Malphegor
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HSU: Ch. 216
🕑 Added 2025-03-09 18:37:37 +0000 UTCAfter Rasa sat down, a nearby Suna ninja immediately served tea for both of them.
"I heard that you enjoy tea, so I had my people prepare some from the Land of Fire." Rasa lifted his teacup and took a small sip. "It can't compare to the Uchiha clan's tea, but in Suna, it's already a rare delicacy."
"Not at all, such fine tea is also scarce in the Land of Fire."
Masashi took a sip.
Not only were good tea leaves used, but also good water.
This Kazekage certainly had taste.
"How do you plan to mediate between us and Iwa?" Rasa asked.
During the previous joint Chunin Exams, a bunch of people swore in front of him that they wouldn't cause trouble. He treated their words as nonsense.
As it turned out, those people spoon-feeding exam questions to the candidates was just the tip of the iceberg—if they had gone any further, they might as well have thrown a party in Suna. Had they crossed the final line, he would have made certain individuals understand what a true "Suna-exclusive 007 package" was.
Now, Masashi was saying he wanted to mediate the conflict, and Rasa treated it as a joke.
But since Masashi had started this conversation, Rasa understood the game. They would still respect each other's performances.
After all, even though Kumo had a history of shady dealings, they at least knew how to keep up appearances, right?
Being from a great village meant following these tedious formalities.
"The key is to identify the main conflict between Suna and Iwa. If we're seeking common ground while preserving differences, then we need to focus on the big picture," Masashi said.
"'Main conflict,' 'big picture'... the words you use are quite vivid." Rasa's expression carried a hint of amusement.
The main conflict between Suna and Iwa? It was the simple fact that Iwa still had living people.
"If you are willing to take the lead in resolving this main conflict, I would, of course, be very pleased," Rasa said. "The problem is, Iwa might not agree."
"Kazekage-sama, you're being too pessimistic. From what I know, the Tsuchikage's true nature is one that cherishes peace. We all live under the same blue sky—why can't we sit down and talk openly?"
Well said. Should we let the Association in on this too?
Ignoring Masashi's nonsense, Rasa decided it was time to get straight to the point.
"Are you concerned that this will lead to another ninja war?"
"Somewhat," Masashi admitted frankly. Since Rasa was the Kazekage, there was no need to beat around the bush. "Peace is hard to come by. If war can be avoided, then it should be."
"But the wars between ninja villages are not entirely determined by our own wishes," Rasa said, revealing his perspective as a desert dweller. "Every year, we pay exorbitant prices to import food from other nations. Not only do we spend several times the normal cost just to obtain grain, but they also exploit us by taking our precious resources at dirt-cheap prices. This is no different from banditry, and bandits should be burned alive."
"Perhaps it is a bit unfair," Masashi said. "However, the Land of Wind is a strong nation. It may lack resources, but its military might is formidable, and its technology is advanced. It's not unusual for nations to employ certain tactics against one another."
"Let's set that aside for now," Rasa said, switching topics. "But Iwa has been using the Association's influence to interfere with the Land of Wind's trade, taking a cut from the transactions. What do you say to that?"
Mess them up. What else?
Isn't that exactly what you're doing now?
"That is indeed excessive, but negotiations are still possible."
"And how would you negotiate? You don't intend to expand the Association's membership any further, which means Suna has no choice but to seek justice from Iwa through war."
"Kazekage-sama, the Association isn't expanding because its current scope is limited. Besides, I don't have sole authority over the selection of its members."
"Let's assume that's the case. Still, Iwa must compensate Suna for its losses over the years. Otherwise, the war cannot end," Rasa said, gazing at Masashi. "You've been to Suna. You know its conditions. Our ninja struggle to survive—this is a battle for survival."
"If things reach the worst-case scenario, Kazekage-sama, how far do you intend to take the war?"
"If Iwa does not return the resources it has stolen from Suna through underhanded means, then it will not stop. And Iwa must also bear the costs of Suna's war efforts."
After speaking, Rasa took a sip of tea to moisten his throat before continuing:
"Even if this leads to a full-scale world war, Suna will be prepared."
"With you saying things so definitively, I can't give you an answer right now," Masashi said helplessly.
"That's fine. Situations change, and perhaps I'll change my mind too," Rasa smiled. "Since you're here to observe, why not travel with us? That way, you can get an even closer look."
"Then I shall gladly accept your invitation, Kazekage-sama." Masashi's eyes lit up at the suggestion.
While it would make it harder to observe Iwa's battlefield movements, it would allow him to get an even clearer look at Suna's side.
Of course, he had no illusions that Rasa would only show him what was convenient for him to see, but that didn't bother him.
Rasa could arrange whatever he wanted.
How Masashi interpreted it was up to him.
Besides, at this age, Gaara was surely someone worth observing.
Maybe he could even snatch a bit of Shukaku's chakra?
After all, Gaara didn't know him. He could try provoking the kid a little.
As a Konoha ninja unfamiliar with Suna, it would be completely understandable if he accidentally angered the little panda, right?
Meanwhile, sitting across from him, Rasa noticed Masashi's expression and felt an inexplicable sense of unease.
He began to reconsider if he had just made a terrible mistake.
After all, everyone knew that Masashi never had good intentions toward outsiders.
This guy was full of schemes.
Rasa pondered for a moment but decided it should be fine.
He just needed to make arrangements to keep Gaara away from Masashi. He couldn't let the Uchiha run into him.
After all, not only did Masashi possess the Sharingan, but he also had chakra-sensing abilities. A jinchūriki like Gaara wouldn't be able to hide from him.
But as the Kazekage, he couldn't let Masashi roam around freely either—who knew what kind of trouble he'd stir up?
"In that case, why don't you stay here for a while?" Rasa maintained his smile. "Although I must ask you to leave during our strategic meetings, I will make your observations as convenient as possible. Besides, there are many topics I'd like to discuss with you."
"You're too kind, Kazekage-sama. If you have any questions, I'd be happy to answer them in detail."
"Good, I'll hold you to that," Rasa said, satisfied.
He decided to take this opportunity to learn some financial management tips from Masashi—the man who held Konoha's purse strings surely had some interesting ideas.
---
Rasa had indeed kept his promise.
Aside from a few sensitive matters, meetings or locations involving the internal secrets of Suna that were off-limits to Masashi, he was free to roam Suna's encampment.
As for the restricted areas, he made no attempt to sneak in.
His interactions with the Kazekage were harmonious.
Rasa extended full courtesy to Konoha, treating Masashi not as a third party but almost like one of his own Suna ninjas.
After a brief but smooth period of adaptation, Rasa and Masashi began formally sparring—no, engaging in deeper exchanges.
On this particular day, Rasa was preparing for battle. Before setting out, he suddenly extended an invitation to Masashi.
It was a bright and sunny afternoon. Clad in his battle attire, Rasa invited Masashi into his golden tent.
"Today we have a tough battle against Iwa. How about joining me?"
A powerful opening line right as he entered the tent—Masashi remained unfazed.
"Your Gold Dust Jutsu is renowned across the ninja world. No one would want to miss such a spectacle, and I'm no exception." Masashi's expression was sincere enough to be convincing. "Unfortunately, I have my own village's mission to complete, so I'll have to miss out on this valuable opportunity."
"Oh? Are you afraid of causing a misunderstanding with Iwa?" Rasa asked.
But Masashi immediately countered.
"Suna was the first Great Ninja Village to establish friendly relations with Konoha. The Hokage values our partnership deeply. Though history has left some scars that complicate our relationship, Konoha understands where true alliances lie. Before I left, the Hokage explicitly instructed me not to bring any trouble to our friends in Suna. I'll be honest with you—I have poor emotional control and lack maturity, which is why I often take on solo missions to avoid burdening my comrades."
Hearing this, the expressions of the previously displeased Suna jonin around them softened.
Meanwhile, Rasa silently cursed them as fools in his mind. What are you all nodding in approval for? Have you invested all your intelligence into combat alone?
"It's fine. Konoha is also one of Suna's most valued friends," he said. "Since that's the case, I won't interfere with your mission. However, I do have a personal request."
"Please, tell me. If it's within my power, I'll gladly help."
"Yes. The Iwa ninjas are ruthless and often hunt down our wounded soldiers. If it's within your capability, could you offer some aid?"
"Of course. Once a ninja is out of combat, as an observer, I have the duty to assist. After all, there's no need to increase unnecessary casualties. However, if I encounter Iwa ninjas, I may have to act accordingly—I hope you understand."
"Haha, naturally." Rasa let out a hearty laugh.
Masashi maintained his smile, ensuring there was no awkwardness.
After laughing a few times, Rasa returned to his serious demeanor.
"Well then, I'll leave you to your business. I have my own troops to command."
"Understood, Kazekage-sama. I'll keep my distance and not interfere with your battle."
Rasa nodded, acknowledging this, before leading his Suna ninjas away.
As they walked some distance, he couldn't help but glance back at the tent and sigh.
He's not even thirty yet...
"Kazekage-sama?" A Suna jonin beside Rasa, noticing his leader's lack of enthusiasm, asked, "Is something the matter?"
He followed Rasa's gaze but saw no one near the tent anymore.
"Do we have anyone like that in our village?"
"Are you referring to Masashi? He seems to respect you quite a bit."
"If he truly respected me, he wouldn't have declined my invitation," Rasa replied. "Rejecting someone with praise and excuses, hiding his true intentions behind money—that's what he does best."
"That makes him sound quite dangerous."
"Exactly," Rasa waved a hand to end the topic. "Where is Gaara?"
"As per your orders, he was informed in advance and has already arrived at his position."
"Then let's move. He's not yet ready to face someone like Kitsuchi alone."
"Yes!"
---
Not long after Rasa's departure, Masashi had already begun tailing another group of Suna ninjas into the battlefield.
By now, the large forces of Suna and Iwa ninjas had fully engaged in battle.
The chaotic battlefield saw both sides unleashing their full capabilities.
Since their battle lines weren't too scattered, he could only observe from the edges.
During the Third Ninja War, he had fought in the Kiri battlefield—this was his first time witnessing the Suna army in large-scale combat.
His previous experiences weren't entirely reliable either, as Suna's military tactics were now based on the strategies established by the Second Kazekage.
As the village with the most wind users, Wind Release remained an essential part of Suna's combat methods.
However, puppet troops had now taken center stage.
These puppets harvested lives far more efficiently than Wind Style ever could.
When fighting Suna, if one lacked strong poison resistance, they wouldn't end up as wounded—they would end up dead.
During the Third Ninja War, Suna forces had even invaded the Land of Fire, with their puppet troops playing a crucial role.
Back in the Second Ninja War, before Tsunade deciphered Hanzō's poisons, the Konoha ninjas had suffered heavy casualties against him as well.
Poison was just that effective.
Suddenly, a particular battlefield caught Masashi's attention.
There, the Iwa forces were dwindling at an alarming rate.
Yet, Suna's numbers in that area weren't significant.
Aside from puppets and Wind Release, another element was present—Magnet Release.
The agile golden sand easily countered Iwa's Earth Release, the primary offensive technique of Iwa's chunin.
Iwa ninjas below jonin level had no effective countermeasures against this ability.
Without Earth Release, their moderate taijutsu skills were insufficient to harm a Magnet Release user.
And the one wielding this power was only a boy.
However, that boy was Gaara.
Born with nearly invincible power, yet unable to form normal relationships—viewed as a monster by all.
The battlefield was the perfect place for him to vent his suppressed emotions.
Never having experienced physical pain himself, he could only try to understand it by witnessing the agony on his victims' faces as they perished.
Masashi approached this area.
Yet, he did not forget his promise to Rasa—he ensured the survival of injured Suna ninjas who had been taken out of combat.
Not all of them had fallen to Iwa ninjas.
Gaara was strong, but he was still an aloof and self-absorbed prodigy.
He attacked indiscriminately, not even glancing at those in his way.
Some unlucky comrades had been caught in the crossfire.
Though they were fortunate—Masashi silently dragged them aside to "play dead."
These Suna ninjas were bewildered.
Why was a Konoha ninja saving them?
What kind of storyline was this?
But none of that stopped them from looking at the boy in the distance with sheer terror.
"A monster..." someone muttered.
Masashi mused that with such a loose tongue, it was hard to say whether that guy was hit by a stray attack—or deliberately targeted.
Shaking his head, he refocused his attention on the battlefield.
