"Brother, how did the operation go? You weren't injured, were you?"
"Not long after you left, Chiyo led a large force of Sand shinobi in an attack, but we repelled them. Unfortunately, we didn't manage to capture her."
The moment Sakumo entered the camp, Kawakaze appeared before him.
Warmth welled up in Sakumo's heart. This little brat still cared about his older brother.
"Let's talk while we walk. Is Tsunade still busy?"
"I've brought back wounded soldiers. I'll probably need her help."
Most of the Konoha ninja Sakumo had rescued were injured, and the severely wounded needed Tsunade's treatment.
Leading the group forward without pause, Sakumo entered the camp together with Kawakaze.
The cleared battlefield still bore bloodstains, and the thick stench of blood testified to the cruelty of the recent fighting.
"She's still preparing the antidote, but she's nearly finished."
Kawakaze shamelessly went to check, only to be kicked out by Tsunade.
"Good. All of the Sand shinobi's supplies will be burned."
"It's a pity we couldn't bring everyone back."
Sakumo sighed softly. He had done everything he could.
"Lord Sakumo, you've already done more than enough."
Behind him, a wounded Konoha ninja limped forward, supported by a companion. His eyes were filled with gratitude as he looked at Sakumo.
He was one of the two shinobi Sakumo had saved single-handedly.
"You should go straight to the medical area and treat your injuries first."
"I'll be there shortly."
Sakumo followed Kawakaze to Tsunade's location.
They entered her dispensary. She was fully focused on preparing the antidote, having already analyzed the poison's composition.
"Why are you back again? Didn't I tell you to stay where you belong?"
Tsunade's voice carried both irritation and helplessness. When she looked up, she saw Sakumo as well.
"Big brother is back."
Kawakaze scratched his nose awkwardly, thinking how unwelcome he always seemed.
"My brother brought back wounded soldiers. He needs your treatment."
"The mission's done. I also heard from Kawakaze that the camp was attacked by Chiyo and her subordinates."
"Fortunately, we managed to burn their supplies."
Sakumo briefly summarized the situation, then looked at Tsunade expectantly, a trace of urgency in his eyes.
There were still wounded men waiting. He knew he couldn't show favoritism by talking too much.
"Give me a moment. It'll be ready soon."
Tsunade worked quickly and carefully, preparing the antidote pills and handing them to the medical staff.
"Let's go."
The three left the dispensary and headed to the wounded brought back by Sakumo.
"Lady Tsunade."
The ninja saluted respectfully.
"Let me see."
Tsunade examined their injuries, arranging for minor wounds to be treated with bandages.
She also used the Mystical Palm Technique to save several critically wounded soldiers. Though they might suffer permanent disabilities, at least their lives were spared.
"Rest well. Once you recover, I'll send you back to Konoha."
Tsunade tried to comfort the stabilized patients. Sakumo, however, stood silently, his expression heavy.
Kawakaze had already left the tent, thinking about the next move.
"Meeting."
After stepping outside, Tsunade ordered her subordinates to summon the key personnel.
Within minutes, over a dozen people gathered inside the tent.
"Yamanaka Hayato, did you obtain any useful intelligence?"
Seated at the central position, Tsunade's first question concerned information.
"They were just minor figures. They knew some ninjutsu, but nothing truly valuable."
Yamanaka Hayato shook his head and glanced at Kawakaze. If Shalan hadn't died, they might have gained more.
"Why are you looking at me? I didn't kill him."
Kawakaze instantly guessed what Hayato was thinking. If he hadn't stabbed the man himself, it didn't count as murder.
"Nothing, Master Kawakaze."
Hayato withdrew his gaze. He feared Kawakaze might get angry and beat him again — a loss he couldn't afford.
"Brother, besides burning their supplies, did you deal with any important figures this time?"
Tsunade turned the topic toward Sakumo. These two battles were currently the most critical pieces of intelligence.
"There were several puppet masters of considerable strength. They might be related to Granny Chiyo."
Based on their puppet techniques, Sakumo made a rough guess, though he couldn't be certain.
After all, he saw no resemblance between the couple and Chiyo.
"Lord Sakumo, please describe them briefly."
Hayato spoke confidently, claiming he knew all the important figures.
Sakumo briefly described the couple's appearance and fighting style.
"They were Chiyo's son and daughter-in-law."
Hayato immediately confirmed it, his gaze shifting toward Kawakaze and Sakumo.
When will my Yamanaka clan produce someone like this?
"Mm. Chiyo returning to find her supplies burned and her son killed — I can imagine her fury."
"Let's see if she dares attack the camp again."
After all, this was a war between nations. Tsunade's eyes burned with cold determination.
"Six of Chiyo's ten puppets are already destroyed. Their strength has dropped sharply."
"The Land of Wind will need to send additional supplies. Their morale and combat power are currently very weak."
"I think we can launch a large-scale offensive."
"Even if the situation turns against them, they won't have the ability to pursue us."
"What do you think?"
Kawakaze believed this was clearly the best time to strike.
If their combat power was strong enough, they could break straight through the Sand shinobi's defenses.
"I agree. I'll gather more intelligence."
Yamanaka Hayato bade Tsunade farewell and left the tent.
"Everyone, feel free to speak."
Tsunade watched him go, confirming her earlier judgment.
"I support Lord Kawakaze's proposal."
Though many had been injured and were filled with resentment, no one voiced any objections.
"Very well. It's decided."
"Our reinforcements will arrive soon. Even if the Sand Village redistributes supplies, they won't match our speed."
"Then we strike."
Tsunade made the final decision. The first large-scale battle between Konoha and Sunagakure was about to begin.
As Konoha sharpened its blades, Granny Chiyo returned to her defensive camp, heart shattered.
"Master Chiyo… we only found the bodies."
A Sand ninja knelt not far before her, his voice trembling.
It had taken a long time to locate her son's corpse.
Nearby lay two bodies covered with white cloth. The coverings had been pulled back, revealing their faces, the cloth placed hastily.
"Hatake Kawai… Hatake Sakumo…"
Chiyo lowered her head, her expression hollow, eyes bloodshot, muttering under her breath.
Beside her, Ebizō wore a grief-stricken expression. He raised a hand to comfort his sister, only to freeze midair, powerless.
Every Sand ninja in the tent dared not speak, trembling with fear.
"Sister, you still have more important matters to attend to."
At last, Ebizō spoke. His voice was heavy with sorrow.
In the face of national war, personal emotions seemed insignificant.
"Take him back to the village for burial. Don't tell Sasori for now."
Chiyo's voice was hoarse. She lifted her head, closed her eyes, and muddy tears slid down her cheeks.
Her face was pale, yet she did not break down.
When she opened her eyes again, her expression was calm.
She was not only a mother — she was also the supreme commander of the Sand shinobi.
"Yes, Lady Chiyo."
Several Sand ninja carried the bodies out of the tent.
Chiyo took one last look and drew in a deep breath.
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