The Sunagakure Team Leader's sudden change in attitude wasn't due to anything else, but a spar.
He won, unscathed, but it wasn't easy.
The researcher, who looked as weak as a Genin, was surprisingly poor in crucial aspects like combat skills, Ninjutsu, and Chakra reserves during the fight.
However, his physical prowess and the unexpectedly powerful Ninjutsu nearly caused him to lose several times.
Both his Chakra Nature Transformation and Shape Transformation were as weak as a Ninja Academy student's.
The only Ninjutsu he knew were a few C-rank and D-rank Ninjutsu from his innate Chakra nature.
But the Sunagakure Team Leader knew very well that his signature A-rank Wind Release was countered by the opponent's C-rank Lightning Release!
As a Ninja capable of leading a thousand-man team, he wouldn't blindly believe in the counter relationships between Nature Transformation.
It's true that Wind Release counters Lightning Release, but that's only when the Ninjas are of similar strength.
That Konoha Ninja, by all appearances, couldn't compare to Kumogakure's famous few.
Yet, it all happened; his Ninjutsu was completely countered by the opponent's.
This was neither scientific nor Chakra-logical!
However, reality was precisely that.
He meticulously wrote everything into a scroll, including his conversation with Tomoki and the details of his battle with that Konoha Ninja.
Kazekage-sama might arrive tomorrow!
The Sunagakure Team Leader thought to himself.
Everything seemed unchanged; Rasa still needed to handle it personally.
But this time was different; this time, the matter was simply too significant, beyond what a mere Sunagakure Team Leader could decide on his own.
This merit was already sufficient; not only would it secure his current position, but he might even advance a few ranks.
Hope for the future ignited in the Sunagakure Team Leader's heart.
Another day passed.
On the third morning.
Tomoki stepped out of his one-bedroom apartment, looked at the sky, and muttered to himself.
"It's a beautiful day today!"
The Sunagakure Team Leader had guessed one thing wrong; Rasa wasn't coming today.
Instead, he had traveled through the night, arriving in the Rouran Ancient Kingdom at two in the morning today, and he wasn't alone; Chiyo and Ebizo had also come along.
Tomoki was well aware of their arrival, which made him feel quite cheerful.
After arriving in the Rouran Ancient Kingdom, Rasa didn't linger, diving straight into the swirling yellow sands.
Around ten in the morning, Tomoki's door was knocked upon.
"Come in!"
Rasa, dusty and looking as if he had rolled in the dirt, appeared in the living room.
"Kazekage! When did you arrive? Please forgive my lack of hospitality!"
Tomoki quickly stood up, walked over to Rasa, and stood before him, a apologetic smile on his face.
Rasa's stern face couldn't help but twitch at the corner of his mouth.
How could you not know when I arrived? I didn't hide my tracks, and I don't believe your Konoha Ninja are that incompetent!
Also, this is the Land of Wind; what the hell is that 'lack of hospitality' you're talking about!
However, Rasa was, after all, a Village Kage, and he had used many tactics to take the initiative.
With his rich experience, Rasa no longer dwelled on these minor matters and spoke directly.
"I arrived last night, Hokage. I want to ask, do your words from yesterday still hold true?"
Facing Rasa, who looked like an earnest young man, Tomoki also extinguished his desire to continue the back-and-forth, affirming with a smile.
"Of course!"
"Then when do we begin?"
"We begin when the money arrives!"
After a quick exchange of questions and answers, Rasa turned sideways and then waved his hand.
Tomoki looked through the doorway and saw the scene outside.
One by one, glittering golden sculptures slowly took shape, and then twelve golden figures stood neatly outside Tomoki's door.
Not only the details of their clothing but even their expressions were remarkably lifelike.
Sunagakure's artisans weren't just for show; both Sasori and Rasa were seasoned craftsmen.
Although they now had occupied territory in the Land of Earth, Rasa, accustomed to hardship, hadn't abandoned his craft.
Since the Shinobi Alliance was formed and he returned to the Village, Rasa had not rested for a single day, diligently dedicating every drop of his Chakra to Sunagakure.
Even after arriving here early this morning, he didn't stop, diving into the desert to begin work.
These twelve golden figures were all the results of Rasa's efforts during this period.
Money was indeed just a number to Tomoki, but this much gold was the first he had ever seen, in both his past and present lives.
For a moment, his eyes couldn't help but be dazzled.
Everyone's philosophies were different; Tomoki was most averse to becoming a Konoha public servant.
However, looking at the dirty Sunagakure public servant before him, compared to the blinding golden figures outside.
A sense of admiration also rose in Tomoki's heart.
Rasa, I, on behalf of the will of fire, acknowledge your title of Kazekage; you are a qualified Kazekage!
Tomoki didn't feign refusal, even though it was said that only one or two people would come.
Tomoki, who always found it difficult to refuse glittering things, was already contemplating the renovation of his office in Konoha.
Imagining his renovated office, Tomoki couldn't help but sigh with emotion.
Indeed, only gold suits me best, just like my own low-key and reserved self
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