CH - 261 Fourth Kazekage Disappearance!

Soon, the Shinobi Times released a newspaper featuring articles about the situation surrounding the Fourth Kazekage.

"Breaking News! The Mysterious Disappearance of Sunagakure's New Kazekage: Who is Responsible?"

"Shocking Revelation! Being the Kazekage is a High-Risk Position in Sunagakure!"

"A Comprehensive Look into the Turbulent Life of the Fourth Kazekage: Witness the Rise and Fall of Sunagakure!"

The sudden turmoil in Sand Village couldn't be contained, spreading rapidly like wildfire, especially with the Shinobi Times providing timely updates.

By the following morning, news of the Fourth Kazekage's mysterious demise had permeated the entire ninja world, overshadowing the previous focus on the Cursed Konoha and capturing widespread attention. The passing of a village's Kage is always a significant event, regardless of its location.

It's crucial to recognize that the Kazekage of Sand Village embodies not just status but also formidable power. As one of the Five Great Ninja Villages, the loss of its leader signifies a notable shift in the power dynamics. Kages are revered figures with unparalleled strength in the ninja world, raising questions about how such an individual could meet such a fate under mysterious circumstances.

Adding to the intrigue, Sunagakure has now suffered the loss of two consecutive Kazekages under mysterious circumstances. What is even happening in Sand Village? Could there be a connection between the two deaths? And Who possesses the capability to eliminate two Kazekages in succession?

The entire shinobi world is buzzing with speculation, closely monitoring Sand Village for any revelations. And The Shinobi Times is also diligently investigating to provide news, with everyone eagerly awaiting clarity on the situation.

The mysterious disappearance of the Third Kazekage had once ignited the flames of the Third Great Ninja War. With the Fourth Kazekage's enigmatic demise, is the specter of a Fourth Great Ninja War looming? Such a prospect is deeply troubling, especially considering the recent era of tranquility in the ninja world is still short-lived.

…

In stark contrast to the fervent debates outside, a pall of gloom hung over Sunagakure. With the loss of their Kazekage yet again, the village found itself thrust into a dire crisis.

Within the confines of the meeting room, the air was heavy with tension. Chiyo sat with hands clasped beneath her chin, her countenance etched with deep concern as she perused the Sand ninja's investigation report.

After resolving the dispute with Grass Village, she and Ebizō had chosen to retreat into seclusion, relinquishing any active roles in Sand Village's affairs. Having witnessed the village's inception and countless trials, and having endured the loss of her descendants, Chiyo felt a weariness that permeated her very being.

She had even sought Grass Village's aid in locating Sasori, her sole surviving grandchild, yet with the passage of time, she harbored no illusions about his fate. Fatigued, she longed for nothing more than to observe Sand Village's development from afar. After all, Chiyo harbored little ambition now.

However, the tranquility of the morning was shattered by the abrupt arrival of a Sand ninja, his voice fraught with urgency. "Advisor Chiyo, a grave calamity has befallen us!"

Initially assuming it to be yet another misstep by the Fourth Kazekage, Chiyo contemplated how best to counsel him. Yet, to her astonishment, she learned of his demise.

The news struck her like a thunderbolt. After all, this was the Kazekage of Sunagakure. How could this happen? She thought she must have misheard and quickly brought Ebizō out. Though she was initially hesitant to accept the grim truth, upon witnessing the anguish and turmoil gripping the village, and upon beholding Rasa's lifeless form, Chiyo could no longer deny the harsh reality: the Fourth Kazekage had indeed passed away. Moreover, by the time she got the news, it was already too late to cover it up.

The investigation report bore a stark revelation: "The Fourth Kazekage perished from kunai wounds. However, the absence of conspicuous signs of struggle suggests the assailant may have been someone known or trusted by him."

"This cannot be!" Chiyo's voice quavered as she struck the table, then sank back into her seat, her visage etched with turmoil. "Unless..."

Though her words trailed off, the implication hung heavy in the air, and Ebizō caught the drift. Pakura—the only former Sand ninja harboring deep-seated enmity toward the Fourth Kazekage, possessed both the motive and the prowess to execute such an act. However, the notion that the Kazekage would be caught off guard by Pakura also seemed improbable.

"Sister, please, compose yourself," Ebizō interjected gently, seeking to soothe Chiyo's mounting distress. Turning his attention to Baki, he inquired, "Have you found anything unusual?"

Baki, a rising star within Sunagakure, though still in the nascent stages of his career, stood as one of the village's most promising talents among the younger generation.

"Yes," Baki affirmed, rifling through his notes with purpose. "We've uncovered some unsettling developments. Firstly, a substantial sum of money was clandestinely transferred by the Fourth Kazekage for undisclosed purposes. Furthermore..." He hesitated momentarily before continuing, "We stumbled upon a covert scheme within the Kazekage's chambers—an elaborate plot outlining the assassination of the Land of Wind's Daimyo and a scheme aimed at seizing control of the nation. It's plausible that these machinations are connected to his demise."

A heavy silence settled over the room as the classified documents laid bare the shocking revelations before them.

Assassinating the Daimyo of the Land of Wind? The revelation left everyone in disbelief, their minds grappling with the implications. What could have possibly driven the Fourth Kazekage to entertain such a perilous course of action? Was it borne of resentment stemming from the Daimyo's reprimands?

Chiyo, already reeling from the weight of the disclosures, took a moment to steady herself, her fingers gently pressing against her temples in a futile attempt to quell the rising turmoil within her mind. "I understand. No further explanations are necessary. This matter... must remain under the strictest confidentiality. There can be no room for leaks."

The realization that Rasa had been orchestrating such clandestine operations behind the scenes left her feeling utterly bewildered. While the Daimyo's actions had undeniably posed challenges for Sunagakure, the notion of resorting to assassination was beyond comprehension. Moreover, Hadn't she already shouldered the blame for the village's past transgressions? All he had to do was to maintain the relationship with the daimyo.

What were Rasa's true intentions? Could it be that he sought to... Chiyo's thoughts drifted to Grass and Rain Village, her expression darkening with concern. Rasa's recklessness knew no bounds. After all, Unlike smaller nations such as Grass or Rain, the Land of Wind's Daimyo held significant sway and influence.

For now, the priority was to stabilize the village and prevent another catastrophic conflict akin to the Third Great Ninja War.

A bitter smile flickered across Chiyo's face. Sunagakure, one of the five great villages, had fallen into such a dire state. While Konoha, often labeled as 'cursed,' they have still managed to nurture a formidable younger generation. Even in this situation Konoha still continues to produce exceptional talent. In stark contrast, Sunagakure appeared truly cursed, having lost two Kazekages in succession.

Her frustration boiled over, evident in the forceful slam of her hand against the table. "And what of the other Great Villages?"

Baki's response was measured, reflecting the gravity of the situation. "Thus far, there have been no overt movements from the other villages. However, we cannot discount the possibility that they may seek to exploit our vulnerabilities. In the eyes of the other villages, especially compared to Grass Village and Rain Village, Sand Village may appear even more susceptible to conquest."

Since the aftermath of the Third Great Ninja War, Sand Village has struggled to even regain its footing. Hindered by a dwindling ninja populace and a dire shortage of resources, the village stood exposed and defenseless. In contrast to Garss Village, which had its own defensive strategies, Sand Village really faced the grim prospect of succumbing to external pressure from the other Great Villages.

"So, Advisor Chiyo, we must stabilize the village quickly and prepare for war," Baki urged.

"I understand," Chiyo sighed, rubbing her temples wearily. She grasped the urgency in Baki's words: they needed to appoint the Fifth Kazekage swiftly to reassure the populace.

However, suitable candidates were scarce. The younger generation lacked the necessary experience, and among Rasa's contemporaries, only Baki showed promise, but he still lacked the strength required for the role.

There had been a promising young man named Yashamaru, the Fourth Kazekage's brother-in-law, who had attained the rank of jonin at a young age. But now, Chiyo felt a surge of anger at the memory of how Rasa had squandered such potential, sending him on a perilous mission that had led to his demise.

How could Rasa have been so callous toward his own son? Look at Kusagakure, which had embraced two jinchuriki from other villages and treated them with kindness. Reports suggested that the new Nine-Tails jinchuriki was thriving in Kusagakure, cared for as if he were their own. Surely, the children of Sunagakure deserved similar treatment.

Chiyo finally realized the importance of nurturing talent, thinking, "Rasa's vision was too narrow compared to the leader of Kusagakure."

As she pondered, she remembered another former Sand ninja in Kusagakure who had nearly been lost and asked Baki, "What about Grass Village and Rain Village? Any news?"

"Both villages have shown no unusual activity. However... this morning, a messenger from Grass Village arrived with a peculiar message," Baki reported.

"What message?" Chiyo's curiosity was piqued.

With a hint of amusement, Baki cleared his throat and adopted the Grass ninja's tone, delivering the message with a professional smile, "Interested in buying insurance? Grass Safety Insurance offers reliable coverage! Introducing the 'Special Ninja Insurance: Long-Term Kazekage Protection Plan.' Sign up for one Kazekage and get a 40% discount on the next one to prevent unexpected accidents!"

Upon hearing this, everyone was rendered speechless.