Time streaked past like a shooting star. Aki spent a full year navigating the "Gambling Hell" of Tsunade and the "Training Hell" of the Second Hokage. His Taijutsu and Genjutsu had improved drastically; if he were to face Kakuzu again, he certainly wouldn't be taken out by a single physical strike. Of course, in a true fight to the death, the veteran Kakuzu would still likely emerge the victor.
However, during this year, Mito Uzumaki and Tobirama also attempted to teach Aki Sealing Jutsu (Fuinjutsu). The result was a total failure. Aki couldn't even refine the basic Yin-Yang chakra required for seals. After six months of agonizing effort, Mito and Tobirama finally accepted that Aki was a complete "idiot" when it came to sealing arts and shifted their focus entirely back to his chakra control, physical combat, and illusions.
One day, Tobirama summoned Aki to the Hokage's office. He ordered Aki to join him in a deployment to the Land of Rain, aiming to force a swift end to the conflict against the Hidden Sand. After two days of preparation, Tobirama personally led a force of eight hundred shinobi toward the rainy borders.
The Land of Rain is a small nation where the clouds never stop weeping, hence its name. Its geographical location connects the Lands of Fire, Wind, and Earth, making it a "Four-War Land" of immense strategic value. For the Land of Fire, it acts as a vital buffer zone; if Konoha controls it, they can launch pincer attacks on the Stone or Sand. If it falls to the Sand, Konoha's borders would be perpetually threatened.
The Second Kazekage sat at the head of the table, his eyes sharp as he addressed his council. "It is confirmed. Three days ago, Tobirama Senju led eight hundred shinobi toward the Land of Rain."
The room erupted in whispers of fear.
"The brother of the First Hokage?"
"The man who stood at the peak of the ninja world... his brother won't be much weaker!"
"We should retreat! We aren't his match!"
Suddenly, a female ninja slammed her hand onto the table, her eyes blazing with fury. "Look at you! You're a disgrace to the Sand! Tobirama is not Hashirama. Madara and Hashirama are dead. Tobirama is merely living in their shadow. Do you truly think eight thousand Sand shinobi can't defeat a few hundred Leaf ninjas?"
This was Chiyo. Beside her, a young boy named Ebizō added, "If we can seize the natural fortress of Crag Peak before the Leaf reinforcements arrive, we can cut off the Hidden Stone's support routes. By using our puppet brigades to bottle up the Stone, we can then turn our full numerical advantage against Tobirama's five hundred vanguard troops. Our chances of victory are high."
The Kazekage nodded. "Ebizō's plan is solid. Chiyo, who shall lead the vanguard to take Crag Peak?"
"I will," Chiyo declared.
That night, Chiyo led a thousand Sand shinobi toward the fortress.
In the Land of Hot Water, the Second Raikage looked at the Second Mizukage. "The Stone's main force, led by Mu, is heading for the Land of Frost. He's aiming for my borders. What is your move?"
The Mizukage smirked. "I only agreed to help because you ceded those coastal islands to the Mist. I've done my part. You know we're bogged down in the war at the Land of Whirlpools, and those 'righteous' Leaf flies are buzzing all over our waters."
The Raikage growled, "Pick another chain of islands in the Land of Hot Water."
"All the offshore islands," the Mizukage replied smoothly, "and a declaration of war against the Leaf once the Stone is dealt with."
"Don't push your luck," the Raikage warned.
Under a dark sky and a heavy downpour, the Stone ninja guarding Crag Peak were oblivious to the silent killers moving through the rain.
Chiyo stood before the northern supply fortress. "In forty-five minutes, launch the main assault on Crag Peak. I will take this fortress alone."
The scouts were shocked. "Alone, Lady Chiyo? This is a key Stone defense point!"
"I will show you," Chiyo said proudly, "that the puppet arts of our village are strong enough to crush even the Leaf."
When the time came, Chiyo unfurled ten scrolls.
"Secret White Technique: Chikamatsu's Ten Puppets!"
Ten distinct puppets materialized. Chiyo manipulated them with surgical precision. One puppet unleashed a massive fireball to shatter the gates; two others soared onto the ramparts, slaughtering the Stone guards with twin blades and chains. When the Stone ninja retaliated with Earth Style: Earth Dragon Bullet, Chiyo's guard puppets swatted the projectiles out of the air like pebbles. Within the hour, the "impenetrable" supply fort had fallen to a single woman.
Konoha Forward Camp
"What? Both Crag Peak and the North Fort fell in a single night?" Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned. "And the fort was taken by one woman? What is her name?"
"Chiyo of the Sand," the Anbu replied. "She uses puppets. The Stone is already considering a total withdrawal from the Rain."
Homura Mitokado adjusted his glasses. "Our numbers are too few. How do we hold against the Sand's main army before Lord Tobirama arrives?"
Koharu Utatane suggested, "We can't stop the Stone's retreat, but there is a rising genius in the Hidden Rain named Hanzo. If we offer him enough incentive, his forces can harass the Sand's rear while we entrench ourselves at Shinobi Rock."
Hiruzen teased Koharu, "Are you jealous of that Sand woman's power? She's quite a bit stronger than you, isn't she?"
"Shut up! I'm not jealous!" Koharu roared, sending Hiruzen flying with a single punch.
Homura looked at the unconscious Hiruzen in the crater. Not jealous? She almost killed him!