In Iwagakure, both Ōnoki and the Daimyō of the Land of Earth were taken aback by the information. As one of the most seasoned ninjas alive, Ōnoki understood the gravity of the situation and recognized that the intel was likely accurate. The growing threat posed by Konoha loomed large, leaving him wary and unsettled.
Anger boiled over as Ōnoki shouted at the elders and advisors in frustration. Despite the village boasting a large number of ninjas, their elite ranks were limited, a shortcoming shared by other villages. Ōnoki's fury was fueled by the realization that this imbalance left them vulnerable in the face of Konoha's rising power.
After regaining his composure, Ōnoki carefully analyzed the situation and reached a conclusion; an alliance with the other villages was necessary. His voice was resolute as he declared, "Summon Han and Roshi back to the village. They should live as ordinary ninjas rather than wanderers. Since they've already learned to tap into the power of their Tailed Beasts, they can help us grow stronger. Most importantly, allow any senior ninjas with contributions to the village to study Lava Release and Boil Release through them. We must prioritize further research into these bloodline limits."
He continued, "If Sunagakure can learn from the One-Tails and develop Magnet Style, we must do the same. Begin by raising the standards at the Ninja Academy. Screen students for their chakra natures early and train them rigorously. By the time they graduate, they must already know several jutsu."
"For those who excel, identify their potential to learn the village's unique bloodline limits Explosion Release, Lava Release, Boil Release, and even my Dust Release. We must cultivate strength at every level and prepare for what lies ahead!"
As the meeting concluded, Ōnoki's grandson-in-law-to-be, Kitsuchi, lingered in thought. A deep sense of guilt weighed on him over the unfolding operation. Doubting his own strength, he resolved to learn from his friend Han and dedicate himself to mastering Lava Release. For Kitsuchi, it was more than a personal journey it was a step toward securing the future of Iwagakure.
In his office, Ōnoki sat in deep contemplation. The looming threat of Konoha and the uncertain alliances with other villages weighed heavily on his mind. He knew that Iwagakure's strength could not rely solely on numbers it needed exceptional individuals who could carry the village into the future.
"If I can find a talented young man who shows promise in inheriting my abilities," Ōnoki thought, "I must raise him with the utmost discipline. For the sake of the village, there can be no room for leniency. Strength comes from hardship, and Iwagakure's future demands no less."
Of course, there might be other talented people in Iwagakre, but in the future, Deidara who is not even born yet, unlike Sassori who is still a kid, will definitely suffer from Ohnoki's strictness in the future.
In Kirigakure, the ninja clans were somehow quiet and united due to Konoha's threat, at this rate after the 3rd Mizukage's passing, Yagura who will become the Mizukage, and Jiinchurikki smoothly and will be completely controlled, unlike the current 4th Mizukage who is only influenced by Madara.
To the Sharingan, especially Madara's eyes a perfect Jinchurikki may be hard to control, but a tailed beast is easily controlled by it, and despite being a shadow-level powerhouse; a Jinchurikki who is vulnerable due to constantly suppressing the tailed beast, will be controlled, far easily.
After the intense discussion in the Kazekage building, Chiyo, Ebizō, and the other elders departed with renewed resolve. They understood the gravity of their situation and the need for decisive action. With the Daimyō's support secured, the council had unanimously agreed to prioritize the development of their ninja forces. For her part, Chiyo decided to focus on advancing the art of puppetry, aiming to create stronger and more versatile puppets to aid the village in future conflicts.
When Chiyo finally returned home, she found her young grandson, Sasori, engrossed in playing with small puppets. The sight warmed her heart. Despite not yet being a ninja student, Sasori had already mastered the chakra string technique, his small hands guiding the puppets with remarkable precision. Observing his natural talent, Chiyo felt a flicker of hope for the future of Sunagakure.
Sasori looked up as Chiyo entered, his expression lighting up with curiosity. "Grandma, how was the mission?" he asked.
Chiyo paused, a shadow crossing her face. "This mission..." she began, her voice tinged with exhaustion, "I almost didn't make it back. Evil and treacherous Konoha had laid a dangerous trap. Many of our ninjas fell... I was lucky to return alive to see you again."
Sasori's young yet mature gaze sharpened. "Even you almost died?"
Chiyo nodded solemnly.
Sasori hesitated before asking the question that had clearly weighed on his mind. "Did Mom and Dad die from a trap like that? Or... was it Konoha's White Fang?"
Chiyo's heart clenched. She knew the truth; her son and daughter-in-law had perished because they weren't strong enough to overcome their enemies. Yet, she couldn't bear to shatter their image in her grandson's eyes. Taking a deep breath, she replied, "The village would never send its ninjas to their deaths without cause. My son and his wife were strong, Sasori. How could they fall to White Fang alone? No... it was Konoha's treachery that ensnared them. They used underhanded means to win that battle."
Sasori listened intently, his small hands still clutching the puppet. Gradually, the sharp edge of blame he had carried for the Third Kazekage seemed to soften. Even his feelings toward White Fang shifted from outright hatred to a more general disdain and hatred for Konoha as a whole.
Who knows in the future the 3rd Kazekage might just live, and Sassori won't be a rebellious ninja in his teens.