Chapter 1250: Pacification

The air was filled with an atmosphere of unease, a frenzied presence of chakra spreading through the Hidden Sand Village like mist.

It was a massive sand-colored beast, like a mountain in size, bound by golden sand rope. It raised its head and let out a thunderous roar towards the stormy clouds in the sky.

The gloomy clouds tore open, revealing a white full moon.

No matter where one stood in the village, the enormous figure of the beast was strikingly clear.

The fearsome chakra was so intense that many Hidden Sand Ninja rushing to stop them trembled in body and mind, their eyes reflecting grave concern.

“All Jonin, move forward; Chunin and Genin, evacuate the crowd! Move quickly!”

Anbu’s orders were swiftly conveyed, and the Hidden Sand Ninja, awakened from their midnight slumber, seemed to have found their guiding light.

Although the sudden rampage of the Tailed Beast caught most off guard, they were ninja from a Great Nation’s village, with high-level training, able to quickly regain their composure in such a sudden crisis.

Following Anbu’s instructions, Hidden Sand Ninja of various ranks reported to their designated positions.

Jonin blocked the path that the monster Shukaku could attack, while Chunin and Genin began to escort the crowds to safe havens, fleeing the danger zone.

Against the Power of Celestial Calamity of the Tailed Beast, Chunin and Genin offered little help, possibly hindering the Jonin fighting on the front lines and diverting their focus.

In such circumstances, keeping Chunin and Genin, along with civilians, far from the battlefield is the best approach.

Moreover, with so many Jonin gathered, they should be able to suppress the rampaging Shukaku.

The chaos in the village naturally awakened old advisors Chiyo and Ebizo.

Since they were temporarily shouldering the duties of the Kazekage, they were stationed at the core of Hidden Sand Village.

The wicked chakra unleashed by the rampaging Tailed Beast was sensed immediately by the two of them.

“Why did Shukaku… Did something happen to Gaara?”

Unlike the more panicked Hidden Sand Ninja, Ebizo merely furrowed his brow, his face eerily calm.

Having served successive Kazekage, even facing a Tailed Beast, he remained unruffled.

Relying on his own formidable strength.

“What is Rasa doing? It was because of his Gold Sand that I entrusted Gaara to his care.”

Chiyo observed the giant creature in the village, already nearing the Complete Form of Shukaku.

Though Hidden Sand Village lagged in research on Sealing Techniques, Gold Sand was a Special Attack Ninjutsu against Shukaku.

Further considering Rasa’s personal strength, he shouldn’t have made such a careless mistake.

“Previously, it might have been fine. Even if Gaara encountered issues, Rasa could suppress them immediately. But now, Rasa, alas…”

Ebizo sighed.

Chiyo fell silent.

“Sister, we cannot continue like this. Since Rasa cannot overcome his inner obstacle, we must select a new Kazekage. Pakura’s strength is not inferior to Rasa’s; her Scorch Style ability surpasses Rasa’s Gold Sand, though she lacks the sealing means against Shukaku.”

“Damn Chiba Hakushi!”

Chiyo’s face darkened, and she could only vent such frustration.

Ebizo’s words, she understood clearly.

Yet, Rasa was in his prime, with a stable faction. Pakura ascending suddenly would need to silence dissenting voices to secure the Kazekage’s position.

Her initial intention was to hope Rasa could break his inner chains, returning to his Kazekage role, continuing to shine for Hidden Sand Village.

However, now, things likely won’t proceed as she envisioned.

“It cannot be helped now; we must endure, sister,”

Ebizo turned to glance at Chiyo.

This was no longer their era; Land of Demons and Land of Lightning stirred chaos, Land of Earth was conservative, Land of Water was isolated, Land of Fire was weakened, and Land of Wind was also deeply scarred by the war months ago.

The Five Great Nations might unite over certain matters but mostly were rivals and competitors.

Hidden Sand must resolve the Kazekage issue rapidly to advance externally.

“I know, what needs urgent attention now is resealing Shukaku. Besides, Gaara cannot remain under Rasa’s watch.”

Though Gaara was Rasa’s son, he was also a vital weapon of Hidden Sand.

If Rasa could not wield this weapon, keeping Gaara by Rasa’s side held no purpose.

In other matters, Chiyo might indulge Rasa, but in matters involving the Tailed Beast, even as Kazekage, he could not violate the rules.

Prioritizing the village’s survival supersedes blood ties.

…

“Dad… is that… Gaara?”

Shouju and Kankuro were frozen in fear, staring at Gaara, transformed into a beast, their minds blank, asking such questions in shock.

Rasa turned to glance at them, just about to respond. Suddenly, a cracking sound echoed, causing Rasa’s expression to change.

The golden sand rope binding Shukaku burst open, scattering as gold sand into the air, glimmering brightly in the night sky.

Frenzied chakra rampaged, the snake-like tail swaying forcefully, lifting the ground and sweeping it away like debris, striking down Hidden Sand Ninja attempting a rear sneak attack, sending them flying and gravely injured.