Should more Sunagakure Ninja master Sage Mode?
This isn't a question at all; no need to think, the answer is definitely yes!
Those present quickly reached a consensus, with no one raising objections.
The discussion shifted to how more Ninja from Hidden Sand Village could benefit.
First, using force was ruled out.
Having witnessed Tomoki's power, Rasa knew clearly that Tomoki would deal with him no differently than he dealt with Ōnoki, perhaps even more easily.
Though Chiyo and Ebizo had been secluded for many years, there was nothing big or small in the Ninja World that they weren't aware of.
With the Land of Earth and Iwagakure as recent precedents, the two old-timers had no intention of resorting to force.
The three Sunagakure powerhouses reached a high degree of consensus on this point.
There was also nothing to say about diplomatic means; the alliance between Sunagakure and Konoha was signed with Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Now that Hiruzen Sarutobi was a Konoha rogue Ninja, bringing that up would simply be asking for trouble.
Everyone understood Konoha's situation, especially Sunagakure.
And there was no need to mention the Shinobi Alliance; bringing this matter to the Shinobi Alliance would be no different from self-destruction.
With force ruled out and diplomacy offering no hope, the only option left was negotiation.
As soon as the topic of negotiation came up, the three powerhouses immediately split.
Sunagakure's internal politics once again took center stage, with a two-on-one situation playing out.
Chiyo: Fourth Kazekage, do you not understand the situation? Nowadays, Konoha is the sole dominant power in the Ninja World, and Sunagakure is no longer in dire straits. Why must we fleece Konoha for a mere passage? Wouldn't it be better to do Konoha a favor? Look at Hidden Mist and Kumogakure; learn from them!
Ebizo: Alright, sister, it's not Rasa's fault. After all, he's young, and it's normal to be impetuous. Since things have come to this, let's think about how to remedy it. At Konoha's current prices, Sunagakure wouldn't be able to afford many slots even if we sold everything we owned.
Rasa (gloomy.jpg): Everything I do is for Sunagakure!
The two powerhouses together: Since it's for Sunagakure, then you should resolve the problem you created. This old man (body) won't cause any more trouble for Lord Kazekage.
Rasa:....
In a place that isn't a one-man show, when problems arise, they always first focus on assigning blame before thinking about concrete solutions.
Environment shapes character; this is the situation in Hidden Sand Village, and it's also why Rasa always has a grim expression and is taciturn.
Seven parts discussion, three parts criticizing Rasa, Sunagakure's small meeting reached its final resolution in a harmonious atmosphere.
With the plan finalized, the executor was naturally the most powerful person in Sunagakure, the esteemed Lord Kazekage Rasa, beloved by all villagers.
The attendees returned to their respective camps to rest, leaving a lone figure in a white robe standing against the wind.
In the swirling sand, watching everyone disappear into the distance, Rasa was overwhelmed with emotion.
Hmm, the excitement was fake; sadness had long since become a raging river.
If not for his deep love for Hidden Sand Village, Rasa would never have become the Kazekage.
Once, in his youth and inexperience, he mistakenly cherished the Kazekage position.
More than ten years of arduous experience made Rasa realize what it meant for life to be not worth living.
If Rasa were given another chance to choose, when the Kazekage throne was once again placed before him, Rasa would unhesitatingly spit on it and leave a message.
Pah! Kazekage, not even a dog would take it!
The past cannot be undone, and one must always pay the price for their choices.
The Kazekage, a mix of emotions, stood alone for a long time before finally calming his mind.
Life must go on; if I'm a dog, then so be it!
Rasa re-entered his poker-faced state, put on his mask, adjusted his gaze to its most comfortable, fierce expression, and ignored the swirling sand as he walked towards his destination.
The Kazekage's silhouette, gradually obscured by the yellow sand, looked so mighty, yet also somewhat like a dog.
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"Sunagakure wants more slots?"
Tomoki's tone was full of surprise, and if it weren't for the brilliant smile on his face, Rasa would truly believe he was surprised.
Clear, bright tea, like a beautiful hairpin, was poured into the teacup in front of Rasa.
Tomoki put down the teapot and said, with an air of indifference,
"No problem, as long as you can afford the price, you can have as many slots as you want!"
"Hokage, can the price be a little lower?"
Rasa held the teacup in both hands, the steam from the tea drifting across his face, and asked softly.
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