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The plight of the Hidden Sand Village did not quickly ease despite the great efforts of Fourth Kazekage Rasa. The budget cuts from the Daimyō's Manor were like heavy shackles, firmly gripping the village's lifelines. Supplies in the warehouses grew scarcer by the day, maintenance of equipment became difficult, and the distribution of pensions for the fallen was repeatedly delayed, allowing dissatisfaction to secretly fester.
Inside the Kazekage's office, the atmosphere was heavier than usual. Rasa looked at the shocking report detailing the scarcity of supplies on his desk. The emergency meeting with the Council of Elders had already lasted an entire morning.
"We can't wait any longer," Rasa finally broke the silence, his voice hoarse but carrying an undeniable resolve. "Waiting for death is the only path to ruin. We must take the initiative and acquire the resources and space necessary for survival from the outside."
Rasa's finger pressed heavily onto the unfurled map, landing within the Land of Rivers, which bordered the Land of Wind.
"Here! The Land of Rivers! The land is fertile, and it is a crucial passage leading to the Land of Fire! Currently, Konoha's conflicts with Iwagakure and Kumogakure are intensifying—their control over the Land of Rivers is at its weakest point!"
He raised his head, his gaze sweeping over the Elders. "Under the pretense of 'searching for the Third Kazekage,' the entire army will mobilize and enter the Land of Rivers! This move can shift internal conflicts, establish control over fertile resources to sustain the war effort, and test Konoha's true strength. If the opportunity arises, we might just be able to tear off a piece of fat!"
Orders were quickly issued. The entire Hidden Sand Village stirred like a sleeping behemoth, baring its ferocious fangs. Puppets were taken out of the warehouses for final inspection. Appointments were announced: Elder Chiyo would serve as the supreme commander of the front lines! Rasa would remain in the village's central command, coordinating the overall situation.
"Sandstorm Squad! Assemble!"
The voice of Special Jōnin Iryō rang out in the camp. Sayo, Xi, and Lucado quickly came before him. After surviving the life-or-death battle with Sasori, Sayo's demeanor had become even more calm and reserved, his strength now unfathomable.
"Our unit is assigned to the Vanguard Force. Depart immediately!" Iryō stated.
Sayo took a deep breath and touched the scroll behind his back. Inside was not only the repaired "Spider" Legion but his greatest reliance—the "Mirage." Soon, the massive Sunagakure forces poured out of the village like a yellow torrent. The clacking sound of puppets walking and the heavy footsteps of the ninja formed a suffocating pressure. Meeting almost no decent resistance, the army easily crossed the border.
The land of the Land of Rivers came into view. Unlike the endless yellow sand of the Land of Wind, sparse vegetation and rivers began to appear. The Sunagakure ninja looked upon this with greed and the cold ruthlessness of conquerors.
Sayo piloted the "Mirage" in low-altitude flight, performing reconnaissance. He watched the civilians fleeing in panic below, his heart heavy. This was the cold reality of the Third Great Ninja War: not about right or wrong, but only about survival.
However, everyone knew that the real test had yet to arrive. Crossing the Land of Rivers and pointing their military might directly at the Land of Fire meant the clash with Konohagakure—this towering giant tree—was now inevitable.
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