My Journey as Fourth Kazekage

Of course, no one would think that Sunagakure would do such a thing, right?

Even Konoha, during the First and Second Great Ninja Wars, didn't have the courage to attack three countries simultaneously. So, what exactly is Sunagakure's objective?

For some reason, Minato felt a sense of unease in his heart, but he couldn't quite put his finger on what it was.

At this moment, Chōza asked, "Then, who is the enemy this time? Who is leading Sunagakure's forces?"

Dōtō Akimichi replied somewhat awkwardly,

"That's what's troubling us. Sunagakure's attack was so sudden that our intelligence agents barely gathered any information. However, based on reports from our spies in Sunagakure, it seems that only Chiyo remains among their top brass. And for them to take such large-scale action, perhaps..."

Minato's eyes flashed as he spoke,

"In other words, we might be facing the newly appointed Fourth Kazekage?"

"Yes!"

Dōtō nodded gravely, then smiled and said, "But I believe you're definitely stronger than him, Minato."

The atmosphere lightened instantly, and Chōza gave a thumbs-up, "That's right! Minato, you're the idol of all Konoha shinobi now!"

This made Minato smile somewhat awkwardly. He quickly waved his hand and said, "I'm still far from the level of Jiraiya-sensei and Lord Orochimaru."

Then, his expression turned serious as he continued, "But since this possibility exists, we must be extra cautious!"

"Agreed!"

Everyone nodded solemnly.

After all, this was war. A single mistake could mean death.

Under the cover of night, the Konoha shinobis swiftly advanced toward Sunagakure.

The scouts at the front reported back, informing them of the location where the Sunagakure forces had set up camp.

"They're stationed at Yoshino River without Baking any moves?"

After receiving the intel, Minato thought for a moment and made a decision.

"No need to rush the attack. When we reach about 10 kilometers from Yoshino River, we'll all rest first. If we attack now while the Sunagakure shinobi are well-rested, we'll have no chance of victory. We'll wait until dawn to launch our assault!"

"Understood!"

No one objected.

After all, due to Konoha's shortage of combat power, half of the troops under Minato's command were Genin. Forcing them to go into battle immediately after marching all night would be no different from sending them to their deaths.

---

That night, the moon hung high in the sky.

Sunagakure had also received intel about Konoha's forces approaching.

"Interesting."

After reviewing the gathered information, Rasa smiled and said to Pakura and Michikawa, "As expected of the shinobi who have been fighting Kumogakure for so long—they're certainly experienced!"

Michikawa also examined the intel. Seeing that Konoha's forces had not launched an immediate attack upon arrival but instead set up camp twenty li away for rest, he was taken aback.

"Should we launch a night raid? Right now, we have the advantage of being well-rested."

Rasa shook his head.

"Don't forget our objective. This war is not about how many Konoha shinobi we kill but about buying time for Baki and Elder Ebizō. Since Konoha's shinobi wants to rest, why shouldn't we take advantage of that? While they rest, so do we!"

However, Pakura expressed her dissatisfaction.

"In that case, wouldn't it be better to launch a night raid and force Konoha's forces into retreat? With our current strength, we might even wipe them out completely!"

"And then what?"

Rasa asked softly.

Pakura was momentarily stunned before responding with frustration.

"What do you mean, 'then what'?"

Rasa sighed. It seemed they were greatly underestimating just how strong Minato actually was.

"Don't forget, we are in the Land of Fire. When it comes to reinforcements, Konoha will always have the advantage. And us? For our village to send support, they'd have to cross the desert and then traverse the Land of Rivers."

Pakura suddenly understood Rasa's point and was at a loss for words but Rasa continued.

"Besides, how many more shinobi do you think our village can afford to send as reinforcements?"

Realization dawned on Pakura, and her expression turned slightly embarrassed.

Rasa continued, "I never intended for us to engage in a full-scale war with Konoha—it's simply not worth it. If we follow your plan and manage to win, all we'll do is enrage Konoha. In the end, the ones who benefit will be Kumogakure, Iwagakure, and Kirigakure. And that's not even considering Konoha's retaliation—those villages might also take the opportunity to attack us."

His tone softened slightly as he added,

"I understand how you feel. A battle between Sunagakure and Konoha may be inevitable, but now is not the time. What we need most right now is war funds and resources—these are critical to Sunagakure's future. When we are confident that we can withstand any counterattack, that is when the final battle will come."

Hearing this, Pakura realized she had been too impulsive. However, her pride prevented her from admitting her mistake. Meanwhile, Michikawa calmly agreed.

"Kazekage-sama is right. Now is not the time for a decisive battle."

Rasa smiled and nodded. "Exactly. Make sure to pass this message along to everyone. For the next seven days, our priority in this conflict with Konoha is survival. These shinobi are the future of our village—dying here would be a waste."

"Understood."

Michikawa nodded, his gaze toward Rasa softening as he replied,

"I'll inform everyone."

Pakura, on the other hand, clenched her teeth and narrowed her eyes.

Rasa paid no mind to her reaction and said calmly,

"Alright, then. Go and get some rest."

Michikawa stood up and left, leaving only Pakura behind.

This puzzled Rasa, and he asked, "What is it, Pakura? Do you have something else to say?"

Pakura's delicate face turned toward him for a moment. After hesitating, she bit her lip and reluctantly muttered, "They're right… Maybe you really are more suited to be the Kazekage than I am."

Without waiting for a response, she scoffed, turned around, and left.

Rasa was left with an odd expression on his face.

"Was that… tsundere behavior?"

However, he didn't dwell on it and instead focused on getting some rest.

---

Under the night sky, on the opposite side of the plains, about 10 kilometers away in the forest…

Atop a towering tree, Minato gazed into the distant, dark, and silent woods.

Sunagakure's calm reaction to Konoha's arrival only deepened Minato's unease.

Somehow, he had a strong feeling…

Lurking within that forest wasn't just ordinary Sunagakure shinobi. A terrifying beast was hiding in the darkness, watching Konoha.

"When will the wars between people ever end?"

Minato sighed inwardly, then shook his head, casting aside his stray thoughts. He returned to his tent to rest—war had long since turned him into a ruthless machine of battle.

—

The night passed quickly.

As the first rays of sunlight illuminated the vast plains, the shinobi of Sunagakure and Konoha had already lined up, staring each other down, ready for battle.