Chapter 21: The Great Ninja War — The End
As the dragon's massive form shrank, Aoyama Ryūun gradually returned to his human shape.
Boom!
When he landed, the ground trembled, whipping up layers of sand and dust.
Before he could say anything, Tsunade's sharp gaze locked onto him, eyes glinting dangerously.
Ryūun didn't respond—he just looked at her, speechless. It had only been a joke, after all. This was still the middle of a battlefield.
"This war… my Sand Village has lost. The battle ends here."
With those words, a long sigh of relief escaped the Third Kazekage's heart.
The accursed Second Great Ninja War had finally come to an end.
Standing nearby, Granny Chiyo wore a solemn expression, silent and unmoving.
An unknown powerhouse had completely changed the tide of the entire war.
The Third Kazekage had once believed victory was certain for the Sand Village—but defeat had come instead.
Rather than linger here in humiliation, it was better to leave early.
Watching the Kazekage's departing figure, Tsunade called out coldly.
Now that Konoha stood as the victor, every word she spoke carried the confidence of triumph.
"Hmph!"
"So this is the so-called strongest Kazekage in history? Doesn't seem that great to me."
Once all the Sand shinobi had left the battlefield, heads hung low in silence, every remaining Konoha ninja turned toward their commander—Senju Tsunade.
"Everyone!"
Raising her arm high, Tsunade shouted proudly, her voice carrying across the field.
"We've won!"
At that declaration, cheers erupted like thunder.
"We've won!"
"The war is over!"
"Konoha is victorious!"
After so many years of bloodshed, the Second Great Ninja War had finally ended.
Joy and relief spread through every corner of the battlefield.
Even the Sand shinobi, though already far away, could still faintly hear the celebration behind them.
For the victors, it was jubilation.
For the defeated, only despair.
Heads hung low, the Sand ninjas trudged onward. Not only had they lost the battle—they had lost their spirit as well.
"This time we've been defeated… but we still live. As long as the Sand Village endures, there will always be hope. One day, we will surpass Konoha!"
The Third Kazekage's voice was filled with unyielding pride. He refused to admit absolute defeat.
Though his words couldn't instantly restore morale, they did rekindle a faint spark in his followers' hearts.
"Lord Kazekage!"
Just as the Kazekage nodded in satisfaction, Rasa suddenly spoke up.
The Kazekage turned to look at him.
"Hmm?"
"Lord Kazekage, let me handle the negotiations with Konoha regarding reparations."
It was the right proposal—there was no way the Kazekage himself could go to Konoha for such talks.
Having the ruler of the Sand personally meet as a defeated party to discuss compensation would be nothing short of humiliation.
But the representative couldn't be someone insignificant either.
Among the younger generation, Rasa and Yakura were the most suitable choices.
Yakura said nothing, but before he could reply, Granny Chiyo spoke lightly from the side.
Rasa immediately scowled, glaring at her.
He had long known that the old woman favored Yakura over him, and now she was openly defending him again.
Rasa clenched his fists in silent resentment, though he dared not speak out—Chiyo's position was still too formidable.
The Third Kazekage, however, merely glanced at Chiyo coldly.
"If I recall correctly," he said flatly, "once this war ends, Granny Chiyo will hold no authority whatsoever in the Sand Village."