In sharp contrast to the relaxed ease of the Konoha group at this moment was the dark and gloomy atmosphere hanging over Sunagakure.
Taking advantage of Konoha's temporary withdrawal, they hurriedly gathered the higher ups and held a brief emergency meeting to discuss countermeasures.
Unfortunately, Ebizo had gone out to deliver items to Chiyo, so the people of Sunagakure were unable to find him in time to attend the meeting.
Facing the current predicament, Rasa indeed had the intention of surrendering to Konoha to protect himself, but he was unwilling to shoulder that responsibility.
If they continued to resist, he had no plan, no solution, and no way to turn the situation around.
Although the other elders all supported surrender, the village truly had no money and no supplies left.
If they chose to surrender, then by common practice, they would most likely be forced to cede land as compensation.
Even though the Land of Wind was relatively barren and desolate, no matter what, it was still Sunagakure's territory.
To hand it over so easily, to let this already poor land be divided and used as payment under their watch, was something the people of Sunagakure absolutely could not accept.
It was not that they had not considered using force to shoot down the Konoha ninja flying in the sky.
However, even if they were willing to expend enormous manpower and resources to carry out such a plan and successfully drive the Konoha ninja down from the air, the situation would likely not develop the way they hoped.
Because Namikaze Minato possessed the Flying Thunder God Technique, he could instantly transfer all his companions in the sky safely back to the ground.
In that case, everything would return to square one, and all their efforts would be wasted.
"Rasa-sama, in my opinion we should surrender as soon as possible. The gap in strength between us is simply too great. We cannot possibly defeat them."
Someone in the crowd shouted anxiously.
"Yes, Kazekage. More than two hundred people in the village have already died, while Konoha has suffered almost no losses."
"If we keep fighting like this, more innocent lives will only be thrown away for nothing," another voice echoed.
The surrounding noise grew louder and louder, "Look at the buildings in the village that used to be fairly sturdy. They're already ruined beyond recognition. If Konoha launches a few more attacks like this, there probably won't even be a single livable house left."
"And the traps we carefully arranged before were completely useless against Konoha's ninja."
"Who knows from which direction they'll suddenly fly in next time?"
Facing the repeated urging and calls for surrender, Rasa, as Kazekage, kept a dark expression and said nothing.
He clenched his fists, his heart filled with conflict.
On one hand, he knew that continuing to resist would likely lead to the destruction of the entire village.
On the other hand, he did not want to bear the disgrace of surrendering to Konoha right before leaving office.
Finally, worn down by the relentless questioning, Rasa spoke, "The village has nothing left. Why would they so easily accept our surrender?"
After saying this, he shook his head helplessly, his face full of bitterness.
Seeing Rasa respond so negatively, Pakura felt anger rise in her chest. She glared at him and said indignantly, "This won't work, that won't work. Are we just going to stand by and watch Sunagakure slowly die?"
Facing her accusation, Rasa did not back down. Instead, he sneered, "If you're so capable, then you can sit in the Kazekage's seat. I've racked my brains and can't think of any workable plan."
At this moment, Rasa was calculating inwardly. If Pakura took over as Kazekage at this critical time, then even if Sunagakure lost and surrendered, the one who bore the blame and humiliation would no longer be him.
"Hmph! You're still the Kazekage. At a time like this, the decision is naturally yours."
No matter how lacking Pakura might be in political insight, at this moment she absolutely could not take over such an important position as Kazekage.
The two sides each held their ground, arguing back and forth. Sunagakure remained noisy for a long time, yet no clear conclusion was reached.
After all, even the people of Sunagakure themselves were unwilling to be the one to make the final call. Others, who were not directly involved, naturally avoided it even more.
At that moment, an angry shout suddenly rang out, "What are you all arguing about!"
Ebizo had returned.
Those standing nearby quickly explained the whole situation to him in just a few sentences.
Without any courtesy, he said to Rasa, "Rasa, since you cannot make a decision, then step down and let someone more capable take over. Pakura will succeed as Kazekage."
The moment he said this, the entire room fell silent. Everyone present was stunned.
They looked at each other, exchanging glances, then turned their eyes toward Pakura and Rasa.
Rasa had never expected Ebizo to so bluntly demand that he relinquish the position of Kazekage. Yet inside, he felt an uncontrollable surge of joy.
He narrowed his eyes slightly, doing his best to hide his excitement.
As if afraid Ebizo might change his mind, he immediately said, "Fine! From this moment on, the new Kazekage will be Pakura."
After speaking, he waved to the side. Maki understood at once, swiftly bringing over the Kage hat that symbolized the Kazekage's identity and respectfully placing it before Pakura.
Pakura's eyes widened in shock. She had never imagined that Ebizo would choose this moment for her to take over as Kazekage.
Looking at the Kage hat and cloak before her, symbols of supreme authority and honor, her emotions instantly became complicated. She could not help but glance toward Ebizo.
Ebizo gave her a subtle look, as if signaling her not to act rashly.
Pakura understood and nodded, trying to steady her uneasy heart.
Taking a deep breath, she reached out without hesitation, grabbed the Kage hat, and firmly placed it on her head.
At that moment, the elders and elites of Sunagakure below, who had been silent, first exchanged a few glances, surprise flickering in their eyes. Then they began to offer congratulations.
"Congratulations to Pakura-sama on becoming the Fifth Kazekage."
"Congratulations to Pakura-sama on becoming the Fifth Kazekage."
"Congratulations to Pakura-sama on becoming the Fifth Kazekage…"
At first, their voices were somewhat scattered, but gradually they became unified and loud.
In truth, Pakura had always performed excellently in her previous duties. Many important political affairs in the village had been handled personally by her.
Especially when facing Konoha's attack, compared to Rasa, Pakura had shown far more courage and responsibility.
For this reason, everyone did not find this smooth transfer of power too surprising. Instead, they quickly accepted and acknowledged the new reality.
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