"Scientific ninja tools! These are definitely Konoha's scientific ninja tools!"
Rasa glared at the gloves and scrolls purchased from Konoha, his expression dark as his eyes scanned the intricate black lines covering the tools.
"Damn that Uchiha clan! How can anyone sell something without properly explaining what it does first?!"
Thinking of the heavy casualties his own ninja forces had suffered, Rasa couldn't help but grit his teeth in frustration. He suspected that Konoha had done this intentionally. If he had known that these scientific ninja tools allowed instant ninjutsu activation, how could he not have immediately acquired a large batch?
Now, whether he liked it or not, he had to buy more. With Iwagakure already using these tools and risking offending Konoha further, he had no choice. If other villages also adopted these tools, Sunagakure would find itself stuck between their conflicts, let alone dreaming of defeating Konoha. If this continued, Sunagakure itself might cease to exist.
After relentless mining efforts, Rasa finally managed to purchase enough scientific ninja tools from Konoha to defend against Iwagakure. Yet, even so, the already barren Land of Wind had lost considerable territory.
The Daimyo had sent emissaries several times to reprimand Rasa, labeling Sunagakure a "waste."
"If Konoha weren't rejecting commissions, I wouldn't be surprised if that stingy Daimyo handed all the missions over to them," Rasa grumbled.
He tossed another report from the Daimyo's office into the trash with disdain.
"This damn Daimyo doesn't understand what a nation would become without its ninja village! Has he forgotten the tragedy of the Land of Whirlpools?"
Yashamaru, Rasa's brother-in-law, stood silently nearby. Since witnessing Rasa's cold and ruthless character firsthand, Yashamaru harbored deep resentment toward him. But as a loyal ninja of Sunagakure, he had no choice but to follow orders.
Since being tasked with looking after Gaara, Yashamaru had frequently been asked by Rasa whether the Jinchūriki could prove useful in battle. To Rasa, Gaara was never his son—only a tool.
"Yashamaru," Rasa called out, breaking the silence. "How is Gaara? Any violent outbursts lately?"
Yashamaru quickly shook his head. "No, Lord Kazekage. Everything has been stable. But even with the scientific ninja tool version of the Four Symbols Seal, the sand around Gaara remains active."
Rasa frowned. "Is the sealing scroll from Konoha a fake?"
Yashamaru hurriedly denied this. "No, the sealing team has confirmed its authenticity. It is indeed the Four Symbols Seal from Konoha. However, the sand may not be related to Shukaku's power."
"Not the tailed beast?" Rasa muttered, his brows furrowing deeper.
Since birth, Gaara had been protected by sand that even attacked Rasa if he got too close. It was always assumed to be Shukaku's power, as the tailed beast's chakra naturally aligned with magnetic release.
Now, despite spending a fortune on the Uzumaki clan's sealing scrolls, Rasa couldn't suppress the sand around Gaara.
"Is it really a failure?" Rasa muttered in frustration, his expression filled with disdain.
Yashamaru clenched his fists, suppressing the urge to lash out at Rasa. Instead, he responded respectfully, "Lord Kazekage, could this be related to my sister, Karura?"
Rasa waved him off dismissively. "Forget it. Just investigate Gaara's condition thoroughly. Sunagakure cannot survive without a Jinchūriki."
"Yes, sir," Yashamaru replied.
Rasa turned back to his desk. "Also, send someone to gather intelligence on the Twelve Ninja Guardians!"
"The Twelve Ninja Guardians?" Yashamaru blinked in confusion.
Rasa smirked coldly. "If Iwagakure gains territory from Konoha's conflict with the Fire Country, they'll make up for it by attacking the Land of Fire itself. Konoha said they've withdrawn from the ninja world. If that's true, they can't intervene. Without Konoha, Sarutobi Hiruzen and his group of weaklings are nothing."
"But what if Konoha does intervene?"
"That's even better. The appearance of scientific ninja tools has attracted too much attention. There are many who won't tolerate Konoha using these tools to provoke war."
"…Understood!"
---
Meanwhile, in the Land of Rain
Black Zetsu and Obito sat in a small tavern, drinking in silence. The gloomy expressions beneath their masks reflected their current frustration.
"Didn't you say that guy only had an ordinary Mangekyō Sharingan?" Obito growled.
"This was an unexpected development," Black Zetsu admitted. "Who would've thought he possessed such extensive knowledge? But it's fine—the Rinnegan is still in our hands. We just need a new pawn to continue our plans."
Obito scowled. "Finding a pure-blooded Uzumaki is no easy task. Even Nagato was almost crippled."
Black Zetsu chuckled. "Don't worry. I've already found the perfect candidate."
"Who?"
"Shimura Danzo."
"Danzo? That trash?"
"Don't underestimate him. He's had Hashirama cells transplanted into his body, just like you. The only issue is that his Sharingan isn't sufficient to suppress the cells' growth. If we give him the Rinnegan, he'll rival Nagato's strength."
Black Zetsu continued, "Besides, Danzo is incredibly ambitious. We wouldn't even need to convince him—he'll hunt the tailed beasts for his own goals. Now that Sarutobi Hiruzen has exiled him, he's even easier to manipulate. If we dangle the Rinnegan and the secret of the forbidden technique Nagato used, Danzo will eagerly push our agenda."
Obito snorted. "Fine. Do it quickly. I want to create my world with Rin as soon as possible."
With that, Obito activated his Mangekyō Sharingan and vanished into the Kamui dimension.
Black Zetsu sneered internally. This fool thinks he's the boss. Madara's plan died with him. It doesn't matter. In the end, they're all pawns. Soon, I'll fulfill Mother's will.
As he sank into the ground, the tavern owner burst in.
"Hey! You haven't paid for your drinks!"
But Black Zetsu vanished before the man could reach him, leaving the owner spitting in frustration.
"Damn freeloaders. Acting like big shots with masks but can't even pay for their drinks!"
Underground, Black Zetsu frowned. It seems I need someone to help me make money first…