Changes in the ninja world always happened quickly. It wasn't a vast world, and information spread fast. With ninja as a profession, all sorts of communication methods kept emerging one after another. If Mizuki could exchange intelligence with Konoha from afar, other villages naturally could do the same.
It wasn't strange for people from Sunagakure to come see Mizuki first, but Chiyo would be harder to deal with. Differences in status were part of the problem, but more importantly, there was a generational gap—two generations apart—which made communication difficult.
"Mizuki, do you think we're going to have trouble?" Aoba Yamashiro also felt this might be hard to handle. After all, it was Mizuki who had personally delivered the final blow to Red Sand of the Desert. Although it happened on the battlefield where mercy had no place, nobody could predict how a grieving grandmother who just lost her grandson would react.
"Don't worry, nothing will happen."
It's done now. What's the point of talking about things we can't change?
Chiyo, clearly showing signs of old age, arrived and immediately became anxious about Sunagakure's current situation. Although she already knew the village had suffered great losses, seeing Baki's group in such a battered state still upset her.
"We arrived too late..."
Chiyo lamented.
Leader Baki stepped forward respectfully and said, "We are deeply sorry. It was our failure—we couldn't complete the mission and suffered heavy losses..."
"Failure? Maybe so, Baki. Do you resent this foolish old woman for insisting you take on this mission?"
"No, I dare not." Baki lowered his head, making it hard for others to see his expression.
Nobody dared to challenge Chiyo—her authority was absolute. Temari and Kankuro remained silent, while the rest of the Sand ninja stood frozen, too afraid to utter a word.
"Well then, you've all worked hard. This time, it was my unrealistic expectation. But please understand an old woman who hasn't seen her beloved grandson in ages..."
No Sand ninja dared say a word in response.
"Let's talk about some matters later back at the village. For now, Baki, tell me—where is Sasori?"
Chiyo had come here solely to see the appearance of the Sasori who filled her with guilt.
Baki didn't answer. Instead, he handed her a ring—covered in scars but still intact.
"Where is he?" Chiyo took the ring and examined it carefully. "That's what I asked—why give me this instead?"
Baki shook his head regretfully and said, "This... is all that remains."
At Baki's words, Chiyo froze for a moment before comprehension dawned in her eyes.
"All that remains? You actually dared say that."
An emotional Chiyo clenched the ring—the symbol of Sasori's "Tamajo" codename in the Akatsuki. Her aged fist, covered in age spots, trembled continuously.
"We really couldn't do anything."
"Do you really think saying 'we couldn't do anything' is enough?" An enraged Chiyo slammed the Tamajo ring onto the ground, her voice shaking with anger. "What use do I have for this cursed bloody thing?"
"Through several Great Ninja World Wars, she became a world-renowned top-tier Puppet Master feared across the ninja world for her expertise in Medical Ninjutsu, Puppet Techniques, and poisons. If Tsunade hadn't dazzled everyone with her Medical Ninjutsu during the war, thereby overshadowing Chiyo's own achievements, Chiyo's reputation would certainly be much greater than it is today.
Even though Chiyo has now grown aged and frail, her accumulated prestige over the years means that no one dares to intervene when she flies into a rage.
Watching Chiyo become consumed with anger, Aoba Yamashiro quietly asked, 'Should we leave first?'
'No need. We have nothing to hide. And I'm not alone here. Unless they've got the guts to take out Shukaku too.'
'How could they ever do something like that?'
'So we've got nothing to worry about. It's not uncommon for ninja to die in battle—although admittedly this case was somewhat special.'
Actually, there was another point Mizuki didn't mention—aside from some minor characters who weren't important to the big picture, everyone who died in this conflict were either Suna or former Suna ninja. Key figures from other villages remained completely unharmed.
By midday, the weather had become extremely hot. The term 'ninja' itself means someone who endures hardship, but if you can make things more comfortable, there's no reason to suffer unbearable heat. No one had any desire to travel at this unpleasant hour—especially not Chiyo and Sunagakure, both already worked up with fury and emotion.
Glaring at Baki, who appeared to be offering an apology, Chiyo finally managed to suppress her turbulent emotions and said disappointedly, 'Baki, I originally believed you should have been capable of doing better. With the Fourth Kazekage already dead, someone of your caliber should be able to carry the burden, but you've disappointed me...'
After a pause to compose herself, Chiyo continued, 'Setting that aside for now, tell me every detail. I want to understand exactly what happened that made my grandson vanish completely without even allowing me a final glimpse, something even you couldn't prevent...'
'I understand.'
Baki handed the prepared report to Chiyo and waited silently while she read it.
...
The rising heat caused people to sweat profusely, but sometimes it also made them break out in cold sweat—just like Mizuki was experiencing now. Being stared at by an imperious old lady brimming with anger created pressure that was truly uncomfortable.
'Esteemed elder, is there anything I can assist you with? We'd be delighted to strengthen our cooperation with our allies from Sunagakure...'
'You're Mizuki, right? I've heard your name mentioned several times recently. Was it you who defeated Sasori?'
Chiyo, seemingly having regained her composure, asked Mizuki.
'Yes, though I killed Sasori during battle with the Jinchuriki,' Mizuki replied, forcing a slight smile. 'Fighting alongside our allies to defeat formidable enemies is our solemn duty.'
'Heh...' Somehow amused, Chiyo gave an angry chuckle.
'Heh...' Mizuki gave a nervous chuckle in return. 'Defeating such a formidable enemy really is excellent news.'
Composing herself again, Chiyo continued, "You're quite the speaker. You put even the most eloquent Konoha ninja to shame. I just wonder if you have the strength of Sakumo Hatake."
"I'm merely an ordinary Konoha shinobi. How could I possibly be compared to the legendary White Fang of Konoha who shook the entire ninja world?"
Mentioning Sakumo Hatake's name sent an uneasy chill through Mizuki. Chiyo's own son and daughter-in-law had been killed by the White Fang, and now her beloved grandson had died at the hands of a Konoha ninja too. This loss was even crueler—there wasn't even a body left behind. Chiyo, her heart heavy with grief, couldn't even see his remains for a final farewell.
"Konoha must truly be a place brimming with genius. It continuously produces experts like you, Jonin Mizuki. That's really enviable."
"You flatter me. Sunagakure has its share of exceptional talents as well, which I deeply admire."
Mizuki didn't believe this was really what Chiyo felt deep inside. This old woman had struggled through the chaotic ninja world for decades. Outliving countless wars meant losing every loved one to death. This elderly lady, whose heart harbored deep hatred toward other ninja villages, was definitely not the same Chiyo who would eventually manage to suppress her emotions and let go of vengeance three years from now—when she'd finally learn to control her emotions and let go of vengeance.
"But Jonin Mizuki seems to have sustained some injuries. Would you like me to take a look?"
"No need. Actually, I myself have achieved some minor success in medical ninjutsu. Such trivial issues aren't worth troubling you over."
Chiyo's expertise in medical ninjutsu was beyond question. Anyone capable of developing a forbidden technique—the Kinjutsu known as [*Self-Life Transfer*]—was someone whose skill had completely transcended the realm of ordinary medical ninja. Without the Rinnegan, without the Tenseigan, without Impure World Reincarnation, not even involving Sage Art, she managed to convert chakra into life itself, restoring the fallen and granting puppets the semblance of life. Techniques so astonishing they left Mizuki in awe—if only Chiyo were willing to teach him, he wouldn't mind enduring a few beatings just to let off some steam. But such dreams were probably nothing more than idle fantasies.
"Oh? Is it that Jonin Mizuki doesn't trust our allies?"
"Not at all. You're making a joke."
Truthfully, he did feel uneasy. Considering Mizuki's already unstable physical condition, if someone like Chiyo, a medical ninja and puppet master who knew human anatomy inside out, decided to do something to him, it could become problematic.
Watching Chiyo speak so calmly—even flashing a faint smile—Mizuki grew increasingly wary. Secretly signaling to Aoba Yamashiro standing not far behind him, he quietly channeled chakra while enduring his physical pain, preparing for immediate retaliation at any moment.
At this critical juncture, right before tensions could erupt, a voice came from behind.
"Hey, someone arrived first?"
Standing on a tree trunk not far behind them were three Konoha shinobi. Leading them was none other than the energetic Mitarashi Anko. Beside her stood Hayate, relaxed with a toothpick in his mouth, and Raijin Butoh.
"Finally arrived just in time..."
Feeling relieved inwardly, Mizuki realized an unnecessary fight wouldn't break out after all.
Although this was just an old woman grieving over her grandson's death venting her anger and sorrow—nothing overly dangerous—it still made sense to avoid taking a pointless beating. Mizuki's body was unwell already; together with Aoba Yamashiro and two Genin needing protection, there was absolutely no reason to engage in combat.
At this time yesterday, Mizuki might have still been in the mood to "exchange" some ninja techniques with Chiyo. But now, he'd rather not bother.
While thinking that, Mizuki let go of the chakra he'd gathered. Even for a moment like this, keeping control over so many chakra points caused pain. It seemed obvious that he needed some time to recover from his injuries.
"Since Konoha comrades have arrived and Jonin Mizuki doesn't require assistance, I won't impose myself further. Hopefully, there will be an opportunity to visit Sunagakure."
"Thank you for the invitation. I'll definitely go when I have time."
Mizuki's reply was polite, but inwardly, he had absolutely no intention of becoming the lamb in the tiger's mouth anytime soon.
Watching Chiyo walk away, her solitary figure retreating in the distance, her steady steps yet clearly showing signs of old age, Mizuki couldn't help feeling a sense of emotion.
That's right—he deliberately burned Red Sand of the Desert until nothing remained. Eliminating the influence of Impure World Reincarnation was one reason, but Chiyo's forbidden jutsu—Self-Life Transfer—was also key. That particular kinjutsu was simply too powerful. Reviving a fully intact Red Sand of the Desert was something Mizuki could never accept. Perhaps Chiyo had rushed here with excitement just to bring back the Red Sand, but how could Mizuki possibly allow that?
...
With three particularly capable Tokubetsu Jonin on hand, all specialized in combat, Mizuki felt reassured. Now that Mizuki's weakened state and Aoba Yamashiro's inability to handle things alone were no longer problems, this mission was nearly concluded. Soon after, elite Jonin from Iwagakure arrived with reinforcements, making this escort operation entirely unnecessary. With each village already having strong forces on site, there was no longer any need for joint operations with other villages. Naturally, there had been a few minor incidents along the way—the impostor pretending to be Deidara was discovered shortly after Iwagakure's support forces arrived. Since this expendable White Zetsu duplicate failed to obtain any intelligence, it unsurprisingly ended up killed.
Iwagakure, embarrassed over having lost sight of Deidara themselves, had no face left to cause trouble for Konoha. They eagerly took Deidara back, shifting the blame onto their own failure to prevent his escape instead of pointing fingers at Konoha.
A few small complications didn't really impact much. Since everything was already decided, the teams from the three hidden villages completely disbanded.
On the journey back, Mizuki seemed distracted, half-heartedly responding to casual conversation. Anko Mitarashi and Aoba Yamashiro, however, had plenty to talk about. Especially Anko, who appeared highly interested in the details of Mizuki's squad mission, while Aoba Yamashiro showed clear storytelling talent, continuously narrating without pause. The two Genin followed silently behind, speaking little.
"Hey, Mizuki, would you say your mission is considered complete this time?"
Hayate was quite familiar with Mizuki; they had interacted often during the Chunin Exams, and shared some common ground as comrades. Raijin Butoh, on the other hand, wasn't someone Mizuki knew well at all.
"I think so." Everything that needed doing was done. As for letting Deidara escape, that wasn't his problem anyway—the mission hadn't specifically required his death. Besides, it balanced out when compared to what happened with the Red Sand.
"Now that's some good news. We've got another capable ally on our side."
Raijin Butoh, standing nearby, chimed in, "These days have been a nightmare. Adding another Jonin is like a lifeline. It'll finally give us a bit of breathing room."
"I'm injured right now and need time off to recover."
"Recover?" Anko Mitarashi shot back, turning sharply toward Mizuki. "With Lady Tsunade around, you won't get away with faking injuries to slack off. Give up on that idea already."
"There's truth in what she said, Mizuki," Hayate said, patting Mizuki on the shoulder. "The Fifth doesn't mess around—not like the Third did. Everywhere's short-staffed, so if you want your Jonin pay, you'll have to earn it the hard way."
"Has it really gotten that bad in the village?"
"Well... even powerful elite Jonin like Kakashi and Guy have been sent all over to quell emerging threats. For people like us, overt patrol duties and mobile reserve assignments have become extremely heavy. We're barely keeping our heads above water, constantly struggling to cover everything. Although there's no immediate risk of war breaking out, lately we've definitely been feeling overwhelmed. Even the anbu have been deployed en masse, yet we still can't keep up."
"Because of recent losses being too severe?" Mizuki sighed. The casualties Konoha suffered during the Chunin Exams—far beyond anything in the original storyline—have been leaving a lasting impact. Konoha's constant aggressive deployments everywhere were only meant to conceal their hollow exterior while desperately buying time to recover from their wounds. That's why everyone genuinely felt delighted at an additional Jonin's appearance. In the past, while promotion to Jonin was indeed significant, it would never have caused such urgent eagerness as now.
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!
patreon.com/Tansnovel
<><><><><><><><>