Chapter 131
Chapter 131
Halfway there, Minato bid farewell to Obito and Kakashi, heading to the frontlines.
This was where the fighting was most intense, and the Third Hokage predicted that the Sand Village would soon launch their final assault.
Minato brought Obito and Kakashi to the rear hospital for their protection.
"Where to next, Haneda?" Kakashi asked habitually.
"Let's go to the Third Medical Zone first. Rin and I will help with the medical work."
"Kakashi, you and Obito can either join us or go for some training."
"What Lady Tsunade said earlier was just out of frustration," Haneda added thoughtfully.
Obito and Kakashi didn't know much about medical ninjutsu or even basic medical skills; they'd be lucky just not to get in the way as assistants.
"What? Who'd want to train with Kakashi?" Obito muttered, focusing his attention on Rin and Haneda. Compared to Kakashi, he preferred to be with Rin and Haneda.
"How about I help you out, Rin?" Obito asked eagerly, looking at her with hopeful eyes.
"Sure, Obito," Rin replied with a smile.
Seeing Obito take the lead, Asuma spoke up too.
"Big Brother Haneda, Kurenai and I are here to help you!"
"Forget it. Lady Tsunade didn't assign you anything, so you and Kurenai should focus on training. Strengthening your skills is the priority," Haneda advised, shaking his head as he thought of Asuma and Red's current abilities.
They could barely keep up with him during missions, let alone with Uncle Sakumo.
At that moment, Kakashi said, "Haneda, let me assist you instead. Training alone gets a bit boring."
"Alright," Haneda agreed, recalling that Kakashi had some basic medical knowledge. This way, he could also exchange insights on lightning techniques and swordsmanship during breaks.
Watching Haneda and Kakashi leave, Asuma clenched his fist. Thinking of his gap with Kakashi, he thought to himself:
"Damn it! I'm so weak that Big Brother Haneda couldn't even stand it!"
...
Sand Village Command Center.
Chiyo held a report sent back by a spy, laughing coldly.
As she had anticipated, Sakumo and Minato, wanting to protect their students, had indeed kept them in the rear hospital with Tsunade.
According to their original plan, Chiyo and the other high-ranking Sand Village ninjas, like Ebizo, had agreed to engage Konoha head-on while planning to attack Konoha's rear.
They knew that disrupting Konoha's medical support was essential for victory.
Otherwise, dragged out in battle, Sand Village's elite would eventually be wiped out.
Chiyo summoned Rasa, the future Fourth Kazekage and Gaara's father.
He was the most talented Sand Village ninja of recent years, stronger even than Pakura, the Scorch Release user.
In the war against Konoha, Rasa's leadership and combat ability had both stood out.
"Lady Chiyo," Rasa said respectfully as he entered.
"Take a seat."
Chiyo handed Rasa a scroll containing intelligence on Haneda and Kakashi.
After Rasa reviewed it, Chiyo asked, "What do you think of Uchiha Haneda and Hatake Kakashi?"
Rasa, aware of Chiyo's resentment toward Konoha's White Fang, thought for a moment before replying:
"Uchiha Haneda and Hatake Kakashi are the most talented young ninjas Konoha has produced in recent years."
"At their age, few can compare, not even the legendary Sannin or the Yellow Flash."
"But a genius who hasn't matured is just a genius, not yet a true powerhouse."
Rasa then asked, "Is Lady Chiyo suggesting I lead a team to assassinate Uchiha Haneda and Hatake Kakashi?"
"Not exactly." Pleased with Rasa's response, Chiyo handed him another intelligence scroll and explained,
"The Sand Village's goal is victory in this war; killing two young geniuses won't shift the balance."
"Remember, Rasa, the priority is our village's interests."
"Your mission is to lead a strike on Konoha's rear medical team, to kill as many of their medical ninjas as possible."
"As for Uchiha Haneda and Hatake Kakashi, if you encounter them, they are priority targets. Kill them if possible."
Chiyo paused briefly and then added, "Ebizo and I will deploy troops to support your attack."
"If you perform outstandingly, you will be the next Kazekage."
Rasa's eyes sparkled with excitement at Chiyo's final words.
Since the start of the war, he had been competing with Pakura, a rival of the same generation.
Now, with Kazekage's position within his reach, Rasa saw this mission as crucial.
If he could eliminate Sakumo's son and student, he was sure to secure Chiyo and Ebizo's support.
Then…
The Fourth Kazekage position would be his!
However, what Rasa did not know was that Chiyo and Ebizo had already chosen him as the Fourth Kazekage.
Given Rasa's strength, his unique magnet-release gold dust ability, and even with his lack of wisdom he was just the better choice. After all they were the one choosing.
...
A mine in the Land of Rivers, where Sasori lay hidden.
A Sand ninja with a headband entered the mine and came to a secluded chamber, saying respectfully:
"Lord Sasori, we have new information on Hatake Sakumo."
"What is it?"
Sasori's calm voice echoed from within the chamber as he emerged.
"The report states that Sakumo's student, Uchiha Haneda, along with his son, Hatake Kakashi, are stationed at Konoha's rear hospital."
"Furthermore, Lady Chiyo has ordered Rasa to lead a unit to attack the rear hospital."
The Sand ninja placed the scroll with details of the operation in Sasori's hands.
The scroll was swiftly pulled by chakra, bringing it to Sasori.
Upon reading that Chiyo planned to feign an attack on Konoha's camp in the Land of Rivers, he laughed coldly.
His grandmother was still the same—placing the village's interests above all else.
Sasori spoke coldly, "Return to your duties, but keep your identity secret."
"And find out the exact timing of Rasa's attack."
"Understood, Lord Sasori."
The chamber door closed, and Sasori returned to the shadows.
With a wave of his hand, the Third Kazekage puppet moved before him.
With another wave, iron sand surged up, covering the entire chamber.
"Alone, I can't assassinate Sakumo. Uchiha Haneda is often with him."
"I'll take him out first."
...
In the Bloody Mist Village, in Madara's underground chamber.
White Zetsu reported the news:
The Sand Village was sending Rasa to attack the rear hospital, where Haneda was stationed, while Sasori planned to assassinate Haneda.
This didn't align with the original plan, so Black Zetsu asked,
"Lord Madara, should we interfere with the Sand Village's actions?"
Madara smiled faintly and said,
"The granddaughter of Hashirama isn't one to be trifled with by some magnet-release user."
"As for the Red Sand Scorpion... he's nothing more than a speck of dust."