CH - 202 Sand Village's Predicament.

In the Land of Wind, within the confines of the Sand Village, a flurry of activity ensued after the Fourth Kazekage declared war. The reason behind the Kazekage's decision remained unclear – whether it was directed at the Land of Rain or the Land of Grass. Despite the absence of apparent conflicting interests, the mere proclamation from the Fourth Kazekage left the ninjas with no option but to comply.

Yet, many harbored reservations about the hastiness of initiating a war at this juncture. Although several years had passed since the conclusion of the Third Great Ninja War, and the Sand Village had abstained from the battles that followed the Nine-Tails incident, the overall situation had improved, but the village had not fully recuperated.

"Kazekage-sama!" greeted the Sand Ninjas as Rasa made his presence known.

"Hmm," Rasa responded with a furrowed brow to the Sand ninja standing before him. He inquired, "Did Councilors Ebizo and Chiyo refuse once more?"

"Yes, Lord Ebizo and Lady Chiyo have retired, stating that they won't concern themselves with the village's affairs. Regardless of your decision, Kazekage-sama, they won't interfere. However..." The Sand ninja nodded with a wry smile, observing the displeasure etched on the Kazekage's face.

As a trusted aide to the Kazekage, he comprehended the source of the Kazekage's apprehension. Little did others know, that Pakura, who was supposed to be sacrificed for the village's peace, was still alive.

Nevertheless, the broader populace remained oblivious to this revelation, Despite their obedience to the orders, there was a growing dissatisfaction within the village towards the Kazekage, who hastily initiated the war.

"Lady Chiyo believes that Kazekage-sama's decision to declare war is too hasty at this juncture. She also remarked that the leader of the Grass Village is no ordinary figure. If he dares to initiate a war now, he must be well-prepared." As the words hung in the air, a flicker of anger passed through Rasa's eyes, and he spoke emotionlessly, "Hmph, Old-fashioned!"

As the Kazekage, he comprehended the current state of the Sand Village—it was indeed unsuitable to commence a war. However, Pakura's existence remained a hidden threat. Once exposed, the repercussions for the Sand Village would be severe. Did others grasp this reality?

Despite the Grass Village leader asserting that Pakura belonged to their village and not the Sand Village, and both sides covertly agreeing not to hastily disclose Pakura's identity, how reliable was such an arrangement? Even in the event of an alliance between the two ninja villages, there were instances where agreements could be torn, and the Sand Village had done so before.

Especially in matters like this, especially when dealing with the Grass Village. The Grass Village wasn't renowned for its adherence to ninja morality, a fact well-known throughout the ninja world.

One only needed to glance at the neighboring Konoha to witness the situation they were in. Underestimating these few days of delay would be a mistake; this brief period nearly quelled Konoha's initially accumulated anger and momentum.

Konoha's swift declaration of war upon the return of their Hokage's Assistant stemmed from a fear that any further delay would render the conflict unnecessary.

So, their promises... who could truly place faith in them? After all, Everyone knows that only the dead can keep such secrets.

Certainly, Rasa didn't desire the destruction of the Grass and Rain ninja villages. Instead, he aimed to coerce the Grass Village into submission under the current circumstances.

In the present scenario, the four major ninja villages declared war on the Grass Village, while the Mist Village… across the sea likely remained in observation. Particularly on the Konoha side, a conflict between the Grass and Rain ninja villages and Konoha seemed inevitable.

It's Understandable, If the Jinchuriki of the Sand Village were also abducted, the Sand Village would undoubtedly react vehemently. Therefore, the Grass Village's primary concern would be directed towards Konoha.

At this juncture, by deploying a substantial army, the Sand Village could effectively disperse the Grass Village's ninjas, intensify the pressure on them, and subsequently, for the sake of fully engaging in a war with Konoha, the Grass Village would have no choice but to acquiesce to the Sand Village's demands.

After all, the Sand Village's demands were straightforward... 'Execute Pakura discreetly.' Such a simple request, aimed at securing the village's peace, Rasa believed that any leader would find it hard to refuse. Therefore, the plan seemed viable.

The Sand Village, at present, couldn't afford any mishaps. Initially, Gaara was envisioned as the ideal Jinchuriki to safeguard the village, addressing the shortage of combat power. However, that prospect had already crumbled.

Hence, any potential threat to the Sand Village had to be swiftly eradicated. Consequently, this war didn't pose a significant impact on the Sand Village—it simply needed to conclude swiftly.

Regarding the Grass Village... After the Sand Ninja departed to carry out the mission, Rasa glanced at the teacup in his hand, particularly at the familiar label and characters underneath—' Made in Grass Village'. He mused to himself, "Those Grass ninjas... they wouldn't turn around and attack the Sand Village, would they?"

…

Simultaneously, on the Grass Village's front... they had meticulously evaluated the situation on various battlefields. Confronting the onslaught from the four major ninja villages, the Grass Village effectively held its ground.

Nevertheless, aside from the Sand Village, the other three major ninja villages appeared eager to swiftly conclude the war. Consequently, their assaults were relentless, and the anticipated pressure was set to escalate in the coming days.

Nonetheless, the situation wasn't dire. After all, the present Grass and Rain Villages differed significantly from their past states. How could they be easily overrun?

Reviewing the gathered intelligence, Akihiko let out a sigh. He pondered that since taking office, he had fostered amicable relations with the surrounding ninja villages. Collaboratively, they engaged in business ventures. However, now, with just one battle, why did the other three major ninja villages unhesitatingly declare war?

"Well, continue increasing our infiltration into the Kamizuru Clan. I've heard they're not faring well in the Stone Village," Akihiko said, scrutinizing the intelligence with a furrowed brow. "Dig, dig with all your might!"

"Hehehe~ Understood!" Mubuki nodded with a smile.

"At the same time... ensure there's a steady supply of scientific ninja tools in various locations," Akihiko continued to issue orders.

"I've already arranged it!" Yoshinori responded to Akihiko.

Akihiko nodded and added, "Also, persist in exerting pressure on the Daimyo's office in the Land of Wind."

The Sand Village showed a surprising lack of concern, casually declaring war. What about their own village? Akihiko had heard that both Ebizo and Chiyo had retired. How did they still dare to engage in this war?

Sighing, Akihiko perused the intelligence of the Sand Village in his hands. "Let the Rain Village prepare if things don't work out..."

He shook his head helplessly. "We can only go and attack the Sand Village!"

If they successfully repelled the Sand Village, it would likely prompt the Stone and Cloud Villages to realize the untenable situation, leading to a withdrawal of their forces. After all, how long had it been since the war ended? They couldn't afford to let it linger, especially the Stone Village, which grappled with numerous internal issues.

With only Konoha remaining, the Grass Village could easily prolong the war. In any case, Konoha's predicament was even direr than the other two ninja villages.

As the words were uttered, a collective nod of understanding rippled through the group. Indeed... attacking the Sand Village first was a prudent course of action if things didn't work out as intended.

Just as the meeting was on the brink of concluding, and everyone prepared to disperse for their assigned tasks, Kakuzu appeared to recollect something and spoke up again, "Should we cease cooperation with the Five Great Ninja Villages?"

"Stop? As long as they don't halt, we won't either. We don't need that aspect for now," Akihiko declared, shaking his head.

Kakuzu, upon hearing this, was perplexed. What aspect?

…

"Tsk tsk tsk, welcome back, Danzo-sama~" In a secret underground location, Orochimaru uttered sarcastically as he observed Danzo.

"Hmph!" Danzo snorted coldly in response to Orochimaru's sarcasm, not engaging in further conversation, merely turning his head to survey his surroundings.

This was the laboratory. Upon his return, not much had changed here. Contrarily, the village extended a warm welcome, with even Hiruzen putting up banners to greet him. Of course, Danzo comprehended the reasons behind the reception. However, for now... it wasn't the time to address these matters.

"How's the experiment going?" Danzo inquired, disregarding Orochimaru's sarcastic tone.

"Experiment? Sorry~, it's already stopped," Orochimaru replied with a smile.

"Stopped?!" Danzo was taken aback by this revelation.

"Yeah, don't be angry. After all, all the money was spent to redeem you." Orochimaru shrugged, maintaining his smile. "I heard even the funds inside the Root were emptied. So, without the funds, we had to stop."

"...Funds. I will arrange them as soon as possible," Danzo responded, regaining his composure.

"Alright, I heard that Konoha and the Grass Village have already started fighting?" Orochimaru accepted his words as he licked his lips, posing the question.

"This has nothing to do with you!" Danzo snorted in response.

"Since you say so, let's forget about it." Orochimaru raised the teacup in his hand, still smiling as he looked at Danzo. "Not to mention... this thermos made by the Grass Village is quite useful. The tea from the morning is still hot."

Saying that, he gazed at the four words below, "Made in Grass Village," and squinted his eyes. "I think this war... tsk tsk, sensei is going to suffer!"

"I already said this has nothing to do with you. Just focus on the experiments I mentioned!" Danzo interrupted, preventing him from saying anything more.

"I'm just reminding you. By the way, remember to prepare what I need as soon as possible." After these words, Orochimaru didn't waste any more time. He placed the thermos aside and turned to leave.

As for Danzo, he watched Orochimaru depart with a displeased expression, then glanced at the thermos on the table. He furrowed his brow, shook his head disdainfully, and muttered, "Such a boring thing! For a ninja... it's utterly useless."