Despite the bustling start of the school year, Pakura had been deeply engrossed in academy affairs, inadvertently sidelining other pressing matters. Yet, news of the Fourth Kazekage's mysterious death deeply unsettled her. After all, It was the second consecutive Kazekage to meet such an abrupt demise, leaving her genuinely shocked.
While she had her disagreements with Rasa, learning of his death stirred a faint sense of regret within her. Sand Village held many memories from her upbringing, and the current calamity hinted at more troubles ahead for the village.
However, Pakura also understands that these matters were no longer her concern.
Pakura sighed deeply, her gaze steady on Akihiko as she spoke. "Elder Chiyo sent ninjas in secret, urging me to return as the Fifth Kazekage. They even offered to clear my name. But I declined."
"Huh?" Akihiko was visibly surprised. "You turned down the offer? Why?"
"I still have debts to settle, and besides..." Pakura explained quietly, her voice tinged with resignation. She paused, a hint of a smile playing on her lips, before continuing, "There are rumors about the Kazekage position being cursed. I have my concerns. What if I meet the same fate as my predecessors?"
As soon as she finished speaking, Akihiko slapped his thigh in disbelief and exclaimed, "Rubbish! Utter rubbish! Cursed? How can a Grass ninja like you entertain such superstitions? Those are nothing but rumors spread by that scoundrel Mubuki. They're not to be taken seriously!"
You know, Despite its internal issues, Sand Village remained one of the Five Great Ninja Villages.
"Think about it. Accepting would make you one of the top leaders in the ninja world. It's a golden opportunity you're letting slip," Akihiko lamented, shaking his head. "Regarding the debt, becoming Kazekage would give you the means to settle it easily. And if you find the role unsuitable, you can always step down later."
Pakura stared at Akihiko, momentarily speechless, while Mikoto, who had been observing with a grateful and gentle expression, found herself dumbfounded. However, she couldn't suppress a giggle that escaped her.
In her eyes, Akihiko embodied great generosity and kindness, akin to the First Hokage. Since arriving in Grass Village, he had taken care of her and Sasuke, providing them with essentials like food, shelter, and education. He had even patiently mentored Sasuke, ensuring he received proper guidance.
His benevolence also extended to Kushina and her son. He had treated them with equal kindness, without any bias even towards the jinchuriki. Moreover, Akihiko never sought anything in return for his kindness.
Such magnanimity perhaps even exceeded that of the First Hokage. After all, the First Hokage had struggled with the issues within the Uchiha clan, whereas Grass Village had successfully integrated various clans into its society without discrimination.
Even the leader of Rain Village had chosen to ally with Grass Village, a testament to its remarkable diplomacy and leadership.
Now, Mikoto realized Akihiko had a playful side as well. Surely, his suggestion couldn't have been serious. After all, no village leader would entertain the idea of sending their ninja to lead another village under any circumstances.
"Get out!" Pakura pointed sharply to the door, her exasperation clear in her tone as she motioned for Akihiko to leave. "The opening ceremony is about to start. If you have nothing else, just go!"
She couldn't help but think, You're worse than Mubuki.
With a regretful expression, Akihiko turned away and walked out without looking back.
…
At that moment, the opening ceremony was underway. The lively gathering of students filled the air with a bustling energy as they assembled on the playground, with teachers already in their places.
Akihiko stood among them, observing the scene with a sense of satisfaction. These young students represented the future strength of Grass Village.
Beside him, Mikoto couldn't hide her smile as she glanced at the village leader, her voice filled with admiration. "It's truly remarkable, isn't it?"
Just as she spoke, their attention was drawn forward. There stood Kushina, her vibrant red hair tied back in a ponytail, clad in a jonin uniform that differed from her usual attire, exuding a striking presence.
Kushina spotted them and winked, her expression a blend of maturity and playful mischief. Her gaze lingered playfully on Akihiko and Mikoto, causing Mikoto to blush slightly as memories of the night they reunited flooded back — the night she saw Kushina again, holding a charming little girl who called her "Mommy Kushina."
Reflecting on that moment, Mikoto had been genuinely taken aback.
Smiling to herself, Mikoto murmured softly, "Kushina seems very happy. Just like the cheerful 'Red Hot-Blooded Habanero' she used to be."
It appeared Kushina had found her purpose in Grass Village. Thinking of this, she realized that Kushina was much like Fuso. They both had similar backgrounds and had benefited from Akihiko's kindness.
Initially, Mikoto had reservations about living together with them in Grass Village, all under one roof. However, over time, she had grown accustomed to their company and the shared life they now led.
Soon, the opening ceremony came to a close. Akihiko observed briefly without intervening much, already prepared to depart.
He had urgent matters to address, particularly concerning Sand Village. If negotiations didn't proceed smoothly, he might need to offer discounts to clear excess inventory. Thankfully, he had recently hired a new assistant to lighten his workload.
Mikoto, who happened to be this new assistant, cast a fond glance at Sasuke amidst the assembled students. She smiled warmly and then turned back to follow Akihiko.
However, as they prepared to leave, they were unexpectedly interrupted.
"Leader, there you are!" Mubuki hurried over, momentarily taken aback by the presence of another woman beside Akihiko, but quickly regaining his composure.
"I have really big news!" Mubuki exclaimed urgently. "The Daimyo of the Land of Wind has declared that the Fourth Kazekage plotted to assassinate him. As a result, he's calling for the dissolution of Sand Village and placing all its ninjas under the direct control of the Daimyo's office. The other four major ninja villages appear to be making their own covert maneuvers in response!"
…
At this moment, with the Daimyo of the Land of Wind publicly calling for the disbandment of Sand Village, the incident surged back to the forefront of public attention. Simultaneously, the other four great ninja villages also swiftly received this news.
In Konoha, within a dim and somewhat desolate underground chamber, Danzo perused the intelligence in his hands, a slight smirk gracing his lips. He rose abruptly, his eyes widening as he murmured to himself, "It's finally time... for me to act!"
Once again, the entire ninja world was going to plunge into turmoil.