Naruto: I, who fooled the ninja world, was hailed as a savior.

Chapter 291 Orochimaru: The Kazekage's flavor is quite good.

"Do not."

After a moment of contemplation, as if having made up his mind, Ye Cang suddenly turned around and looked at the fearful and confused faces behind him.

"We're not going to Konoha," she said resolutely, shaking her head.

After saying that, Ye Cang raised his hand and pointed in the direction they came from, and continued, "Let's go back, back to the Land of Wind, to see the Daimyo."

"what?"

"To see His Highness the Daimyo?"

Upon hearing this, the expressions of many Sand Village ninjas changed instantly, and some opened their mouths as if they wanted to say something.

But when the words reached his lips, seeing Ye Cang's unquestionable expression, he swallowed them back.

They all knew very well what choosing to join the daimyo of the Land of Wind meant.

The relationship between Sunagakure and the Daimyo of the Land of Wind was already strained, as the Daimyo was extremely controlling. However, Sunagakure managed to retain a degree of independence.

However, returning as "defeated generals" would also mean that these Sand Village ninjas would completely lose the independence and autonomy they once had as ninjas.

They will become private armies directly loyal to the daimyo, serving as "guards" dependent on the power of the nobility.

Their actions and their will will be directly controlled by the daimyo, and they will no longer be able to earn bounties by taking on missions. They can only produce by relying on the daimyo.

"We have lost all our bargaining chips and our foothold."

Ebizo sighed, "Konoha has been attacked, and other ninja villages are probably in the same boat. Looking across the entire ninja world, it seems there really is no better place to stay."

"If I seek refuge with His Highness the Daimyo, I will lose my freedom, but at least I can survive."

Upon hearing this, a complex mix of emotions—humiliation, helplessness, and a desperate desire to survive—overwhelmed the Sand Village ninja.

Ye Cang took in everyone's reactions; she was well aware of the weight behind this choice.

However, she actually had a rather bold and even presumptuous idea in her heart, but she couldn't say it out loud yet.

She didn't explain further, but simply turned around and sped off towards the Land of Wind in a few leaps.

Ebizo took a deep look at Yekura's resolute back, then glanced at the silent but ultimately chosen-to-follow crowd, sighed softly, and quickly followed.

Meanwhile, around the capital of the Land of Fire, samurai futilely brandished their swords at the enemies in the air.

Their bravery was utterly ineffective against the unreachable flying ninja tools; they could only barely hold their own against the enemy with bows and crossbows and a few ninjas hired by daimyo and nobles.

For example, the "Twelve Guardian Ninjas" of the Daimyo.

Due to differing ideologies, Sarutobi Asuma has been recalled to Konoha, and Uzuki Yugao has filled his position.

Then, the guardian ninja named "Beizi" wielded a peculiar three-section black staff, its blade crackling with violent lightning, and slammed it into the ground!

"Lightning Release: Lightning Strike!"

Lightning Release chakra burrowed into the earth, then suddenly burst forth from underground, bombarding several air ninjas flying low overhead, instantly blasting them into several fireballs!
Jiraiya, also a Guardian Ninja, clasped his hands together, his expression solemn, and a thousand-armed Buddha statue formed from chakra appeared behind him.

"Come to welcome Thousand Hands Killer."

Chakra transformed into countless golden fists, raining down on the sky like a storm, shattering a large number of incoming explosive bombs and kunai, and blasting the air ninja who couldn't dodge in mid-air!

The "Twelve Guardian Ninjas" consist of twelve elite ninjas responsible for protecting the Daimyo of the Land of Fire. They are the Daimyo's private, independent, and directly subordinate force, and are extremely powerful.

Their attack temporarily halted the rampant attacks by the air ninja.

However, the number of Sky Ninjas was large and extremely scattered, so the twelve of them could not take care of all areas and could only focus on protecting the capital.

However, at that moment, a sudden change occurred.

All the aerial ninjas hovering above the capital seemed to receive some kind of command at the same time, and their attacks suddenly stopped.

They all turned around in unison and flew rapidly towards Konoha, even with a hint of panic, before quickly disappearing into the distant horizon.

It came suddenly and left mysteriously.

The threat of the Kongren was temporarily relieved, but what remained was a desolate wasteland and countless pitiful cries.

Uh-huh! Swish!

The figures of the Twelve Guardian Ninjas instantly gathered in front of the capital's gates.

The leader was named "Wa Ma," and he carried a Japanese-style tin cane, had long white hair, a scar running diagonally across his face, and wore a conspicuous "fire" character waistband.

At this moment, the scene outside the magnificent city gates was utterly devastating.

After the air raid, the first reaction of countless civilians outside the city was to flock to Daming Prefecture.

However, how could the daimyo possibly open the barrier and let these lowly people in his eyes in?

At this moment, outside the barrier, there were corpses of civilians affected by the explosion everywhere, with severed limbs and blood staining the ground.

The survivors crowded outside the barrier, their faces filled with fear, despair, and helplessness. Cries, wails, and pleas for help blended together, creating a scene resembling a living hell.

Di Lu closed his eyes with unbearable sorrow, held one hand in front of him, and softly chanted the Buddha's name for rebirth in the Pure Land, his brows filled with compassion.

"You all stay here, I'll go report to His Highness the Daimyo."

Kazuma ignored the horrific scene outside the barrier, turned away indifferently, and walked straight into the daimyo's mansion under the protection of a group of samurai.

Passing through layers of heavily guarded corridors, Kazuma arrived at the most luxurious palace in the deepest part of the mansion, where the guards were most tight.

The scene inside the palace contrasted sharply with the devastation outside.

The dazzling colors fill the eye, the floor is so shiny it reflects the light from the crystal chandelier above, so dazzling it's dizzying, and it's the epitome of luxury.

Besides the composed samurai standing around the hall, there were also many high-ranking officials from the Land of Fire and direct relatives of the daimyo.

They were all dressed in luxurious clothes made of exquisite materials, and their faces were well-maintained, fair and rosy. Against the backdrop of this lavish decor, each of their faces seemed to be covered with a layer of bright gold powder.

At the head of the main hall, a well-maintained, slightly plump middle-aged man lay languidly on a large soft couch; he was none other than the daimyo of the Land of Fire, "Enshōta".

Several beautiful young women, old enough to be his daughters, danced before him.

They were draped in light gauze, the transparent material barely concealing anything, their fair and slender legs appearing dazzling in the hazy light.

The lights shone on their alabaster skin, as if gilding them with a thin layer of gold, and the hall was filled with a luxurious and sweet fragrance.

At first glance, it's as if you've stepped into a world built of gold dust and desire, a completely different world from the hell on earth outside.

Seeing this scene, He Ma showed no unusual expression, as if he had always been used to it.

"Your Highness." He strode forward, knelt on one knee a few steps away from the soft couch, and respectfully reported with his head bowed, "The intruders have retreated."

"Well, well done."

Yuan Zhaotai responded lazily, his gaze still lingering on the girl's graceful dance.

Inside the hall, incense wafted and music played softly, as if the blood and fire outside were merely insignificant noises.

Seemingly remembering something, Enshōta narrowed his eyes and asked casually, "Haven't we received a reply yet to the letter requesting help sent to Konoha?"

"Yes."

Kazuma lowered his head even further, a cold glint flashing in his eyes: "As of now, we have not received any official response or news of reinforcements from Konoha."

"Hehe." Enshōta seemed to chuckle, but the laughter was dry and cold, without a trace of amusement. He gripped the paper fan tightly in his hand, his knuckles turning slightly white.

“Last time we asked them for more people to fill the vacancies for Guardian Ninja, they made all sorts of excuses, saying that manpower was scarce during the war and it was difficult to transfer them.”

"Now, they even dare to ignore the pleas for help from the Da Ming Prefecture, which is under attack and concerns the safety of the Land of Fire!"

His tone grew increasingly harsh, and the chill in his words caused the temperature in the hall to drop abruptly.

"Well done, Konoha!"

The last few words were almost squeezed out through clenched teeth, filled with undisguised anger.

Sensing the daimyo's almost solidified rage, the maidservant beside him, who was carefully pouring wine, trembled in fright, nearly dropping the wine pot, and immediately prostrated herself on the ground, shaking.

The dancers below were so terrified that they all knelt down, not daring to even breathe loudly, and dared not look directly at the daimyo's angry face.

Kazuma's forehead almost touched the ground, his posture becoming increasingly submissive, but no one could see that what flashed across his lowered face was not fear, but anticipation.

The "Twelve Guardian Ninjas" are divided into the "radical faction" led by Kazuma and the "moderate faction" led by Sarutobi Asuma.

Kazuma and others believed that the Hokage was an unnecessary position and that the real power of the ninjas should be held by the Daimyo of the Land of Fire, thus opposing Asuma and others.

Not long ago, Sarutobi Asuma left the "Twelve Guardian Ninja" and was recalled to Konoha.

However, due to the tense situation in the ninja world and the appearance of the Hollows, the "Twelve Guardian Ninjas" were able to be reorganized, and the relationship between the Daimyo and the Hokage was eased.

Now, the daimyo's growing dissatisfaction with Konoha is exactly the result Kazuma wanted.

"call."

Yuan Zhaotai exhaled a deep breath, as if trying to release the pent-up emotions in his chest.

With a swift movement, he unfolded his exquisite folding fan, the fan obscuring the lower half of his face, revealing only a pair of cold eyes. "You may all leave," he said, his tone regaining its calm. "He and Ma, stay."

After saying that, he seemed to remember something and added, "Clean up those 'garbage' at the city gate; they're an eyesore."

Everyone knew what he meant by "trash".

It was the bodies of those civilians who had died outside.

"Yes."

The maids, dancers, musicians, and the officials and their relatives who had been silent all felt as if they had been granted a pardon. They bowed and hurriedly left the hall in a disorderly manner.

The heavy palace doors slowly closed, isolating the inside from the outside world.

At this moment, in the spacious and luxurious hall, only Enshōta, sitting upright on the soft couch, and Kazuma, still kneeling on one knee below with a respectful posture, remained.

"And the horse."

Enshōta tapped his palm lightly with his folding fan, his gaze fixed on Kazuma, and slowly spoke, his voice carrying an undeniable authority: "Have you completed your ninjutsu?"

"I paid a considerable price to collect enough 'virtual' materials for your experiments."

Apart from Jiraiya, Sarutobi Asuma, and Uzuki Yugao, who joined the "Twelve Guardian Ninja" to maintain the relationship between the Fire Temple, the Daimyo's Mansion, and Konoha.

The other eleven members who make up the "Twelve Guardian Ninjas" were all carefully selected from the entire Land of Fire.

Of the twelve, four—Beizi, Nanwu, Xidu, and Dongmao—are known as the "Four Thunder Release Masters."

Their combined use of "Lightning Release: Lightning Dream Lightning Man" was powerful enough to cover the entire Leaf Village, instantly vaporizing all matter within its range.

Kazuma is developing "Earth Release: Ultimate Creation Technique: Soil of the Dead," which can revive corpses in the earth and turn them into the caster's puppets.

However, unlike "Impure World Reincarnation", its effect is more like "Summoning the Dead", and it can only command some corpses that have no self-awareness and cannot use ninjutsu.

However, the appearance of the 'Hollow' creature inspired Kazuma...

“Your Highness,” Kazuma looked up, his eyes burning with fervor, “we have made a breakthrough, but I still need more Nine-Tails chakra.”

Many years ago, during the disaster when the Nine-Tails attacked Konoha, he took advantage of the chaos to collect a portion of the Nine-Tails' scattered chakra and successfully transplanted it into his child's body.

He originally intended to create a Jinchūriki replacement similar to Kinkaku and Ginkaku of Kumogakure, who could control the Nine-Tails' chakra.

However, after the appearance of the Hollow, he discovered that the negative spiritual energy contained in the Nine-Tails' chakra had an incredible effect on catalyzing the transformation of the Hollow.

If combined with "Soil of the Dead", it might be possible to control a powerful army composed of "Void".

"Oh?" Enshōta covered the lower half of his face with his fan, revealing only a pair of eyes that gleamed with calculation.

"If I remember correctly, Konoha's Nine-Tails Jinchuriki should be around the age where he should graduate from the Ninja Academy and become a Genin, right?"

His words were light and airy, with a hint of cold laughter: "How can someone who always stays in the village become a pillar of the Fire Kingdom?"

"Find a suitable reason to bring the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki to the capital."

After saying that, he gently closed his folding fan with a soft "snap" sound, and his gaze fell on Kazuma: "I'm leaving this matter to you. Make it as natural as possible."

Kazuma lowered his head deeply, concealing the barely suppressed excitement in his eyes: "Your Highness's command, I will certainly make the arrangements properly!"

------

The Land of Wind at night is a stark contrast to the scorching heat of daytime.

The boundless sea of ​​sand gleamed with a deathly sheen under the moonlight, and the biting wind swept across the dunes like a knife, swirling up fine sand grains and making a wailing sound.

The vast desert appeared particularly empty, desolate, and bleak in the night.

Yekura, Ebizo, and the surviving members of Sunagakure walked through the cold sea of ​​sand, their steps uneven.

Their original plan was to head straight for the capital of the Wind Kingdom, but the last vestiges of conviction in the hearts of some members of the group prevented them from leaving so easily.

Even just one last look at the ruins of Sunagakure from afar can bring a tiny, insignificant satisfaction to the resentment in one's heart.

Yekura did not stop this almost futile persistence, so the group deviated from the route directly to the capital and headed towards Sunagakure.

As night deepened, only the sound of the wind accompanied this group of homeless exiles, their faces etched with weariness, sorrow, and uncertainty about the future.

"stop."

As they walked, Ye Cang, who was at the front, suddenly stopped and raised his hand to signal the group behind him to stop.

All the Sand Village ninjas tensed up instantly, instinctively adopting a defensive posture, their ninja tools silently sliding into their palms as they stared intently at the dust-filled darkness ahead.

In the dim moonlight and swirling dust, a blurry figure gradually became clear on a sand dune not far ahead.

The man, wearing a wide straw hat and a windproof cloak, slowly walked towards them.

As the distance closed, the figure's outline became clearer.

A breeze swept by, causing the light veil of the straw hat to flutter continuously, and the moonlight illuminated half of the face that was faintly visible beneath the hat...

All the Sand Village ninjas who saw half of that face instantly had their pupils contract and their eyes widen, their faces filled with shock.

"Kage, Lord Kazekage?!" A young Sand Village ninja couldn't help but exclaim in surprise, "You're still alive?!"

At that moment, a spark of hope ignited in their hearts.

If the Kazekage is still alive, then Sunagakure still has hope; they are not rootless drifters!

Under the shocked and ecstatic gazes of the crowd, the figure slowly walked towards them, getting closer and closer.

However, as he drew closer, an indescribable sense of unease began to permeate everyone's hearts.

His gait and his breathing both exuded an indescribable awkwardness.

Finally, he stopped less than ten meters away from Ye Cang and the others.

"Unfortunately."

A hoarse, deep voice came from under the man's straw hat, completely different from the voice of Luo Sha in his memory.

He slowly raised his hand, removed the straw hat from his head, and his entire face was exposed to the moonlight.

Then, he raised his head, looked at the Sand Village members in front of him, and slowly stretched his lips into a twisted arc, revealing a smile full of malice and mockery.

“I’m not the person you think I am.” He slowly licked the corner of his mouth with his long, thin tongue and smiled. “But, the taste of the Wind Shadow is indeed quite good.”

The moonlight clearly illuminated his face, and in the suddenly dilated pupils of Yecang and the others, a face that was enough to give them nightmares was reflected!

The left half of that face was the familiar appearance of Rasa.

However, the right side of his face looks completely different!
His skin was sickly pale, devoid of any color, and his facial features were also completely different, both effeminate and eerie, with a pair of snake-like golden vertical pupils!
This face is definitely not unfamiliar to Pakura and Ebizo, who experienced the Third Shinobi World War!
"Orochimaru?!"

Yekura squeezed out the name through clenched teeth, his voice trembling with horror.

"Hehehe..."

Orochimaru, with half of his face covered in rasa, let out a low, pleasant laugh, as if he thoroughly enjoyed everyone's reaction.

“Your Lord Kazekage is indeed dead,” he said slowly in his hoarse voice. “But he will live on forever in another way.”

As he spoke, he slowly raised one hand, and a strand of glittering and familiar gold dust seemed to have a life of its own, swirling and flowing nimbly between his pale fingers.

Upon seeing that signature strand of gold dust, Ye Cang's pupils suddenly contracted, and a chilling coldness instantly shot from the soles of his feet to the top of his head!
"What did you do?!"

Yekura's chakra surged unconsciously, and the temperature of the surrounding air began to rise.

"Didn't I already say that?" Orochimaru grinned, a cruel glint in his vertical pupils. "The taste of the Kazekage is quite good."

"Indeed, this is the true meaning of 'plunder'."

rustling...

As soon as the words fell, countless figures silently emerged from the pale moonlight-lit sandstorm behind them.

Their numbers are so great that they almost cover the entire sand dune, densely packed and stretching as far as the eye can see!

When the moonlight illuminated these figures, the Sand Village members almost stopped breathing!
Those figures were none other than countless pale-skinned White Zetsu, whose bodies began to writhe and deform like wax figures, their facial features, height, body shape, and even clothing all changing!

In the blink of an eye, what stood before them was no longer the pale and eerie White Zetsu, but a series of faces that were all too familiar to them!
Those were their comrades-in-arms who had fought alongside them, their fellow soldiers who had supported each other during missions, their friends with whom they had shared drinks in taverns, and even...

They witnessed their family members die!
"Luo Sha is dead, but he can still live."

"Sunagakure was destroyed, but it can continue to exist."

Orochimaru swept his gaze over the pale-faced, trembling Sunagakure members, finally settling on the bewildered Pakura, a malicious smile curling at the corner of his mouth.

"Now, make your choice, remnants of Sunagakure."

His voice had a bewitching power: "You have chosen to erase the name of Sunagakure from the ninja world completely."

"Or should we let Sunagakure continue to 'exist' in another form?"

(Phew, 9 words. I updated a little more today, so it's a bit late or 2)

(End of this chapter)