Let's Grow Bigger and Stronger, and Create More Brilliance!

Tsunade a deep breath.

Shukaku!

Even she couldn't help but feel a little tempted.

But.

After a brief moment of excitement, Kyohiko kicked the chair leg, and Tsunade calmed down and regained her composure.

Tailed Beast...

It is indeed very tempting. For Konoha, it would be great to have another Tailed Beast. However, firstly, Tailed Beast are not omnipotent, Konoha already has enough headaches with just one Nine-Tails.

She placed her hand on the table.

"Shukaku? What would we do with Shukaku? A Tailed Beast is powerful, but we would need to expend energy to seal it, which would be a burden for Konoha."

"Not to mention."

"This is just something we're allowed to guard, not something we're trading with. Who's going to seal it? Will you provide the manpower and resources?"

Tsunade addressed a very real issue.

Jinchuriki!

If Konoha seals Shukaku away, wouldn't that be taking it for themselves?

Without Jinchuriki, how can Konoha seal Shukaku?

Wouldn't that really just be helping to look after them?

In the end, Sunagakure found a Jinchūriki and took Shukaku back, leaving Konoha as the one Jinchuriki. If they didn't return Shukaku, Konoha would be at a moral disadvantage.

At that time...

A crisis of trust will arise in each of the smaller ninja villages surrounding Konoha.

If Konoha captures Shukaku, they will be in a dilemma.

Rasa felt helpless.

Konoha's willpower is truly extraordinary!

If it were any other ninja village, they would probably be unable to move at the mere mention of "Tailed Beast," but Konoha was completely unmoved, even feeling that they had lost out.

certainly.

This is based on the premise that Konoha has no intention of taking their Tailed Beast. If Konoha were to take the Tailed Beast, they would definitely agree without hesitation.

or--

If it were Hiruzen Sarutobi or Danzo, they probably would have agreed as well.

Rasa thought to himself, "What a pity."

He was willing to hand over the Tailed Beast because he believed that the Sunagakure was currently incapable of competing with Konoha, and instead needed Konoha's support and assistance in many areas.

On the other hand, Konoha's strength will inevitably attract hostility from others. At that time, whether Sunagakure helps Konoha or other ninja villages, they will definitely get a certain price.

Unfortunately.

Konoha didn't fall for it at all, and even turned the tables on him by throwing the problem back at him.

If Rasa knew that if he didn't increase his stakes, it would mean he wasn't sincere and was just using the Tailed Beast as a gimmick or a trap, which would be even more detrimental to future cooperation.

He took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil in his mind.

Konoha...

This is not to be underestimated!

Rasa said calmly, "I can send the Jinchuriki to Konoha along with me."

He paused for a moment after saying this.

"The Jinchuriki candidate will be my daughter, who was born not long ago. I have absolutely no reason to joke about her, but I hope to give my daughter a few more years."

As Rasa spoke, a hint of pleading crept into his voice.

Tsunade paused for a moment, then nodded gently. "Of course."

"What's a few more years if you want?"

But Kyohiko spoke up.

Rasa said, "Five years. When my daughter turns five, I will send her to Konoha."

"Let's talk about your collaborative project first."

Tsunade raised her hand, stopping the two from continuing their discussion. "If cooperation cannot be achieved in the first place, there's no need to discuss it further."

"That's true. The cooperation project is actually quite simple. First, I hope you can assist us in capturing or killing Sasori of the Red Sands."

Rasa replied.

"Secondly, I hope to reopen the old trade route between the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind."

"Third, we hope to work with Konoha to develop more areas where we can earn commissions, rather than being limited to the current fighting and killing."

Rasa said "sincerely".

Kyohiko laughed and said, "For example, minerals?"

Rasa's pupils contracted.

Really!

Given their intelligence, how could they not have considered the potential profits from the mineral resources?

My choice was right!

Since Sunagakure is incapable of opposing Konoha, they might as well side with Konoha and perhaps even get some benefits by joining them.

He hesitated for two seconds before sighing, "As expected of Kyohiko, I can feel how powerful the First Hokage and Second Hokage were when they joined forces!"

The Senju Hands Brothers are one scholar and one warrior, and moreover...

Back then, Hashirama Senju was relatively easy to get along with, which allowed the other ninja villages to gain many benefits, and Senju Tobirama was helpless about it.

In comparison, Kyohiko Yoshimine combines the strengths of both, making him even more challenging than the two of them working together.

"Lord Kazekage, you flatter me. Everyone wants to make money."

Kyohiko smiled.

Why does Konoha have the confidence to take in so many new clans now?

Because of the last Shinobi World War, they earned a lot of compensation while their losses were not too great. As a result, they accumulated a lot of wealth.

There's not much point in hoarding this money.

Spend the money to make Konoha stronger, and then find ways to increase revenue and earn more money. That's the right approach right now.

As for ways to make money.

One type of commission is for development and construction, and the other is, like Kirigakure, commissions that require the establishment of resident mercenary ninjas.

Neither of them were put on the agenda, but the reason was not that Kyohiko and Tsunade didn't want to earn the money, nor that no one was asking them for such a commission, but rather that Konoha was indeed not yet capable of expansion.

There are too few people!

Even though Konoha's losses in the Third Shinobi World War were not significant, the years of fighting prior to that war still resulted in numerous elite casualties, and the threats from Iwagakure, Kumogakure, and Kirigakure remained...

The expansion of the Konoha will inevitably trigger a series of chain reactions.

"We in Konoha are definitely interested in the mining industry, and we're quite certain that it can be very lucrative."

Tsunade paused, then added, "Actually, we have better options too."

"A better option?"

Rasa was stunned for a moment, unable to figure it out.

Besides Konoha and Sunagakure, who else currently possesses Magnet Release?

"You guys aren't planning to cooperate with Cloud Shadow Village, are you?"

The only village he could think of that might possess the ability to use Magnet Release was...

Rasa couldn't help but want to laugh.

"Lord Hokage, this joke isn't funny. Although you and Kumogakure seem to be getting along peacefully, a war between you two is inevitable sooner or later, and Kumogakure won't just surrender obediently."

"Compared to us, Sunagakure poses a much smaller threat!"

Although he was reluctant to say it, Rasa had to admit that the current Sunagakure was not on the same level as the Kumogakure and posed no threat to Konoha.

Although Tsunade didn't agree, she was already tempted.

The mining business cannot be done by Konoha alone; only by cooperating with Sunagakure can the business truly be expanded.

She thought for a moment and asked, "How can we cooperate?"

"Aside from our own commissions, we can offer you 20% of the profits from any commissions provided by Konoha."

Rasa answered.

He had calculated that under such circumstances, Sunagakure would definitely make a lot of money, and the substantial profits would also restore the Land of Wind's confidence in Sunagakure.

Only when Sunagakure has enough money can it further expand and become stronger, bringing the village back to its former glory.

Kyohiko interjected.

"That's too little. If it's only 20%, Konoha can do it themselves. Our Konoha can also provide free environmental improvement services to turn the mining sites into habitable places."

How much do you think you need?

Rasa felt frustrated, but he had to admit that what the other party said was indeed correct.

Konoha also has Magnet Release!

Although he suspected that Konoha's Magnet Release might not be perfect, unlike theirs which could be controlled with such ease, the opponent also possessed Wood Release and powerful Earth Style...

This is the most fatal.

"We'll split the profits 50/50, but we won't get involved in the mining business. We can also provide personnel to help you with mining and provide protection. In addition, you can take 30% of the profits from projects involving environmental restoration and mine renovation."

"Only 30%?"

Rasa raised an eyebrow.

Tsunade snorted coldly, "If you know Wood Release, you can also get half!"

"..."

Rasa fell silent.

Wood Release? How could Sunagakure possibly have that?

50/50.

He thought for a moment and said, "Okay, I agree."

"Sasori of the Red Sands's matter, we can consider it a token of Konoha's sincerity, and we can provide assistance free of charge."

Kyohiko said.

"We've reached an agreement with the other party on the trade route from the Land of Wind to the Land of Rivers. What's your attitude?"

"We, Konoha, will not reject peaceful trade."

Tsunade smiled.

Rasa nodded slightly and exhaled slowly. Just as he was about to stand up, he heard Kyohiko say, "Wait, Kazekage, don't you want to transform the desert and create more oases?"

Rasa, who had just stood up, immediately paused.

How could I not want to!

Seeing the forest that had appeared out of nowhere, he dreamed of having more oases and trees so that Sunagakure could truly become prosperous.

But.

It's impossible!

Rasa gave a wry smile, "Even if Konoha were willing to help, we don't have that kind of wealth."

"It's alright, the money can be paid back slowly later. After all, we're cooperating. Of course, all of this can only proceed after you've agreed on your Jinchuriki and the profits."

Kyohiko smiled.

Rasa was stunned.

loan?

He licked his lips, then shook his head. "I can't make that decision."

"That works too. If you're interested, feel free to contact us. We'll definitely provide a perfect solution."

After speaking, Kyohiko took a step back.

Rasa nodded gently. "I will."

If an oasis could truly be created...

He would definitely choose the middle of the trade route to maximize its effectiveness. With good roads and supplies along the way, more residents and merchants from outside would come.

but.

This definitely requires consulting the Daimyo of the Land of Wind.

He took out a scroll.

This was Alliance Scroll that he had prepared in advance.

"Since you agree to deeper cooperation, our alliance can also be amended. If Sunagakure goes back on its word, Konoha can use that as grounds for punishment."

Rasa added the previously agreed-upon clauses to the blank space, Tsunade similarly added the agreed-upon clauses to the previous alliance agreement with Konoha.

Both parties signed their names again.

"It's a pleasure doing business with you."

After the two shook hands.

Rasa asked, "Can the Sasori of the Red Sands be dealt with as soon as possible?"

Previously, he still harbored a sliver of hope that Sasori of the Red Sands might change his mind or do something beneficial for Sunagakure and the Land of Wind.

turn out.

Sasori of the Red Sands's every move has cast doubt on the already dwindling reputation of Sunagakure, with many even believing that the Sunagakure is deliberately keeping Sasori as a pet.

At this point, he no longer has any room for illusions.

"As long as you gather enough intelligence, notify us, and we're ready at any time."

"Lord Kazekage, isn't this too much of a concession?"

"No, I've thought about it seriously. Once this industry takes off, there will definitely be a lot of people wanting to get involved. If Kumogakure and Iwagakure join forces, we'll get far fewer requests, and our people might even be attacked."

Rasa sighed, "Kyohiko Yoshimine's every statement hits the nail on the head, leaving me no choice but to wholeheartedly agree. He's truly remarkable!"

"That oasis?"

One of the guards hesitated, "In the entire Shinobi World, probably only Konoha can do this. They must charge a lot of money. Wouldn't all our profits go to Konoha then?"

"Therefore, I need to discuss this with His Feudal Lord. Rest assured, I understand the situation."

Rasa smiled, then walked towards the Land of Wind.

However.

When he returned to the grove of trees, he was shocked to see one of the trees pinned to the ground with Kunai.

Rasa immediately went to it.

On the nailed tree bark, a line of text was carved. "Madara Uchiha is suspected to still exist among humans and has taken control of Kirigakure."

What?

Rasa was startled.

Madara Uchiha still alive?

How could that be!

Didn't he die in the Valley of the End?

and.

Even if Madara Uchiha wasn't dead, and Hashirama Senju was already dead, why is he still alive?

Rasa's first reaction was...

Fake news, intimidation!

but.

Looking around, the strange sights of Kirigakure came to mind.

In the Bloody Mist Village, and also the humorous information they gathered some time ago about the Kirigakure's attack on Konoha, they suddenly felt...

If Kirigakure was indeed under control, then everything makes sense!

Why would someone like Madara care about a mere ninja village?

That's not Konoha.

Rasa licked her lips, only to find her mouth dry.

If that's the case, then Sunagakure would be another very suitable target for Madara Uchiha.

Furthermore, this text...

He vaguely felt that the face looked familiar.

The Rasa shattered the bark of the tree.

"Lord Kazekage, what's wrong?"

"Ignore Sasori of the Red Sands's provocation. I'll create a Shadow Clone to check it out; the main force will just go around it."

"Yes!"

Rasa created Shadow Clone, while his main body led his subordinates around the forest and headed towards the Land of Wind, his mind still preoccupied with the scene that had just unfolded.

If Ban really were alive...

Therefore, cooperating with Konoha is the best option for Sunagakure.

after all.

Konoha has Yoshimine Kyohiko.

A peerless genius whose talent and abilities rival those of Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha in their prime.

With Konoha by his side, even if the sky falls, there will be tall people to hold it up. Otherwise, if he is controlled by Madara and causes any trouble, Sunagakure will truly be finished!

Although this cooperation came at a cost, at least Sunagakure can maintain its current status, and may even become stronger in the future!

That's enough.

To their north, Pakura raced along, heading north towards the Land of Wind.

She has done everything she could.

What Sunagakure decides next is none of her business.