At the entrance of the Hidden Sand Village, the cheers erupted like a long-dormant volcano, the sound waves nearly overturning the rock-built dome. The villagers, who had endured the humiliation of defeat and the panic of the Kirigakure sneak attack, channeled all their suppression, fear, and hopes for the future into the most fervent and frantic shouts of the moment.
"Lord Sayo!"
"Long live the Puppet Squad!"
"Sunagakure must win! Must win!"
Flowers and sand-colored ribbons symbolizing Sunagakure rained down upon the advancing steel formation. People crowded the sides of the road, standing on their tiptoes and craning their necks, trying to get a clearer look at the young man standing atop the Silver Giant, and at the Puppeteers who were scarred but still stood tall, guarding the wounded and the remains of their comrades. Tears mixed with smiles streamed freely down countless weather-beaten faces. Sunagakure desperately needed such a thorough, undeniable victory to restore its backbone!
Sayo stood beneath the "mirage," feeling the palpable wave of fanaticism and gratitude rushing toward him. His expression was calm, but his slightly accelerated heartbeat revealed his inner turmoil. Even having lived two lives, he had never experienced a scene like this. He controlled the "mirage" and followed the Kazekage's Direct Anbu clearing the path, slowly moving through the cheering crowd, finally stopping steadily before the high platform where the high-ranking officials were gathered.
Sayo took a few steps forward, and under the gaze of those symbolizing Sunagakure's highest authority, he knelt on one knee, bowed his head in salute, his voice clear and steady, cutting through the surrounding clamor:
"Lord Fourth Kazekage, esteemed Elders, Special Jonin and Puppeteer Sayo, I was ordered to lead my unit to East Sea Bay to intercept the Kirigakure enemy forces. The mission is complete. We have routed the enemy's main landing force, killed three members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, and forced the remaining remnants to retreat back to the sea. I now lead my unit back to report for duty!"
His voice was not loud, but it clearly reached the ears of everyone nearby. The already fervent cheers reached a new peak because of his words! Killing three members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist! What a glorious achievement! This was arguably the most devastating blow dealt to the highest combat group below the 'Kage' among the Five Great Nations' conflicts in recent years!
Fourth Kazekage Rasa stood at the very front, a slight blush coloring his stern face due to excitement. After Kikyō Mountain, the pressure he endured was immense, and this young man, along with the victory he brought, was like timely rain after a long drought, or charcoal in the snow! He took a deep breath, stepped forward abruptly, and raised his hands.
An invisible pressure spread with his movement. The cheering crowd seemed to have hit a mute button; the shouts quickly subsided, and everyone held their breath, waiting for the Kazekage to speak.
Rasa's gaze swept over the kneeling Sayo, over the silent yet iron-willed Puppet Squad behind him, and over the villagers who were looking on expectantly. His voice, filled with unrestrained excitement and power, echoed across the entire plaza:
"Today, Sunagakure welcomes the brightest light after the darkness! The Kirigakure scoundrels took advantage of our distress, invaded our territory, and killed our kin! However, the sons of Sunagakure have never yielded!"
He pointed sharply at Sayo: "Special Jonin and Puppeteer Sayo accepted the mission in a time of crisis, leading Sunagakure's loyal and brave Puppet Squad to the East Sea, fighting fiercely and bravely! They defeated the enemy, outnumbered and outmatched, utterly crushing their forces! They killed three members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, raising the prestige of Sunagakure and strengthening the spirit of the Land of Wind!"
With every sentence, the breathing of the people below grew heavier, and the light in their eyes grew brighter.
Rasa's voice suddenly rose, as if announcing a divine decree: "Such achievements will be recorded in history! Such talent is the fortune of Sunagakure! According to Village Rules and based on merit, I hereby formally announce——"
He looked directly at Sayo: "Promotion! Special Jonin and Puppeteer Sayo is promoted to Jonin!"
"Whoosh—!"
Although they had anticipated it, when the decisive announcement truly came from the Kazekage's mouth, the entire venue erupted in a massive roar. Jonin! This was the true core and pillar of a Village! It was a symbol of strength, contribution, and status!
Rasa's voice continued, suppressing the cheers: "His specific duties and responsibilities will be arranged separately later by Elder Chiyo! All other participating Ninja will be rewarded according to their merits, and will receive additional commendations! Sunagakure will never fail any hero who sheds blood for her!"
"Lord Kazekage is wise!"
"Jonin Sayo!"
"Long live Sunagakure!"
The cheers once again swept across the entire plaza like a tsunami, lasting endlessly.
Sayo slowly raised his head amidst the roar. Jonin... a thirteen-year-old Jonin. Information he knew from his previous life flashed through his mind: Last year, Kakashi Hatake of Konoha was promoted to Jonin at the age of twelve, shocking the Ninja World and earning the title of Unparalleled Genius.
And this year, he, Sayo, at thirteen, also entered this rank, thanks to the immense merit gained from the Battle of East Sea Bay, where he killed three members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.
This was not merely a comparison of age; it signified that Hidden Sand Village, too, had forged its own young powerhouse in the crucible of war—one capable of shaking the Ninja World.
Elder Chiyo stepped forward, her ancient eyes filled with complex emotions of relief and satisfaction. She nodded slightly at Sayo. Ebizō, Baki, and the others also cast glances of approval and congratulation. Karura, holding the young Temari, had eyes full of astonishment.
Rasa personally handed Sayo the brand new vest, which represented the rank of Jonin and was embroidered with the Sunagakure symbol and more intricate patterns.
Sayo received it with both hands; it felt heavy to the touch. This was not just a Ninja uniform, but a weighty responsibility and the highest affirmation of all his past efforts and dedication.
He solemnly put on the vest—a new identity, a new beginning. He knew the road ahead was still long, and Sunagakure's future remained fraught with thorns, but at least for now, standing here, he had become one of the pillars supporting the Village.
The young man's silhouette stretched long in the setting sun, merging with the towering giant shadow of the "mirage" behind him, becoming the most powerful footnote of Sunagakure's new era.