บท 278: CH - 273 Attack on Grass Village?

"How about it? Since the Daimyo has ordered the disbandment of Sand Village, why not just comply? Join me, and I'll arrange a job for you," Hanzo said, looking at Chiyo with a casual smile. "You should know that my Rain Village is quite different; we have a bright future and offer excellent benefits. Most people never even get a chance to visit us."

"It's far better than your small, rundown village," Hanzo added with a sarcastic tone. "I might even cut your probation period in half."

Seeing her silence, Hanzo snorted, as if he were already doing her a favor. "Still not on board? Don't push your luck, old hag."

With an angry glare, Chiyo snapped the pen in her hand, her eyes fixed on Hanzo who lounged casually, sipping tea and chatting on.

It was truly unbelievable. While the Grass Village leader was out poaching talent from Sand Village, this old rascal dared to come here and recruit her? Did these people have no sense of honor? Did he even grasp her importance to Sand Village?

As a senior advisor and elder alongside Ebizo, Chiyo had served Sand Village since its founding, spanning four Kazekages with the likelihood of witnessing the fifth. In the absence of a Kazekage, she wielded the highest authority in the village. Had she not grown weary of power over the years, she could have easily claimed the title of Fifth Kazekage without opposition.

And now this old rogue was offering her a menial position with a probationary period, as if it were some grand gesture? Is this some kind of joke? Was he exacting revenge? But why? Just because she neutralized his poison during the Second Shinobi War? If so, then this so-called legendary shinobi surely harbored grudges.

Chiyo fixed a cold stare on the leisurely tea-drinking Hanzo. "Shut up! Don't make me rude!"

"Very well, puppet hag, if that's what you want," Hanzo replied with a calm nod. "But remember, if you come begging for a job later, the probation period will be doubled."

When did this guy become so shameless? Did he even have any morals left? She retorted in an irritated tone, "Hmph! Thank you very much, you asthmatic bastard!"

On the side, Ebizo couldn't help but give a wry smile as he watched his sister, Chiyo, bicker with Hanzo, the leader of Rain Village.

For some reason, his sister and Hanzo never seemed to see eye to eye. Despite Hanzo's reputation as a renowned hero and a legendary shinobi—having once been praised by Chiyo herself for his prowess and use of poison during their conflict with Rain Village—their interactions were always laced with sarcasm and contempt. Ebizo himself didn't say much about it, preferring to stay out of their exchanges.

Sand Village faced both internal strife and external threats, compelling both Ebizo and Chiyo out of their planned retirement. They had no complaints, though; everything they did was for Sand Village's sake. Yet, Sand Village's decline wasn't the only issue at hand.

Recent defeats had angered the Daimyo, and the attempted assassination of the Daimyo by the Fourth Kazekage had exacerbated tensions. The Daimyo had annulled the founding treaty, ordered Sand Village's dissolution, and demanded all shinobi submit to his authority. This stance had strained relations with the Daimyo and pitted Sand Village against the entire shinobi world.

The shinobi village system, established by the God of Shinobi, the First Hokage, began with the unification of various ninja clans. He negotiated with the daimyo, gaining their consent to form the first ninja village, Konoha. Following his example, other ninja villages were established across different countries with the daimyo's approval.

Initially, there was peace between the villages and the daimyo. While they nominally acknowledged the daimyo's authority, relations were generally amicable. The formation of ninja villages also bolstered the military power of various nations.

However, in recent years, shifts in the political landscape have emerged. Notably, the Land of Grass and even daimyos within the Land of Fire began to assert different agendas. Like the Daimyo of the Land of Fire who established the Twelve Guardian Ninja, intended to balance the power of Konoha.

This shift in power dynamics made Sand Village's position precarious. The daimyo's actions not only placed them at odds with the ruling authority but also created tensions with other shinobi villages.

Chiyo's plan was to form an alliance with Grass Village and Rain Village to stand against the four great shinobi villages. Simultaneously, she aimed to ease tensions with the Daimyo by promising that Sand Village would absolutely obey the orders of the Wind Country Daimyo. She intended to use a strategic war to demonstrate to the Daimyo that the Land of Wind could not function without Sand Village.

By doing so, and gradually retreating into the background as their influence in the village diminished, she believed that within a few years, Sand Village would be able to restore its relationship with the Daimyo.

However, Ebizo was skeptical about this approach. Would Sand Village still be recognizable after such a plan? To appease the Daimyo, they might resort to purging elements within the village. Moreover, this strategy only buried the conflict deeper.

He admired the leader of Grass Village for single-handedly transforming it into a formidable force, earning respect even from figures like Hanzo. Yet, Sand Village couldn't replicate that success. Unlike Grass Village, which had distanced itself from the shinobi world, Sand Village sought to mend its relationship with the Daimyo, not worsen it.

While Grass Village might face challenges once the five great villages regained their strength, Ebizo maintained a deep respect for its leader's vision and determination.

"Chiyo-sama, Ebizo-sama, Hanzo-sama," At this time, Baki hurried in, interrupting his contemplation. "Akihiko-sama and Pakura-sama have arrived."

"They're here?" Chiyo snapped back to reality, putting an end to her heated exchange with Hanzo. She cleared her throat lightly and turned to face the smiling Grass Village leader, a slight headache starting to brew.

She had already heard that Akihiko had nearly swayed half of Sand Village's shinobi to his cause. Regardless of ethics or morals, not everyone possessed such persuasive abilities. If only the Fourth Kazekage had possessed this skill, she and Ebizo could have faced fewer challenges.

Taking a deep breath, she addressed Akihiko with seriousness, "Leader Akihiko, this time—"

However, she was interrupted yet again. A recruitment flyer was cheerfully placed in front of Chiyo and Ebizo by the Grass Village leader. "Take a look at what Grass Village has to offer. For esteemed officials like yourselves, joining us ensures excellent treatment."

'It seems Hanzo learned this from the Grass leader.' Chiyo's mouth twitched slightly at the Grass leader's cheerful demeanor. Taking a deep breath to compose herself, she ignored the flyer and addressed Akihiko with seriousness, "Thank you for the offer, Leader Akihiko. I believe you understand why Sand Village invited you. We seek the assistance of Grass Village and Rain Village…"

Before she could continue, Akihiko cut her off with a serious tone, "I'm sorry. When Grass Village was rebuilt, I vowed, on the integrity of our village advisor, never to meddle in the politics of other villages or countries."

"You know, he's like a brother to me," he sighed. "So, I wouldn't want anything to happen to him."

Chiyo couldn't help but feel a twinge of disbelief. How could Akihiko, known for his past actions like the abduction of the Uchiha clan from Konoha, claim not to interfere in politics? And as for Grass Village's advisor who was renowned for his notorious reputation, speaking of integrity seemed almost ironic. She took another deep breath, preparing to respond.

However, before Chiyo could respond, Baki rushed in again, urgency evident in his voice. "Chiyo-sama, Ebizo-sama, we have bad news! Intelligence reports indicate that the Four Great Shinobi Villages have commenced large-scale troop movements along the borders of the Wind Country!"

"What?!" As soon as he spoke, everyone was taken aback. The gravity of his words hung in the air. Chiyo and Ebizo exchanged shocked glances, their expressions turning grave at the rapid escalation of events.

Akihiko and Hanzo also exchanged glances upon hearing this alarming news. Akihiko sighed heavily and spoke first, "It seems we should take our leave. Thank you for your hospitality."

Hanzo mirrored the sigh, and as he reached the door, he paused, casting a serious glance at Chiyo. "Rest assured, if you ever reconsider, my door is always open to you."

Chiyo's face darkened, and she snapped sharply, "Get lost! Even if I perish on the battlefield, I'll never follow you, you old windbag!"

Hanzo didn't retort this time, only shaking his head in regret.

Akihiko sighed again, turning to Pakura, who looked conflicted. "Let's go. It seems this matter no longer concerns us."

However, just as Akihiko finished speaking, Baki interjected hesitantly, "Leader Akihiko... this might involve Grass Village as well."

Everyone was taken aback by Baki's sudden statement. Chiyo and Ebizo exchanged puzzled glances, clearly confused. This was supposed to be a matter concerning Sand Village alone. How could it possibly involve Grass Village? Was there a chance that Grass Village was also declaring war on Sand Village?

The thought left them momentarily silent. After all, it wouldn't be surprising if Grass Village chose to act in such a way.

All eyes turned to Akihiko, who chuckled and waved his hand dismissively. "Impossible! Grass and Sand Village share a close relationship. We would never take advantage of your misfortune. That's absolutely out of the question!"

It was at this moment that Baki clarified, "This time... Grass Village indeed isn't taking advantage."

"See? I told you it has nothing to do with us." Akihiko smiled reassuringly, echoing his earlier sentiment.

"But..." Baki hesitated again, sensing Akihiko's relaxed demeanor.

"But what?" Akihiko prodded, noticing Maki's unease.

"The coalition of the four great shinobi villages has declared war on the Sand Village under the slogan of 'Punish the Wicked, Destroy the Grass Thieves.' and they seem even more furious towards Grass Village than they are with us!" Maki blurted out, his expression twitching.

Hearing this, everyone present was stunned into silence, grappling with the absurdity of the situation. 'Are you f*ing kidding me?'