Seeing the sharp rise in his hard-earned core attributes, Mirai Uchiha couldn't help but wear a satisfied smile.
Just today's battle alone had earned him over 800 attribute points.
Among them, his Physique had surpassed the 1,000-point threshold.
Mirai had a feeling that if Rasa attacked him now with Magnet Release, even fracturing a single bone might prove difficult.
As for weapons like kunai, explosive tags, and senbon—they wouldn't even leave a scratch anymore.
His chakra reserves and spiritual power were also nearing the 1,000-point threshold.
By traditional ninja world standards, Mirai estimated his chakra capacity had surpassed the 1,000-chakra mark.
As for his spiritual power…
Mirai could already faintly sense an evolutionary impulse within his eyes.
His Mangekyo Sharingan was on the verge of evolving again.
As for the various ninjutsu techniques and secret skills he'd acquired—he didn't even bother mentioning them.
For someone like him now, they weren't particularly useful aside from satisfying his "collecting obsession."
The only relatively valuable acquisition was probably Pakura's Scorch Release kekkei genkai he had taken over.
It unleashed fireballs hot enough to vaporize enemy blood on contact—no doubt a formidable ability.
After briefly appreciating his gains, Mirai closed his eyes and began concentrating deeply.
He needed to get used to his drastically enhanced abilities as quickly as possible and turn them into second nature!
——
Sunagakure.
Wild winds howled, swirling up clouds of golden sand.
Passersby wore mourning clothes, their expressions solemn and weighed down with grief. Even children who once played joyfully now walked with heads bowed, eyes red-rimmed with tears.
Occasionally, a child's cry broke through the silence, adding to the overall oppressive atmosphere.
Inside the ninja cemetery, many people laid flowers before tombstones engraved with names, quietly praying for the deceased.
"Why did we start this war? So many have died—this is what the village truly wanted?"
"Because Lady Chiyo couldn't let go of her son's and daughter-in-law's deaths, must she sacrifice our sons' and daughters-in-law's lives for revenge?"
"We've lost people, and we've been defeated. Things will only get worse from here."
"We had the strongest ninja among all the shinobi nations, yet look where we are now. Chiyo is the one who doomed us!"
"Shhh… speaking so loudly—you want to get yourself killed?"
"I've no one left at home anyway. Let them come if they dare."
"I'm not afraid either. We've lost our Third, and now Rasa-sama has fallen on the battlefield too. This is all Lady Chiyo's doing."
Listening to the villagers' murmurs, the Sand ninja who had personally participated in the war and survived all wore bitter expressions.
As firsthand witnesses, they understood that the defeat in this war couldn't entirely be blamed on Chiyo.
On the contrary, the poisons and puppets developed by Chiyo had greatly aided them during the war, forcing the Konoha ninja to pay a heavy price.
But...
Just thinking about Mirai Uchiha, the one who summoned a dozen-meter-tall demonic god in battle, filled these Sand ninja with despair.
What incredible power, instantly tearing their entire frontline apart.
All the ninja left behind as rear guards were easily slaughtered, while their specialty—strength—couldn't even penetrate the enemy's defenses.
Even when facing the One-Tail's rampage, they'd never felt such helplessness.
In a single battle, their enemy utterly destroyed the defensive line they had held for over a year.
The ambitions they had harbored after defeating Cloud vanished instantly, and reality struck hard.
In a corner of the cemetery, Ebizou silently turned around and made his way toward the Kazekage Building.
Inside the Kazekage's office, Chiyo sat in the chair reserved for the Kazekage, her eyes cloudy and lifeless.
Seeing Ebizou walk in, Chiyo quietly spoke, "Ebizou, the village will become very unstable in the coming period. You must stay alert and prevent opportunists from seizing the chance to stir up unrest."
"Also... increase security around the village perimeter to stop ninjas from other countries from launching surprise attacks."
After hearing Chiyo's orders, Ebizou gave a faint smile: "Sister, your public image has deteriorated quite a bit lately. Maybe you should lie low for a while?"
Hearing this, Chiyo waved her hand dismissively: "I have my own plans regarding this matter. You may go now."
"Yes."
After Ebizou left, Chiyo fell silent, gazing out toward the village outskirts.
From being a celebrated hero worshipped by the entire village to becoming a despised outcast, emotions raged within Chiyo like a storm.
"Well then... ultimately, this outcome was all because of my own selfishness..."
Chiyo muttered softly, her gaze gradually shifting from dullness to firm determination.
Just then, a series of urgent knocks came from outside the door.
Chiyo frowned slightly: "Who is it?"
"It's me, Lady Chiyo."
The office door opened, and Pakura quickly stepped in.
"I see you survived."
Chiyo's tone held no emotion. Pakura knelt on one knee: "Yes, Lady Chiyo."
Pakura's face bore a clear look of shame.
The reason she had survived wasn't due to her strength—it was because she chose to flee at the final moment.
"Surviving against Mirai Uchiha... You did well enough."
Hearing Chiyo's praise, Pakura, who had previously felt slight resentment about being asked to stay behind, was thrilled.
With the Third Kazekage missing and the war now over, Sunagakure urgently needs to elect a new Fourth Kazekage.
And now, Rasa, the only one from the younger generation who could rival her, was already dead.
She had also risked her life at the very last moment, buying time for the village's ninja to escape...
The more Pakura thought about it, the more excited she became.
Could it really be that she had a true chance to become the next Kazekage?
"Good. I need to go somewhere, come with me."
After saying this, Chiyo turned and strode outside.
Pakura quickly followed behind.
Without stopping, the two arrived at a secret chamber beneath the Kazekage Building.
As soon as they entered, Pakura laid eyes on Rasa's headless corpse, with his shattered head placed beside it.
"Chiyo-sama?" (an honorific showing deep respect)
Pakura looked toward Chiyo in confusion, unsure why she had been brought here.
Moreover...
Why wasn't Rasa's body buried in the hero cemetery, but instead kept in this underground secret room beneath the Kazekage Building?
"Pakura, the village cannot remain without a Kazekage. I've already made my decision."
"You will guard by the door. Do not allow anyone inside unless I give the order."
Upon hearing Chiyo's command, Pakura happily knelt down: "Yes, Lady Chiyo!"
Did this mean Chiyo had agreed to let her succeed as the next Kazekage?
Although Chiyo's reputation among the villagers wasn't favorable at the moment, she still controlled nearly all of the village's power.
If she gained Chiyo's approval, becoming the Kazekage would almost certainly be assured.
Thinking about this, Pakura couldn't help but feel elated.
She carefully closed the door to the secret room and stood quietly on guard.
Inside the chamber, Chiyo approached Rasa's corpse and placed her rough hands upon his chest.
[Kinjutsu: Self-Rebirth Jutsu!]
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