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From the perspective of the daimyo, the decision made by the Wind Country's daimyo was not a mistake. After all, when the people can't even eat their fill, what justification is there to maintain a costly military?
It was Sunagakure who bore the consequences.
The Wind Daimyo drastically reduced funding for the village's armaments and reassigned missions that originally belonged to Sunagakure to Konohagakure. This move directly weakened Sunagakure's military and economic strength.
In times of peace, the impact seemed minor—Sunagakure could still sustain itself. But if war were to break out again, how could a weakened Shinobi force hope to stand against the other Great Nations? If they were defeated once more, would they keep conceding land and cutting forces? It was a vicious cycle that offered no future. Over time, Sunagakure could vanish from history like the many minor shinobi villages before it.
"If this continues, we'll lose the power to even stand against Konoha. That foolish daimyo will be the end of Sunagakure," Maki said bitterly, slamming his fist into the wall, knocking down a portrait of the Wind Daimyo.
"But… just the four of us? What can we even do?" Temari asked, clearly shaken.
The siblings understood the weight of Maki's words. Among the Five Great Shinobi Villages, Konohagakure had the strongest military. Despite facing multiple enemies in the Third Great Ninja War, Konoha had still emerged victorious.
Geographically, Sunagakure was closest to Konoha. If war broke out again—or if Konoha ever turned its eyes toward them—Sunagakure would be hard-pressed to resist.
Konoha's power was like a blade hanging over their necks. Even if Konoha had no current intent to strike, they had to remain wary. Vigilance was the key to survival.
"That's why we brought Gaara," Maki continued. "He is the cornerstone of this plan. And don't worry—Lord Kazekage has allied with Otogakure. They'll serve as the main assault force."
He couldn't help but admire his village's leader. If the plan succeeded, Sunagakure would reap tremendous gains. If it failed, their losses would be minimal—after all, they hadn't deployed their full forces.
To Sunagakure, it seemed like a low-risk, high-reward gamble.
But what they didn't know was that the snake, Orochimaru, had already claimed the Kazekage's life. Sunagakure was merely a pawn in his grander scheme.
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[Final Phase of the Chūnin Exams]
As the final stage of the Chūnin Exams drew closer, the mood in Konoha became deceptively festive.
On the surface, the arrival of daimyō and noble dignitaries from various nations made the village seem vibrant and honored. Their presence attracted attention everywhere they went.
After all, these weren't ordinary guests—they were rulers and high officials, rarely seen by the public.
Yet beneath the surface, a dark undercurrent flowed.
Konoha had yet to determine Orochimaru's true objective in returning. Special Jōnin Moonlight Hayate had mysteriously vanished, and while no official cause had been found, many feared he had uncovered something dangerous and was eliminated for it.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Sandaime Hokage, felt increasingly uneasy. He hadn't returned home in days, choosing instead to remain at the Hokage Tower. He sensed that something catastrophic was on the horizon.
But beyond bolstering village security and ordering intensified surveillance, there was little more he could do.
---
On the other side of the village, Orochimaru had already murdered the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, and taken his place.
Now, Orochimaru was not only the leader of Otogakure, but also in command of Sunagakure's forces and Gaara, the jinchūriki of the One-Tail, Shukaku.
With a single signal, Sunagakure's shinobi, Otogakure's forces, and the One-Tail would launch a full-scale surprise attack on Konoha.
"Maki, is everything in place?" Orochimaru asked, disguised flawlessly as Kazekage.
"Yes, Lord Kazekage," Maki replied with conviction. "Our forces have established contact with the Otogakure operatives. They're positioned outside Konoha's barrier. Once they receive the signal, they'll attack without hesitation."
Maki never doubted the man before him was his village's Kazekage. In fact, he suggested the Kazekage remain in a secure position, fearing he might be targeted during the operation.
"You may leave now, Maki."
"But, Lord Kazekage—"
"No need for further discussion. I may be Kazekage, but like all Sunagakure shinobi, I fight for our village. Today, we reclaim our pride and secure peace for the next generation!"
Orochimaru's tone was passionate and stirring, perfectly imitating Rasa's leadership. Maki, moved to the core, saluted with reverence.
"Even if it costs my life, I will carry out your will, Lord Kazekage."
He left without hesitation to continue executing their plan.
Hidden in the shadows, Kabuto stepped out after Maki departed.
"If they ever find out the real Kazekage is dead, they'll tear you apart, Lord Orochimaru."
"They only have themselves to blame—for being too paranoid, and too greedy," Orochimaru replied coldly, shedding the mask of Kazekage in privacy.
As a former student of Sarutobi Hiruzen, Orochimaru understood his master well. The Third Hokage would never initiate a war unless forced to.
Sunagakure's belief in a "Konoha threat" was a fabrication born from their own fear and declining power.
Still, Orochimaru didn't mock Rasa.
In such turbulent times, suspicion was necessary. After all…
"Life is so fragile."
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Meanwhile…
In a quiet forest bordering the old Uchiha compound…
After completing his morning training, Ye Dou walked toward the river. Without hesitation, he submerged himself, letting the cold water wash over his body, cleansing away the sweat—and perhaps, the thoughts crowding his mind.
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