In response to Pakura's pointed question, Rasa kept his reply brief and direct.
"Aren't I discussing it with you right now? As for Rōran, I believe I already sent someone to notify you about the situation."
Pakura pursed her lips in dissatisfaction, while Michikawa narrowed his eyes slightly. Both of them understood that Rōran's integration into Sunagakure would have significant consequences for the village's internal dynamics.
With over 3,000 new people, it was neither a trivial number nor an overwhelming influx. But their arrival would undoubtedly shake up the delicate balance of power that had existed for so long between the aristocratic and civilian factions in Sunagakure.
Both Pakura and Michikawa couldn't help but wonder if this disruption was exactly what Rasa intended. Given the potential impact on their own interests, even though they had come to respect Rasa as Kazekage, they still had strong reservations and doubts about allowing Rōran, a foreign nation, to join the village.
Chiyo, however, seemed more curious than concerned.
"Is what the Anbu reported true? Were our Sunagakure puppet techniques leaked? And that this person, Anrokuzan, has mastered them?"
Rasa, of course, had no intention of letting anyone know the full extent of the truth, especially not the future trajectory. He had concealed the true identity of 'Mukade' and provided the name 'Anrokuzan' to both Cat and Viper. As for the Queen of Rōran, he had given her very strict instructions regarding this matter.
"Yes,"
Rasa replied, nodding as he took out a scroll he had prepared earlier and handed it to Chiyo.
"These are some details I extracted from Anrokuzan's mind using interrogation techniques through the Anbu."
Chiyo took the scroll, examining it closely. As she read, her expression shifted to one of amazement.
"Incredible! This ninja, Anrokuzan, seems to have an astonishingly deep understanding of our puppet techniques. Do you know where he came from?"
Rasa shook his head, a slight smile on his lips. The people in the room immediately realized that he was hiding something, but none of them were brave enough to press further.
Chiyo, in particular, had no intention of digging deeper. Since Rasa had helped cover up the crimes of her beloved grandson, Sasori—who had killed the Third Kazekage—and shifted the blame to Konoha, Chiyo had been mentally preparing to retire from active involvement. Rasa's secrets no longer held her interest.
"I see."
Chiyo said, her voice now calm. As she continued to read, Chiyo began to piece together the reasoning behind Rasa's decision to integrate Rōran into Sunagakure.
"Kazekage-sama, are you after the Dragon Vein Chakra of Rōran?"
To clarify for the others, Chiyo passed the puppet technique scroll to the remaining three. One by one, they examined the scroll in detail, taking their time to absorb the information.
Rasa remained patient, his gaze flicking between the group as he watched for the subtle changes in their expressions.
Ebizō appeared initially surprised, but his expression soon shifted into one of deep thought, as if some realization had struck him. Pakura, while reading the scroll, occasionally glanced at Rasa. It was clear that the mention of Dragon Vein Chakra reminded her of the Star Release Chakra that Rasa had provided during the invasion of the Land of Fire. Michikawa, too, seemed to connect the dots, though his attention was more on Rasa's ability to uncover such extraordinary powers rather than the puppet techniques themselves.
Michikawa leaned forward and asked directly.
"So, what exactly is this? Is it a power similar to Star Release Chakra?"
At the mention of Star Release Chakra, Pakura's face lit up with curiosity, while Chiyo and Ebizō looked both puzzled and intrigued.
"Star Release Chakra? What is that?"
Michikawa quickly explained it to the two elders. As he spoke, a surge of powerful chakra radiated from him, clearly demonstrating his growing mastery over the Star Release Chakra.
Under his explanation, the two elders began to grasp the nature of this chakra—it activated the body, allowing the user to tap into extraordinary power. Both were surprised to learn that such a miraculous form of chakra even existed in the ninja world.
Rasa, sensing their confusion, added his own explanation.
"This power is based on overdrawing the body's potential. For younger people like me, Michikawa, or Pakura, using it a few times doesn't cause much harm. But for elders like you two..."
Rasa didn't finish his sentence, but the implication was clear.
Chiyo and Ebizō exchanged glances. Chiyo understood immediately, while Ebizō nodded without much interest. Chiyo, however, seemed more intrigued by this new revelation.
"I'd like to study this remarkable power. Maybe it could contribute to the development of medical ninjutsu in our village."
Rasa nodded, acknowledging her interest. He then turned his gaze toward Yashamaru, who was standing quietly behind Chiyo.
"I will pass on the knowledge of Star Release Chakra and the Peacock Method to Yashamaru. As for you, Chiyo-sama, I suggest you focus on your health," Rasa advised.
Chiyo clicked her tongue in frustration but didn't argue with the arrangement. Rasa's willingness to share the power with Pakura and Michikawa suggested he wasn't being selfish, and his concern for her health seemed genuine—after all, both she and Ebizō were nearly 60 years old.
At this point, Pakura couldn't help herself before raising the persisting question.
"Then what exactly is Dragon Vein Chakra?"
Her curiosity was clear. As someone who had already benefitted from the power of Star Release Chakra, she was eager to know if Dragon Vein Chakra could offer a similar boost to her strength.
However, Rasa's answer left her disappointed.
"Unfortunately, I don't know either."
Naturally, Rasa wasn't about to reveal everything; the best lies were always a mix of truth and fiction.
"But I do have a theory. Dragon Vein Chakra might be a form of natural energy."
Pakura and Michikawa exchanged confused looks. Neither of them fully understood what Rasa meant by "natural energy."
However, Chiyo's eyes widened in shock, and Ebizō drew a sharp breath.
"Is that so?! Kazekage-sama, are you certain?"
Chiyo and Ebizō's reactions immediately made Pakura and Michikawa realize that "natural energy" must be something far more extraordinary than they'd initially thought.
Rasa shook his head slightly.
"No, I'm not certain. It's just a guess. But I believe any power that could strengthen Sunagakure is worth exploring."
Ebizō nodded firmly, his gaze resolute.
"That's right. When you compare the potential benefits of natural energy, Rōran joining Sunagakure seems trivial by comparison."
Pakura, growing more impatient with the cryptic talk, finally couldn't hold back and asked.
"What exactly is natural energy?"
Ebizō glanced at her, his expression thoughtful.
"Sorry, I don't know much about it either. But I've heard from the First and Second Kazekage that natural energy is an incredibly powerful force. When combined with the chakra in our bodies, it allows the use of techniques called Senjutsu."
"Senjutsu!??"
Both Pakura and Michikawa's expressions shifted dramatically. The very mention of "Senjutsu" conveyed the gravity of what they were dealing with.
Ebizō nodded solemnly.
"Exactly. From what we know, aside from the legendary Sage of Six Paths, the only other person who mastered Senjutsu was Konoha's First Hokage, Hashirama Senju."
"The Sage of Six Paths!?"
"Hashirama Senju!"
The names left Pakura and Michikawa visibly shaken. The legend of Hashirama was already astonishing enough, but the mention of the Sage of Six Paths...
"The Sage of Six Paths—wasn't he just a mythical figure in stories? Does he actually exist?"
Pakura stammered, her usual composure slipping. Ebizō shook his head, a grim expression on his face.
"I'm not sure if the Sage of Six Paths truly existed. But Hashirama Senju undoubtedly did, and he was capable of using Senjutsu. According to the First Kazekage, when Hashirama used Senjutsu, even the strongest tailed beast—the Nine-Tails—was like a mere pet in his hands."
"..."
The room fell silent. Everyone knew how terrifying Shukaku, their own village's tailed beast, was. The thought of someone wielding that much power was enough to send a shiver down anyone's spine.
Rasa, sensing the heavy atmosphere, broke the silence with a quiet yet firm question.
"So, does anyone still have doubts about Rōran joining Sunagakure?"
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