Minato Namikaze took in the sight before him, and in that instant, everything became clear.
His sharp blue eyes scanned the battlefield, taking in every detail with a furrowed brow. The skirmish between Konohagakure and Sunagakure had only erupted recently, yet Konoha's forces were already suffering significant losses. While the Chūnin and Jōnin could still hold their ground against the relentless assault of Sunagakure's elite shinobi, the Genin were falling like autumn leaves in a storm, utterly outmatched and cut down with brutal efficiency.
Shibi Aburame and his comrades were facing particularly formidable opponents.
Shibi's insects and Gaku Inuzuka's ninja hounds, usually a fearsome duo, were completely countered by Pakura's Scorch Release. Any attempt to approach her was met with searing spheres of superheated chakra, instantly evaporating the moisture from their bodies, leaving them shriveled and lifeless.
As for Chōza Akimichi and Doto Akimichi, their Expansion Jutsu granted them durability, but against Mikawa's Iron Sand, they were merely holding on, barely avoiding defeat.
Switching opponents was not an option either—not unless Sunagakure's forces allowed it.
Pakura and Mikawa, having been briefed on Konoha's strengths and weaknesses by Rasa, had no intention of allowing such a strategic shift. Pakura's Scorch Release could still counter Akimichi-style combat, but Mikawa had more at stake. The Aburame clan's chakra-absorbing insects could severely weaken his control over Iron Sand, making them a direct threat.
Minato, standing at the base of Rasa's golden pyramid, narrowed his eyes and spoke with a calm yet commanding tone.
"So, Fourth Kazekage, what exactly do you want?"
Rasa's expression remained cold and resolute. "Our demands are simple. Konoha must hand over the murderer of our Third Kazekage—Danzo Shimura—and compensate Sunagakure for our losses. If you comply, we will withdraw immediately. If not, this war will not end until one of us is completely destroyed."
Minato's heart sank.
Though his battle with Rasa was at a stalemate, Konoha's forces could not hold out much longer. Their shinobi were being whittled down, and worse, Gamaken was in grave danger. If something happened to him, Minato would have to answer not only to the village but also to Mount Myōboku and his master, Jiraiya.
"I understand," Minato replied. "Then let us call a temporary truce. Give me seven days. In that time, I will report everything that has transpired here to the village, and Konoha will make its decision."
"Three days." Rasa's response was immediate and firm. "I will grant you no more than that. If we do not receive a response within three days, we will declare all-out war on Konoha."
Minato knew three days were impossible. The situation was far too complex.
"Five days," he countered. "Three is too short—we need time to investigate the matter thoroughly. You must understand, as Kazekage, that Danzo is a high-ranking elder of Konoha."
Rasa's eyes narrowed. He pondered for a moment before relenting slightly. "Four days. That is my final offer. At the break of dawn on the fourth day, if I do not have an answer, Sunagakure will take matters into its own hands."
Minato exhaled slowly. He had no choice.
"I understand. Then for now, let us cease hostilities."
"Hmph."
With a dismissive snort, Rasa raised his hand, signaling his forces to retreat.
The Sunagakure shinobi, despite their reluctance to withdraw, followed orders. They had been briefed the night before that survival was their primary objective in this conflict. With that in mind, they disengaged and withdrew from the battlefield.
On the other side, Konoha's forces let out a collective sigh of relief. However, as they surveyed the countless fallen Genin and Chūnin, their fists clenched in silent rage.
Rasa's voice cut through the battlefield, addressing both sides.
"Remember your promise, Konoha. You have four days. If you do not hand over the murderer of the Third Kazekage—Danzo Shimura—this war will not end so easily. We are leaving."
At that moment, hatred for Sunagakure burned in the hearts of Konoha's shinobi. Yet, mixed within that hatred was an unsettling resentment toward Danzo, the elder whose actions had placed them all in this predicament.
As the last of the Sunagakure forces disappeared over the horizon, Minato turned back to his comrades.
"What now?" Chōza Akimichi asked, still breathing heavily, sweat dripping from his brow.
Minato's gaze remained fixed on the distance. He sighed before addressing Gaku Inuzuka.
"Gaku, I need you to return to the village immediately. Inform the Hokage of everything that has transpired here."
Given the involvement of Danzo, sending a mere messenger would not suffice. The situation required a high-ranking, trustworthy shinobi to deliver the news personally.
Meanwhile, within Sunagakure's forces...
Rasa led his men away from the battlefield, gesturing for his Anbu commander, Yura, to approach.
"Deliver a message to Kumogakure, Iwagakure, Kirigakure, and Konoha. Ensure that the Uchiha Clan in particular receives word of what happened here."
"Understood, Kazekage-sama."
With a swift nod, Yura and several Anbu members split off, vanishing into the wind.
Upon reaching the Sunagakure camp, the weary shinobi dispersed to rest. However, Mikawa approached Rasa, his face grim.
"I have some questions."
Pakura, intrigued, also stepped forward.
"Inside the tent," Rasa said simply.
Once inside, Mikawa wasted no time. "I know what you're going to say, but I still have to ask. Are you certain Danzo is responsible? Something about this doesn't sit right."
Rasa raised a hand, silencing him. "For now, we must accept this as the truth. It is the answer that benefits Sunagakure the most."
Understanding dawned on Mikawa, though he clearly disliked it. He wanted to press further but knew it was pointless.
Pakura, however, had her own concerns. "Was four days too generous? If Konoha uses that time to prepare, we might find ourselves at a disadvantage."
Rasa smirked. "Do not worry. I have already ensured that the other villages will make their moves. Kumogakure and Iwagakure will not sit idly by."
Pakura nodded, reassured by his foresight. For the first time, she truly recognized Rasa as a capable Kazekage.
Then, Rasa made an unexpected announcement.
"For the next four days, Konoha will remain quiet, and our position is secure. I will be making a secret trip back to the village. You two will handle things here in my absence."
Mikawa and Pakura were surprised but did not question him. It was not their place to ask.
As Kazekage, Rasa had his own plans.
Unbeknownst to them, Rasa's true purpose was to strengthen himself further. His battle with Minato had shown him that he was still not strong enough. Should another warrior of Minato's caliber enter the battlefield, Sunagakure would be in danger.
His next target was already decided.
For now, his eyes were set on the Star Village… and its mysterious meteorite chakra source.