"Strange… why are those rough brutes so quiet today?"
"Those guys from the Cloud usually don't even spare time for sleep, every night they send people to raid our camp."
At the Sand's encampment, Chiyo and Ebizo did what they always did, the moment they woke up, they went out to survey the state of the camp.
But after a full round, the siblings couldn't help being surprised.
It was too quiet.
Last night, those Cloud Village berserkers had looked like maddened bulls with bloodshot eyes, attacking relentlessly even during the hours most people sleep.
But after waking up today, until now, they hadn't received a single report of Cloud-nin attacks.
"Honored Elders, Lord Kazekage requests your presence. He says there's an important matter about the Hidden Cloud that he needs to discuss with you."
Just as Chiyo and Ebizo were inwardly guessing, Yashamaru walked over.
"The Cloud?"
"Important matter?"
The siblings exchanged a look. They immediately understood that whatever Rasa wanted to tell them must be related to the Hidden Cloud's strange behavior.
"Honored Elders, it's good news, tremendous good news.
According to intelligence from our Sand spies, the Third Raikage was defeated in battle against Iron Fist at the border of the Land of Fire.
We don't know if he's dead or alive, but considering that the Cloud-nin who had been sent to fight on the third front were all recalled to the Hidden Cloud to guard key locations throughout the Land of Lightning.
It's clear that even if the Raikage survived, he must be gravely injured and unable to continue fighting anytime soon."
The moment the siblings stepped into the command tent, they were greeted by Rasa's excited laughter.
"The Raikage was defeated?"
"Looks like Garp may be old, but his ferocity hasn't faded."
Chiyo and Ebizo's expressions were wonderfully complex.
They were pleased by the Third Raikage's defeat, yet also worried that despite his age, Garp's strength remained terrifying.
"No matter what, this is a tremendous opportunity for the Sand. Without the Raikage, the Hidden Cloud has lost its pillar. For us, this is the perfect chance to seize the Land of Lightning.
If we succeed, we Sand-nin won't have to rely only on sand. And we'll finally overturn the scarcity of resources that's held us down for generations.
The title of strongest village… will no longer belong solely to Konoha."
Rasa's eyes burned with blazing ambition.
Why had the Hidden Sand always been the bottom rung among the Five Great Villages?
Because back then, Garp beat the First Kazekage within an inch of his life and sent him back to the Land of Wind.
But with the vast land and resources of the Land of Lightning combined with the Land of Wind, Rasa even believed he could accomplish a feat no Kazekage in history had achieved.
As the thought formed, another idea rose in his heart,
First destroy the Hidden Cloud, then wipe out Konoha.
"What about Garp…"
Compared to Rasa, Chiyo remained far more composed, her thinking more complete.
After all, she was long past the age of youthful impulses.
"He isn't a Konoha shinobi, nor is he Hiruzen's subordinate. There's no need to consider him in everything we do, right?
Besides, we're aiming for the Land of Lightning, not the Land of Fire. Garp has even less reason to interfere with us."
Rasa frowned slightly at Chiyo's cold water, feeling a wave of irritation.
He was young and proud, and had only recently ascended to the position of Fourth Kazekage. Naturally, he was overflowing with confidence.
The Third Raikage's defeat, the grand blueprint of claiming the Land of Lightning, the ambition of surpassing all previous Kazekage, everything was fueling his arrogance and hunger for power.
At this moment, Chiyo's calm and cautious approach, to him, looked like cowardice and hesitation.
"Kazekage, I think my sister's concern isn't unreasonable. Garp's intentions… "
"Enough. Tell me, am I the Kazekage, or are the two of you siblings the Kazekage?
A chance to elevate the Hidden Sand stands right in front of us, yet instead of fighting for it, you keep obstructing me.
If you two enjoy living with resource scarcity, that's your business. I don't share the same thinking.."
Seeing that Chiyo and Ebizo not only refused to support him but were actively resisting, Rasa could no longer hide his displeasure.
"This matter is settled. Prepare for war immediately. We depart soon.
And Chiyo, Ebizo, don't forget. I am the Kazekage."
With that, he stormed out of the command tent without looking back.
"Sister… What does Rasa think he's saying? Don't forget, he's only Kazekage because we lifted him up. Without us, could he ever have taken that seat?"
The moment Rasa left, Ebizo exploded in anger.
"Enough. He's right about one thing, he is the Kazekage, not us. Go prepare for battle. Maybe… maybe we really are getting old."
Chiyo sighed softly and patted Ebizo's shoulder.
But in her heart, she felt a hint of regret.
How long had Rasa even been Kazekage? They had never intended to wrest power from him, yet he already couldn't tolerate them.
If she had known he would be like this, she might as well have supported another candidate.
Speed is life. This principle held true in the shinobi world as well.
Shinobi empowered by chakra already possessed great mobility and combat capability as individuals.
And the Third Raikage's uncertain fate was a once in a lifetime opportunity, which Rasa naturally wouldn't dare waste.
After quarreling bitterly with Chiyo and Ebizo, Rasa quickly issued the order to prepare for war and march on the Land of Lightning.
In less than half an hour, the Sand forces had already assembled and set out.
Yet just as Rasa brimmed with ambition, leading the mighty Sand army across the border of the Land of Wind and preparing to cut straight through the Land of Rain.
A towering figure, as solid as a mountain, a physique so powerful it seemed capable of holding up the sky itself,
Stood silently at the border of the Land of Rain, blocking their path.
---------------
[Bonus chapter and next one will be on 500 stones.]
---------------
Guys do leave some reviews and comments.
Also, if you guys enjoy this story, you can support me on Pat re on and get access to some Advance Chapters, it really helps me to work on new chapters.
pat re on. com / Yhssab
Just remove all the spaces in between and search it.