The Land of Wind is a harsh and unforgiving place.
Sunagakure, hidden within its sandy embrace, constantly faces brutal sandstorms. These storms relentlessly batter the village.
The few oases that exist are vital. They are the lifeblood that the people of the Land of Wind and Sunagakure depend on to survive.
Yet, even in this difficult environment, greedy individuals found a way to prosper, like parasites clinging to life.
Back in the past, the Third Kazekage, still a young man, had to rely on the support of the clan elders to secure his position as leader.
As time went on, he diligently honed his skills, never forgetting his duty. Eventually, he became known as the Strongest Kazekage.
In contrast, the elders became more and more unpleasant.
Only a few, like Chiyo and Ebizo, held onto their original beliefs and ideals.
However, after the tragic deaths of Chiyo's son and daughter-in-law, she witnessed too much darkness. Despair slowly crept into her heart, dimming her hopes for the village's future.
This paints a clear picture of Sunagakure's slow but steady decline.
As the Kazekage, a leader who inherited the knowledge and responsibilities from the First and Second Kazekage, the Third Kazekage firmly believed that the village could not continue down this destructive path.
He knew he had to find a way to bring about change.
Over time, he had tried different methods, but he could only temporarily control the elders, stopping them from going too far.
But the Third Kazekage was well aware that the moment he was gone, those elders would pounce, eager to seize what little wealth Sunagakure still possessed.
After meeting and talking with representatives from Konoha, the Third Kazekage finally decided to completely reform Sunagakure.
He couldn't directly confront the elders, at least not openly, because the connections between the clans were too strong and ran too deep.
Therefore, he needed to act in secret and cleverly lead them to their own downfall.
His plan was to use Scorpion's failed assassination attempt on him as an opportunity to fake his disappearance.
In reality, he would be secretly watching the elders and observing their corrupt behavior.
Once these elders were convinced he was gone for good, their arrogance would grow, leading them to act recklessly. That would be the perfect moment for him to make a dramatic return, striking them down swiftly, like a bolt of lightning.
However, this plan came with significant risks.
Only the Elder Council and some of the higher-ups were traitors.
The middle and lower-ranking ninja of Sunagakure were genuinely devoted to the village and willing to make sacrifices for its well-being.
This political reform would inevitably lead to many deaths.
And these terrible events would serve as undeniable evidence to expose the elders' crimes.
" Pakura, for the sake of the village's future, I have to do this…"
The Third Kazekage closed his eyes, a deep sadness visible in his expression.
The death of the Tsuchikage's son.
His own "disappearance."
The connections between these events would trigger the Third Shinobi World War.
Or rather... be the final breaking point.
Those in power knew that the Second Shinobi World War never really ended.
The Five Great Nations, after dividing up the interests of the smaller countries, were simply waiting to start a new Great War after they had benefited from their gains.
"Once the plan is complete... I will personally step down, and at that time, you will become the Next Kazekage!"
"Honorable Kazekage..."
After carefully listening to the Third Kazekage's explanation of the plan's advantages and risks, Pakura bowed her head respectfully.
For a new era to begin, sacrifices and bloodshed were inevitable.
"Now, listen carefully..."
The Third Kazekage began to explain to Pakura the specific arrangements for when he was gone.
Pakura listened attentively, repeatedly confirming her understanding.
Finally, the Third Kazekage handed a scroll to Pakura.
Inside, he had written down everything the Second Kazekage knew, as well as his own insights from mastering Magnet Release.
Even though Pakura wouldn't be able to learn Magnet Release, reading this information would certainly inspire her and help her improve her own skills.
"Go."
After entrusting everything to her.
The Third Kazekage dismissed her.
Pakura stood up and bowed deeply as she backed away.
As a ninja of Sunagakure, and even more so as a Hero of Sunagakure, she would dedicate herself to the village with all her strength until the day she died.
For Sunagakure's... bright, new future!
----
Several days later.
The Root ninja sent by Danzo returned with new information.
Through persistent investigation, even with the loss of several skilled agents, the situation in Sunagakure was becoming clearer.
Large numbers of Sunagakure ninja had been frantically searching throughout the Land of Wind in recent days.
They seemed to be looking for something.
Because if it was just a military exercise, the ninjas wouldn't be so scattered, and they wouldn't be working around the clock in shifts.
Finally, taking advantage of the chaos in Sunagakure, a spy who had infiltrated the village brought back solid intelligence.
The Third Kazekage had indeed disappeared.
At the same time.
Other villages also learned about this matter.
The disappearance of the Strongest Kazekage made many villages anxious.
Having experienced the last Great War, many villages believed they could achieve great things in the future.
War preparations began in each village.
----
Konoha, Hokage Building, Conference Room on the first floor.
Early in the morning, Sarutobi Ryo and Hatake Sakumo arrived.
Looking at the sword before him, entirely crystalline blue, reflecting light like clear autumn water, with the blade seamlessly joined to the hilt without a guard, and radiating an icy chill, Hatake Sakumo couldn't help but nod in admiration. "Truly a fine sword... I once saw Orochimaru's Sword of Kusanagi, and this sword seems just as impressive..."
Hatake Sakumo was indeed an expert with blades.
He immediately recognized the quality and importance of the sword.
"Teacher Sakumo, this might actually be one of the Swords of Kusanagi."
Sarutobi Ryo smiled.
"Each Sword of Kusanagi has its own name. Although these swords have been lost for a long time, this one should have a new name..."
In the ancient texts, Sarutobi Ryo couldn't find more information about the Sword of Kusanagi, so he decided to name it himself.
"Let's call it... Wangshu Sword."
"Wangshu..."
Hatake Sakumo remembered the Third Hokage's love of calligraphy.
He felt that this name, with its poetic feel, was very fitting.
"Also, Young Master Ryo, your current rank is even higher than mine..."
Hatake Sakumo smiled.
Hatake Sakumo was currently the Division Leader of the Anbu directly under the Hokage.
But Sarutobi Ryo was the Captain of Squad Six of the Anbu.
It seemed that Sarutobi Ryo's position and status had surpassed Hatake Sakumo's, even though Hatake Sakumo was stronger.
A higher rank brought power, resources, responsibilities… authority.
At this Jonin Squad meeting, all the important figures of Konoha's leadership would be present.
Including the Clan Heads, the Department Heads, and the best Jonin.
Sarutobi Ryo, as the Captain of Squad Six of the Anbu, had long surpassed the status of an ordinary Jonin and had the right to participate in the meeting.
And Sarutobi Ryo, taking advantage of this opportunity, was planning to advocate for something at the meeting.
According to the system, the reward for completing the previous mission could probably... make his plans a reality.
*
**
***
[T/N:
Latest Chapter translated on Patreon - Chapter Access up to Ch 219 (Vol 2 Ch 161)
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! 👇
➡️ patreon.com/Boundless_Beacon
]