Fleeing from Konoha

Kitsuchi’s face was heavy with seriousness.

"It’s exactly because of this that it feels so tricky. Our exploration of the Land of Demons’ military is still too little. Although we made some observations before, due to the Land of Demons’ status as a Neutral Country and its small size, we didn’t pay much attention. If we try to curb it now, I’m afraid it’s already too late."

Onoki spoke with a worried expression.

The Land of Demons is a neighboring country of the Land of Earth. Allowing a military powerhouse to rise inevitably means cutting away a part of the interests originally belonging to the Land of Earth, thereby affecting the ecological development of Hidden Rock Village.

For instance, the ninja employment system.

Previously, due to the need to remain hidden, the Land of Demons did not place much importance on this aspect of development.

But now that the Land of Demons has proven its strength, the choices for the surrounding small countries are no longer limited to Hidden Rock and Hidden Sand; the ninjas of the Land of Demons are also within their hiring scope, dividing the pie into three parts.

The support of domestic nobles is of course necessary, but the various accumulated mission rewards over time also provide a considerable amount of development funds.

Therefore, the rise of the Land of Demons has become Onoki’s most troublesome issue of late.

However, on the one hand, he also does not want to overly antagonize a militarily strong country.

But maintaining a neutral attitude will result in losses to the interests of Hidden Rock Village and the Land of Earth.

No matter how he chooses, it’s impossible to avoid seeing some of the interests of Hidden Rock and the Land of Earth being divided away.

Unless the Land of Demons remains in its original state, as a Neutral Country, a small country, continuing to survive in the Ninja Realm.

However, now, this fantasy has already been broken by someone.

The moment they defeated Hidden Sand, the military power of the Land of Demons became enough to draw the attention of Hidden Rock; they cannot be ignored.

"Then, tomorrow’s meeting..."

Kitsuchi hadn’t finished speaking when a figure suddenly appeared in the room.

It was a masked ninja, who knelt on one knee and respectfully said to Onoki, "Lord Tsuchikage."

"Anbu? What happened?"

The floating Onoki moved forward a couple of steps, asking inquiringly.

"This is a letter sent from the village, saying there is an important matter to report to Lord Tsuchikage."

The Anbu took out a letter from his chest and handed it over.

Onoki didn’t take it. Kitsuchi stepped forward, received the letter, tore open the envelope, and quickly browsed through its contents.

Suddenly, Kitsuchi’s face changed dramatically, making Onoki realize something bad had happened in the village.

"What is it, Kitsuchi? Did that brat Deidara cause some trouble again?"

Kitsuchi shook his head, his face serious, and said to Onoki, "It would be nice if that were all. Father, something terrible has happened; Han is missing, and the village hasn’t been able to contact him for several days."

"What did you say... Han is missing!?"

Onoki’s face turned abruptly as he snatched the letter from Kitsuchi’s hand, scanning it from top to bottom, his face immediately darkened.

Han holds extraordinary significance for Hidden Rock Village; he’s not only a powerful Jonin in the village but also Hidden Rock Village’s Five-tailed Jinchuriki, an incredibly important strategic weapon.

The disappearance of a Jinchuriki is not a matter that can be glossed over for a ninja village.

"Return."

Onoki’s voice was low and gloomy.

"What?"

"Return immediately, we can’t afford the loss of the Tailed Beast; turn the earth upside down if you have to, but find the perpetrator!"

Onoki gritted his teeth, clenching his fist tightly, and the letter turned to earth debris, scattering downwards.

"What about tomorrow’s meeting?"

Kitsuchi was momentarily stunned.

"I’ll leave a letter for Mifune; the rest, let that puppet old lady fight for herself. That’s all I can do to help her."

"Yes. I’ll go prepare immediately."

Seeing that his father Onoki was resolute in returning, Kitsuchi said no more.

The disappearance of the Five-tailed Jinchuriki obviously targets the Tailed Beast, and there’s a chance the other Four-tailed Jinchuriki of Hidden Rock may also be targeted.

At this time, the Tsuchikage must return to personally take command.

This issue couldn’t have come at a worse time. Kitsuchi sighed inwardly.