Chapter 99

The evening breeze swept across the desolate and crowded desert, carrying tiny particles of Satetsu Kesshū. Gradually, the figure of Yasuke emerged in the midst of it all. Along with Yasuke's arrival, a group of Shinōbi appeared as well.

"How did the interrogations go? People are spreading rumors everywhere," Yasuke said coldly.

"Lord, the interrogation results are in. As we suspected, it involves individuals from the Four Great Countries, primarily those with scars. The number of individuals from the Four Great Countries is very small," a Sunagakure Shinōbi reported.

"Very well, let's proceed. From now on, we have nothing to worry about. Return," Yasuke responded.

Yasuke had anticipated the interrogation results when Hitoshi tasked him with investigating and spreading rumors. It didn't require much thought to guess who was behind these actions. He had summoned Shinnin from Ryuchi Cave to assist with the search.

Waving his hand, Yasuke dismissed the other Shinōbi, then mobilized his Chakra to control the underground iron sand. The desert on this side was rolled and covered once again. The solid iron sand was capable of crushing any living thing. The entire desert became a black torrent, occasionally mixed with specks of red. It was hard to imagine the horrors lurking underground.

The Shinōbi who retreated watched the surging desert centered around Yasuke, and a shiver ran down their spines. None of them had experienced such a sight, nor did they comprehend its terrifying nature.

"There are still signs of life," Yasuke sensed.

"No more signs, Lord," came the response.

"Very well, let's leave."

Throughout the ordeal, Yasuke had never shown any concern for the scars or the resistance of others. The team consisted of a few Jonins, a dozen Chunins, and hundreds of Genins. It may have seemed like a formidable force in a Shinōbi World battle, but when faced with someone like Yasuke, especially in the desert, their strength was inconsequential. The difference in power was immense, and Yasuke never doubted his mental fortitude.

While eliminating Scarface and the others would require time and effort, finding their stronghold would be even more challenging. Reflecting on the twelve forbearance changes in the guardianship of Konoha and the period of vulnerability in Konoha's history, there were not many instances of turbulence or excess. It was highly likely that these events didn't occur in Konoha because they were only necessary for the protagonist's group or for plot development.

It was impossible for Shinobu to only exist in Konoha. Other countries experienced similar situations, but they weren't worth highlighting. Rumors dissipate when handled wisely, especially when there's no one to support them. Even among common people, occasional individuals who continuously seek problems will soon realize that the rumors have no basis.

Hitoshi's reputation swiftly recovered, and the people of Sunagakure expressed their apologies in a ten-thousand-word letter. They admitted their mistakes and acknowledged being deceived by the villains, causing harm to Kazekage-sama.

As Kazekage, Hitoshi generously forgave them, considering them naive younger siblings who didn't know better. However, he warned them not to repeat their mistakes, as any future occurrences would result in all troublemakers being sent to prison to pick up soap.

Soon, Sunagakure returned to its harmonious state, with Hitoshi appearing relaxed in the Kazekage building, enjoying tea and chatting while approving documents. This left Pakura astounded.

Damn it, Kazekage-sama truly lives up to his reputation. He effortlessly regained his momentum, seemingly unaffected by the whole ordeal.

"Pakura, what's with your expression? You've been looking shocked for days," Hitoshi finally spoke up, unable to bear Pakura's constant gaze.

"Kazekage-sama, this matter has been resolved. Didn't you mention punishment?" Pakura questioned, her doubts evident.

"Punishment? Yasuke wiped out an entire base and hundreds of Shinōbi. That should suffice. Do you really want me to unleash a major purge, killing thousands and imprisoning tens of thousands? Pakura, when did you become so ruthless? But if that's what you desire, you still have a chance," Hitoshi teased with narrowed eyes.

"No, no, of course not. Kazekage-sama, it's just that your demeanor seems different from what I expected," Pakura replied with a forced smile.

Killing thousands and imprisoning tens of thousands was mere nonsense. Pakura couldn't bear the consequences if such actions were taken. The Shinōbi World had never been so brutal.

"Demeanor? What demeanor am I supposed to have? In my eyes, my demeanor has always been appropriate," Hitoshi expressed confusion. In his own perception, he was in good spirits, enjoying life, always confident in his abilities to solve any problem. Throughout this incident, he never took it too seriously.

Moreover, if Sarutobi Hiruzen were to handle it, he would simply eliminate the rumors and shift the blame onto Shimura Danzo. In the process, he could even eliminate two additional opponents from his Shinōbi Clan. Killing everyone and leaving behind a couple of descendants under brainwashing control to carry on the clan's Ninjutsu—such a plan could cause confusion within Konoha. As for the backlash from others, Shimura Danzo could shoulder the blame and apologize, claiming to have been deceived. He would be relieved of his duties for a few days, only to resurface in two years when the controversy had died down.

Pakura silently observed Hitoshi. She realized that his demeanor hadn't changed at all. From beginning to end, he remained composed and focused, observing the world's prosperity while remaining independent from its affairs. With extraordinary intelligence, he confidently acted according to his own will.

"Is there anything else, Pakura?" Hitoshi asked, noticing Pakura's lingering presence.

"No, no, it's nothing, Kazekage-sama. I'll take my leave now," Pakura replied hastily, quickly exiting the room.

At the border between Kaze no Kuni and Hi no Kuni, Senju Nawaki and Tsunade were stationed.

"Do you understand now? Kazekage-sama has his own perspective," Tsunade shrugged, expressing helplessness to her younger brother.

"You're right, elder sister. The Kazekage has his own perspective. I never realized that helping others could inadvertently harm them," Nawaki replied with a sense of helplessness.

He had believed that Hitoshi was envious of his own power, his Wood Release, which could truly bring prosperity to Kaze no Kuni.

"If you were at the level of our grandfather, able to directly alter the quality of the land, then he would have allowed you to do it. Unfortunately, you're still young, and no matter how quickly you progress, it takes time to accumulate such power," Tsunade consoled her naive younger brother.

It wasn't that someone was plotting against them, but rather that they were plotting against themselves. Nawaki's level of skill was simply not enough.

"Well then, let's return, elder sister," Nawaki stated resolutely as he walked toward Konoha.