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Fourth Kazekage Rasa's command to "surrender," heavy as a mountain, was like the final gavel settling the outcome of this tragic battle. The boiling killing intent and Chakra fluctuations on the battlefield were instantly extinguished as if doused with ice water, plunging everything into a deathly, eerie silence.
After a brief silence, a cold, hoarse voice tinged with a hint of amusement rang out, clearly spreading across the battlefield and taking control:
"Heh heh... A wise choice, Fourth Kazekage."
The speaker was Orochimaru, standing atop the head of Manda. His golden slit eyes swept over the devastated Sunagakure forces below, whose morale had completely collapsed, and a cold arc curved on his lips.
Following his voice, the Konoha Shinobi, though still showing triumphant joy and wariness toward Sunagakure, began to act according to orders. They did not immediately move forward to confiscate weapons but retreated slowly and skillfully, readjusting their positions to form a larger, tighter, and more intimidating encirclement, completely surrounding the remaining Sunagakure forces who had lost the will to fight. Countless Kunai, shuriken, and Ninjutsu lights remained locked onto the Sunagakure Ninja, preventing any possible desperate counterattack.
Minato Namikaze's figure appeared as if teleported onto a high broken wall, putting away his special Kunai. His expression was calm and solemn, his blue eyes surveying the entire scene, supervising the ceasefire process. Akimichi Torifu also signaled his subordinates to cease advancing but maintained a high-pressure stance.
On the Sunagakure side, Chiyo and Ebizō completely dispersed their puppets and Ninjutsu, their aged faces etched with exhaustion and humiliation. Sayo also silently retracted his "mirage" and all combat stances, standing in front of the remaining Puppeteer squad, watching everything unfold with complex emotions. All surviving Sunagakure Ninja stood numbly in place or collapsed on the ground, as if their souls had been sucked out, awaiting their unknown fate.
Rasa slowly descended from the air, landing in front of the two armies, facing Orochimaru across the distance. The two Kage-level experts—one the commander of the defeated army, the other the representative of the victorious side—created an atmosphere so heavy it was almost suffocating. Rasa had made a decision destined to be nailed to the pillar of shame in order to preserve the Hidden Sand Village's last remaining strength; his personal honor was irrelevant at this moment.
As the Konoha commander with the highest authority on the battlefield at this moment (the Third Hokage had not personally arrived), Orochimaru represented Konoha in proposing the temporary, initial surrender terms. His voice was not loud, but it carried undeniable weight:
"Since the Kazekage has made a wise decision, we request that all Sunagakure Ninja, including the Puppet Squad, immediately lay down all weapons, Ninja tools, and puppets, which will be temporarily guarded by our Ninja. We promise to guarantee basic provisions for all prisoners of war, in accordance with Ninja World custom."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the large number of injured in the Sunagakure ranks, and continued, "Given the large number of casualties on your side, we permit you to dispatch a small unit, after disarming, to carry the severely wounded who cannot move and withdraw from the battlefield first, returning to your camp in the Land of Rivers."
Finally, he provided the direction for subsequent resolution: "All final specific terms, such as the armistice agreement, war reparations, and territorial sovereignty, must be reported to the Third Hokage-sama by our side and then determined through separate negotiations by formal delegations sent by both parties."
These conditions were harsh, especially the disarmament, but for the defeated, it was a blessing in misfortune; at the very least, it avoided the fate of being slaughtered on the spot and preserved the opportunity to treat the wounded.
Rasa's face was ashen, yet he had no leverage to bargain. He nodded heavily, his voice hoarse: "...Agreed."
The order was given again, and the Sunagakure Ninja mechanically and numbly began piling the Kunai, shuriken, scrolls, and the broken or intact puppets they held onto the open ground in front of them. This process was filled with silent humiliation; many Sunagakure Ninja could not bear to watch.
Next, Rasa turned around, his gaze sweeping over Chiyo, Ebizō, and Sayo, and quickly made arrangements. His voice was low and swift: "Elder Chiyo, you will accompany me into the city." He needed a highly respected Elder to accompany him, both as an advisor and as a gesture.
"Ebizō, you stay outside the city, keep everyone steady, and cooperate with Konoha's arrangements."
Finally, he looked at Sayo: "Special Jonin Sayo, immediately select a squad of Puppeteers who are still capable of movement, assist the Medical Ninja, and escort the severely wounded back to the main camp in the Land of Rivers first! Ensure their safety!"
This was trust, and a heavy responsibility. Sayo immediately accepted the order: "Yes! Kazekage-sama!"
With the arrangements settled, Rasa took one last look at his subordinates, who had laid down their weapons and resembled lambs waiting to be slaughtered, then resolutely turned and walked toward the gates of Kikyō Mountain Castle, "accompanied" by several Konoha Jonin. Elder Chiyo silently followed behind him.
Sayo immediately sprang into action, quickly selecting those among the remaining Puppeteers who were still able to move. Together with the medical unit, they began the arduous task of gathering and transporting the severely wounded. They would be the first to leave this sorrowful place, under the "escort" (surveillance) of a squad of Konoha Shinobi.
Beneath Kikyō Mountain Castle, the smoke had not yet cleared, and the smell of blood was still heavy. The great battle had temporarily ended, but the shadow of defeat and the subsequent, more complex political maneuvering were just beginning to loom over the Hidden Sand Village.
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