Chapter 47

During the second Shinōbi World War, there was deep concern. The Shinōbi World was suddenly shaken by a major event of epic proportions.

On a certain day in a certain year, a Wood Release Shinōbi from Konoha took advantage of Sāndaime Kazekage Hitoshi's post-work relaxation time and launched a surprise attack. Fortunately, Sāndaime Kazekage Hitoshi possessed immense strength. The two engaged in a night-long battle in Kaze no Kuni, leaving behind a towering giant tree.

Legend has it that when Sāndaime Kazekage Hitoshi returned the next day, Sunagakure was in tears, filled with a sense of guilt. They considered the remnants of the battle a shameful reminder. The best way to commemorate this shame was to preserve it. At the behest of Elder Ebizo, Sunagakure dispatched their only Water Release Shinōbi to carefully water the "war remnants." They also enlisted the help of architectural masters from Sunagakure to design a river channel overnight, spanning across Kaze no Kuni.

Upon hearing the news, the Daimyo of Kaze no Kuni accused Hi no Kuni of intolerable bullying on an international scale, claiming that Konoha looked down upon them. Subsequently, a sum of money was allocated to the Kaze no Kuni construction team, with the mandate to collaborate with Sunagakure and repair the river channel. This was seen as a way to etch the shame into the memory of future generations.

In Sunagakure, Hitoshi examined Ebizo's plan with satisfaction. To ensure the feasibility of the river channel, some even suggested cutting a section of land from Ame no Kuni for drainage.

"Kazekage-sama has sent a letter to Ame no Kuni, and Hanzo has agreed to our plan. They have allowed us to 'borrow' a large amount of water from Ame no Kuni," reported an elder named Yasuke.

Several days had passed since the battle between Hitoshi and Madara. Sunagakure had begun to emerge from the shadow.

"The merchants from Tsuchi no Kuni have expressed their willingness to sell us ordinary clay Sachhi stones at an affordable price."

"The merchants from Hi no Kuni have also agreed to sell us saplings, but they will handle transportation. We need to address the issue of survival rate ourselves."

"Konoha has condemned us and demanded an explanation in the Shinōbi World."

In the Sunagakure meeting room, the elders and high-ranking officials reported the news one after another.

"Very well, we must maintain trade with the merchants from other countries. Yasuke, lead the army and ensure the commercial roads remain unobstructed. Our prosperity depends on open trade routes. As for Konoha's condemnation, let them bark as much as they want. They are already overwhelmed," Hitoshi declared, highly satisfied with Sunagakure's efficiency.

"Understood."

"Understood."

"Understood."

"If there are no further issues, let's conclude the meeting. Everyone must remain steadfast in their positions. No problem is insurmountable. If any issues arise, find me. Strength is not a concern," Hitoshi cheered on the attendees with a smile.

After this battle, Hitoshi's position in Sunagakure had become unshakable. As the legendary Wood Release Shinōbi, he had been able to withstand the assault. The "war remnants" surrounding Kaze no Kuni and Sunagakure served as a reminder of the intense battle. The towering giant trees and wooden fragments were evidence that Shōdai Hokage's Jukai Kōtan was no joke. This brought a sense of reassurance to both Sunagakure and Kaze no Kuni.

Konoha, as Hitoshi had predicted, was already overwhelmed. The appearance of the Wood Release Shinōbi had initially calmed the Great Ninja Villages, leading them to send representatives to confirm the news. Sunagakure and Kaze no Kuni had no intention of concealing the truth and had even sent people to erect signs pointing to the war remnants for others to see. However, the poor desert country could not achieve such lush vegetation.

Upon confirmation, everyone was furious. They couldn't believe that after being pushed to the brink of death in the Shinōbi World, Konoha would unleash the Wood Release Shinōbi. It was an audacious move, defying the heavens.

If it weren't for Sāndaime Kazekage's immense strength and the failure of the surprise attack, Konoha would have aimed to annihilate them. Senju Hashirama may have been a naïve peacemaker, but it was hard to believe that Sarutobi Hiruzen and his students shared the same love for peace.

Both Kumogakure and Iwagakure held the same sentiment. Regardless of whether the Wood Release Shinōbi existed or not, they demanded that it be abolished. They wanted an explanation.

"Explanation? I want a fucking explanation! If I truly had the Wood Release Shinōbi, I would have obtained it on the battlefield and crushed you," Sarutobi Hiruzen erupted in anger in his office. His students and other high-ranking Shinōbi from the Hokage lineage stood beside him.

Next to Tsunade, other members of the Senju Clan were present as well. They knew that Wood Release Shinōbi didn't exist. Wood Release and Mangekyo Sharingan were two separate matters. After the "deaths" of Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara, Konoha hadn't pursued the study of Wood Release.

Sarutobi Hiruzen refused to believe otherwise. They had indeed conducted research, but it yielded no results or, in other words, no significant breakthroughs.

"In that case, we must prepare for battle," Shimura Danzo declared fiercely, his patience worn thin.

"Battle is inevitable. The question is whether we possess the Wood Release Shinōbi. Do any of you know?" Sarutobi Hiruzen, a mature man with great courage, wasn't one to shy away from confronting the two Great Ninja Villages. Konoha was not unmanned, scared of ghosts.

Sarutobi Hiruzen's words silenced the room. Except for Tsunade, there were other members of the Senju Clan present. They knew the truth—the Wood Release Shinōbi didn't exist.

Faced with the dilemma, they had no choice but to fight.

"Then we must fight. The problem lies in the authenticity of the 'war remnants' in Sunagakure. The Wood Release Chakra is undeniable," Mitokado Homura hesitated for a moment before speaking quietly.

"We must fight fiercely. In the next war, anyone who stands against us will face our wrath. Let's see who dares to step forward. As for the Wood Release Shinōbi, leave it to the Anbu to monitor closely. First, we must focus on the battlefield," Sarutobi Hiruzen declared, biting down on his cigarette with more ferocity than Shimura Danzo.

In this moment, they couldn't afford to appear weak. Otherwise, they would face dire consequences, with other Ninja Villages taking advantage of their vulnerability and pressing their advantage.

"Yes, understood."

Everyone in the Hokage's Office shivered inwardly upon hearing Sarutobi Hiruzen