Everyone immediately grasped the implications, especially Pakura.
Her situation bore a striking resemblance to that of the Third Mizukage. Both stood as representatives of the commoner ninjas. The critical difference was that she had failed in the power struggle for the Kazekage's seat, whereas the Third Mizukage won.
This success, however, came at a cost. As a champion of the commoner ninjas, the Third Mizukage had a strained relationship with the rebellious Bloodline Limit clans in his village.
Pakura, renowned for her remarkable achievements in battles against Kirigakure and the many lives she had claimed there, had gained substantial prestige. Her experience and knowledge of the village were unparalleled.
Understanding Rasa's intent, Pakura nonetheless voiced her concerns.
"Those Bloodline Limit clans in Kirigakure are fiercely loyal to the Mizukage. It might not be easy to sway them into aligning with Sunagakure."
Rasa nodded, his tone calm yet resolute.
"I understand. That's why my plan is straightforward: no adult men—only children and women."
The others quickly caught on to his approach.
Chiyo, contemplating the strategy, was the first to respond.
"That could work. Children can be raised with a deep sense of loyalty to Sunagakure, while women can pass on their Bloodline Limit abilities to strengthen our lineage."
Though Pakura acknowledged the strategy's practicality, she couldn't suppress a sense of unease. As a woman, she found the implication of reducing women to reproductive tools unsettling.
Rasa, however, seemed unfazed by the ethical nuances and pressed on.
"Exactly. To ensure these women and children integrate seamlessly into Sunagakure, we'll act only after the Third Mizukage makes his move. As the saying goes, 'It's better to provide timely assistance than to decorate with unnecessary embellishments.'"
Everyone nodded in agreement, appreciating the pragmatism of his plan. Rasa elaborated further.
"The situation in Kirigakure isn't urgent yet. I've assigned the Anbu to monitor developments. The reason I'm sharing this plan with you is twofold: first, because I trust those present to maintain confidentiality; second, to inspire you. Our focus shouldn't be solely on the Mizukage. The ninja world is vast, and countless opportunities exist to identify and secure talented individuals, both inside and outside the village."
As Rasa's words settled over them, the group couldn't help but think of the Uchiha clan in Konoha. They exchanged knowing glances, silently acknowledging the parallels.
"That concludes what I wanted to share today,"
Rasa said, signaling the end of the discussion.
"Take a few days to rest. Although the current conflicts don't directly concern us, I'm certain this fragile peace won't last long."
The group nodded, understanding the underlying warning.
It was evident that once Konoha recovered from their recent shock, retaliation for Sunagakure's raid was inevitable.
As they left the meeting, each member found themselves lost in thought, contemplating the weight of Rasa's words and the path that lay ahead. Before long, only Rasa and Baki remained in the Kazekage's office.
"Well then, Kazekage-sama, I'll take my leave now."
Baki announced, preparing to depart. There were still numerous tasks Rasa had assigned to the Anbu that required his attention. However, just as he turned to go, Rasa's voice halted him.
"I have one more task for you, Baki. This one is more important than anything we discussed today."
The weight in Rasa's tone made Baki straighten immediately.
"Understood, Kazekage-sama. Please give your orders!"
Rasa's expression turned cold, his voice low and authoritative.
"Select twelve elite shinobis—trusted and capable. I have a mission for them."
Baki hesitated for a brief moment, surprised by the sudden command, but quickly bowed in acknowledgment.
"Understood, Kazekage-sama. I'll see to it right away!"
"Good. Go."
With that, Baki left, and silence returned to the Kazekage's office.
Alone once more, Rasa allowed himself to relax slightly, his calculating expression fading. The cold, business-like demeanor he had worn all day eased just a little.
No matter what, he had successfully overcome the first major obstacle in this world—he had secured the position of Kazekage. But there was no time to grow complacent. The challenges ahead would be relentless.
This was the world of Naruto, after all.
What troubled him even more was the presence of the Kama Seal. It signified that his threats weren't limited to Madara Uchiha or Kaguya Otsutsuki. The Otsutsuki clan from Boruto lurked in the shadows, biding their time for the right moment to strike.
A weary sigh escaped Rasa's lips as a dull ache formed in his temples. He rose from his chair and strode to the balcony.
From this vantage point, he could see the village below, teeming with life. The recent victory had brought prosperity, and people bustled through the streets, celebrating and claiming their rewards.
This village was his now.
Being Kazekage meant wielding immense power. But that power came with an inescapable burden. A duty that left no room for hesitation.
His gaze hardened.
"The next goal is to become strong enough to navigate this world freely—while making Sunagakure the strongest village in the ninja world."
Just then, a knock echoed through the room.
Rasa's expression instantly cooled, his professional mask returning in an instant.
"Come in."
The door swung open, and the sight of the visitor caught Rasa slightly off guard.
"Kazekage-sama."
The man greeted respectfully.
"You are… Yashamaru?"
Yeah, the newcomer was none other than Yashamaru—his wife Karura's younger brother.
In the original storyline, Yashamaru played a significant role in Gaara's life, only to die at his hands, following Rasa's orders. That memory stood out vividly in Rasa's mind.
Despite his gentle demeanor, Yashamaru was a skilled ninja. At just seventeen, he had already reached the rank of Jonin. However, as a medical ninja, he had not participated in Rasa's recent missions.
And now, he was here.
Under Rasa's cold scrutiny, Yashamaru, whose delicate features carried an almost feminine gentleness, showed a flicker of nervousness. He hesitated briefly before lifting the elegantly crafted lunchbox in his hands and speaking.
"Kazekage-sama, my sister was worried that you might be overworking yourself, so she personally made some chicken soup and asked me to bring it to you."
"!!!"
Rasa was momentarily stunned but quickly grasped the situation.
Man, it had been over half a month since he had transmigrated into this world, yet in all that time, he hadn't once seen his wife, Karura.
Karura wasn't just an ordinary woman. As the wife of the Kazekage, she was a Jonin of Sunagakure and a direct product of the Second Kazekage's research into Shukaku's chakra. Like him, she possessed the ability to control sand.
Rasa had no doubt that his careful disguises had been effective against most people. But Karura, someone who had lived beside him day in and day out, would be much harder to deceive.
Fortunately, it no longer mattered. By now, he had firmly established himself in this world.
"Mm, put it on the table."
Yashamaru quickly complied, placing the lunchbox down with careful precision. He then lowered his head, preparing to take his leave. But just as he turned, a voice stopped him—one that caught him completely off guard.
"Thank you for your hard work, Yashamaru."
Yashamaru froze. His eyes widened in disbelief, as if questioning whether he had misheard.
But before he could respond, Rasa continued.
"When we're alone, don't call me Kazekage-sama. Just call me brother."
Yashamaru's breath hitched, his surprise evident. Never before had he encountered such warmth from his brother-in-law. For a moment, he was speechless.
And yet, Rasa wasn't finished.
"Yashamaru, I plan to have Chiyo-sama take you as her apprentice. Your talent in medical ninjutsu is exceptional—it would be a waste for you not to have the right teacher guiding you. What do you think?"
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