"I—"
Fourth Raikage A had wanted to argue back, but upon further thought, he deflated like a punctured balloon.
Looking at the massive destruction caused by Ōnoki's [Dust Release], a chill crept up his spine.
"You were right to teach me earlier. I was too impulsive," Fourth Raikage A admitted after letting out a deep breath.
Though many Village Hidden in the Rocks ninja managed to escape, this battle was undoubtedly a victory for the Village Hidden in the Clouds.
If he had recklessly pursued them, that victory might've vanished in an instant.
"Hmph~Better you realize your mistake. I hope there isn't a next time."
Fourth Raikage A snorted coldly, and as he turned his head, all he saw were bloodstained ground and scattered limbs and corpses.
War is always the greatest meat grinder!!!
"Begin compiling the list of the fallen and evacuate the injured!"
As the Fourth Raikage issued orders, surviving Cloud ninjas sprang into action.
The bodies of fallen Cloud ninja were retrieved one by one and respectfully laid out in open spaces, while medics tended to the injured and carried them away.
In stark contrast, the Rock ninja couldn't even retrieve the remains of their fallen.
"Lord Tsuchikage, what should we do next?"
It took a long time before the Village Hidden in the Rocks ninja dared stop briefly to rest. One of their higher-ups nervously approached Ōnoki, voice quivering.
"What are your opinions?"
One could tell from Ōnoki's voice that he was extremely exhausted; even his eyes looked dimmed.
He scanned the group and found the entire team completely devoid of morale.
Sadness, despair, fear...
Negative emotions continued to spread through the air.
If they didn't come up with an effective plan soon to deal with their current predicament, the Land of Earth wouldn't be far from ruin.
"Should we recall Rōshi and Kitsuchi to discuss our next steps?"
The Village Hidden in the Rocks leader hesitantly asked, clearly aware this wasn't a good suggestion himself, his confidence wavering.
"Can recalling them defeat the Cloud ninja?"
"What about Akatsuki Village?"
Ōnoki fired two consecutive questions. The Rock village leaders' faces darkened, stammering and unable to utter a word.
"In peacetime you all talk so eloquently, yet now not one of you can offer a decent idea?"
Unusually, Ōnoki didn't raise his voice. His tone remained eerily calm instead.
"It's our incompetence."
Afraid to meet Ōnoki's gaze, the high-ranking officers bowed their heads in shame.
Today, if it hadn't been for Ōnoki, they weren't sure how many of them would have made it back alive.
Even Han had died, and none of them felt confident they were stronger than Han.
"Alright, just call everyone over for a meeting."
With a sigh, Ōnoki refrained from further mockery, acknowledging that he himself still bore significant responsibility.
"Yes sir."
Hearing this, the officer quickly stepped back. Standing alone before Ōnoki was simply too overwhelming.
Several minutes later, the remaining Village Hidden in the Rocks leaders who survived the campaign gathered fully.
"I will send someone to Konoha to ask for help."
"You all discuss who should go."
Ōnoki's announcement came like thunder, brooking absolutely no negotiation.
"This..."
"Would Konoha even help us?"
"Our relationship with Konoha has never exactly been good."
"We'd be lucky if Konoha doesn't stab us in the back."
"After all, we were the ones who started the attack on Konoha."
The few of them began chattering all at once, all of them thinking Ōnoki's plan was reckless and unworkable.
"Quiet!"
"I'm not interested in your opinions. Tell me—who will go?"
Ōnoki could no longer hold back his wrath and let out a roar that drew countless eyes toward him.
"Tsuchikage-sama, if you insist on doing this, I'm willing to pay Konoha a visit."
While the other higher-ups hesitated, exchanging uneasy glances, the intelligence chief, who'd narrowly survived the front-line, walked over from not too far away.
Whether it was out of guilt or not, Ōnoki's expression softened slightly.
"Then it's up to you, Daisuke."
"You lot can just scram."
After driving off those nuisances, Ōnoki spoke a few sincere words alone with Nakano Daisuke.
"I know Konoha despises me."
"But seeking aid from them has become our last resort."
"While I don't know how slim the chances are, we have no choice but to try."
"If it works, there's still hope for the Land of Earth."
"If it fails… well, you'll know what must be done."
Truthfully, Ōnoki himself wasn't confident, but he really couldn't think of any better options.
As for Nakano Daisuke choosing not to return should the mission fail—he could even accept that.
After all, Nakano Daisuke had long been his right-hand man; otherwise, he wouldn't have risen to such an important position as intelligence chief.
Had it not been for the severity of his recent mistake, Ōnoki would never have considered punishment.
"I'll write a letter for you to deliver to Tsunade."
Ōnoki made no comment on Daisuke's oath; none of that mattered anymore.
"Yes, sir."
Daisuke replied in a low voice, though his face betrayed a hint of disappointment.
Without minding Daisuke's presence, Ōnoki took out some paper and began writing.
Although curious, Daisuke deliberately shifted his gaze away, refusing to look.
It took a long time before Ōnoki finally filled most of the page, each character weighed unbearably heavy in his hand.
How many years had it been since he last stooped so low?
Once he finished sealing the letter with lacquer, Ōnoki handed it over gravely.
"It's up to you now."
He offered a forced, awkward smile, his posture more hunched than before.
"I'll do what I can."
Daisuke understood the magnitude of the challenge ahead and could only leave with a bitter smile.
"I hope we can hold out until Konoha's reinforcements arrive."
Watching Daisuke disappear into the distance, Ōnoki murmured softly to himself.
He knew very well—if no reinforcements came, then death would be inevitable.
...
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