The battlefield, once resonant with the cacophony of death, suddenly hushed as if the cry of cicadas had ceased.

  In unison, thousands of eyes swiveled toward the source of the disturbance. Two white-haired figures perched upon a lofty rock at the edge of the battleground.

  Tatsuya cradled a bald head in his palm, resembling a basketball, an audacious dispy before the two vilge shinobi, as if to funt his triumph.

  "Second... Kazekage... Second..."

  As the future Third Kazekage beheld the severed head held aloft by Tatsuya, his legs buckled, causing him to stagger and colpse.

  "Yes, is this... real, Lord Second Generation?"

  "No, it can't be; even White Fang failed."

  The Sunagakure shinobi stood stupefied, unable to fathom the reality before them. To a shinobi vilge, their Kage symbolized their very core, the lynchpin of the vilge's unity.

  Especially in times of conflict.

  The sight conjured a simir mixture of astonishment among the Konoha shinobi, rivaling that of their Sand counterparts.

  Hyuga Hiashi, "Is this... Is Kazekage truly..."

  Akamichi Choza, catching sight of Jiraiya behind Tatsuya, gasped, "Master Tatsuya... and Master Jiraiya behind him? How did he get there?"

  Inoichi, taken aback, remarked with a quiver, "A mission even beyond White Fang's prowess... He actually succeeded?"

  "It merely underscores the prowess of the [Bck Fang] in comparison to [White Fang]."

  Nara shikaku's gaze oscilted between Hatake Sakumo ahead and the Hatake brothers in the distance—Tatsuya and Jiraiya—and procimed, "White Fang, Bck Fang; both brothers are on the level of monsters... or should it be Bck Fang is a bigger monster compared to White Fang?"

  Observing both sides halt, Tatsuya and Jiraiya descended from the high rock, advancing into the heart of the battlefield.

  Each step Tatsuya took toward the opposing forces bearing Shamon's head provoked involuntary tremors in the hearts of the Sand Shinobi.

  "Observing this, it seems you ck the appetite for further combat."

  With a toss, Tatsuya flung the bald head towards Chiyo, equating the act to passing a ball. Shamon's severed head was like a bucket of icy water, its impact spshing across Chiyo's consciousness.

  No matter the fervent fires that had burned within her, they could kindle no more. There could be no continuation of the battle.

  Such was Chiyo's inner realization.

  This was no longer a decision within the realm of her jurisdiction as the puppet master.

  "Return and prepare the terms of the ceasefire."

  Orochimaru advanced, a smirk gracing his lips as he delivered the final decree. Instantly, Konoha's forces pivoted and retreated to their base camp.

  On the side of the Sand Shinobi, a protracted gaze lingered upon the head cradled in Chiyo's hands.

  Gradually, they regained their composure, readying themselves to withdraw to their quarters.

  ...

  ...

  At the rear, within the Konoha encampment

  "Jiraiya, I assumed you'd met your end in the Land of Rain."

  Tsunade, confronting her old friend whom she hadn't seen in years, was relentless in her jest.

  "Haha, I've managed to train those three youngsters into rather exceptional ninjas."

  Jiraiya replied with an air of joviality.

  "In this era of war, shrouded in obscurity, countless children succumb daily. Yet here you are, frittering away your time like this."

  Orochimaru stepped forward, his disapproval of Jiraiya's actions evident.

  After three years, the Konoha Sannin found themselves reunited once again.

  However, the trio sensed a subtle shift in the dynamics that bound them together.

  ...

  On the opposite side of the encampment

  The Hatake brothers now acknowledged as [Bck Fang] and [White Fang], sat facing each other.

  "I didn't spot Shinnosuke-kun. What happened to him, Tatsuya?"

  Noticing the absence of his usual subordinate, Hatake furrowed his brow and directed the query at Tatsuya.

  "Unfortunately, during the battle in Sunagakure, he was struck by Shamon's sand shots, and his movements were restrained."

  Tatsuya, casually draped across a wooden chair with an air of nonchance, succinctly replied, "He's dead."

  As they tidied the aftermath of the conflict, the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, coincidentally passing by, overheard Tatsuya's brief statement. Shikaku signaled for his comrades to halt, and briefly exchanged gnces.

  "Didn't you save him?"

  Hatake instinctively inquired.

  "Consider the outcome the st time you saved him," Tatsuya responded to Hatake's rhetorical question.

  Hatake's prompt query rendered him momentarily speechless. "Was this also Shinnosuke's wish? Didn't he himself procim that ninjas who can't fulfill their mission are wastes?"

  Tatsuya produced a jug of rice wine, procured during his return from the Land of Wind, and poured a few sips before tossing it to Hatake Sakumo.

  "Isn't this a fitting end? His death marks him not as a waste, but as a hero of Konoha. His name will be inscribed on the memorial monument as a hero—a distinguished honor."

  As he articuted this sentiment, a faint trace of a smile flickered across Tatsuya's countenance.

  Yet, was there any true honor in death?

  Could the same be said for the original Namikaze Minato? What befitting treatment had his son received? Sakumo accepted the jug that Tatsuya had tossed his way.

  Amidst a prolonged silence, he took a few sips, allowing the liquid to course down his throat.

  Perhaps Tatsuya's perspective was valid after all.

  "This fool... Can he truly believe that?"

  Gazing upon his brother's obtuse expression, skepticism failed to take root. Tatsuya couldn't help but ponder inwardly.

  Perhaps it's not bad. Look at Might Guy, he forgot the names of Kisame, Uchiha Obito, and Uchiha Madara. How can someone forget Uchiha Madara's name? Perhaps he didn't want to pass on the hatred against the evil Uchiha. Is he smart or an idiot we don't know.

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