I founded the "Bragging Cult" in Naruto.

Chapter 164 Frowning doesn't necessarily mean deep thought; it could also mean an itchy scalp that can't be scratched.

This was the first time Tatsuma had seen Sakumo Hatake on the battlefield.

At this moment, Sakumo Hatake stood behind Chiyo, holding the short sword White Fang against Chiyo's neck. His face was expressionless, and even his eyes seemed calm, devoid of any killing intent.

However, the feeling he gave Tatsuma, an observer and one of his own, was one of coldness.

A hint of admiration uncontrollably appeared on Chenma's face.

Although he knew that this true Konoha White Fang was very powerful, seeing his current demeanor, even Tatsuma couldn't help but shout "So cool!"

Not to mention Tatsuma, even Jiraiya and the other two looked at Sakumo Hatake with shining eyes, as if they were looking at an idol.

"Sakumo Hatake! What do you think you're doing?! Do you want to start a war that will destroy both our nations?! If you dare to make a move, you will become a sinner in the entire ninja world!"

Seeing Hatake Sakumo hold a knife to his sister's neck, Ebizo questioned him excitedly, but dared not approach Hatake Sakumo at all.

It wasn't that she was afraid of Hatake Sakumo, but rather that she was afraid he might do something to Chiyo. At this point, Chiyo had clearly lost all ability to resist, and the Chikamatsu Ten Puppet Masters had been sent out to attack Tsunade and hadn't returned to her side yet.

The other scrolls were not unsealed because the opponent was a woman of superhuman strength like Tsunade. As for physical techniques or puppeteer skills, they couldn't even make a ripple in front of Hatake Sakumo.

Sakumo Hatake had completely taken control of Chiyo's life and death; he could behead her in an instant if he wanted to.

"I don't want to start a so-called war of annihilation, nor do I intend to become a sinner to the entire ninja world. In fact, if possible, I don't want war to break out at all. So, let's go back now, and I will arrange peace talks. What do you say?"

Sakumo Hatake didn't seem to have any intention of making a move. He had received Jiraiya's plea for help three days ago, and having just handed over his camp to the Uchiha in the north and returned to the village, he rushed to this battlefield.

Before setting off, Hiruzen Sarutobi had emphasized to him that he should try his best to promote peace talks between the two or even all three parties. Although he had Chiyo hostage, he did not want to take action.

Of course, if Chiyo insisted on resisting, he would not allow her to break free and then further worsen the situation.

Chiyo gritted her teeth. Although Hatake Sakumo was not in front of her, her eyes were filled with the image of the murderer who had killed her son and daughter-in-law.

Chiyo even considered rebellion regardless of the consequences, just to have a chance for revenge. However, she also understood how the nations of Fuu and Ho would fare if she died on the battlefield.

That is the war of annihilation that Ebizo mentioned, in which both sides will even deploy Kage and Tailed Beasts to fight a truly life-or-death battle!

Sakumo Hatake said he didn't want to be the sinner, and Chiyo didn't want to either, but... should they just give up the chance for possible revenge?

Seeing the hatred and anger resurface on Chiyo's face, Ebizo said in a deep voice, "Sister, think of Sasori!"

Upon hearing that name, Chiyo suddenly staggered. If Sakumo Hatake hadn't reacted quickly enough, he probably would have accidentally killed her.

Chiyo seemed to have aged decades in an instant, losing all the splendor of the ninja world's most beautiful woman. Her ashen face showed occasional muscle twitching, and a soft, grinding sound began to emanate from between her teeth.

Her eyelids drooped little by little, and her eyes became dull, making her look like a withered, dying person.

"I can."

Chiyo paused after saying only two words, her voice so hoarse and low that she couldn't even recognize herself, and the tightness in her throat prevented her from continuing.

After pausing for a moment, Chiyo continued, "I will lead the Sand Village out of the battlefield and will no longer participate in any wars in the ninja world, but I cannot guarantee that the Sand Village will not send troops again."

"As soon as the Sand Village retreats to the Land of Wind, the antidote formula will be delivered immediately."

Sakumo Hatake's calm and resolute voice made Chiyo lower her head even further, but suddenly she raised her head again and said hatefully, "However, Sakumo Hatake! I will not let you go."

If I ever get the chance, I will kill you, regardless of the village, the ninja world, or anyone else! This is a personal vendetta!

Hearing Chiyo dare to utter such words, Jiraiya and the others showed displeasure, and Ebizo tensed up again. However, Sakumo Hatake remained unperturbed and calmly said:

"I understand. As long as it doesn't affect others, I'm willing to try any of your methods, Lady Chiyo."

At this moment, the other Sand Ninja in the camp also arrived at the battlefield. Seeing this scene, they dared not make any rash moves.

But none of that mattered to Chiyo. No matter how many people came, it wouldn't make a difference, because she no longer had the will to fight, the will to wage war, or any interest in the affairs of the village.

She also knew that after returning this time, she would probably have to retire, and the village would give her a final moment of dignity.

Saying she wouldn't let Hatake Sakumo go was just a way to give herself a little more will to live. From then on, Sasori would probably be all she had left for the rest of her life.

Hatake Sakumo slowly withdrew the short sword White Fang that was held to Chiyo's neck. Seeing that Chiyo was no longer restrained, the Sand Ninjas surrounding the area began to stir.

"Everyone! Retreat! Leave the Land of Rain and return to the village."

Chiyo's orders left them somewhat bewildered. Ebizo didn't explain; he simply kept directing the Sand Ninja reinforcements to move those who had been injured by explosive tags, kunai, and poison.

Chiyo didn't turn around, but instead said to Tsunade and the others not far away, "White Fang, Slug Princess, and Ryuma of Konoha, you've won."

"Ding~ [Strength +925], [Wisdom +8886], [Patience +1075], [Seal +1263], Pick up?"

"Pick it up!"

Tatsuma finally heard the system's announcement. In an instant, his Wisdom stat jumped to the highest level, unlocking the option for additional boosts. His Ninjutsu and Seal talents also approached 10,000 points, just one step away from the lower limit of Jonin talent.

I was also amazed that talent could develop so easily.

Before going to the battlefield, he thought that nearly a hundred points a day was already pretty good. After going to the battlefield, through real combat, he found a way to improve his talent faster.

But now he realizes that the greatest benefit comes from being a commander in World War I. It's just a pity that he doesn't yet have the strength and qualifications to truly command combat.

His unconventional command this time was simply due to encountering an unreliable teacher like Tsunade, who actually listened to his plans, and the troops he deployed were not ninjas, but supplies.

However, this battle depleted all his resources, and he could never find a similar situation again to harvest in large quantities.

Watching the Sand Ninja leave, Hatake Sakumo did not smile. Instead, he looked at Tsunade and the others, made a gesture, and they nodded. They then followed Hatake Sakumo and quickly headed towards the camp.

Because we traveled in a straight line, it didn't take too long, and we returned to the camp in half a day.

However, they did not immediately enter the camp, because Hatake Sakumo stopped outside. Hatake Sakumo took a deep breath, composed himself, and an angry look appeared on his face. He pointed at the four men with their heads bowed and said:

"You lot! You're utterly reckless and audacious! Don't you even respect me as your teacher?! Don't you respect me as your Hokage?!"

"Uh-huh?!"

The group of people who were bowing their heads in remorse suddenly realized something was amiss. They raised their heads and saw that Hatake Sakumo's face had lost its anger, replaced by calmness, and he said indifferently:

"That sentence was something the Hokage specifically told me to say. I practiced for a long time on the way here to imitate the Hokage's expression, and my cheeks are sore."

"."

Seeing that Hatake Sakumo was actually starting to massage his face, Orochimaru's three-man team, plus Tatsuma, a total of four people, all started to twitch at the corners of their mouths.

Where did that incredibly handsome White Fang of Konoha go?! Did he get lost on the way?!

Was his cold, stern demeanor on the battlefield just now because his facial muscles were stiff and he couldn't make any facial expressions?!

After finishing his facial exercises, Hatake Sakumo stretched and said, "Now it's time for serious business. The Hokage has instructed me to 'supervise' you all back to the village to prevent you from causing trouble again. The main force also needs to withdraw from the Land of Rain."

Meanwhile, the Land of Iron will work even harder to restrain Hanzo and the Rain Village, giving us time to hold a meeting. Of course, these are measures that will only be taken after your plan succeeds, and clearly you have succeeded.

As he spoke, Hatake Sakumo pointed at Tsunade. Tsunade was somewhat surprised. She had originally thought that apart from Tatsuma, no one would know what she wanted to do, but she did not expect that Jiraiya had guessed it.

Moreover, Jiraiya had obviously reported this to the village, and to everyone's surprise, the village took a series of measures.

According to Sakumo Hatake, the village must already have two or more plans in place to deal with whether Tsunade's plan succeeds or fails, or other situations.

Now that her plan has succeeded, and with the "help" of Hatake Sakumo, the Sand Village has retreated back to the Land of Wind, greatly reducing the pressure on the battlefield.

Perhaps Sunagakure will adopt other strategies and send other ninjas to lead a renewed war against the Land of Fire, but in terms of the war between the Land of Wind and the Land of Fire, the flag of victory has clearly already tilted towards the Land of Fire.

Therefore, Konoha's next response and attitude will naturally need to change accordingly, and these decisions will need to be made through a meeting.

Tsunade thought for a moment and nodded. This victory would greatly increase her reputation. Although she didn't care about reputation, she still needed it for her plan.

Seeing Tsunade nod in agreement, Jiraiya and Orochimaru naturally had no objections, and as for Tatsuma, it was useless for him to have other ideas.

"In that case, you should go back and rest for a while, and set off as soon as possible."

"Okay!" *4

After the four finished responding, they headed towards the camp together, and Chenma began to read the additional enhancement options that he could unlock.

(End of this chapter)