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With just a single slash, the consequences were beyond what the village of Sunagakure could bear.
Released from its seal, Shukaku, driven by its deep-seated hatred for humans, rampaged through Sunagakure. If it weren't for Rasa and the Sand shinobi holding it back, Shukaku would have already wiped out all the weaker people in the village.
Because all of Shukaku's fury was directed toward Rasa and his team, the mindless slaughter ceased, but the village still suffered massive destruction. Most of Sunagakure's forces had been deployed to the war, leaving the village under-defended. Rasa, lacking Minato's ability to divert attention or react quickly, could only watch as Sunagakure was gradually turned into ruins.
Buildings can be rebuilt, but lives cannot be so easily replaced.
The ninja sent to notify the front lines split off much of the forces stationed at various outposts, sending them back to the village to assist the Kazekage. Afterward, they raced to the front lines to deliver the urgent news.
When Chiyo and Ebizō heard that Shukaku had been released and was wreaking havoc in the village, they were stunned. They suspected this might be one of Konoha's despicable tactics. With no other choice, they withdrew their troops and began retreating toward the village, right under Konoha's watchful eyes.
"We must seek peace," said Ebizō as soon as they returned to the village.
Chiyo could only accept this suggestion. The damage caused by Shukaku, along with the losses incurred during the war, left Sunagakure with no other option. Continuing to fight would only worsen their losses.
If Konoha chose to invade the Land of Wind, even with their advantageous terrain, the consequences would be disastrous. Therefore, while peace was essential, it couldn't be rushed. By decisively withdrawing their forces, they hoped to create an illusion, buying some time. The top priority now was dealing with Shukaku.
Seeing Sunagakure's sudden withdrawal, Konoha's forces were left puzzled.
"Have they given up?" Tsunade, standing on top of Katsuyu, frowned as she looked at the war-ravaged land before her. Sunagakure's quick and decisive retreat left her perplexed.
Standing beside her, Sakumo Hatake speculated, "We were barely maintaining an advantage. This sudden retreat could be a trap to lure us into the Land of Wind, or perhaps something has happened in their rear guard."
"A disturbance?" Tsunade's eyes showed a thoughtful expression. After a moment of contemplation, she said, "Sunagakure always acts unpredictably. Send scouts to gather information. We'll decide on our next move once we confirm the situation."
Sakumo nodded. His cold gaze swept over the weary Konoha forces and the battlefield littered with bodies—some Iwagakure, some Konoha. A cold, murderous intent flickered in his eyes. "If it's a trap, we should stay put. But if something has happened at Sunagakure's rear, this could be an opportunity to invade the Land of Wind."
"I'd prefer it if it were a disturbance at their rear," Tsunade shook her head. "But even if that's the case, we don't have the manpower to push Sunagakure any further. We have other war fronts that are not looking good, especially Orochimaru's."
Sakumo fell silent at her words. Based on the reports, the only front where Konoha had a slight advantage was the one reinforced by the Hyuga and Uchiha clans. Elsewhere, particularly against the powerful forces of Kumogakure, Orochimaru's front was being overwhelmed. Were it not for Orochimaru and the elder Ino-Shika-Cho trio, that front might have collapsed long ago.
Sometimes, no matter how strong you are, you can't overcome being outnumbered. However, a single individual, like the fearsome Third Raikage of Kumogakure, could shift the entire balance of a battlefield. The same could be said of Minato, whose presence turned the tide in Konoha's favor.
Although it would be a shame to pass up the chance to strike at Sunagakure's weakened rear, Sakumo had to admit that Tsunade's assessment was correct.
With Sunagakure's retreat, Konoha had a brief respite. Meanwhile, Sunagakure's forces rushed back to their village, trailed by Konoha's scouting team sent to gather intel.
Ebizō had anticipated that Konoha would send scouts, and when they decided to retreat, he was already set on seeking peace. However, uncertain of Konoha's intentions, they made plans to intercept any scouts to delay the discovery of the real reason for their withdrawal.
By the time Sunagakure's forces returned to the village, the situation had worsened dramatically. Shukaku had rampaged for two days and nights, leaving two-thirds of the village in ruins. Fortunately, the people had been evacuated, preventing even greater casualties. Nonetheless, these days had been a nightmare for Sunagakure.
Shukaku rampaged for two days, and Rasa, along with the remaining forces, fought to hold it back. They suffered many casualties but could only contain the beast.
Seeing the destruction of their village, the returning Sand shinobi were outraged. Their hatred for the mysterious person who had released Shukaku was palpable.
Although the returning shinobi were exhausted, they still had enough chakra to join the battle, and with their assistance, they finally began to subdue Shukaku.
"I'll kill you all!"
Seeing the large number of Sand shinobi joining the battle, Shukaku screeched in fury, wildly launching Air Bullets. With its vast chakra reserves, the tailed beast feared no depletion. A tailed beast is a weapon of mass destruction—nearly impossible to kill, only to be sealed.
Physically and mentally exhausted, Rasa approached Chiyo.
"You need to make a decision," Chiyo said, watching him.
"..." Rasa, worn out and battered, looked at the rampaging Shukaku. After a moment of silence, his expression hardened with determination. He nodded. "It's all for the village."
"Very well." With his decision made, Chiyo coldly watched Shukaku and began preparing the seal. At the same time, Rasa ordered someone to fetch his wife, Karura.
That day, Shukaku was sealed inside their unborn child, Gaara, who resided in Karura's womb. After two days of chaos, Sunagakure had suffered greatly. Lacking the strength to continue the war, they had no choice but to request peace with Konoha. The terms of the peace included a demand to know who had released Shukaku. Konoha, knowing the truth, denied any involvement but gathered valuable information during the negotiations.
The individual who released Shukaku was described as wearing a distinctive black cloak with red clouds, had short black hair, specialized in Lightning Release, and wielded a long blade. Regarding White Zetsu, the information gathered was limited to his appearance.
Konoha, deciding not to press their advantage, agreed to Sunagakure's request for peace. A truce was signed, giving Konoha some relief from its strained manpower.
Meanwhile, Ye Zi and White Zetsu were called back by Nagato. At the same time, Kushina was sent to the front lines to assist Orochimaru.
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Currently on Chapter 245 - Harmonized Cellular Existence