In the following days, Hyuga Satoru repeatedly visited Tsunade's tent.
Under his meticulous treatment, Tsunade's hemophobia visibly improved.
Eventually, she could even take the initiative to treat patients with less severe bleeding.
One morning, Tsunade finally stepped out of her tent and approached a stretcher with an injured person lying on it.
Smiling, she placed her hand, glowing with a faint green light, on the person's chest.
Under the expectant gazes of many, the injury visibly healed.
Instantly, the camp erupted in cheers.
"Who said Lady Tsunade was useless? Stand up!"
"Great! Lady Tsunade has finally recovered!"
"We're all saved..."
Cheers like these echoed throughout the camp like waves.
In a corner of the crowd, Orochimaru leaned against a tent in the shadows, smiling as he watched Hyuga Satoru, who was also standing in the corner.
"This kid, Satoru, always surprises me."
The day after Hyuga Satoru first visited Tsunade's tent, Orochimaru had already received the news.
Initially, he doubted Hyuga Satoru's ability to treat Tsunade, but now, he was pleasantly surprised.
On the other side, Satoru seemed to notice and raised his eyebrows slightly at Orochimaru.
...
In stark contrast to the jubilant Konoha camp, the atmosphere in the Sand Ninja camp was oppressive and peculiar.
"Did you see it? Lady Chiyo's dance?"
"I was right next to her and saw it with my own eyes. I never thought Lady Chiyo could dance so... gracefully."
"Yeah! And with her puppets..."
A Sand Ninja cautiously glanced around and whispered.
"I heard that Lady Chiyo was the number one beauty in the Sand Village when she was young?"
"Now that you mention it, I'm wide awake!"
The surrounding Sand Ninjas immediately took interest, huddling together.
"No wonder Lady Chiyo's dance was so elegant. Tell us more; I have a friend who's very interested..."
...
In the command tent, the faces of the Sand Ninja leaders were grim. They wanted to say something but could only sigh repeatedly.
These past few days, the remaining high-ranking members of the Sand Village had gathered for meetings several times to discuss their next moves.
At the head of the long table, Chiyo sat with her head bowed, silent.
Her hands, hidden under the table, trembled slightly as they clutched her clothes.
The other Sand Ninjas couldn't help but glance at Chiyo. Previously, she would have already issued orders and devised several countermeasures. But now, she remained silent throughout the meeting.
This was understandable...
The Sand Ninja leaders sighed inwardly.
After all...
To be humiliated like that in front of so many people...
Even a veteran ninja like Chiyo would suffer significant psychological trauma!
Moreover, rumours about Chiyo had not ceased within the camp. Despite strict orders, the gossip persisted.
Thinking of this, the leaders gritted their teeth in anger.
Curse that vile Hyuga kid!
The village's strongest puppet master, Chiyo, had been...
"What are your thoughts on our next move?"
Rasa broke the silence, his voice heavy.
The Sand Ninja leaders exchanged awkward glances but remained silent.
These days, in addition to the rumours about Chiyo, fear had spread through the camp.
That terrifying Hyuga ninja had abilities that perfectly countered the Sand Ninjas!
The puppet masters were nearly wiped out, dying disgracefully at the hands of their own puppets. Even Chiyo became his plaything!
Facing such an enemy, despite their hatred, the thought of confronting him was daunting.
"Does anyone have any ideas?"
Rasa repeated.
Finally, someone broke the silence, speaking gravely to Rasa.
"Lord Kazekage, to be blunt, our current predicament is largely caused by that Hyuga ninja!"
"His magnet release is highly unique, capable of controlling specific metals and even puppets!"
"In this situation, continuing the war would be very troublesome."
"However, if you, Lord Kazekage, can eliminate him, we might have a chance!"
Rasa took a deep breath, nodding and speaking firmly.
"That Hyuga ninja, based on the available information, seems to be the first double-bloodline ninja in the history of the Hyuga clan of Konoha."
"His magnet release grants him strong control over specific metals. That's why Chiyo was defeated. But..."
A confident smile spread across his face.
"In terms of magnet release, no ninja in the current world surpasses me. Given our current predicament revolves around him, I will personally eliminate him!"
This was his confidence as the Fourth Kazekage, one of the strongest five Kages in the ninja world!
"With your assurance, Lord Kazekage, we are reassured."
"Lord Kazekage is also a magnet release user. That young Hyuga kid, barely over ten years old, can't possibly match you."
A Sand Ninja hesitated and spoke.
"If you face the Hyuga ninja, we will be at a disadvantage in high-end combat. I'm afraid..."
"Rest assured," Rasa nodded and exhaled.
"We've prepared long enough. It's time to unleash Shukaku."
The surrounding Sand Ninjas were shocked.
"Are we deploying the tailed beast?"
"The power of a tailed beast is beyond ordinary."
"It's time for Konoha to witness the terror of Shukaku."
...
Seeing the rising morale, Rasa felt a wave of relief and smiled.
During the Warring States period, Shukaku had lived in the desert region, captured and sealed by the predecessors of the Sand Village.
Over the years, they had gained considerable experience in handling tailed beasts. Even the magnet release was developed by mimicking Shukaku.
In contrast, Konoha couldn't deploy the Nine-Tails due to their unique nature. They never unleashed them on the battlefield.
The terrifying power of Shukaku was enough to bridge any gap!
Rasa's eyes gleamed with cold determination.
That detestable Hyuga brat would be killed this time!
He had slaughtered so many Sand Ninjas and humiliated Chiyo...
Moreover, the faint sense of familiarity made Rasa even more curious about Satoru.
Regardless, his desire to kill Satoru had reached its peak.
Exhaling, Rasa's eyes sparkled as he issued orders.
"Prepare the troops for battle. In three days, we will counterattack Konoha's camp. Also..."
He paused, his gaze flickering.
"Send someone to summon Baki."