Time for a New Mask

"Has he finally been unable to hold on, Lord Kazekage?"

Kawanishi returned to his residence and looked through the window at the area being rebuilt in the distance.

But Rasa's compromise had been almost entirely foreseeable.

After all, Sunagakure had lost its only Tailed Beast, and its reputation in the Shinobi World had suffered a tremendous blow.

Under such circumstances, forces around the Land of Wind—and even some forces within the Land of Wind—would inevitably eye it covetously.

With the other four great ninja villages adding fuel to the flames, Sunagakure would certainly face enormous challenges next.

Even if others did not know the Jashin Cult's true strength, the fact that Sunagakure had lost its Tailed Beast and suffered a severe decline in war potential was undeniable.

In that case, wasn't it perfectly natural for them to test Sunagakure a little?

What Rasa needed to do now was find ways to enhance Sunagakure's strength, then deliver a crushing blow when others tested the village, declaring that although Sunagakure no longer had a Tailed Beast, it still possessed formidable military power.

Only then could Sunagakure's reputation be salvaged, at least somewhat.

That was precisely why Rasa's plan to fully roll out the Scorpion Jade Plan was only natural.

"What a pity. All of this was within my lord's expectations."

Kawanishi slowly removed his glove and silently prayed to the pattern on his palm.

Suddenly, the pattern emitted a terrifying heat.

Kawanishi's palm was scorched bright red, and even began to give off large amounts of steam.

Yet in the face of pain unbearable to ordinary people, Kawanishi appeared exceptionally excited.

"It's the Lord! The Lord's gaze has fallen upon me once again!"

To avoid drawing attention, Kawanishi could only kneel on the floor with a crazed expression, muttering in a low