"Showing up this late—tell me, what exactly did you want to see me about?"
Ignoring the slight discontent in Rasa's tone, Toroi quickly explained his idea of forming an alliance.
Although Kumogakure had always considered itself no weaker than Konoha, it couldn't afford to ignore Konoha's strength.
So it would be best if they could bring Sunagakure on board.
After hearing Toroi's proposal, Rasa was somewhat tempted.
Since coming to Konoha, he'd felt stifled at every turn.
"I'll report this to the Kazekage."
However, a major decision like this couldn't be made by Rasa alone, even if he was the leading candidate to become the next Kazekage.
Though proud, he wasn't someone who disregarded the rules of the ninja world.
"Of course."
Toroi wasn't surprised.
After all, he'd already gotten the Raikage's approval before proposing an alliance with Sunagakure.
Sunagakure.
Kazekage Office.
The Third Kazekage was feeling rather worn out as he looked at Elder Chiyo before him.
As one of Sunagakure's most senior elders, Chiyo held considerable standing in the village.
She also had a younger brother who was just as senior, Ebizo.
Even the Third Kazekage couldn't afford to treat them casually.
Of course, more importantly, neither Chiyo nor Ebizo was the kind of elder who coasted along in office. Both were highly capable ninja in their own right.
"Elder Chiyo, you need to keep Sasori in line."
Sasori was Chiyo's grandson.
Ever since Sasori's parents had been killed in the Second Shinobi World War by Hatake Sakumo, known as "Konoha's White Fang," Chiyo had paid special attention to him.
She had even been unable to bring herself to tell him the truth, since he was still so young.
Although Sasori hadn't yet become the future Sasori of the Red Sands who would join Akatsuki, he had