders of the Land of Fire.
War is only a few days away.
The time for the rise of the Hidden Sand is near.
"Kazekage-sama."
An Anbu of the Hidden Sand appeared from behind, kneeling on one knee, giving the highest respect to the Third Kazekage.
This was the Kazekage leading the Hidden Sand on the path to prosperity, a uniquely wise leader.
"Is there something you need?"
The Third Kazekage slightly turned his head.
"Sasori has something to report to you."
"That kid, huh? I remember he's on a mission at the border. Has something new happened there?"
The Third Kazekage muttered to himself, then returned to the building, with the Anbu following closely behind.
◎
The next day.
"The Third has disappeared!?"
In the conference room with a large round table, Elder Chiyo of the Hidden Sand Village yelled.
The senior Jonin responsible for communication with the Third Kazekage lost contact with the Kazekage-sama and immediately called for this emergency meeting.
With the war against Konoha imminent, their leader, the Kazekage-sama, went missing!?
This absurd and laughable event was truly happening in their Hidden Sand Village.
If it weren't known that the Third Kazekage was usually a serious and earnest person, they would have thought it was a joke played by their Kazekage.
The senior Jonin calmly responded, "Indeed, many Jonin did not see the Kazekage-sama at the office this morning. Before the meeting, I secretly sent people to look for the Kazekage-sama, but to no avail. The Kazekage-sama has indeed disappeared from the village."
Heavy and bewildering news for everyone.
This was a village's Kage, one of the strongest among the Five Kage at the time.
And possessing an immensely terrifying Iron Sand Secret Technique, capable of subduing even a creature like the One-tailed beast, how could he disappear from the village without a trace?
Could there really be such a terrifying ninja in the Ninja Realm?
After all, to silently break through the Hidden Sand's defense line, confront the Kazekage, conclude the battle without a sound, and then quietly withdraw from the Hidden Sand Village... It's unimaginable to think there exists such a formidable assassination-type ninja in the Ninja Realm.
"Elder Chiyo, Elder Ebizo, what should we do now? Should the plan to attack Konoha continue?"
Another senior Jonin hesitantly asked.
Chiyo's expression was uncertain, silently pondering.
Ebizo glanced at his sister Chiyo's expression, then spoke, "The plan will continue, but this matter must be kept confidential, and the Jonin must be silenced. Also, dispatch half of the Anbu to track down the Third's whereabouts. Whether alive or dead, we must see the body."
"Yes!"
All the senior Jonin responded solemnly.
However, some senior Jonin showed a fervent look in their eyes.
With the Third's disappearance, if they achieved merit through this war, wouldn't the position of the Fourth Kazekage be easily attainable?
Seeing through all these senior Jonin's thoughts, Ebizo fell silent, just like his sister Chiyo, watching these senior Jonin leave.
"Sorry, sister, I seem to have acted on my own accord."
Ebizo apologized.
Using external conflict to shift internal conflict was a decisive decision made by Advisor Ebizo after their Kazekage disappeared.
And that external conflict naturally was Konoha Village.
Only in this way could they avoid internal strife within the village.
Chiyo shook her head; she understood her brother Ebizo's thoughts, sighing, "Forget it, no matter what, the plan to attack Konoha cannot change. Even if the Third has disappeared. Rather than letting them fight each other over the position of Kazekage, we might as well focus their strength on the war. As for who will end up with the position of the Fourth Kazekage, let the number of Konoha Ninja deaths decide."
If only the Third Kazekage had a designated successor.
However, no one anticipated that the Third Kazekage, in his prime, would mysteriously disappear from the village.
Though they held onto a glimmer of hope, they also understood that with such a long and mysterious disappearance, the chance of the Third Kazekage's survival was increasingly slim.