Blade Waltz

Rasa didn't reply, the Gold Sand shield around him continuously thickened, even covering his body with a layer of sand.

After that punch, he no longer had complete confidence in his supposedly impenetrable shield.

It was impossible for him to let the enemy unleash powerful ninjutsu or calmly recall memories like in the anime. While Rasa appeared to be defending with all his might, the Gold Sand had actually already infiltrated the sand layer beneath Hoshino Maki.

Swish--!

A massive Gold Sand Cone erupted from the ground with the speed of lightning, kicking up a sky full of yellow sand. Rasa squinted, and through the moonlight, he saw that beside the Gold Sand Cone, a person was holding it with one hand, looking down from above, his entire body burning with green Chakra flames, staring at him coldly.

Suddenly, he grinned, his snow-white teeth chillingly bright under the clear moonlight.

The next second, the Gold Sand Cone shattered into countless tiny grains of Gold Sand. Rasa sensed it and immediately leaped away the moment the Gold Sand Cone broke. But this time, a figure appeared before him.

Hoshino Maki!

How did he break through the Gold Sand shield?!

He didn't have time to figure it out. The moment their figures overlapped, Rasa felt like he couldn't move. Countless slender, tough Chakra threads had bound him, rendering him immobile.

The mage had been cornered.

Hoshino Maki curled his finger, and Rasa's body uncontrollably flew towards Hoshino Maki.

Bang--!

Veins bulging, a fist burning with green Chakra flames heavily struck Rasa's abdomen.

Gurgle~

Rasa let out a painful dry heave, but it wasn't over. He felt a blow to his back, then his shoulder, thigh, chest—up, down, left, right, all directions.

In an instant, it felt like countless people were attacking him from all around.

Tonight was a full moon. Under the vast moonlight, the two performed a blade waltz in the air.

"Rasa is feeling unwell, so I will convey his message. He agrees to split the forces into two routes, with Hoshino Maki as the commander of one route, and... and the agreement regarding the position of Kazekage."

In the Elder Council Hall, Sajiu read out Rasa's intentions, his expression somewhat displeased.

He didn't know why Rasa would agree to such an absurd decision; it was simply unthinkable.

But if Chōjūrō's faction agreed, Chiyo remained silent, and Rasa also agreed, then all his opposition would be useless.

"Since that's the case, let's proceed to discuss the war preparation issues."

Chōjūrō's tone carried a hint of joy. It had been rare for things to go so smoothly recently. He felt a sense of 'everything is finally on the right track.'

Since the situation couldn't be changed, they would do their best to fight for their side's influence.

The Kazekage faction argued reasonably regarding personnel selection and supplies. With Rasa's years of influence as a foundation, Chōjūrō's side lacked the confidence to contend with the other party. The best troops and ninja tools were still prioritized for Rasa's forces.

"This is a test for you. If you want to become Kazekage, you should be able to overcome these minor issues, right?"

Hoshino Maki looked at Chōjūrō, who was speaking so boastfully. He had to admit, the old man had his merits—being able to frame his incompetence as a test and his disadvantages as minor problems. He really understood how to be a leader.

Oh, he was already the highest leadership group of Sunagakure, so that made sense.

"I will definitely go all out."

Hoshino Maki bowed slightly.

"Don't just go all out, you must win! Understand?"

Hoshino Maki chuckled twice as he looked at the other man waving his hand with great momentum.

"Pakura."

In a newly opened izakaya in Sunagakure, Rasa lifted the door curtain and approached the beauty who was already waiting.

The beauty's upper back was largely exposed, so white it seemed to reflect the warm, moist light of the izakaya. Her slender back constantly attracted the gazes of those around her. Her delicate forearm rested on the bar counter, and from her arm guard, a touch of snow-white emerged, extending to her right hand. She held a straw in her cocktail glass, half of the liquor already consumed. Her gaze was vacant as she stared ahead, lost in thought.

"Hmm? Rasa, what made you suddenly want to call me out?"

Rasa's voice startled her, and she quickly smiled and greeted him.

Suddenly, Pakura paused, tilting her head with some curiosity. "Why are you wearing an eyepatch? Did you have a fight with Karura?"

Then she dismissed her own guess; Karura wasn't as violent as she was.

Rasa awkwardly raised his hand to touch the eyepatch, but froze halfway before lowering it. He shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "Just bumped into it during training."

Seeing her suspicious gaze, Rasa coughed lightly. "Let's not talk about me. I have something important to discuss with you this time."

Upon hearing it was important, Pakura dropped her casual demeanor, straightened her back, and instantly transformed into the invincible Scorch Release Shinigami on the battlefield.

"Do you know the village is sending out troops?"

Rasa led her to a secluded corner and said seriously.

Pakura nodded. This news was still confidential, but some Elite Jonin had already received it and were preparing for battle.

"I hope you can join my unit. With you, we'll have a much easier time."

Pakura seemed to have expected him to say this and showed no surprise. However, she didn't immediately agree. She lowered her head, fiddling with the straw in her hand, her expression conflicted and tinged with annoyance.

After a while, she took a deep breath and downed the liquor in the cup in one gulp. "Sorry, Hoshino Maki invited me first, and I've already agreed."

Rasa seemed to have anticipated this. He nodded, "I understand. Regardless, we're both working for the village. Let's do our best."

"Mhm, thanks for understanding."

Pakura felt a bit embarrassed. The two had known each other since the Ninja Academy and had been comrades fighting on the battlefield for many years. Now, she was going to help his rival, which made the usually straightforward Pakura feel a bit ashamed.

Rasa smiled, but it seemed to aggravate his injury, and his smile instantly contorted into a mask of pain.

Rasa walked out of the izakaya and let out a soft sigh.

Pakura still hasn't improved at lying~

He couldn't force this kind of thing. Rasa believed that with his own strength, even without Pakura's help... He seemed to have thought of something. Well, actually, he did need Pakura quite a bit.

What kind of taijutsu was that monster using? He had lived in Sunagakure for so many years and had never heard of it. Could it be a secret technique of the Chiyo Clan?

A shadow flashed across Rasa's face. He didn't know why he suddenly seemed to be at a disadvantage in the race for Kazekage.

Fortunately, Rasa's inner strength was strong enough. He adjusted his mood and prepared to visit the other elite jonin. He believed that with his connections and prestige, these people wouldn't refuse.

Just as he turned the corner, a figure walked into the izakaya.

"Pakura!"

Pakura turned around, saw who it was, snorted, and turned away, ignoring him.

There are 3K more being typed out. I'll grab a chive box to fill up first.