Ch. 21Relocating the Battlefield
Key Plot Points and Events
- Sunagakure (Sand Village) ninja are provoking Kusagakure (Grass Village) ninja, targeting and capturing them for unknown reasons.
- Rasa, a Sand Ninja, is leading these operations and has been making a significant fortune.
- The war between Kusagakure and Iwagakure (Stone Village) has eased, with Kusagakure refusing to ally with Iwagakure.
- Rasa is auctioning off captured Kusagakure ninja to Kusagakure at the border.
- Sunagakure is suffering from a lack of income due to Kusagakure's refusal to engage in battle.
- A Sand Ninja messenger arrives from Chiyo's side, ordering Rasa to join the battle with Kumogakure immediately.
Character Developments
- Rasa: He has become more confident and assertive, taking a larger share of the spoils but also distributing some to his subordinates. He is also more strategic, auctioning off captured ninja for profit.
- Kusa Ninja: They are growing angrier and more resentful towards Sunagakure's actions but are currently powerless to stop it.
Significant Themes
- Power dynamics and bullying of the weak.
- Greed and the desire for wealth.
- The consequences of provocative actions and the cycle of violence.
- The importance of alliances and the dangers of isolation.
Character Interactions
- Rasa and his subordinates: They work together to capture and profit from Kusagakure ninja, with Rasa maintaining a balance between taking care of himself and his subordinates.
- Rasa and the messenger Sand Ninja: The messenger shows respect and deference to Rasa, indicating his growing status and influence within Sunagakure.
- Sunagakure and Kusagakure: Their relationship has deteriorated, with Sunagakure provoking and targeting Kusagakure, while Kusagakure is increasingly isolated and resentful.
- Sunagakure and Iwagakure: Their alliance has broken down, with Iwagakure ignoring Kusagakure's plight and focusing on its own interests.