After Hanzo's defeat, the title of Ninja Master Sosuke spread throughout the Ninja World at an extraordinary speed.
The impact caused by this event was far greater than any previous one.
Kakuzu's strength was not weak, but his fame was quite average in the scope of the Ninja World. Only some strong individuals or ninja involved in the black market knew of Kakuzu.
Hanzo was different. Ninja from large and small villages across the Ninja World and wandering ninjas from various countries all knew of a top-tier strongman in the Ninja World named Half-God Hanzo.
Even among ordinary people, Hanzo was extremely famous, a force to be reckoned with who truly shook the Ninja World.
So, after the news spread that Hanzo led a ninja squad and was defeated by the Ninja Master Sosuke of the Ninja Sect, it spread quickly, making it a shocking event in today's chaotic Ninja World.
However, the reason it spread so quickly wasn't solely due to Hanzo's fame; there were also forces secretly fanning the flames.
Mokgetsu was somewhat surprised when he learned the news had spread throughout the Ninja World, as he hadn't instructed the Ninja Sect's ninja to specifically spread the story.
As for the Rain Village ninja, they were even less likely to spread the news on their own, as the Rain Village had come forward to debunk the rumor, stating that their leader, Hanzo, had not taken action, let alone retreated.
Of course, the Rain Village's denial didn't have much effect, instead further confirming the authenticity of the news.
Because the Rain Village only made statements and did not take immediate action, it seemed as if they were wary of something.
Additionally, the details of the circulated news were too detailed, even specifying the battle location, and when ninja went to investigate, there were indeed traces of a battle involving powerful ninja.
Considering all these factors, Hanzo's retreat was confirmed as fact, and Ninja Master Sosuke was recognized as a top-tier strongman in the Ninja World adept at Fire Release.
Mokgetsu speculated that this might be the work of Shimura Danzo, as it could further escalate the conflict between the Ninja Sect and the Rain Village.
However, Mokgetsu wasn't too concerned. The Ninja Sect's desire to develop and spread its ideology would inevitably lead to conflict with the Rain Village, and this event wasn't without benefits. At least the fame was established, attracting ninja who agreed with the Ninja Sect's philosophy to join.
The Hidden Rock Village, Tsuchikage Building.
Kitsuchi personally handed the intelligence he gathered in the valley to Onoki.
"Tsuchikage-sama, Hanzo intends to cooperate with our Hidden Rock to eliminate the Ninja Sect. Should we cooperate with them?" Kitsuchi asked after Onoki put down the documents.
"Although Hanzo cannot defeat Sosuke, Sosuke also finds it difficult to beat Hanzo."
As someone who watched the entire battle, Kitsuchi was well aware of both their strengths.
In terms of sheer strength, Mokgetsu was much stronger than Hanzo and could suppress Hanzo's Water Release with Fire Release. However, Mokgetsu couldn't counter Hanzo's salamander poison mist, and Hanzo's refined Water Instant Body Jutsu made it difficult for Mokgetsu to defeat him.
Onoki shook his head and asked Kitsuchi, "Why eliminate the Ninja Sect? What benefit does this bring to Hidden Rock?"
"If it's true that the border ninja were killed by the Ninja Sect, I think we can cooperate with the Rain Village. We can't let the village's ninja die in vain; we must avenge them," Kitsuchi expressed his thoughts.
Before thoroughly investigating the matter, Kitsuchi wouldn't act rashly, but if it was indeed the work of the Ninja Sect, Kitsuchi wouldn't spare them just because Mokgetsu was powerful.
A trace of disappointment flashed across Onoki's face. Caring about the village's ninja was good, but to become a Kage, more was needed.
"This event was not the work of the Ninja Sect's ninja," Onoki said, rummaging through his desk and handing a dossier to Kitsuchi.
Kitsuchi took the documents and read them, discovering records of the Ninja Sect traveling and assisting villagers with various difficulties and fighting bandits.
"This is an idealistic ninja force seeking peace. They have no reason to kill the ninja of a Great Ninja Village, as this would bring disaster upon the Land of Rain," Onoki explained.
In Onoki's view, the only possible reason for the conflict between the Ninja Sect and the Hidden Rock ninja was if Hidden Rock ninja had attacked a Rain Village settlement and were seen by the Ninja Sect.
But attacking Rain Village settlements was not within the Hidden Rock ninja's responsibilities; their primary task in the Land of Rain was to incite conflicts between Konoha, Hidden Cloud, and Hidden Sand.
Even if conflict arose, given the Ninja Sect ninja's demeanor, Onoki believed they wouldn't annihilate the Hidden Rock forces.
Using his seasoned expertise in creating trouble, Onoki deduced that it's highly likely other forces killed the Hidden Rock ninja and then framed the Ninja Sect.
Onoki couldn't determine which force was responsible since numerous parties began targeting the Ninja Sect and Sosuke after Sosuke's Ninja Sect inheritance became widely known, especially after his victory over Kakuzu.
"Considering the Ninja Sect's reputation, indeed, but currently all evidence points to the ninja within the Ninja Sect. Perhaps it's the actions of individual Ninja Sect members," Kitsuchi contemplated, then said.
"Continue your investigations in the Land of Rain, but don't get involved for now," Onoki sighed slightly.
Had Kitsuchi mentioned the potential threat of the Ninja Sect to the Hidden Rock's future, Onoki would have been less disappointed. Kitsuchi's thinking on the matter was too straightforward.
Kitsuchi respectfully bid farewell and left the Tsuchikage Office.
"There are too few capable individuals in the village," Onoki thought as he watched Kitsuchi's back.
After a long period of recuperation, the Hidden Rock's ninja forces had developed well, with over ten thousand combat-ready ninja in the village. Yet, Onoki was troubled by the absence of a satisfactory successor for him in Hidden Rock.