The sudden vanishing of the Third Kazekage caused panic in Sunagakure, and all efforts were focused on finding him.
Meanwhile, Scorpion, having betrayed the village under cover of night, brutally killed the team sent after him. The yellow sands were stained crimson, giving rise to his infamous title: Scorpion of the Red Sand.
No one suspected that Scorpion's desertion was connected to the Kazekage's disappearance.
Two more days dragged on.
After tearing Sunagakure apart in their search, the terrible truth finally dawned: the Third Kazekage was truly gone.
----
At the same time, back in Konoha...
Sarutobi Ryo, having returned, received medical attention during the journey, and his injuries fully healed.
With his arrival, he gave a detailed report about the mission.
When the remains of Kotsuchi were presented, Sarutobi Ryo's actions created a huge stir among Konoha's leaders.
He had single-handedly defeated and killed the Tsuchikage's son!
The consequences of this event were expected to reverberate throughout the ninja world.
How would the Tsuchikage react to the death of his favored son, especially after learning about the alliance between Konoha and Sunagakure?
Utatane Koharu, Mitokado Homura, and the other elders were visibly shaken.
They were clearly uneasy about Sarutobi Ryo's growing power.
Overnight, the Konoha leadership formulated a plan. They dispatched numerous ninja to fortify the Land of Fire's borders, preparing for any potential attack from Iwagakure.
At the same time, they were actively contacting Sunagakure, awaiting the Third Kazekage's response.
However, the Konoha leaders were unaware that Sunagakure was already descending into chaos.
While they waited, news also reached Iwagakure Village.
The name Sarutobi Ryo, like a storm, began to spread throughout the entire ninja world.
Combined with Konoha and Sunagakure's own publicity, the death of the Tsuchikage's son became known in almost every ninja village.
"Young Master..."
That evening, Yamanaka Hui burst in excitedly. Having gotten the latest news, she rushed to report.
"The news is everywhere! Everyone's talking about the 'Black Grim Reaper,' Sarutobi Ryo!"
He's even overshadowed Namikaze Minato, heh.
"Mm."
Sarutobi Ryo showed no emotion. He sat in his chair, meticulously wiping down his Sword of Kusanagi.
Each Sword of Kusanagi possessed a unique name and ability.
After studying it for several days, he had begun to understand his sword's function.
The sword was three shaku long (about one foot), incredibly thin, resembling Kirigakure's Sewing Needle sword.
Its surface was beautifully clear, shimmering with a cool, watery light.
He had determined that its material was incredibly strong.
Even using all his strength to strike and cut, he couldn't damage it in the slightest, confirming the system's description.
Furthermore, the sword was exceptionally sharp, more so than ordinary weapons.
Cutting through a kunai was effortless.
Also, its cold properties were perfect for channeling his Ice Release chakra. It was a natural fit.
Ice Release already had a freezing effect.
With the Sword of Kusanagi, he could perform even more powerful and precise techniques, and even develop new abilities.
"What about the higher-ups?" Sarutobi Ryo asked, setting the sword down, eager to hear about the matter he was most concerned with.
"Honorable Hokage is waiting for Young Master in the Hokage Office."
Yamanaka Hui relayed the summons.
Since joining the Anbu, Sarutobi Ryo had undertaken numerous missions, building an impressive record.
Now, having killed the Tsuchikage's son and played a part in the alliance between Konoha and Sunagakure, he was undeniably qualified for a promotion.
So, it was likely about that.
"Understood."
Sarutobi Ryo stood up and headed towards the Hokage Building with Yamanaka Hui.
----
As soon as he entered the office, he saw Hatake Sakumo, beaming.
"Young Master Ryo, congratulations..."
Clearly, Hatake Sakumo had already heard the news.
Sarutobi Hiruzen was also smiling, anticipating the alliance with Sunagakure.
Even Biwako, usually serious, showed a rare, gentle expression, clearly pleased with her eldest son's accomplishments.
The only ones who looked unhappy were Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura.
Danzo remained silent, as enigmatic as ever, making it impossible to know his thoughts.
"Sarutobi Ryo, this mission... you completed it very well... very well..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen rose and retrieved a scroll containing Sarutobi Ryo's appointment.
"Starting tonight, you will be the Anbu Squad Six Captain!"
"Congratulations, Young Master Ryo!"
"Congratulations, Young Master Ryo!"
The Umino couple offered their congratulations, not at all displeased with the decision. After working with Sarutobi Ryo, they knew he was fully capable of handling the position.
Hearing the congratulations, Sarutobi Ryo couldn't help but smile.
Before his eyes, the system's notification was clear.
[Will of Fire System]
[Main Quest: The Road to Hokage! Inject the Will of Fire into Konoha Anbu!]
[Main Quest Objective: Before the Third Shinobi World War arrives, pass the Anbu assessment and ultimately become the Anbu Squad Six Captain!]
[Quest Reward: Real power. You can fulfill a request within the scope of the Anbu Squad Six Captain's responsibilities.]
[Quest Completed!]
Next.
The next stage of the quest appeared.
[Will of Fire System]
[Current Main Quest: The Road to Hokage! Hatake Sakumo survives and comprehends the true meaning of the Will of Fire!]
[Current Main Quest Objective: Help to the end, experience the Third Shinobi World War, survive it, become a "Jonin Commander," and ultimately help Hatake Sakumo become the "Fourth Hokage!"]
[Quest Reward: Real Strength]
Just as everyone was congratulating Sarutobi Ryo...
An Anbu ninja entered, delivering a message.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression changed drastically upon hearing it.
He turned to everyone, saying, "Everyone... I'm afraid the situation is about to become even more complicated."
Why?
"The Third Kazekage... has disappeared."
Everyone: "!"
----
At the same time, far away in Sunagakure...
Late at night, deep underground, in a hidden location...
The Third Kazekage sat cross-legged, listening to Pakura's report.
Pakura knelt, recounting everything that had happened in the past few days.
Beside her stood an auburn-haired girl, who resembled Nohara Rin.
This young girl was Pakura's student, Maki.
When Scorpion poisoned the tea, it wasn't Pakura who went to the office.
Pakura had not yet returned to the village.
Because Maki knew her teacher's appearance and voice, she used the Transformation Technique to disguise herself as Pakura, working with the Third Kazekage to stage this scene.
Scorpion, consumed by guilt, couldn't tell the fake Pakura from the real one.
After Scorpion left, the Third Kazekage immediately retreated into the prepared secret room.
"Mm, I understand." He nodded, not at all surprised by the chaos in the village.
Through Pakura and Maki as his spies, he could understand everything without leaving.
The "person" who drank the tea was merely a Shadow Clone.
"Honorable Kazekage, forgive my confusion, but I don't understand why we're doing this..." Pakura looked up at the man before her.
The Third Kazekage smiled coldly. "If we don't, how can we clean up the village's internal parasites? Keep watching... the show will begin soon..."
*
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[T/N:
Latest Chapter translated on Patreon - Chapter Access up to Ch 213 (Vol 2 Ch 155)
Final Total Power Stone Collection : 90 PS
Goal : Reach +50 Total PS = +2 Bonus Chapters next day! 🚀
Here are the novels I'm currently translating:
-> Naruto Paradise: An Evil Uchiha's Rise
-> One Piece: I'm Destined to Be the Son-in-Law King!
-> Young Master, Please Become Hokage!
Want to support my work and get early access to chapters? Check out my Patreon! 👇
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]