Chapter 289: The Bait Plan
After temporarily abandoning their attack on the Daimyō's mansion, Sasuke and Sakumo focused their attention on the remaining large oases. The Daimyō's retreat allowed them to liberate these places, which made their operations more efficient.
Many individuals, such as Sha Shigehachi, An Lujing, and Shinscorpion, who aspired to rise, fought tooth and nail to prove their worth to Sasuke. Shigehachi, in particular, took advantage of the powerful wind escape technique that his energy core gave him and single-handedly captured a medium-sized oasis called Black Rock. He crushed the Suna chūnin squad stationed there and planted the Dawn Banner.
Sasuke was delighted with this achievement and, in his euphoria, taught him the impressive swordsmanship he had acquired in Kumogakure.
An Lujing and Shinscorpion witnessed Shigehachi's rise to fame, their hearts filled with envy. After conquering an oasis at a considerable cost, they bravely approached Sasuke, kneeling and begging their master to grant them even greater power. Sasuke considered these two men, who were clearly more loyal, useful tools. It turned out that he possessed the regeneration cores of the giant lizard and the poisonous scorpion, previously created from summoned beasts.
The transformation process went smoothly: An Lujing acquired the robust defenses of a giant lizard, while Shinscorpion acquired the ability to release paralyzing toxins. Their powers skyrocketed, reaching a level comparable to Shigehachi's. The ecstasy of power and the awe for their master made both of them even more fervent and dedicated.
Soon, another large oasis was captured. Sasuke skillfully gathered the supplies. Sakumo, whose chakra had been restored, approached with a solemn expression, clutching a communication scroll.
His voice was imbued with a deep shock. "Sasuke, the Hokage has ordered us to immediately suspend all military activities, hand over the affairs of the front, and return to Konoha as soon as possible."
"Withdraw?", Sasuke asked, raising his eyebrows. "Senior Sakumo, seeing that Sunagakure's supply line is about to be completely cut off by us, why would the Third Kage give such an order?"
Sakumo handed him the scroll. Hiruzen's signature and the severe order were clearly visible. "I don't know, but orders are orders."
Sasuke examined the scroll; his eyes shone with a subtle coldness as he saw the words: "Removal of Umino Sasuke from the position of Commander."
He raised his head, with a playful smile. "Sakumo-senpai, is it possible that you aspire to be Hokage and someone has spread rumors that the Third Hokage fears that your achievements will surpass Orochimaru's?"
Sakumo glared at him. "If you're worried that your achievements are too great, you should worry about them. I've heard that some operate under the title of 'Successor to the Second Hokage'."
"Evacuating is not a problem, but...", Sasuke tossed the scroll to Sakumo. "Senior Sakumo, although my Flying Thunder God Jutsu is easy to use, crossing such a long distance consumes an astronomical amount of chakra! Last time I almost collapsed carrying a single person; this time I have to cross the entire Land of Wind and the Land of the River; I'm afraid my kidneys will dry up."
Sakumo rolled his eyes. "Don't give me that. What tricks do you want to play now?"
Sasuke approached. "That's right, my plan is to spread the news first, saying that we have angered the Daimyō and that we were ordered to return in disgrace. With Aunt Chiyo's character and the hatred she feels for having killed her family, she will undoubtedly catch up with us at all costs! Then, hehe..."
He made a gesture of wiping the nape of his neck. "This way, we won't disobey orders and we can finish off this elite puppet army. If we're lucky, we might even be able to send Aunt Chiyo to the Pure Land!"
After hearing this, Sakumo was silent for a long time. The ninja's duty told him that this was disobeying orders, but deep down, this plan represented a fatal temptation. If Chiyo and her army were annihilated, it would be a devastating blow to Sunagakure. He hesitated before slowly nodding. "Alright, but you must plan carefully. After this battle, you must immediately use the Flying Thunder God Jutsu and return to Konoha."
"Alright, I keep my word!", Sasuke promised. "Senior Sakumo, since you are a master of physical abilities, why don't you hurry first, pretending to reveal your whereabouts and enticing Aunt Chiyo to get closer? As for me, I will go take care of the spoils and the command handover. I will rush over as soon as I feel you activating the kunai!"
Sakumo saw Sasuke's "I'm busy, you take control" expression and was speechless. "Hmph, how cunning you are," he snorted, agreeing. "Hurry up! Don't make me wait too long."
"Understood!", Sasuke smiled, and with a ripple in space, his figure disappeared, leaving Sakumo alone in the scorching yellow sand. He looked at the place where Sasuke had disappeared, shook his head helplessly, and then his eyes sharpened, looking towards the heart of the Land of Wind. "Chiyo, for Kakashi's sake, I can't leave you alone."
His eyes filled with murderous intent. Then, in an instant, he submerged himself in the vast sea of sand, beginning to execute the bait plan.
Meanwhile, on the front of the Land of the River, at the Konoha camp, the atmosphere was extremely depressing. Chōza, who had just received the Hokage's order, frowned as he read the document. He felt a mix of emotions.
"Lord Chōza, the commander...", Yeshan could not help but speak, with a tone full of concern.
Chōza gestured with his hand and was about to speak.
Hum~ A spatial fluctuation appeared in the command center without warning.
"Who?!", the ninjas guarding the scene were immediately on alert.
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