Chapter 122: The True Culprit Behind the Third Ninja World War!

"So that's how it was."

Hearing Shūichi Hoshita's question, Sasori of the Red Sand scoffed, but also sighed. "It seems every village has its own dirty, ugly secrets!"

"However, no one in Konoha leaked any information to me."

"It's just that Konoha's White Fang's mission happened to directly conflict with the one I was carrying out."

Shūichi asked, "The mission you were executing—eliminating those who wanted to cut Sunagakure's funding?"

Sasori chuckled, "Seems you've heard about it. Yes, that's right."

"Konoha's goal was clear—to weaken Sunagakure by reducing its funding."

"Heh, I guess your actions this time didn't get approval from Konoha's higher-ups."

"I have to admit, you're just as bold as I am."

Shūichi, unimpressed, replied, "I'm not as bold as you—daring to assassinate the Kazekage."

Sasori, as if it were natural, responded, "Because of his poor decisions, my parents died at the hands of Konoha's White Fang. Killing him was only right."

Returning to the previous topic, Sasori continued, "Konoha's White Fang was indeed incredibly powerful. Once I realized he was coming, I immediately decided to join forces with the Kazekage. On my own, there was no way I could take him down."

"After all, he was Konoha's White Fang!"

Sasori's voice grew slightly somber, but he quickly resumed his usual tone and smiled. "Also, killing White Fang provided me with an opportunity to further evaluate the Third Kazekage, to gain just a little more of his trust and lower his guard."

"In the end, my decision was entirely correct."

"His speed was just like yours—my puppets were completely useless against him."

"But fortunately, I had the Kazekage. Even though White Fang's Lightning Release was able to counter the Kazekage's Magnet Release, there were two of us, and we were in the Land of Wind."

"With our preparations in place, we were able to slow down White Fang enough that he couldn't escape."

"I have to admit, White Fang's strength was terrifying. Even the Third Kazekage was left a bit embarrassed—he almost got away."

As he spoke, Sasori's grin grew even wider. "After that battle, I was more certain than ever that I could kill the Third Kazekage."

"So, I took White Fang's body and turned him into a puppet."

"As expected, he became the perfect weapon against the Third Kazekage."

"If not for your intervention, I would've killed the Kazekage by now, turned him into an art piece, and added him to my most prized collection!"

By the end, Sasori's tone carried a hint of regret.

But Shūichi realized that Sasori's regret wasn't about failing to kill the Kazekage for revenge—it was about not being able to turn him into a valuable puppet.

He really isn't a normal person!

With his questions answered, Shūichi asked Sasori, "Do you have anything else you want to say?"

Sasori's expression softened as he thought of his parents. In the Pure Land, he would be reunited with them, wouldn't he?

He wouldn't have to wait any longer, right?

With that, Sasori smiled and closed his eyes. "Do it."

Shūichi immediately activated his ninjutsu.

Temple of Nirvana Technique!

Seeing how cooperative Sasori was, Shūichi didn't mind granting him a peaceful death.

After putting Sasori into a deep sleep, Shūichi stepped forward and twisted his neck with a clean snap—no pain at all.

Incineration Technique!

Sasori's body was set ablaze, quickly burning down to a pile of ashes.

Swamp of the Underworld!

A small swamp appeared where the ashes lay, swirling as it swallowed Sasori's remains.

Complete destruction!

Shūichi had considered bringing Sasori back to Konoha alive, to extract his puppet-making techniques.

However, taking Sasori back posed too many risks, and those techniques weren't worth it to him.

As for the Third Kazekage's body...

Shūichi fell into deep thought.

His initial plan was to bring the Kazekage's body back to Konoha for Magnet Release research.

After all, he was going to establish his own research base, so there was no risk of information leaking.

The Kazekage's body was too valuable to waste.

"Even though I can more easily obtain Magnet Release chakra from the One-Tail, the Kazekage's body is key to studying the Bloodline Limit itself."

"The Third Kazekage's corpse is far more valuable than Sasori, so I'll keep it."

"Konoha will likely suspect I was behind this, but as long as I don't admit it, I'll be fine."

Having made his decision, Shūichi left the woodshed and found Asuka had reheated the food. He couldn't help but laugh.

Asuka smiled. "We've been busy all night. I'm a little hungry!"

Shūichi sat down and chuckled. "Let's eat and rest, then tomorrow we'll head back to the Land of Fire."

The Kazekage had disappeared, and it involved the Four-Tails Jinchūriki from Iwagakure. The ninja world was bound to descend into chaos.

Perhaps the Third Ninja World War was about to begin!

"The culprit behind the Third Ninja World War?"

Shūichi murmured to himself.

...

The next day, Shūichi and Asuka left the Land of Rivers and returned to the Land of Fire. However, they didn't go straight back to Konoha but instead detoured to the Daimyo's palace.

He was going there to secure investment!

Meanwhile, after a night of brewing turmoil, Sunagakure was in a frenzy.

Numerous Sand shinobi began searching the entire Land of Wind for any trace of the Kazekage, while also expanding their search for the rogue ninja Sasori of the Red Sand.

Simultaneously, Sunagakure activated all of its spies stationed in the Land of Earth, launching a full-scale investigation into the Four-Tails Jinchūriki.

That evening, Shūichi secretly met with the Daimyo of the Land of Fire.

After a friendly and cordial discussion, Shūichi presented a plan—slightly different from the one he had shown to Hiruzen Sarutobi—to the Daimyo.

Inside the document, there was no mention of the Four-Tails or Eight-Tails, only references to tailed beasts as weapons.

The Daimyo read carefully and was visibly excited. He asked, "Shūichi, how confident are you in this experiment?"

With full confidence, Shūichi smiled and replied, "You should know the Third Hokage's character. He wouldn't proceed with such an experiment unless he was absolutely certain."

"Danzo's side has already seen success."

"What?"

The Daimyo was startled but quickly picked up on a key point. "It seems there's a rift between the Hokage and Danzo!"

Shūichi smiled, "Danzo is highly ambitious and a strong proponent of war."

The Daimyo understood and promptly said, "In that case, proceed with the plan!"

Shūichi immediately responded, "I won't let you down, Daimyo-sama!"

The next day, after leaving a Flying Thunder God mark at the Daimyo's residence, Shūichi set off with Asuka back to Konoha, carrying the initial investment of 100 million ryo given by the Daimyo.

As expected from the Daimyo—truly generous!

...

In Konoha Village, at the Hokage's office, Danzo entered and, without preamble, said to Hiruzen Sarutobi, "Hiruzen, was the Third Kazekage taken down by Shūichi Hoshita?"

Sarutobi, puffing on his pipe, calmly replied, "It wasn't Shūichi. Shūichi was acting on my orders and went to the Daimyo's palace."

"Besides, it's not yet confirmed if the Third Kazekage is missing or even dead."

"Sunagakure is currently tracking the rogue ninja Sasori of the Red Sand, as well as the Four-Tails Jinchūriki from Iwagakure, who has been colluding with Sasori."

"You already know that Sasori previously slaughtered many small countries in the Land of Wind, and that's why Sakumo Hatake lost his life."

The Land of Wind is vast, but it's mostly a desert or a land of oases. Apart from the fertile coastal regions in the south, most of the oases are like miniature countries, ruled by various lords. While they all respect the Daimyo of the Land of Wind, in reality, they function like independent nations, only smaller in size.

Although the other villages hadn't yet noticed the Kazekage's disappearance or possible death, both Hiruzen and Danzo had keenly grasped the truth.

Even though they found it hard to believe that Shūichi could take down the Kazekage, the timing was too coincidental.

Sasori just so happened to be colluding with Iwagakure's Four-Tails Jinchūriki, and Sasori was very likely one of the culprits behind Sakumo Hatake's death.

For Hiruzen Sarutobi, no matter what, Konoha absolutely could not be implicated in this.

But for Danzo, this was an excellent opportunity.

Seeing that Hiruzen refused to admit anything, Danzo didn't push further. He would question Shūichi himself once he returned. For now, the timing was the most critical factor.

"Hiruzen, if the Kazekage really was killed by Sasori and the Four-Tails Jinchūriki, Sunagakure will definitely declare war on Iwagakure. This is our chance!"

Danzo's voice rang out, firm and determined. "This is our opportunity to take control of the Land of Rivers!"

"When Iwagakure and Sunagakure begin fighting, we can seize the chance to invade the Land of Rivers. We should start preparing for war now."

Hiruzen replied in a serious tone, "If we prepare for war now, it will draw attention, and it will alert all the other villages."

"Don't forget, besides the Sand and Stone villages, we also have to consider the Cloud and Mist villages!"

"Furthermore, the situation with the Sand Village is still unclear. We should wait for things to become clearer before making any decisions."

Danzo, frustrated, retorted angrily, "Hiruzen, you'll regret missing this opportunity!"

But Hiruzen was unmoved. "What the village needs right now isn't war, but stability, so that the young shinobi can grow in peace."

Danzo scoffed, "Hiruzen, you've changed!"

"Don't forget, we grew up in war."

"War is the best training ground for a shinobi!"

Hiruzen lowered his gaze, unwilling to argue further. "Danzo, this conversation ends here. Don't act recklessly."

"And don't forget, I am the Hokage!"

Danzo clenched his fists in silent fury.

"You'll regret this!"

Bang!

With that, Danzo stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed in frustration, then his thoughts drifted back to Shūichi.

If Shūichi had indeed been responsible for this, it would be a truly astonishing feat.

Moreover, as long as the truth didn't come to light, it would be beneficial for Konoha.

If Sunagakure and Iwagakure went to war, Konoha could remain neutral, free to handle matters at its own pace.

In fact, knowing the nature of the Raikage of the Cloud Village, he might seize the opportunity to invade Iwagakure.

And as for the Mist Village, in this situation, they would likely refrain from attacking Konoha and would instead focus on invading the Land of Wind.

This scenario would unquestionably be the most favorable for Konoha!

Too bad Danzo was blinded by his desire for power.

...

In Iwagakure, inside the Tsuchikage's office.

The Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, looked at his son and said, "So, are you absolutely certain that Rōshi couldn't have possibly infiltrated the Land of Wind and worked with that brat Sasori of the Red Sand?"

Kitsuchi nodded firmly, "Yes! Ever since that incident, Rōshi has been in seclusion for intense training."

"Moreover, there have been guards watching him. It's impossible for Rōshi to have left for such a long time without anyone noticing."

Upon hearing this, Ōnoki grew angry, "So, Sunagakure did this on purpose—they're using this as an excuse to start a war?"

Kitsuchi hesitated for a moment, then said, "Sunagakure's actions are too significant. It doesn't seem like they're faking it."

Ōnoki frowned, "What are you trying to say?"

Kitsuchi replied, "There is indeed someone using a power identical to Rōshi's."

"Lava Release?"

Ōnoki fell into deep thought.

He recalled that Kumogakure also had a Lava Release user, but their power differed from Rōshi's.

At that moment, Kitsuchi added, "It wasn't just Lava Release; there was also the power of a tailed beast!"

Ōnoki immediately straightened his small frame, his expression becoming serious. "Are you saying someone has stolen the power of the Four-Tails?"

"Was it that brat from Konoha?"

"How is that even possible?"

"It took Rōshi ten years to gradually master the power of the tailed beast."

Kitsuchi said, "It might not necessarily be Shūichi Hoshita. It's also possible that someone in the past acquired the power of the Four-Tails."

"After all, tailed beasts are unique. You know as well as I do that their powers can multiply and be preserved for a very long time."

"No matter the case, I believe we must prepare for war."

Ōnoki nodded, his tone serious. "Then notify the others, and let's hold a meeting."

Soon after, the leaders of Iwagakure gathered and swiftly reached a consensus.

First, prepare for war!

Second, be on guard against an attack from Sunagakure and, if necessary, strike first to seize the initiative!

...

Meanwhile, in the Land of Wind, inside Sunagakure's council room, another meeting was taking place.

"The Third Kazekage was incredibly powerful. There's no way he could've been killed just like that!"

"That's right! The Kazekage had the strength to suppress a tailed beast!"

"But now, there's no trace of the Third Kazekage anywhere!"

"Should we appoint an acting Kazekage for the time being?"

...

The Sunagakure Jōnin present murmured amongst themselves during the meeting.

Chiyo, surveying everyone, sighed before speaking, "The most important thing right now is to find the Kazekage, whether he is dead or alive."

With that, her statement settled the debate.

...

In Konoha, Shūichi returned from the Daimyo's residence just before lunchtime and immediately reported to the Hokage's office.

After thoroughly explaining the situation regarding his discussion with the Daimyo, Shūichi heard Hiruzen Sarutobi ask, "Shūichi, how did your training go this time?"

Understanding the deeper meaning behind the question, Shūichi promptly replied, "Very smoothly. I can now use the Flying Thunder God technique in real combat."

Hiruzen Sarutobi understood as well but couldn't help being quietly astonished, despite already having prepared himself mentally.

After all, the target was one of the village Kage—a Kage known as the strongest Kazekage in history.

In the past, Hiruzen had even fought the Third Kazekage, so he had a decent understanding of his power.

Yet now, that Kage had fallen to an 11-year-old boy…

Seeing Hiruzen Sarutobi remain silent, Shūichi could guess that the Hokage was secretly in shock.

Killing a Kage from one of the five great villages at the age of 11 was indeed extraordinary.

But compared to Uchiha Itachi, Shūichi didn't think it was that big of a deal.

Although he couldn't remember the exact timeline, Shūichi estimated that Uchiha Itachi must have awakened his Mangekyō Sharingan at around 11 or 12 years old. Afterward, with the assistance of Uchiha Obito, he wiped out the Uchiha clan and joined the Akatsuki.

Shortly after that, he even took down Orochimaru in seconds!

At that time, Itachi was probably only around 13 or 14 years old.

Of course, all of this was still hidden within Shūichi's memory and hadn't happened yet.

...

After a brief moment of silence, Hiruzen Sarutobi finally spoke, "You've worked hard. Now, focus on preparing for the research facility."

He didn't ask for any more details, and Shūichi, in turn, had no intention of reporting on them.

Both of them understood each other perfectly.

(End of Chapter)

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