Chapter 64

The warm countryside in the United States is ultimately a hero's grave.

The enviable life in Sunagakure doesn't belong to Hatake Sakumo.

After a few days of indulging in "depraved" living, Sakumo found a suitable moment to quietly leave.

He should have left long ago, but something held him back. Each time he tried to depart, an unsettling feeling would wash over him.

It was as if some great horror was fixated on him, ready to pounce the moment he made a move.

Sakumo recognized that this feeling was abnormal. Even the Sāndaime Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, felt threatened by him. With the alliance of other individuals, including the Sannin, Sakumo possessed the confidence to face any danger.

Despite his pessimistic thoughts, Sakumo decided to heed his instincts and obediently remain in Sunagakure for a few more days until the palpitations subsided.

Under the cover of night, a white lightning vanished from the Great Valley of Sunagakure, yet none of the guarding Shinōbi noticed its departure.

"Tsk tsk, I never expected the person from Konoha to be him," Ebizo exclaimed with a smile as he emerged from the shadows.

Hitoshi remained silent, quietly observing Hatake Sakumo's departure.

"Konoha has made quite a significant move. On the other hand, Konoha is desperate for a transaction, and their situation is dire," analyzed Ebizo.

"It's not good. Going forward, we'll reduce the trade volume between Iwagakure Village and Kumogakure, allowing Konoha to regain stability," Hitoshi ordered.

The Shinōbi World War provided a lucrative opportunity for arms dealers to make a fortune. However, during this period, materials needed to be distributed wisely, trade conducted honestly, long-standing relationships nurtured, and big opportunities seized.

Considering Konoha's unfavorable situation, Hitoshi sold more weapons to them to help restore balance on both sides.

"What about Kirigakure?" asked Hitoshi.

"Sell to them, but offer a 10% discount," Ebizo replied.

"And Amegakure? I've heard that Hanzo is currently recruiting samurai," Hitoshi inquired.

"In that case, sell to them as well. Amegakure doesn't have many people left, and Hanzo has become dull and lost. He's not worth our time," Ebizo confidently stated.

"Yes, I understand," Hitoshi acknowledged.

Hitoshi held a low opinion of the self-proclaimed demi-god Hanzo. In the past, they could still engage in activities together, but now Hanzo seemed lost, unable to see the situation clearly. Hanzo's belief that he was just a step away from Senju Hashirama was nothing more than wishful thinking.

In the Shinōbi World, those who possessed longevity had self-awareness and emerged victorious. Those who were capable of fighting survived, while those who couldn't resist perished.

The Third Raikage, renowned as the strongest Raikage, the mightiest spear, and the strongest shield, met his demise when facing ten thousand Iwa Shinōbi who dragged him down.

The phrase "one against ten thousand" may sound impressive, but it was not the Third Raikage who caused that situation. In the midst of the Shinōbi World War, which movie showcased a battlefield with only a few attendants? Even when a select few acted, they were accompanied by a Kage-level Shinōbi and a team of Jonin-level Kage Guards.

Only the Third Raikage dared to challenge the village of Iwagakure with just a few weaklings, believing that he could triumph alone. In the end, he fell victim to his own arrogance. No one would mourn his death.

If Onoki had seized the opportunity to kill him, it would have been a fitting end for someone carrying the title of Tsuchikage.

Successfully killing a shadow only provides a temporary boost. It's a sad truth.

Looking back at the Five Kage Summit, except for Danzo, who was a pitiful man, all the remaining four Kage candidates were true powerhouses.

The next candidate held another meaning: Kage-level battle prowess. Just like Sarutobi Hiruzen, wherever he went, he was accompanied by a Quasi-Kage or a Kage-level expert. The reason people lived long lives was that they never ceased fighting.

At the border between Kaze no Kuni and Hi no Kuni, within Jiraiya's camp.

"Jiraiya-sama, Sakumo-sama has left Sunagakure. He asked me to inform you that he's ready to provide support at any time. He might be exposed," conveyed the little dog, speaking with childlike innocence.

"I understand. You should return soon. Staying here puts you in mortal danger," Jiraiya exhaled, feeling the weight lift off his shoulders.

When there was no news, fear consumed him. But now that the news had arrived, he no longer felt the same anxiety. It had already happened, so he had no choice but to accept it.

In the desert, Bunpuku sat stylishly atop a mound of sand, seemingly waiting for someone.

Magnetic forces, under his control, influenced the surrounding environment.

If a Hyuga Shinōbi were present, they would notice the changes in the environment caused by the magnetic field—a profound transformation.

In a flash of white light, Hatake Sakumo materialized, clutching a short blade as he stood before Bunpuku.

"Donor, we meet again," Bunpuku greeted with a smile.

"As expected, I've been discovered. I'm curious to know how," Sakumo, treating Bunpuku as an old friend, tried to extract some information.

"The Sealing Jutsu you used was very impressive. It can alter your appearance, and it originated from Lady Mito," Bunpuku revealed, exposing Sakumo's disguise.

Sakumo couldn't help but wryly smile at the mention of Uzumaki Mito's name. He performed the hand seals and dispelled the disguise.

Blue Chakra flowed and converged at the top of Sakumo's head, forming a diamond-shaped imprint.

Returning to his original appearance, Sakumo looked at Bunpuku with a smile.

Fortunately, there wasn't another Kage-level opponent. It was just an old friend. Although strength had increased over time, it was nothing. Shukaku had been inactive for a while, so it was the perfect opportunity to utilize its power.

"It is said that after Shōdai Hokage tamed all nine Bijū, Princess Mito took care of them for a while. Shukaku, in particular, excelled in Sealing Jutsu. Sunagakure's Sealing Jutsu came from Shukaku. Shukaku must have recognized you, right?" Sakumo assumed a defensive stance as he spoke suddenly.

Bunpuku was taken aback for a moment before breaking into a smile, not uttering a word.

Indeed, Shukaku recognized him. However, Bunpuku didn't know where Hitoshi was.

Seeing Bunpuku's smile without any response, Sakumo knew his assumption was correct.

He didn't know that he was only half right.

"It seems I can't rely on this method anymore. It's too dangerous to involve Shukaku in Uzumaki Mito's Sealing Jutsu," Sakumo mused.

Bunpuku, with a swift motion, completed the transformation of will alongside Shukaku. Shukaku didn't assume a physical form, instead using Bunpuku's body to communicate.

A sandstorm brewed, signaling the beginning of their trial run.