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Chapter 126: Sacrificing Fengye? 【45】
Chapter 126: Sacrificing Fengye? 【45】
Upon receiving the news of the Third Raikage's death at the hands of Fengye, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, wasted no time in mustering all the forces within the camp and launching a bold offensive against the Cloud ninjas.
As one of the tyrants of the Ninja World and the mastermind behind the Second Great Ninja War, Hiruzen Sarutobi was indecisive and lenient in handling certain matters, such as when Danzo attempted to assassinate him, he chose to spare Danzo instead of taking his life. However, when it came to wartime decisions, he was unwaveringly resolute.
The mighty army of Konoha marched towards the Cloud ninja camp.
Unaware of the Third Raikage's demise, the Cloud ninjas had their own challenges. With the Third Raikage's son and the jinchuriki of the Eight-Tails both absent from the camp, and the Third Raikage having used the Heavenly Arrival Technique to travel deep into the Land of Fire, the interim leader, Tudai, opted for a cautious approach. Instead of engaging the Leaf ninjas directly, they chose to evacuate.
They left behind some wounded ninjas who employed desperate tactics, sacrificing themselves to inflict casualties on the pursuing Leaf ninjas.
Finally...
The Leaf ninjas occupied the Cloud ninja camp, while the Cloud ninjas were forced to withdraw from the Land of Fire and regroup at the border of the Land of Lightning, awaiting news from Killer B and the others.
After a long detour, Killer B returned with Yayoi to rejoin the Cloud ninjas a couple of days later.
Even though the Cloud ninjas had evacuated and used the Heavenly Arrival Technique to relocate their supplies, minimizing their losses, the atmosphere in the temporary camp remained tense. The fate of the Third Raikage was still unknown.
One day...
Two days...
Three days...
Finally, on the third day, the scouts returned with news from within the Land of Fire.
The Third Raikage was dead!
Slain by the Silver Flash of Konoha!
This devastating news plunged Tudai and the recuperated Yayoi into a state of gloom. Although they had anticipated the worst after three days without any word, receiving the confirmation of the Third Raikage's death still sent shockwaves through their ranks.
Countless Cloud ninjas were stunned and incredulous, finding it hard to believe that such a powerful ninja as the Third Raikage could fall to the Silver Flash of Konoha, who was said to be just eleven years old!
However...
Despite the loss of their leader, the Cloud ninjas did not descend into chaos. Such tragedies had befallen them before, and as a village known for its belligerent and courageous nature, the death of their Raikage only momentarily rattled them. Under the leadership of Tudai and others, order was swiftly restored.
Due to the Third Raikage's demise, his son, Yayoi, was affected, but his overwhelming strength nonetheless earned him unanimous recognition from the Cloud ninja higher-ups. He assumed the role of interim Raikage, and after a formal appointment by the Land of Lightning's daimyo, he would become the new Fourth Raikage.
Inside the command tent...
A liaison ninja reported to the Fourth Raikage.
"Raikage-sama, this is the document from Konoha regarding their proposal to end the war. They demand that we withdraw from the border and never set foot in the Land of Fire again. They also seek a large sum in compensation and..."
The Fourth Raikage interrupted, snatching the scroll from the ninja's hand and tearing it to shreds with a few sharp pulls.
Riiiip! Riiiip!!
The scroll disintegrated into fragments that fell to the ground.
Clenching his fist, the Fourth Raikage gazed toward the Land of Fire outside the tent and said, "There's no need to bother me with such nonsense!"
"Go tell the Konoha ninjas that unless they hand over the 'Silver Flash,' we will never negotiate with them, even if we're left with the last ninja standing!" he roared.
The liaison ninja acknowledged with a reply, sharing a similar sentiment of anger. As ninjas of the Cloud village, surrender was out of the question, even in the face of their Raikage's death. They would never admit defeat!
As the liaison ninja left, Killer B entered the tent and addressed the Fourth Raikage. "Big Brother..."
"Bee, pass down the order for us to evacuate immediately," the Fourth Raikage instructed, his fist still clenched. "From now on, avoid direct confrontation with the Konoha ninjas. Split our forces into multiple units and scatter. If they dare to pursue us into the Land of Lightning, they will regret it!"
Although the Third Raikage had fallen in battle, the new Fourth Raikage, Yae Yotsuki, had stepped up to shoulder the responsibilities of her village, maturing in the process. Instead of being consumed by hatred and seeking a direct confrontation with Konoha, she chose a more prudent path.
Dividing their forces and engaging in a war of attrition was the most suitable strategy for now, despite the unfavorable circumstances. Konoha, already stretched thin by fighting on three fronts, lacked the capability to invade the Land of Lightning.
By retreating, the Cloud ninjas could leverage their advantageous position and abundant domestic resources to mount a strong defense, reversing the roles of attacker and defender without worsening their situation.
"Silver Flash... mark my words, I will never forget this grudge. Next time we clash, it will be you who perishes!"
The Fourth Raikage clenched his fist, his eyes radiating resilience and determination. He was prepared to undergo hellish training to enhance his strength and avenge this humiliation!
...
Back at the Konoha camp, all the high-ranking members of the village, including Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, Tsunade, and others, had gathered in the command tent, with the notable absence of Feng Ye.
They had just received word that the Cloud ninjas had rejected their proposal for peace negotiations. The specific details of the proposal had been conveyed to them.
Hiruzen was unsurprised by the rejection, as the Cloud Village was known for its fierce and warlike nature. For them, admitting defeat and surrendering was even more unacceptable than death.
This proposal was merely a way to gauge the other side's attitude.
If the Cloud ninjas had been genuinely interested in peace, they would have countered with different conditions, opening the door for negotiations.
"What are your thoughts on the Cloud ninjas' stance?"
Hiruzen addressed the gathered shinobi in the tent.
Tsunade, her voice cold as ice, spoke up, "It seems the new Raikage of Kumo has no intention of negotiating. They demand that we hand over Feng Ye."
Hiruzen nodded in agreement, "By presenting such unreasonable terms, they've essentially rejected the idea of peace talks."
Sacrificing Feng Ye in exchange for an end to the war.
When Hiruzen had first heard this proposal, he had given it careful consideration.
Firstly, Feng Ye's existence had become somewhat uncontrollable. During wartime, his strength was an asset, but once the war ended, Feng Ye's presence could potentially lead to division and infighting within the village.
Even Hiruzen wasn't confident that he could keep the village united with a ninja as powerful as Feng Ye, who had slain the Third Raikage, under his command. As the Hokage, having such a formidable ninja in his village was a source of unease.
How should they handle a ninja like Feng Ye?
One could say that Feng Ye now occupied an extremely delicate position. He was a formidable asset during wartime, but in times of peace, he would become a monumental problem.
For instance, what would happen if Feng Ye's opinions clashed with those of the Hokage? Who would the village follow?
Even siblings had their disagreements.
Hiruzen's decision to turn a blind eye to Danzo's actions was partly influenced by this concern. Danzo's reputation and influence were such that if their opinions conflicted, it could split the village's leadership.
In comparison,
Turning Feng Ye into a martyr for the sake of peace would undoubtedly be more conducive to stability.
If they could exchange Feng Ye for concessions from the Cloud Village and bring an end to this front of the war, Hiruzen could immediately lead their forces to reinforce the battle in the Land of Earth. The Third Great Ninja War would swiftly conclude with Konoha's victory.
Such an outcome would undoubtedly be desirable, but the challenge lay in its execution.
Given Feng Ye's strength, reputation, and status, it would be nearly impossible to carry out unless Feng Ye himself agreed to the sacrifice for the sake of peace.
(End of Chapter)
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