Chapter 206: Chapter 206: The Hidden Sand Village Frames Konoha

Chapter 206: Chapter 206: The Hidden Sand Village Frames Konoha



After this is over, I'll return to the village, seek my sister's forgiveness, and spend time raising Sasori before retiring, Ebizō thought with a sigh as he went to make arrangements.

The Land of Rivers had become a battleground between the Hidden Sand and Hidden Leaf, throwing the entire nation into chaos. However, this chaos did nothing to disturb the officials of the Land of Rivers, who were still enjoying their luxurious lives.

As night fell, the capital of the Land of Rivers was as lively as ever, with feasts and dancing filling the palace of the daimyō.

Unbeknownst to the officials, who were feasting and watching beautiful dancers, death had already come for them.

Shadows dressed in black silently infiltrated the palace and the homes of many officials.

The slaughter began.

One by one, the officials of the Land of Rivers, including the daimyō, died without even knowing what hit them. They were enjoying their lives at home, and disaster suddenly struck from above. Until their dying moments, they couldn't comprehend why such calamity had befallen them.

Though not explicitly stated, it was an unspoken rule that in war or assassination, officials were typically left alone. Targeting them would only bring undesirable consequences.

"Sir, there's been a mass killing at the daimyō's palace in the Land of Rivers. Many officials were assassinated," a voice reported.

"What?!"

Sakumo Hatake, who was discussing strategies with Nara Shikashige to stall the Hidden Sand forces, was stunned. Nara Shikashige also paused, lowering the pen in his hand.

"Was this the work of rogue ninja? That doesn't make sense," Sakumo muttered. The Land of Rivers was home to many rogue ninjas, but none of them would dare assassinate officials. They knew that such actions would make them outcasts, leaving them nowhere to hide. That was a line that couldn't be crossed.

"Based on our investigation, it doesn't seem like the work of rogue ninjas. The attackers were highly organized and had a clear target..." The intelligence officer paused, his tone suddenly uneasy.

Sakumo's eyes widened as he jumped to his feet. "Has the Hidden Sand gone mad?!"

If this wasn't the work of rogue ninjas, then there was only one other possibility: it had to be the Hidden Sand. But had the Third Kazekage lost his mind? What was the point of killing these officials? It was a thankless job that could only backfire. If they weren't careful, the Hidden Sand could find itself despised by every daimyō and official in the land.

"I don't think they're insane. I think they did it on purpose," Nara Shikashige said thoughtfully. At first, he found it hard to believe the Hidden Sand would do something like this, but considering the situation they were in, it made sense.

"They've gone too far! Doesn't the Third Kazekage realize this will make the Hidden Sand a pariah?" Sakumo exclaimed, running a hand through his hair in frustration.

"Shikashige, I'll leave the camp in your hands. I need to personally investigate this," Sakumo said urgently.

"Knock, knock."

Orochimaru knocked on the door, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Come in," the Third Hokage's voice called out.

The shouting inside stopped as Orochimaru entered the office, his sharp eyes quickly taking in the tense atmosphere. Koharu and Homura Mitokado were there, both looking furious,

though there was no sign of Danzō.

Odd. With something this significant, Danzō should've been there too.

"Old man, the mission was a complete success. You'd better keep a close eye on the returning spies and make sure the information is sealed. If word gets out, the Third Raikage might come after you personally," Orochimaru quipped, a mischievous glint in his eye.

Did he always have to joke around like this? The Third Hokage cleared his throat.

"We've already handled the return of the spies. As for your mission, well done. I'll make sure your contributions are duly recorded," the Hokage assured him.

"Not just mine-Takuya's as well," Orochimaru added.

"Of course, I won't overlook his contribution either. Don't worry, the village won't forget those who serve it well," the Hokage promised, but Orochimaru's grin only grew wider as if he had heard something amusing.

Seeing the sly look on Orochimaru's face, the Hokage suddenly realized what he had just said. He had promised not to overlook those who contributed, but that had always been a point of

contention. Orochimaru's expression said it all.

Realizing his slip-up, the Hokage's gaze faltered. Homura Mitokado, sensing the awkwardness, quickly interjected, "Orochimaru, since you're back, we need you to return to the Land of Rivers as soon as possible. Some troubling events have occurred there recently."

As he spoke, Homura handed Orochimaru a scroll containing intelligence.

"I will," Orochimaru said with a nod, taking the scroll before leaving the office.

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