After Rasa finished his account, he said with a heavy expression, "This operation was far too brutal. So many of our Sand shinobi have gone to the Yellow Springs because of it. It truly is a heartbreaking loss."
Right after that, Rasa paused slightly. After taking a deep breath, he continued:
"Even though the Fifth Hokage of Konoha, Uchiha Rengoku, the man known as the number one combat power in the ninja world, ultimately died due to my careful planning."
"Still, the price paid by our Sand Village was extremely heavy. With so many outstanding ninja sacrificed, I cannot escape responsibility for this."
Before his words had even finished echoing, he slowly stood up, swept his gaze across everyone present, and then solemnly announced:
"From this moment on, I have decided to immediately resign from the position of Fourth Kazekage. Let the capable take my place."
As soon as he finished speaking, the entire meeting room fell into dead silence, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
What Rasa had said carried an enormous amount of information. What did he mean by saying Uchiha Rengoku had been schemed against and killed by him?
And everyone present knew very well that Rasa had always treated the power of the Kazekage as a precious treasure, clenching it tightly in his palm and refusing to let go.
Who would have thought that today he would voluntarily give up this supreme position of authority?
However, a small number of old foxes seasoned by countless battles, people like Ebizo, saw through the deeper meaning behind Rasa's move almost immediately.
Rasa had first gone all out to elevate Uchiha Rengoku to an extremely high status, emphasizing how unshakable he was as the number one combat power in the ninja world.
Then he claimed to have personally killed him. In doing so, he had unquestionably established tremendous merit for himself.
Now, by taking the initiative to resign as Kazekage, even if others harbored dissatisfaction in their hearts, it would be hard for them to continue criticizing him.
After all, he had already made such a major concession. If they kept pressing him, it would seem a bit heartless.
Ebizo lightly tapped the tabletop with his knuckles, producing a crisp, rhythmic sound.
His sharp gaze locked tightly onto Rasa sitting opposite him, his expression serious as he asked the most crucial question.
"Rasa, is Uchiha Rengoku really dead?"
Ebizo's voice was low and powerful, as if it were trying to pierce straight into Rasa's heart.
Faced with Ebizo's questioning, Rasa merely let out a cold snort.
Though there was a trace of unease in his heart, he still maintained a calm exterior and replied slowly, "How could I possibly tell a lie that would be exposed so easily?"
Hearing Rasa's answer, Ebizo nodded slightly, signaling his acceptance.
Immediately after, he cleared his throat and raised his voice to address everyone present, "Everyone…"
In an instant, all eyes turned toward Ebizo.
After all, as a senior advisor of the Sand Village, Ebizo not only had deep seniority among the elders, but also possessed considerable prestige and influence.
Ever since the Kazekage took responsibility and resigned, he had effectively become the highest authority actually controlling power within the village.
"Given that Rasa has now voluntarily resigned from the position of Kazekage, we must select a new Kazekage candidate within a short period of time," Ebizo announced solemnly.
Then he changed the subject and continued, "However, after this war, we are facing an enormous amount of compensation for casualties."
"So, before all of these compensation payments are properly handled and fully paid, Rasa cannot officially step down from the position of Kazekage for the time being."
At this point, Ebizo glanced around at the elders present and continued, "During this period, I hope all of you will actively recommend suitable candidates for the position of Kazekage."
"Once Rasa has successfully completed all compensation payments, we will further discuss and select the final new Kazekage."
As soon as his words fell, the elders below began exchanging looks with one another, silently communicating with their eyes.
From the expressions revealed in their gazes, it was not hard to tell that everyone basically agreed with the series of arrangements proposed by Ebizo.
'After all, with so many people dead in the Sand Village this time, you, the Kazekage, can't just pat your butt and leave. You still have to take responsibility to the very end.'
"Agreed…"
"Agreed…"
"Agreed…"
As voices of agreement rang out one after another, Rasa looked at the elders who were all voicing their approval, and a heavy feeling surged in his heart.
Although this incident had allowed him to narrowly escape punishment, the massive compensation for over seven thousand people was like a huge mountain pressing down on his chest.
Just how many mines would he have to dig to fill such a massive financial hole?
Thinking of this, Rasa felt a splitting headache coming on.
After this resolution was finally settled, the long and tense meeting at last came to an end.
However, the matter was far from over, because many personnel still needed to be carefully tallied, along with the handling of a series of follow-up affairs.
Only after all of these complicated tasks were properly completed could everyone gather again to discuss the next course of action.
After the meeting ended, Rasa's face was full of exhaustion, as if all the strength in his body had been drained.
During this period, he had hardly rested properly at all, and both his body and mind were already completely worn out.
At this moment, all he wanted was to quickly find a quiet place and sleep soundly, to properly recover his energy.
So, he decided to give himself two days off, adjust his condition, and then go back out to digging pits again.
Just as Rasa dragged his heavy steps slowly toward the corridor, a familiar figure entered his field of vision. Ebizo.
He was walking in the same direction as Rasa.
As the two brushed past each other, Ebizo suddenly lowered his voice and said to Rasa in a serious tone, "Rasa, Rengoku had better be dead."
Rasa instantly understood the deeper meaning behind Ebizo's words. Without the slightest hesitation, he replied decisively, "Don't worry. I saw Uchiha Rengoku torn apart by the Dragon Vein with my own eyes."
Hearing Rasa's firm answer, Ebizo nodded slightly in acknowledgment, then quickened his pace and hurried away.
As the key figure controlling the intelligence forces, Ebizo understood the importance of information all too well.
As for whether Rengoku was truly dead, he had to personally investigate and verify it.
After all, they had eyes and hidden agents planted in every country. No disturbance could escape his notice.
And although Chiyo was very likely killed, as long as a body had not been found, Ebizo still wanted to continue searching.
To see if there was any news. Since he was already at it, he might as well collect all of this intelligence together.
Rasa stood there, his expression flickering between light and dark, as if he were thinking about something.
Then he abandoned the idea of going to rest, turned around, and went to find Maki.
No matter what, he had to let the entire ninja world know that Uchiha Rengoku was dead.
═❀═❀═❀═❀═❀═❀═
[email protected]/AmbitiousTranslator
🥳Joining P@treon keeps me motivated and eager to work diligently, so please consider joining.🥰 You can access upto 20 advance chapter through P@treon.