Chapter 1: In Hidden Sand Village, About to Ascend the Throne, Feeling a Bit Panicked
My name is Saito, and I am a transmigrator.
Today, I have to make a major decision, one that will change my life.
Because I transmigrated into the world of Naruto.
That's right, the world where Ninjas are tools and civilians are treated worse than dogs.
The Naruto world where sons kill fathers, fathers harm sons, students kill teachers, and teachers sell out students.
More importantly, the place I live isn't Konoha!
It's Hidden Sand Village—that Hidden Sand Village filled with yellow sand, lacking water and supplies, and which later gets sat on by Deidara's face.
And that important decision is... I am about to succeed as the Third Kazekage of the Hidden Sand Village.
Exactly, that cursed position of Kazekage. In the original story, the Third was killed by his own people in the Village, the Fourth was stabbed to death by Orochimaru, and the Fifth had Deidara sit on his face before dying from having his Tailed Beast extracted. All sorts of unthinkable ways to die.
The Kages of other families die in war with both sides perishing together to protect the new generation; only the Kages of the Sand die in such inexplicable ways.
I think it's ridiculous, but there's no way around it.
Because the Hidden Sand Village just participated in the Second Great Ninja War.
And then... the Second Kazekage was beaten like a dog... If I hadn't erupted at the end to block the pursuers, the Sand might have just surrendered directly!
And most importantly... I am the child that the Second Kazekage, Shamon, picked up and raised.
Whether in terms of strength or political status, I am the undisputed choice.
"Saito, what do you think of our proposal just now? Currently, Nidaime-sama is still unconscious, and only you can take charge of the overall situation and lead everyone forward."
Sitting opposite, Chiyo expressed utter helplessness. Originally, through the development of Nidaime-sama and by avoiding the First War, the Hidden Sand Village had accumulated quite a few Ninjas and a solid foundation.
It could be said that the current Hidden Sand Village is at its absolute peak in decades!
The Kage-level powerhouses of the older generation include the Second Kazekage, Chiyo herself, Bunpuku, and Ebizo—totalling three and a half, with Ebizo counting as half. The new generation has two Kage-levels, Saito and Sunasuke. It could be called the peak state of the Hidden Sand Village, but who knew that as soon as the war started, the Second Kazekage would be heavily injured and on the verge of death? If he hadn't been saved by Saito in front of them, he would have died right then and there.
There's no other way; in this moment of crisis, someone must come out to take command of the overall situation, otherwise, how can this war be fought?
And Saito is the most suitable candidate. He has the strength and the status. But who knew this guy Saito would actually space out on such an important occasion? This made Chiyo doubt her decision. Maybe she should let Sunasuke try; although he's a bit worse, he's still Kage-level at least.
Saito's thoughts were interrupted by Chiyo's words. He gave a start and quickly sat up straight, hoping this might earn him some leniency from everyone.
"Elder Chiyo, I feel my current experience is still too shallow. Moreover, isn't Shamon-sama still here? As long as Shamon-sama wakes up, it will be fine."
Are you kidding me? The Kazekage? This cursed position? If it were any other Kage, even the Mizukage of the Hidden Mist Village...
Saito wouldn't have hesitated for a second, but the Kazekage position really requires careful consideration.
And what time is it now? The Second Great Ninja War, when Konoha is the sole dominant power. Relying only on their younger generation, they can hold the entire battlefield. Sakumo Hatake alone can dominate the entire Wind-Fire Battlefield. Isn't taking the stage now just looking for trouble? If I fail then, won't the blame be pinned on my head?
And, the most, most, most important thing is—the Kazekage's hat is green! Green! Who the hell wants to wear the color green!
"Sigh~ Saito, we all know that letting you succeed the throne now is relatively cruel to you. But I have already diagnosed Shamon-sama; the injuries this time are too heavy, and combined with his old age, even if he recovers, he won't be able to engage in intense combat in the future. Therefore, Saito, the Hidden Sand Village needs you."
Chiyo sat in her chair, trying her best to persuade Saito.
There was no choice; in the younger generation, only Saito and Sunasuke were qualified to sit in the Kazekage's seat, but in terms of battle records, status, and contribution, only Saito was the most suitable.
Of course, the most important thing was Saito's Magnet Release Kekkei Genkai. Sunasuke's is Iron Sand, while Saito's is gold dust. Although the Hidden Sand Village's economy can still hold up now, what if it can't in the future?
It was rumored that Saito had saved up quite a bit of private money recently.
So they could only try their best to persuade Saito.
Saito opened his mouth. Chiyo had said all this, so what else could he say? He naturally knew he was the most suitable candidate himself.
Raised by Shamon since childhood, he was as 'red and expert' as they come. Plus, his recent heroic performance in the rearguard and the most, most important thing—possessing the template of Hua Ye.
Yes, it was that Hua Ye from a certain academy. Although he had only fused 20% and was in the first stage, it had already given him a Tailed Beast-level Chakra capacity. Saito had secretly compared himself with the One tail; it was about 1.5 times its amount. Sure enough, the Chakra of a single tail is pretty weak.
And that was just one of the abilities. For example, having all seven Chakra natures, increased durability, and enhanced combat awareness placed Saito's strength at the peak of Kage-level.
He had originally intended to devour more energy and reach the second stage before preparing to take the throne. By his estimation, reaching the second stage should put him at the level of Senju Hashirama and Eternal Mangekyou Uchiha Madara. At that time, he would be a minor invincible existence in the early stages and could do whatever he wanted. Indeed, to increase the fusion rate, a large amount of energy was required.
But accidents always come unexpectedly, and there was no way around it. Thinking carefully, in the dozen or so years since coming to this world, Hidden Sand Village had given him initial safety and time to grow. In both reason and sentiment, he shouldn't back down.
"Fine, I agree to become the Third Kazekage. However, Elder Chiyo and everyone else must completely follow my command from now on. Otherwise, please find someone more capable for this Kazekage position."
Saito raised his head and spoke with a serious face to the elders opposite him.
"Good, no problem. We will all listen to you. Then, you should get ready; the succession ceremony will be held in two days."
Hearing the response, everyone present was incredibly happy. After all, they were very glad to have a powerful leader.
"Elder Chiyo, Elder Ebizo, I'll leave the rest to you two."
Saito bowed to everyone and turned to leave. He also had his own things to do. Since he had agreed to be the Third Kazekage, he had to shoulder the necessary responsibilities. He also had to go back and think carefully about how to develop the Hidden Sand Village.
---
"Hi~, Sunasuke."
Just as he reached his doorstep, Saito saw a man a few years older than him standing there.
The man in front of him had deep blue hair. Saito didn't even need to guess to know he was the Third Kazekage from the original story—the figure who died at the hands of Sasori and was turned into a puppet.
"Congratulations, Saito, on becoming the Kazekage."
Seeing Saito's arrival, Sunasuke stepped forward and spoke, though a hint of disappointment in his eyes couldn't be hidden. However, Sunasuke had nothing to be dissatisfied about; after all, his strength was indeed a bit inferior compared to Saito's.
"Sigh~ it's all for the Village. I'll still need your support in the future." After saying that, he intended to invite Sunasuke inside to sit for a while.