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My Journey as Fourth Kazekage 142
🕑 Added 2025-04-09 16:00:04 +0000 UTCChapter 142: Shinobi Sect
Dragon's Oasis.
After a night of dramatic transformation, the environment where Chiyo and the others resided had shifted from the border between desert and forest to a dense, thriving woodland. With Rasa's approval, Chiyo had moved her home from Sunagakure to this place, building a small courtyard. Her younger brother, Ebizō, naturally followed suit without hesitation.
Where their master went, their disciples, Hana and Honoka, were sure to follow.
Seeing the actions of the two elders, Pakura also considered relocating.
After all, compared to Sunagakure's windswept, sand-choked environment, this place was practically paradise.
But after some thought, Pakura dismissed the idea.
Unlike Chiyo and Ebizō, who had retreated from the frontlines, Pakura still had many responsibilities tied to the village. She represented the commoner faction of Sunagakure.
Michikawa was in the same position.
Though he had no intention of moving here, he contemplated asking Rasa for permission to let his son, Komi, stay here during vacations. Having witnessed the formidable power of senjutsu chakra, he hoped his child could one day master it.
Of course, he understood that haste was not the answer.
And so, they each settled into their new lives here, their enthusiasm for the immense power of senjutsu keeping them wholly absorbed. It had already been two days since any of them returned to the village.
As for Karura, Baki, and Yashamaru, they had left much earlier.
Karura, being pregnant, was no longer suited for training, as they worried it might affect the child. Besides, her duties at the orphanage kept her occupied.
Baki, as the ANBU commander, was buried in endless tasks.
Yashamaru, though his status as Chiyo's disciple had become somewhat nominal after she took on the exceptionally talented Hana, remained unbothered. His easygoing nature prevented any resentment, and he had found a new purpose at Sunagakure's expanded hospital.
Needing a skilled medical-nin to oversee operations, Rasa had assigned Yashamaru to the post, and to everyone's surprise, he excelled in the role.
When Rasa returned to the oasis, Chiyo, Ebizō, Pakura, Michikawa, Hana, Honoka, and Bunpuku quickly gathered upon receiving the news.
Though they all lived here now, each had chosen slightly separate training grounds. As shinobi, secrecy was second nature, especially when it came to personal techniques and hidden arts.
Yet, Rasa's sudden reappearance surprised them.
First, he had only left that morning, returning so soon was unusual. Second, the strikingly beautiful girl accompanying him was unfamiliar to all except Honoka and Bunpuku.
Pakura studied the girl for a moment before asking Rasa,
"Did something happen in the village?"
Rasa nodded and handed her the daimyo's letter without delay.
Apart from Bunpuku, Hana, and Honoka, the other four took turns reading the letter. After understanding its contents, they too sensed something amiss.
Ebizō, who had once been responsible for such matters as an elder, immediately grasped the daimyo's intention.
"The daimyo is testing us?"
The others were baffled by those words.
"Testing?"
"Indeed. Although the Five Great Shinobi Villages were initially established as independent yet cooperative equals with their respective nations, over time, due to military funding, we've inevitably become subordinate and dependent, especially Sunagakure, which suffered the most. However, half a year ago, after Kazekage-sama's raid on the Land of Fire secured us substantial development funds, our relationship with the daimyo began shifting toward autonomy."
The others quickly understood. Even Rasa hadn't considered this angle. Ebizo continued.
"It seems the daimyo has noticed. That's likely why he sent this probe. Still, proposing an alliance is strange. While it's a sound strategy, daimyo don't typically intervene so directly in shinobi conflicts."
Rasa nodded.
"That's precisely why I've returned."
Drawing their attention, he continued,
"I have a bad feeling. Kumogakure and Iwagakure may be planning something against us. Though their goal is unclear, we must prepare."
The four Sunagakure leaders exchanged solemn glances before nodding in agreement.
Rasa then turned to the girl beside him.
"Allow me to introduce Tagitsuhime-sama, a trusted envoy of the White Snake Sage from Ryūchi Cave."
The name sent a visible shock through the group. They knew of Ryūchi Cave, Rasa had previously explained the existence of the Three Great Sage Regions, but none expected he'd already made contact.
As if answering their unspoken question, Rasa revealed her purpose.
"She's here to help you master senjutsu chakra."
Under their stunned gazes, Tagitsuhime offered a gentle smile.
Rasa, while ignoring the different looks of others, elaborated,
"As a millennia-old sacred land, Ryūchi Cave possesses a refined system for senjutsu training. Tagitsuhime-sama, as the White Snake Sage's confidante, can also sense natural energy. That's why I've invited her here. Once you harness senjutsu, your strength will grow exponentially. Even if Konoha, Iwagakure, and Kumogakure unite against us, we'll stand firm."
This time, their shock stemmed not from Tagitsuhime's presence, but Rasa's implication and it is that Sunagakure might soon face a three-way assault.
"Then we can't afford to waste time. What do we do next?"
Pakura demanded without hesitation.
Rasa glanced at Tagitsuhime, who stepped forward.
"In Ryūchi Cave, we initiate trainees by injecting natural energy through fangs, allowing them to perceive its essence. Here, however, that method is impractical. Instead, we'll follow the path of the Sage of Six Paths, founder of ninshū, by having Rasa-sama share his senjutsu chakra with you all."
