The news of the Eight-Tails rampage in the Hidden Cloud Village had already reached Konoha. The Third Hokage wasn't sure what methods Xin and Orochimaru had used to release the Eight-Tails, but it was clear it wasn't a simple task.
Orochimaru, however, hadn't provided a full report, and Sarutobi wasn't going to force him. Both Xin and Orochimaru would be credited for their efforts.
"That's fine," Koharu replied. Neither she nor Homura cared if Xin received credit, as long as it wasn't publicized too much.
Their concern was that Sarutobi might try to recruit Xin again, which would render all their previous efforts meaningless. They couldn't let that happen.
Back in the village, Xin's life returned to its usual rhythm. He led his three companions on missions, rested, or stayed in the village to train and further improve his abilities.
Meanwhile, news spread like wildfire across the world. First, the Hidden Cloud Village was devastated by the Eight-Tails rampage, losing a significant portion of its strength. The village conducted a massive sweep for spies, and many infiltrators from other villages were wiped out.
But the most shocking news came from the Hidden Sand's attack on the Land of Rivers' daimyō's palace. This brazen move infuriated daimyōs across the nations, and even the Sand Village's own daimyō was outraged.
Though the Hidden Sand tried to frame Konoha by shifting the blame, most people could see through the deception. After all, Konoha had enough resources to sustain the war without needing to target the Land of Rivers' daimyō.
On the battlefield, Konoha steadily advanced, forcing the Sand to retreat. The battlefront was slowly moving from the Land of Rivers to the borders of the Wind Country.
"It's almost the end of the year, and this place is still scorching," Someone complained.
"Just hold on for a few more days, and we'll be able to head back and rest," Minato said, looking up at the sky. Back in Konoha, snow had already begun to fall, but here in the Wind Country, the sun blazed during the day, while the nights were bitterly cold.
"When we get back, I'm going to give Xin a piece of my mind! It's ridiculous! He left us stranded on the battlefield!" Nawaki grumbled, getting more worked up as he spoke.
Minato chuckled. "I think we were sent to the battlefield by Jiraiya-sensei, not Xin. Besides, do you really think you can take him on?"