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On a piece of land within the borders of the Land of Rain adjacent to the Land of Wind.
This is the last relatively safe hidden base for the Sand Village within the borders of the Land of Rain.
Inside the current base, Chiyo's expression is notably heavy. Undoubtedly, judging from the current situation, the Sand Village is facing a clear defeat. As the last stronghold, all that can be done now is to quickly evacuate the numerous wounded from the base and move towards the Sand Village.
In the central tent, Chiyo summons many high-ranking Sand ninjas.
"Captain Chiho, prepare to abandon this base. Under these circumstances, continuing to hold our ground within the borders of the Land of Rain is meaningless."
Chiyo pondered for a moment and then looked towards a robust middle-aged ninja, speaking in a deep voice.
However, upon hearing Chiyo's words, Chitoro is visibly displeased, looking directly at Chiyo.
"Lady Chiyo, although your seniority is far above mine, I cannot agree with your opinion on this matter! The Third Kazekage has given us such great trust, and we should stand our ground here!"
Saying this, his eyes slightly narrow, and his voice deepens.
"Even if... even if I sacrifice myself here... I will fight for the village!"
"I won't leave this base!"
"For the grudge of my comrade, I will take care of it!"
Upon hearing his words, Chiyo doesn't get angry at his opposition. Instead, she looks at him with slightly tired eyes and speaks softly.
"This war is already a meaningless one. What can you bring to the village by sacrificing your life here..."
Saying this, Chiyo's eyes show a hint of loneliness, continuing.
"Chitoro... do you still have family at home... at your age... do you still have a wife and children in the village..."
Hearing Chiyo's words, Chitoro feels a bit embarrassed in front of so many people and responds coldly.
"For the village, how can I care about such things!"
Saying this, he seems to remember something and speaks in a low voice.
"Even if... even if I sacrifice myself here... my wife and the child will be taken care of by the village!"
Hearing Chitoro's words, Chiyo's eyes dim, and she speaks in a low voice.
"Is there anyone else... who intends to stay behind..."
After the two's conversation, the atmosphere on the scene appears somewhat frozen, but there are still a few ninjas who raise their hands, choosing to stay behind like Chitoro, dedicating all of themselves to the village!
Seeing them, Chiyo lowers her eyes and speaks softly.
"The old woman has only one grandson left at home. I am extremely disappointed with this war, so I can only choose to leave here. I hope... I hope you can have good luck."
Hearing her words, Chitoro and others look at her with no trace of disdain, only deep respect.
This middle-aged woman, who lost her children for the village and devoted half of her life to the village, deserves their respect.
After leaving the tent, Chiyo, with silver threads entwined in her slightly gray hair, walks forward step by step. Tears silently fall from her weathered eyes.
They... are all good children...
Half a day later, led by Chiyo, a group of Sand ninjas, with their injured comrades, sadly left the base.
Only a dozen or so people, led by Chitoro, remained in the base, silently bidding farewell to them.
"Now... it's our turn to make the final fight for the village, just like our ancestors did!"
Chitoro's eyes, the size of small bronze bells, sweep over every remaining Sand ninja, speaking in a deep voice.
Having said that, he suddenly raises his arm and shouts!
"Everything... for the village!"
Hearing his words, the remaining Sand ninjas also raise their arms, shouting with determined eyes!
"Everything for the village!"
...
Within the borders of the Land of Rain.
Hidden Leaf outpost.
Sōsuke stands calmly, looking at the map in front of him. Though his expression remains calm, a subtle smile appears at the corner of his mouth. He steps forward and makes a few marks on the map.
"These places should be the locations where the Sand Ninjas release their comrades. Based on the subsequent release locations, we can infer that their escape direction can only be this one!"
Having said that, he draws lines connecting several Sand Ninja release points towards a common direction, where the lines intersect.
Seeing this scene, the Leaf Ninjas below are once again stunned! Shinya, in particular, widens his eyes, filled with excitement and amazement!
To be able to deduce the exact location of the enemy's stronghold like this! Captain Sōsuke is truly incredible!
On the side of the tent, Orochimaru, dressed in a ninja tactical suit, silently approaches. His snake-like eyes gently assess Sōsuke.
He smiles slightly and hoarsely says, "Impressive. With this, the most important stronghold of the Sand Ninjas has been identified. Next, it's time to destroy them."
Speaking of this, Orochimaru seems to recall something, his eyes slightly narrowing, and he says hoarsely, "Those guys... are truly damned."
Hearing his words, Sōsuke is momentarily surprised before realizing what he means. He walks up and pats Orochimaru on the shoulder, saying softly, "Let's bring Tsunade along for this. The three of us will go. I believe she needs to completely let go of this matter now."
Hearing Sōsuke's words, Orochimaru pauses, and then a faint smile appears on his lips as he speaks in a slightly husky voice, "Indeed... You are still reliable in these matters."
He shakes his head and says softly, "Unlike that fool Jiraiya, who still knows nothing even now."
Hearing this, Sōsuke smiles faintly, as if recalling something in his gentle eyes.
"That guy Jiraiya is actually quite reliable in certain moments."
Orochimaru lightly shakes his head, hoarsely saying, "Perhaps..."
"Well then, let's have you inform Tsunade about this matter."
As he says this, a chilly glint passes through Orochimaru's narrow eyes, and he says hoarsely, "....To repay the debt of killing my disciple, I will take the lives of the entire Sand Ninja as compensation!"
Hearing Orochimaru's words, a complex expression flickers in Sōsuke's eyes, and he remains silent.
Soon after, Sōsuke finds Tsunade.
Tsunade is evidently surprised that Sōsuke, who rarely leaves the tent, has come to find her. Her eyes widen, and she gently assesses Sōsuke, a bright smile on her face, feeling a sweet sense of happiness in her heart.
Seeing this scene, passing ninjas are all astonished!
What's happening to Captain Tsunade! She's actually smiling like a little girl!
Turns out... Captain Tsunade without a stern face is really beautiful... I wish I could be like her!