But the Third Kazekage understood that Konoha intended to pressure the Hidden Sand on the frontlines, creating an opening for the White Fang Squad to strike.
If the Hidden Sand disregarded everything to hunt down the White Fang Squad, Konoha's main force would advance head-on.
"Bunbuku still refuses, is that it?"
The Third Kazekage looked at a Hidden Sand Jonin, his face grave.
"He won't agree, no matter how we try to persuade him. He refuses to use the power of Shukaku. He said he hopes you, Lord Kazekage, will value peace and end the war; that would be best for the Hidden Sand."
The Jonin replied.
"Ending the war is for the good of the Hidden Sand?"
The Third Kazekage cast his gaze toward the direction of the Land of Fire.
The soil there was more fertile than the Land of Wind's, Konoha's genius ninjas appeared in endless succession—White Fang, Sannin, Katou Dan…
Their ninja clans included the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, as well as other illustrious families: Sarutobi, Shimura, Inuzuka, Aburame, and so on.
Even more daunting, the Ninja Realm's most intact ancient bloodline families, Uchiha and Hyuga, resided within Konoha.
Such a powerful lineup—just thinking of it, the Third Kazekage felt a heavy weight in his heart.
Now, if they didn't seize the chance to raid resources inside the Land of Fire before Konoha recovered from the war in the Land of Rain, it would be almost impossible to gain any advantage once Konoha regained its strength.
For Konoha's growing might was placing ever greater pressure on surrounding countries and ninja villages.
At this rate, as Konoha grew ever stronger, the Hidden Sand's space for survival would shrink relentlessly.
They would be forced to keep cutting military funds, reducing the number of ninjas, powerless to stop Konoha's ninja numbers from continuing to swell, their funding ever more abundant, standing tall and alone in the Ninja Realm.
By then, the Hidden Sand would be left to barely survive beneath Konoha's shadow.
The Third Kazekage didn't want to see such a Hidden Sand, and even if Konoha was mighty, he intended to fight on.
As long as they could weaken Konoha's power, the Hidden Sand could breathe a little easier and see hope for resurgence.
Without war, they wouldn't even see a shred of hope.
Thus, Bunbuku the Jinchuriki's "peace above all" sentiment was, from a personal standpoint, righteous. But between nations, there was no good or evil—only strong and weak, only profit and loss.
"He is not suited for this Ninja Realm. Although Shukaku remains quiet inside him and, without being provoked, won't run amok, it also means the Hidden Sand cannot use this weapon. A weapon that cannot be used is the greatest tragedy in war. Looks like we'll have to choose a new Jinchuriki…"
Hearing the Third Kazekage's words, the Jonin's face paled in shock.
"Lord Kazekage, this—"
"Don't worry, I'm just mentioning it in passing. After all, transferring a Tailed Beast is no small matter—it must go through a council of the upper echelons."
The Third Kazekage spoke thus, but failed to put the Jonin at ease.
"So, what should we do now?"
The Jonin's tone was filled with helplessness.
This was the Hidden Sand's greatest hardship.
Compared to Konoha, it wasn't just the overall quality—the Hidden Sand also lagged far behind in terms of elite ninjas.
Just one Konoha White Fang gave them endless headaches. Allowing such a dangerous ninja to run free behind the lines brought constant fear to the Hidden Sand ninjas.
Recently, many Sand ninjas no longer dared accept patrol missions in the Land of Rivers.
Facing that White Fang, many Sand ninjas had already become terrified.
"I've already devised a countermeasure. This is a personal letter from Hidden Rock's Onoki. He'll provide covert support to our Hidden Sand."
"The Tsuchikage himself? Honestly, I don't recommend, Lord Kazekage, that you cooperate with him."
"It's our only chance."
The Third Kazekage said.
As he spoke, he sat and began drafting two letters at his desk.
Once finished, he handed them to the trusted Jonin at his side, and said, "Deliver one to Konoha's commander, Orochimaru. Have the other delivered to Konoha White Fang by the patrol unit."
"This is…"
The Jonin looked at the Third Kazekage in confusion.
"You're dismissed."
"Yes, sir."
Though still puzzled, the Jonin took his leave to carry out the mission.
"All of this is for the sake of Hidden Sand… Konoha…"
The Third Kazekage murmured quietly, a cold glint flashing through his eyes.
◎
Western region of the Land of Rivers.
At the border separating the Land of Wind and the Land of Rivers.
Sand ninja reinforcements from the Land of Wind would pass through this road en route to the Land of Rivers.
Sakumo's four-man squad was executing an annihilation strategy at this location.
They ensured not a single Sand ninja encountered was left alive.
After wiping out a squad, they would immediately pull back without hesitation, finding a concealed location to hide, then, after some time, strike again.
Leaving aside Sakumo, who had long earned his reputation as a Jonin, both Ruri and Ayane possessed Jonin-level strength and special Kekkeigenkai. The destructive power the three brought was truly terrifying.
All Hakushi needed to do was offer minor support from the rear—like using poison-laced smoke bombs, or throwing explosive tags.
In non-combat periods, he would gather what was at hand to make medicine like soldier rations pills and antidotes. After all, the Hidden Sand's puppet master weapons were all laced with potent poison—even the slightest scrape was dangerous.
This, in turn, greatly increased Sakumo squad's ability to sustain prolonged combat.
Just this morning, they had eliminated a six-man Sand ninja unit.
It might not seem like much, but ever since taking on this mission a month ago, they had been in constant combat day after day—with Sand ninja dying to their squad's hands, the numbers now adding up to over a hundred.