Rasa Establishes His Authority

Deep in the heart of the Land of Wind, Red Rock Canyon.

This location serves as the intersection for several of the underground water veins within the Land of Wind, and it is the most vital strategic buffer zone outside of Sunagakure.

In ordinary times, this place is infested with several rogue ninja clans that operate outside the Daimyo's jurisdiction, armed factions of large merchant caravans, and local tyrants who occupy the oases.

At this moment, the atmosphere within the canyon is so heavy that even the dust in the air seems to have ceased its movement.

A massive round table stands in the center of a hastily erected windbreak tent, surrounded by fully armed Anbu from Sunagakure.

The dozen or so so-called "leaders" seated around the table are all deathly pale, cold sweat streaming down their foreheads.

Sitting at the head of the table is a man with short, dark-gold hair and a gloomy gaze.

The Fourth Kazekage, Rasa.

"Gentlemen, the Daimyo's reduction of Sunagakure's military budget has reached a breaking point."

Rasa rests his chin on his crossed hands, his voice low.

"To maintain the peace of the Land of Wind and participate in the Third Ninja World War, Sunagakure has paid a tremendous price. And you... as those under our protection, you have lined your pockets through smuggling and occupying oases all these years. Is it not time you demonstrated some loyalty to the nation?"

"Ka... Kazekage-sama..."

A burly leader of a rogue ninja clan wipes his sweat, bracing himself to speak. "It is not that we do not wish to pay taxes, but the sandstorms have been too severe these past two years. The trade routes are difficult to traverse, and besides that... that place called Rōran has been acting very strangely lately, as if it has sucked away all the moisture from the surrounding area..."

"Hmph."

Rasa lets out a cold snort. Instantly, a layer of shimmering gold dust manifests on the sandy ground around him, swirling like living golden serpents and radiating a suffocating wave of Magnet Release chakra.

"I do not care about the reasons. I only ask you this: do you wish to be struck down by me, just like the leader of the Boundless Oasis?"

The surrounding leaders exchange uneasy glances.

Seeing their hesitation, Rasa slams his hand onto the table, his killing intent no longer concealed.

"Starting next month, I demand fifty percent of all your profits! Furthermore, your private soldiers must be incorporated into the Sunagakure reserves and accept the village's unified command! Who is in favor? Who is opposed?"

The moment these words are spoken, the entire room erupts in an uproar.

Fifty percent of their profits, and he wants to annex their private forces? This is nothing short of sucking them dry to the bone!

But looking at the deadly gold dust dancing in the air, everyone is too terrified to voice their anger. Rasa is clearly using them to assert his authority and fill the massive fiscal hole in Sunagakure's treasury.

Just as the tension reaches its peak and Rasa prepares to make an example of someone—

Ding-a-ling—

A crisp, melodic sound of camel bells abruptly pierces the outer perimeter of the Sunagakure guards, drifting leisurely into the murderous canyon.

"Who goes there?!"

The Anbu guards responsible for the perimeter are struck with alarm.

The sensory barrier they had deployed had not reacted at all!

"People here to do business."

Before the astonished gazes of the crowd, the sandstorm at the canyon entrance dissipates.

There is no army of thousands, only two people.

Walking in front is a mysterious young man wearing a black trench coat and a mask with strange patterns.

Following half a step behind him is a young girl of about thirteen or fourteen, dressed in a vibrant red cotton-padded jacket.

Her clear, black-and-white eyes are looking around at the volatile gold dust with an expression of boredom.

The combination is truly bizarre.

It looks like a young noble master taking his little sister out for an excursion, only to stumble into a wolf pack's dinner.

"Are you... that rumored controller of Rōran?"

Rasa narrows his eyes; he has seen descriptions of this attire in his intelligence reports.

Although he had never truly regarded Rōran as a threat, the fact that the other party could bypass his barrier without a sound clearly indicates they possess some ability.

"A pleasure to meet you, Kazekage-sama. You may call me Aizen."

Yue Uchiha walks toward the round table with a leisurely gait, ignoring the almost tangible killing intent radiating from the dozens of Sunagakure ninja.

He pulls out a chair, sits down next to the leader who had just been trembling in fear, and pulls a... beautifully crafted product brochure from his coat.

"I heard a bit while I was outside. It seems you are quite short on funds, Kazekage-sama?"

Yue gently pushes the brochure toward Rasa, a professional smile curling the corners of his lips beneath the mask.

"Instead of draining these poor wretches dry, why not discuss business with me? I believe Rōran's latest 'Fully Automatic Steam Water Pump,' 'Compressed Dehydrated Vegetables,' and 'Chakra Amplification Ninja Tool' could resolve many of the dilemmas currently facing Sunagakure."

"Business?"

Rasa does not even glance at the brochure; the gloom in his eyes deepens.

He is here to establish his authority and secure absolute rule.

Yet this reckless man from Rōran dares to come here and cause trouble at such a time, even attempting to negotiate with him as an equal?

"In the Land of Wind, all resources belong to Sunagakure, and Rōran is no exception. Fifty percent of the profits, or else!"

Rasa slowly stood up, the gold sand behind him surging into the sky and transforming into a massive golden claw that hovered directly above Yue's head.

"Sigh..."

Yue let out a helpless sigh. He didn't even look up at the claw capable of crushing boulders, turning instead to look at Hikari behind him.

"See? I told you, it's impossible to reason with people who play politics. They only understand the language of fists."

Uchiha Hikari narrowed her eyes. "Yue, should I kill them all?"

The young girl's voice was crisp and calm, as simple as if she were asking whether they should have grilled fish for dinner.

"No, no, no. These are all our potential future clients."

Yue shook a finger. "Just demonstrate our Rōran's ability to guarantee the security of 'trade routes.' Hmm... let's help the Kazekage calm down a little."

"Understood."

Hikari nodded.

In the next second, a cold killing intent, as if emanating from a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood, instantly erupted from the body of the seemingly harmless girl!

"Insolent! Die!"

Rasa's eyes sharpened, and the massive golden claw slammed down with the force of ten thousand tons!

"Magnet Release: Gold Sand Wave!"

Facing the golden claw crashing down upon him, Uchiha Uchiha did not even shift his position, maintaining the elegant posture of a salesman pitching a product.

"Clang—!"

An incredibly sharp sound, like a blade cutting through space itself, rang out suddenly.

Everyone present felt only a flash of red light before their eyes.

Immediately after.

"Boom!!"

That golden claw, capable of smashing a jonin into a pulp, abruptly shattered half a meter above Yue's head!

It wasn't blocked; it was forcibly severed from the center by an incredibly violent force!

The golden dust fell like a golden rainstorm, rustling down.

And amidst the falling gold dust, the figure of Uchiha Hikari landed as lightly as a red butterfly in the center of the round table.

The short blade in her hand held no glow of chakra, yet the blade itself was coiled with a chilling, sinister aura.