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My Journey as Fourth Kazekage Chapter 35
🕑 Added 2025-01-19 10:40:06 +0000 UTCChapter 35: Family
Becoming a Jonin at seventeen was an exceptional feat, no matter which village one hailed from.
Of course, it couldn't compare to the rare prodigies who achieved the rank by the age of twelve. However, considering Sunagakure’s current predicament—where talent was in short supply—Yashamaru was undoubtedly the best candidate available.
With Chiyo contemplating retirement, Rasa had to start identifying successors to lead both the Puppet Division and the Sealing Squad.
Yashamaru was an ideal choice.
He possessed both talent and unwavering loyalty.
More importantly, he was family.
Although Chiyo was renowned for her mastery of puppet techniques, the craft itself required extensive research on human anatomy. Additionally, she was an expert in poisons—an essential complement to puppetry. If Yashamaru could become her disciple, even if he failed to inherit the full breadth of her expertise, acquiring even half of her knowledge would be more than enough for Rasa's plans.
But beyond all that, there was another, far more significant reason.
Rasa needed someone he could trust to help manage the potential power he aimed to harness in the future.
That power was the unique ability found in Jūgo’s cells.
He wasn’t entirely sure if his Kama Seal could directly assimilate Jūgo’s ability to channel natural energy. But even if it could, those cells wouldn't be for his use alone.
After all, he was the Kazekage of Sunagakure.
The strength of the village always came first.
He refused to end up like Naruto and Sasuke, who, despite their godlike abilities, still struggled endlessly—even in Boruto’s era!
Rasa wanted to enjoy the fruits of his labor, not be bound by them.
Upon hearing his proposal, Yashamaru was momentarily stunned, but joy quickly overtook his surprise. He didn’t hesitate for even a second before nodding enthusiastically.
"Of course, Kazekage-sama—ah, I mean, nii-san! Learning from Elder Chiyo has always been my dream!"
"I’ll speak with Elder Chiyo soon. We should have an answer for you shortly."
"Yes! Thank you!"
Yashamaru beamed with excitement, but when he noticed Rasa picking up the lunchbox on the table, he immediately understood the unspoken cue.
He tactfully stepped back.
"I’ll take my leave now, nii-san!"
"Mm. Also, let Karura know I’ll be home tonight. I’ve nearly wrapped up everything here."
"Hai!"
With that, Yashamaru departed, leaving Rasa alone in the Kazekage’s office once more.
He slowly opened the lunchbox, his gaze falling upon the freshly made chicken soup, its warmth still radiating into the air.
A sudden wave of nostalgia swept over him.
He found himself recalling the very first night he had arrived in this world—the night he had looked into the gentle, worried eyes of Karura.
The woman who was now his wife.
"So… she is my wife…"
---
That night, despite the good news earlier in the day, Sunagakure was still alive with activity.
Taverns, inns, and barbecue shops were brimming with people, most of whom were ninjas returning from their missions. After all, when one earns money, it’s only natural to spend it.
The life of a ninja was perilous, with the constant shadow of death on the battlefield, so many had no habit of saving. They lived for the moment, indulging in the pleasures of life while they still could.
Yet, this had little impact on Rasa.
That evening, he arrived at a large building not far from the Kazekage’s office.
Due to the harsh climate, Sunagakure lacked the luxury of individual homes. Instead, the village was composed of towering stone buildings designed to withstand the relentless sandstorms. This was Rasa’s home in this world.
As soon as the door opened, the warmth inside was a sharp contrast to the chill of the desert night. The air was immediately filled with the tantalizing aromas of various dishes, stirring Rasa’s senses.
The moment Rasa stepped inside, his wife Karura—appearing like a delicate and innocent young woman—moved toward him with a gentle smile, greeting him softly.
"Welcome home, Rasa-kun!"
She gave a slight bow, then immediately knelt to help him with his shoes and coat.
Rasa, momentarily caught off guard, passively allowed her to take care of him in this way.
Once he had changed, he entered the house and noticed the kitchen table was already laden with a variety of dishes. The stove continued to simmer something delicious, filling the air with an irresistible fragrance.
"Please wait just a moment, Rasa-kun. The beef brisket will be ready soon!"
Rasa sat at the table, watching Karura move gracefully around the kitchen. An unexpected but comforting sense of home washed over him.
Though the situation felt somewhat unfamiliar, he didn’t feel uncomfortable. On the contrary, he felt an overwhelming peace here.
The house wasn’t large, but it exuded warmth and coziness.
Even though he was the Kazekage, his home felt no different than an ordinary person’s, considering the size of the rooms.
After a brief moment of contemplation, Rasa stood up and walked over to the kitchen, positioning himself next to Karura.
"Do you need help?"
Karura looked up in surprise. Recalling what her brother had mentioned earlier about Rasa becoming more gentle, she cautiously responded.
"The beef brisket is almost done. You only need to bring it to the table."
"I’ve got it."
Rasa accepted the towel Karura handed him, carefully placing the steaming beef brisket onto the table.
Soon after, dinner began.
As they ate, Rasa sincerely apologized.
"I'm sorry, Karura. I haven’t been home for the past two weeks."
Karura’s eyes brightened, and she quickly shook her head, speaking in a hurried tone.
"No... Rasa-kun, you're the Kazekage now. The village depends on you. It’s only natural that you’re busy. Besides, I’ve heard about the recent events."
Seeing his gentle and understanding wife, Rasa didn’t feel the need to explain further. He simply shared with her what had happened over the past couple of weeks.
Karura listened attentively, her large eyes wide with both admiration and concern. Her mouth continuously voiced her praise.
"That’s amazing!"
Her gaze was filled with a mixture of admiration and worry for her husband.
Karura also expressed her gratitude for Rasa’s decision to have her brother, Yashamaru, become Elder Chiyo's apprentice.
In that small house, at that moment, they were no longer the Kazekage and his wife. They were simply a newly married couple enjoying a peaceful evening together.
About an hour later, the hearty dinner was finished.
Karura asked Rasa to sit on the sofa and relax while she cleaned up the kitchen.
As Rasa sat in the living room, watching her bustle around in the kitchen, he let out a deep sigh of relief.
Though the meal itself seemed uneventful, Rasa had fully embraced his role as a husband. He observed his wife in the kitchen, her presence radiating warmth and charm, and suddenly, an overwhelming surge of desire swept over him.
Before transmigrating, Rasa had been a modern man, accustomed to the idea that a wife was someone a man dated, fell in love with, and then married. But in this world, dating was still a foreign concept. Initially, Rasa didn’t know how to feel about it. However, after integrating into Rasa's body, he had fully accepted his role as Kazekage and, now, as a loving husband. Even though he hadn’t dated or exchanged love confessions with her, it was a silent truth between them that he loved her.
Once Karura finished tidying up the kitchen, she prepared to take a bath to wash off the lingering smell of cooking.
"Rasa-kun, I’m going to wash up."
At this moment, Rasa couldn’t hold back any longer. He quickly crossed the room and leapt toward her.
"Wait."
"Eh!?"
Karura was startled, not understanding what her husband meant, until he swept her up into his arms in a princess carry.
This tender display of affection—something Rasa had never shown since their marriage—left Karura stunned. Then, she heard the words that made her cheeks flush deeply.
"Let’s take a bath together."
Karura’s eyes widened before turning bright red. She felt the heat rise in her face as she looked at Rasa, her embarrassment evident. She then nodded, still blushing furiously.
Rasa smirked, his eyes glinting with affection and amusement, and carried Karura to the bath.
Although Rasa had asserted his authority as Kazekage to the people of Sunagakure, his wife, Karura, remained someone he cherished deeply. Tonight, he would show her just how much, and in doing so, he would deepen their bond, making their first child.
