Chapter 79: Soul and Sand
Soul Link Lv.9
Primary Effect: When the user connects with another person, that person gradually grows stronger in mind, soul, and power. The strength of these gains is proportional to the duration and depth of the connection. This means a longer and deeper connection will result in more significant improvements.
Secondary Effect: The user and the connected person will start to develop a shared consciousness, allowing them to understand each other's thoughts and emotions intuitively. This can lead to enhanced teamwork and coordination in battle situations.
Tertiary Effect: As the connection deepens, the connected person may start to acquire some of the user's skills or abilities. This transfer of abilities is limited and temporary, lasting only as long as the connection exists.
Quaternary Effect: The user can choose to intensify the Soul Link, rapidly increasing the connected person's power. However, this comes at a cost. The user will experience physical and mental fatigue, proportional to the intensity of the power boost.
Fatal Flaw: If the connected person dies while the Soul Link is active, the user will also die. This is due to the deep spiritual connection between the two, which means that the user's life force is tied to the connected person.
You may connect to as many people as you want. As long as they are willing. Either party can break the connection.
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The temporary housing for the Sand Ninja in the Hidden Leaf Village. Malik heads there to meet with Baki, Gaara, Temari, and Kankurō. Malik approached the building where the Sand Ninja were staying. The evening sun cast long shadows across the village, adding a sense of urgency to his steps. He took a deep breath, mentally preparing himself for the challenging conversation ahead. As he entered, he was met with cautious and suspicious glances from the Sand Ninja. He spotted Baki, Gaara, Temari, and Kankurō gathered in a room, their expressions serious. - Baki: A towering figure with two prominent red markings on the right side of his face, and similarly on the left—the only visible parts of his head, as the rest is concealed by his turban-like headgear and a sheet that drapes over the left side of his face. He wears the standard uniform of a Suna-nin, including a forehead protector and flak jacket, projecting an aura of authority and experience.- Gaara: A petite girl with deep red hair and piercing turquoise(green) eyes. Her expression was cold and distant, with a constant aura of danger surrounding her. She clutched a golden locket around her neck.- Temari: A young woman with sandy blonde hair styled into four ponytails. Her green eyes were sharp and intelligent, reflecting her strategic mind. - Kankurō: A robust young woman with short, dark brown hair and distinctive face paint. Her eyes were a deep brown, filled with determination and strength. Baki looked up as Malik entered, his eyes narrowing. "Malik, what brings you here?" Malik smiled warmly, trying to diffuse the tension. "I've come to discuss a matter of great importance. As a major sponsor of the Chūnin Exams, I want to ensure the safety and well-being of both the Hidden Leaf and the Hidden Sand Villages." Baki crossed his arms, his skepticism evident. "And how do you propose to do that?" Malik took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "I know that for years, Sunagakure has suffered a series of budget cuts by the daimyō of the Land of Wind, weakening the village and rerouting ninja missions to Konoha. One day, Orochimaru, a missing-nin from Konoha who founded Otogakure, approached the Fourth Kazekage with the proposition of a joint invasion using the Chūnin Exams as a cover to attack, which the Kazekage accepted to induce fear in the daimyō and bring funding back up." Baki nodded, his expression unreadable. "We're aware of that history. What's your point?" Malik added, "Orochimaru assassinated the Kazekage and took on his identity. During the Chūnin Exams, she will disclose her true self at the final matches, simplifying the control over Sunagakure."The room fell silent, the shock evident on everyone's faces. Baki's skepticism deepened. "And why should we believe you?" Malik met his gaze steadily. "When was the last time any of you saw the Fourth Kazekage in person? Have his children seen him? Have any of you seen him recently?" The question hung in the air, the silence growing more uncomfortable by the second. Temari and Kankurō exchanged worried glances, while Gaara remained silent, her eyes narrowed. Malik pressed on, his voice calm but urgent. "The Fourth Kazekage wasn't a good man. He made bad decisions that put your village in danger. But that's not the point. The point is, Orochimaru has been manipulating your village for her own gain." Baki finally spoke, his voice heavy with emotion. "Either way, the Hidden Sand Village is in desperate straits. We need this." Temari stepped forward, her voice steady but filled with concern. "We don't want to attack the Hidden Leaf. We know it's not the right solution. But what choice do we have?" Kankurō nodded, her expression serious. "We need to survive. But there must be another way." Gaara, still silent, watched Malik with an intensity that made him slightly uneasy. Malik knew he had to tread carefully. Malik took a deep breath, his determination unwavering. "I promise to give the Hidden Sand my full attention. You don't need the daimyō of the Land of Wind when you have me. I can help provide the resources and support your village needs." Baki's eyes narrowed, his skepticism evident. "Why should we believe you care about the Hidden Sand? What do you get out of this?" Malik met his gaze evenly. "Because I love the Hidden Sand. I see its potential, even if others don't. Your village has been beaten down, but it can rise again." Baki shook his head, frustration in his voice. "Words are cheap, Malik. We need more than promises." Before Malik could respond, Kankurō stepped forward, her expression serious. "If you're serious about this, then let's make it official. I'll marry Malik to strengthen the ties between our villages." Gaara's eyes flashed with anger, but Kankurō ignored her sister's look, focusing on Malik. "It's a way to show our commitment. And it's a way to prove you're serious." Temari nodded thoughtfully. "It could work. Attacking the Hidden Leaf is a bad idea anyway. This way, we can forge a stronger alliance." Gaara finally spoke, her voice quiet but firm. "Malik already proposed to me." Temari and Kankurō exchanged glances but quickly focused on the issue at hand. "This will be better for Gaara anyway," Malik says, "There's a reason I prayed for that poor girl," he tried to whisper to himself.Baki looked at Malik, a mix of concern and hope in his eyes. "We need friends, Malik. We're at a point where we have to trust someone. If you can prove yourself, we'll consider your offer." Malik took a deep breath, realizing the weight of the situation. "I understand. And I'm willing to prove myself. But let's wait three years before any marriage. Until then, we can be engaged." Baki nodded, reaching into his cloak and pulling out a contract and two rings. "Very well, Malik. Let's make it official." "Where did you get those?" Malik Asked. Baki didn't answer and put the contract down on a table.Malik signed the contract, feeling the weight of his commitment. Kankurō followed suit, her expression serious but hopeful. As they exchanged rings, Malik couldn't help but feel a sense of determination. With the contract signed and the rings exchanged, Malik turned to Baki, his expression earnest. "Now, let's discuss how I can help the Hidden Sand Village." Baki's eyes were filled with a mix of skepticism and curiosity. "We're listening, Malik. What do you propose?" Malik nodded, taking a deep breath. "First, I can provide financial support. I have the resources to help rebuild and strengthen your village's infrastructure. We can improve your schools, hospitals, and housing." Temari's eyes widened slightly. "That would make a significant difference." Kankurō nodded, her expression thoughtful. "We've struggled for so long. It would be a relief to have that kind of support." Malik continued, "Second, I can offer training and education. I can bring experts to share their knowledge and skills. This will help your ninja become stronger and more versatile. But I honestly don't believe that you need more trainers you all mostly lack resources for the training itself." Baki's skepticism began to wane, replaced by a glimmer of hope. "That could work. Our village needs to be stronger and more self-sufficient." Malik smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "Third, we can establish trade agreements. The Hidden Sand has unique resources that can be valuable to the Hidden Leaf and other villages. This will help boost your economy and create new opportunities." Gaara, who had been silent for most of the discussion, finally spoke. "And what do you want in return, Malik?" Malik raised his hands in a gesture of peace. "Nothing. I want to help because I believe in the potential of the Hidden Sand. This isn't about personal gain; it's about creating a better future for all of us." Baki studied Malik for a long moment, his eyes filled with a mixture of doubt and hope. "We'll hold you to your promises, Malik. But for now, we'll trust you." Malik nodded, feeling a sense of responsibility. "Thank you, Baki. I won't let you down." Gaara's intense gaze remained fixed on Malik, her expression unreadable. "Malik, you said you prayed to me. What did you mean by that?" Malik met her gaze, his expression sincere. "I've always admired your strength and determination, Gaara. You've been through so much, yet you continue to fight for what you believe in. When I said I prayed to you, I meant that I respect you deeply and believe in your potential. Also we "might" need to find a therapist for you." Temari and Kankurō looked at each other, surprise evident in their eyes. Gaara's expression softened just a fraction, a glimmer of understanding in her eyes. Malik continued, "I want to help the Hidden Sand because I see the strength and resilience in all of you. Together, we can create a future where both our villages thrive." Baki nodded, his expression thoughtful. "You've given us much to consider, Malik. Trust is not easily given, but your actions will speak louder than words." Malik smiled, feeling a sense of relief. "I understand, and I'm ready to prove myself. Let's work together to build a better future for both our villages." Baki stood, his voice firm but hopeful. "Very well, Malik. We'll give this alliance a chance. But remember, we're trusting you with our future." Malik nodded, his resolve unwavering. "I won't let you down." Baki turned to Malik, his expression serious. "One last thing, Malik. We need to inform our army about this new alliance, but we must do it discreetly. We can't let Orochimaru find out." Malik nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I agree. We'll need to be careful and strategic in our communication. I'll work with you to ensure everything goes smoothly." Baki's eyes softened slightly, a hint of gratitude in his voice. "Thank you, Malik. This alliance could be the turning point for our village." Malik smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "It's my pleasure, Baki. Together, we'll create a stronger, united future." As the meeting concluded, Malik couldn't help but feel a deep sense of hope. The Hidden Sand and Hidden Leaf Villages were taking the first steps toward a brighter future, and he was determined to see it through. As Malik left the temporary housing, he glanced back at the Sand Ninja, feeling a renewed sense of purpose.With the alliance between the Hidden Sand and Hidden Leaf Villages somewhat "solidified", Malik felt ready to face whatever came next.