"It is precisely because of the harsh living environment that the ninja of Sunagakure are generally very strong in combat."
"It is also because of this that Sunagakure has always coveted our Land of Fire."
Sakumo looked out at the vast desert before him, his tone icy. He had been here before, during the Second Ninja World War, where he had slain many of Sunagakure's elite shinobi. It was then that his chakra blade, the White Fang, became legendary.
"Let's go. Enter the desert and head straight for Sunagakure."
Sakumo stepped forward into the arid expanse, and the rest of the group followed closely behind.
As they pressed on, Chōmei suddenly erupted, his voice full of frustration.
Kazuyama laughed heartily, clearly entertained by Chōmei's outburst.
"You're laughing?!" Chōmei snapped. "Fine, I'll tell you what—if I ever run into Shukaku, I'll lend you my power! You can go beat him up! Why did I have to be stuck in a cave while he gets the whole desert?"
Kazuyama didn't seem to agree. He knew that at this point in time, the Shukaku Jinchūriki should be an old monk—someone who had hosted the tailed beast since childhood, serving as a stable vessel throughout his life.
"Chōmei, is there a chance that Shukaku has also been sealed by someone? Just because you didn't have a Jinchūriki doesn't mean he doesn't."
Chōmei was briefly silenced by the suggestion.
"And do you think Shukaku could ever find a Jinchūriki as good as me?" Kazuyama added with a teasing tone.
Chōmei paused, then let out a loud laugh. "You're right! That stinking raccoon couldn't find a Jinchūriki like you! Hahaha, my mood instantly improved."
Ever since Chōmei left the sealed area of Takigakure, his spirits had been steadily improving.
After traversing the desert for an indeterminate amount of time, the team finally spotted the distant outline of Sunagakure—a ninja village surrounded by endless yellow sand.
Sakumo led the group to a concealed spot nearby to rest.
"The village of Sunagakure is just ahead," he announced. "Kazuyama, what's your plan?"
Kazuyama, being the key to this mission, was the only one capable of infiltrating Sunagakure unnoticed.
"I'll just slip in during the night," Kazuyama said nonchalantly. "Unlike Takigakure, Sunagakure doesn't have a waterfall defense."
He pulled a kunai from his waist pouch and handed it to Sakumo.
"This is my Flying Thunder God kunai. Hold onto it carefully, Lord Sakumo—I don't want to lose it."
Sakumo nodded solemnly, tucking the kunai away.
"Actually, I want Heichi to go with you," Sakumo suggested. "He's a sensory ninja and can read memories. We need to uncover Sunagakure's troop deployments."
Heichi nodded in agreement and turned to Kazuyama with a slight shrug.
Well, looks like we're teaming up.
Kazuyama sighed. What a hassle. But fine—I'll do it, for Heichi's sake.
"I'll go in first and use the Flying Thunder God Technique to bring him in," Kazuyama said confidently. "That way, we won't alert the enemy."
Sakumo nodded in agreement. That had been his plan as well. The Flying Thunder God Technique made infiltrating enemy territory much easier. While it required a fair amount of chakra, the precision and efficiency it provided were worth the effort.
"Then let's rest. Once night falls, we'll begin the operation," Sakumo added. "I'll stay here to guard the area and provide backup if needed."
The group settled down to rest. Kazuyama casually found a comfortable spot, sprawled out, and closed his eyes as if he didn't have a care in the world.
The others chuckled at his relaxed demeanor. The mission was on the verge of beginning, yet Kazuyama seemed utterly unfazed.
Kazuyama's thoughts: Nonsense. If any of you are nervous, that's on you. Worst-case scenario, we retreat.
Sunagakure, Kazekage Building
In the office of the Third Kazekage, Hatazaemon, two figures stood before him—a man and a woman.
The man had a tattooed face and wore black, exuding a cold and intense aura. The woman, striking with her mix of blonde and green hair, possessed an elegance that belied her power.
"Pakura, I'm entrusting the Assault Team to you. Kankichi, you will lead the Vanguard," the Kazekage said, his tone firm yet expectant. "I trust neither of you will let me down."
Pakura, a ninja blessed with the Scorch Release Kekkei Genkai, was as formidable in battle as she was captivating in appearance. An elite Jōnin, she was one of Sunagakure's finest assets.
Kankichi, a skilled puppeteer and disciple of Chiyo, stood out for his five powerful puppets, each capable of incredible devastation. Unlike his mentor, he served directly under the Kazekage's command.
"Yes, Lord Kazekage," the two responded in unison, bowing before leaving the office.
Outside, Kankichi's arrogance quickly surfaced.
"Hmph. The Assault Team should logically be led by me," he scoffed. "Pakura, I hope you won't disappoint the Lord Kazekage."
Despite her composure, Pakura's patience had its limits. She shot him a sharp look, her temper flaring.
"Hmph. You and your puppets don't need to say anything more," she retorted before walking away briskly.
It was clear the two had no mutual respect, and any collaboration between them would be strained at best.
As the moon rose high into the night sky, Kazuyama abruptly woke, stretching lazily as if he'd had a full night's sleep.
The rest of the group turned their attention to him.
"Lord Sakumo, I'm going."
Sakumo nodded as Kazuyama gave a small smile. Under everyone's watchful gaze, his body began to fade, gradually becoming ethereal. In mere moments, he vanished entirely from view.
"So this is the Transparent Escape Technique... There really isn't even a trace of breath," Aoyama said, his admiration evident as he observed the remarkable skill. It was his first time witnessing the Gekkō Clan's Kekkei Genkai in action.
Kōjin Hyūga, who had activated his Byakugan, was equally stunned. Despite his Byakugan's ability to see through objects, it was entirely ineffective in locating Kazuyama.
"Incredible. Even the Byakugan can't detect his whereabouts," Kōjin murmured.
"Of course it can't," Kazuyama's voice echoed from an unseen source. "My Transparent Escape Technique renders my body completely transparent. If I'm transparent, what can you possibly see?"
His playful laughter reached the group, boosting their confidence in the mission.
"Alright, Kazuyama, get going. And be careful," Sakumo instructed.
"Don't worry, Lord White Fang," Kazuyama replied, his unseen presence moving away.
Just as Sakumo relaxed, preparing for the next phase, a voice rang out once more.
"Well...before I leave, Lord Sakumo, I'd like a quick sparring session! Please give me some pointers!"
Sakumo frowned, sensing something unusual. Before he could react, Kazuyama's mischievous voice struck again.
"Konoha Style! Taijutsu Secret Technique: A Thousand Years of Death!"
Sakumo: What! @##%! #@#