One Dragon Tail Kick will shatter your Susanoo dream!

After a moment's thought, Kusanagi ultimately hesitated to throw the shuriken he had been holding at Ai's neck. After all, if he killed the opponent's near-fourth Hokage, Kumogakure would definitely fight Kusagakure to the death.

After all, although he has now obtained the inheritance of the Divine Dragon, he is only a Divine Dragon Warrior, not a Divine Dragon Venerable!

Judging from his own strength, although he was stronger than the Third Raikage, it was extremely limited. As long as the opponent could hold him back, the Kumogakure army would press in, and apart from a few elites, the rest of the Kusagakure would have no way to resist.

In addition, although the other four major powers appear to be at peace, they may secretly plot against them. After all, they can accept strong individuals emerging from small ninja villages, but they absolutely cannot tolerate any ambitions. All they can do now is to remain calm and collected.

Lifting Ai's body, Cao Zhi carried her back towards the border...

As for whether his subordinates would resort to private punishment, that was beyond Cao Zhi's control.

Upon arriving at the medical support department at the rear of the group, they saw Tsunade, who was resting with her eyes closed, constantly instructing Shizune on performing a difficult surgery outside a tent.

By the time the other person finished the surgery, it was almost noon. Cao Zhi stepped forward and bowed deeply.

"Thank you so much for the injured Grass Ninja during this time, Tsunade!"

Tsunade waved her hand dismissively, then spoke seriously.

"I'm just an ordinary teacher who temporarily joined the medical department, so there's no need for words of thanks!"

Then she twirled her fingers, her face slightly flushed.

"If I really have to express my gratitude, that's fine too, for my bets..."

Cao Zhi held up one finger, her tone earnest.

"No problem, from now on, all expenses incurred in Kusagakure, including gambling debts, will be reimbursed by the village!"

A hint of excitement flashed in Tsunade's eyes, and then she patted Kusashi's shoulder.

"Alright, I knew I hadn't misjudged you. You truly live up to your reputation as the Kage of Kusagakure!"

Cao Zhi was secretly delighted.

"It's less than a year until they fulfill their promise, so keeping them in the village isn't bad!"

"As for the gambling funds, all the casino businesses belong to the village. It's a simple transaction, so there's absolutely no loss!"

Over the next afternoon, after Long Shengcang's report, Cao Zhi learned about the casualties of the war during the month or so that he had been missing.

The casualty ratio between the Grass Ninja and the Cloud Ninja is 1-2. On average, for every Grass Ninja killed, the enemy will suffer two casualties. The data looks impressive, but it is not.

Because at least half of the deaths and injuries were caused by those four sea escape techniques before the grass disappeared!

Over the past month, nearly a thousand of the three thousand ninja soldiers of Kusagakure have been killed or wounded. If it weren't for Tsunade's excellent medical and logistical support, hundreds more would have died!

More than 200 people were injured or disabled, and among the dead ninjas, veteran grass ninjas sacrificed their lives to save many of the new generation...

On average, for every five veteran Grass Ninjas who die, one new generation Grass Ninja will be sacrificed. Although the remaining fighting force is less than 1500, their strength far surpasses that of the previous 3000 ninjas!

Their combat strength has greatly increased. However, the Night Watchmen who came to support from the rear, who were responsible for intelligence gathering and nighttime protection, have basically been reduced to only a few remaining embers...

The Cloud Ninja faction now has nearly 800 prisoners, which is a huge expense in terms of food and manpower to guard them.

Fortunately, there is Wuwei, who is skilled in imprisonment techniques. All he needs to do is use the Heavenly Prison Technique to seal all the ninjas of the Cloud Ninja level and above, including Special Jonin.

Ninjas who cannot gather chakra do not need strong individuals to supervise their combat power!

Cao Zhi then commended everyone for their bravery, and left a team of 500 men at the border while leading the rest back towards the village.

Worried about what might happen to the village during this time, Kusagi created a shadow clone with half of his chakra to follow the main group, while he himself quickly returned to the village.

Kisame and Yahiko watched as Kusakage's figure transformed into a card and disappeared, and couldn't help but curl their lips in disapproval.

"Lord Kusakage has left alone again..."

"Damn it, we need to become stronger to protect everything in the village. Kisame, you're far superior to me in water-style techniques. Please guide me in my training!"

Kisame nodded calmly, a smile playing on his lips as he looked at Yahiko's determined face.

"I will do my best to help you with your training. After all, I am also looking forward to the peaceful and prosperous world that Yahiko-kun wants to create..."

At night, Cao Zhi appeared in the village. He didn't try to hide himself, and the night watchman in charge of security quickly spotted him.

After verifying Kusa's identity, several Kusa ninjas dressed in Night Watch uniforms knelt on one knee with reverence in their eyes.

"Welcome back in triumph, Lord Grass Shadow..." x3

In order to maintain morale, apart from a few high-ranking officers, not many middle and lower-ranking officers knew that Cao Ying had disappeared on the battlefield. Therefore, the Night Watch team that was protecting the village was unaware of the news!

When Kusashiba sent someone to inform Kakuzu to come see him, he looked at the large sword on the other man's back and fell into deep thought.

"Kakuzu, the weapon behind you..."

Kakuzu calmly tossed the large, sword-like weapon from his back to Kusashi without a second thought.

"Be careful, this weapon is alive and likes to devour chakra..."

Just as Kusashi was about to reach out and grab Samehada, the other suddenly tore open the straps binding him and excitedly bit Kusashi with his big tongue sticking out.

Cao Zhi was not alarmed; instead, she smiled and then snapped her fingers softly.

"What an unruly weapon..."

Suddenly, a sound like a dragon's roar echoed in the office, followed by the Samehada falling to the floor. The barbs on the blade bulged and emitted wisps of white smoke, and the smell of burning filled the air.

Samehada, its large tongue lolling out, trembled weakly on the floor.

Kakuzu stepped forward with a hint of heartache and grasped the hilt of his sword.

"This thing is worth a lot of money. I'm counting on selling it to Kirigakure. Don't you dare break it..."

Kusaji gave a helpless smirk, then hummed a song, only to discover that his healing technique could actually cure Samehada's electrical injuries.

A flash of green light appeared, and suddenly a spike emerged from the hilt of Samehada, piercing Kakuzu's right hand. Then, the hilt slammed into the ground, and Kakuzu hopped and skipped right up to him.

He ingratiatingly sticks out his big tongue, then uses his buttocks...

No, point the knife handle at yourself, indicating that he should pick you up.

Kusashiba had never had a suitable weapon, and when faced with Samehada's overtures, he took the initiative to pick up Samehada and examine it closely.

Samehada twisted its blade in delight before Kusashi, trying to get him to use the same ninjutsu that had healed him before. It really liked that high-quality green chakra!

Kakuzu clutched his chest in distress, the pain in his hand unable to ease the anguish in his heart, because he felt he had most likely lost the chance to extort Kirigakure!

After Kakuzu's explanation, Kusashi finally understood why Samehada appeared in Kusagakure!