After a long while, Chiyo and Ebizo finally calmed down. They still occasionally regarded Rasa with appreciative looks. It wasn't easy for Sunagakure to produce a promising young talent.
In their eyes, Rasa's Magnet Release Kekkei Genkai far surpassed the Third Kazekage's. Once his chakra reserves grew, he would be among the strongest of the Kage Level shinobi.
With a truly top-tier powerhouse, Sunagakure would have immense deterrent power and nothing to fear from the other villages.
In the end, Chiyo managed to regain her composure. She considered it for a moment before saying, "Since your strength has improved by leaps and bounds, and your Kekkei Genkai has also changed,
"this next task should be just right for you."
"What task?" Rasa asked. It was exactly what he wanted, so how could he refuse?
Ebizo pulled open a drawer, took out a document, and slid it over to Rasa. "You know about the Land of Artisans, right?"
Rasa nodded. He had some vague memories of the Land of Artisans, a faction that had appeared in the anime for a couple hundred episodes.
After their founder, Seimei, was resurrected, he had tried to wage war against the Five Great Shinobi Villages. Then his own son, Gaara, had taken him down.
What kind of strength had Gaara had after a couple hundred episodes? He was a nobody, barely on par with Kimimaro.
It was like some village in the middle of nowhere having its chief declare himself emperor and establish a country, then sending a diplomatic letter by post to Taiwan, appointing Chiang Kai-shek as Prince of Pacifying the South.
Three days later, the country would be discovered by the police, who would send a squad to wipe out the dynasty. That was more or less the idea.
So Rasa had a pretty strong impression of the Land of Artisans. It was rare to see people be so ridiculous.
As Rasa looked through the document, Ebizo explained, "The Land of Artisans has the finest tradition of craftsmanship in the Shinobi World, and they receive plenty of orders.
"Whether it's the Five Great Shinobi Villages or the samurai of the Land of Iron, they commission the Land of Artisans to make most of the ninja tools and blades they use.
"The war is about to begin. We sent out more than a dozen squads disguised as merchant caravans to commission ninja tools from the Land of Artisans, but there's been no word from them for a long time.
"These squads weren't weak. They could escape even if they ran into an elite jonin, yet now they've vanished without a trace."
Rasa set the document on the table and lowered his head in thought.
To keep word from getting out that Sunagakure was preparing for war, the shinobi they sent had gone in disguise and used different identities. In other words, if there really was an enemy involved, they probably weren't targeting Sunagakure.
There was too little information to analyze the situation any further.
"You want me to make a trip to the Land of Artisans?" Rasa asked. He could think about it all he wanted, but going there would tell him everything.
"Mm."
Chiyo nodded and explained, "We're not ready for war yet, and all the capable shinobi in the village are already occupied with their own assignments.
"The others are either too weak or have abilities that are too distinctive, making it easy to expose their identities and, in turn, reveal our intentions.
"This mission shouldn't involve many people, but it requires someone highly capable. As things stand, you're the perfect fit."
In other words, he had to travel to the Land of Artisans without exposing his identity, uncover the truth, and bring back the ninja tools.
"Fine. I'll take it," Rasa said calmly, nodding.
Chiyo and Ebizo exchanged smiles. They'd known he was a good young man who was willing to do his part for the village.
Afraid of discouraging Rasa, Chiyo reassured him, "We'll keep a secret record of this mission and make it public when the time is right.
"The village will remember what you've done. Don't worry, it won't be long before you take another step forward. You're the only candidate. Pakura isn't suited to be a leader."
Candidate for what? The Kazekage, of course. Some things didn't need to be spelled out.
Did that mean he'd already been chosen?
Rasa put on the air of a man to whom fame and fortune were like passing clouds and said, "What are you saying, Elder? Never mind that things are unusual right now.
"Even in ordinary times, it's my duty to solve the village's problems. As for taking another step forward, I only hope that day comes later rather than sooner—ideally, decades from now.
"Every general's success is built on the bones of thousands. I'd rather waste my whole life than see the villagers and my comrades dragged into war!"
When would Rasa become Kazekage?
After the Third Kazekage's death was exposed and the village was invaded by a massive army, he would distinguish himself. Ebizo and Chiyo knew that day wasn't far off.
But Rasa said he hoped that day would never come, and wished for peace to last forever in Sunagakure. He'd managed to show off without even trying.
Now that was what you called conviction. Chiyo and Ebizo applauded.
It was a great blessing for Sunagakure to have a young man like Rasa—one with principles, conviction, and strength!
Points +1+1+1+1...
Rasa was delighted. A simple show of confidence had earned him points, and he was beginning to understand how his cheat worked.
By using his own efforts to influence the course of history, he could earn points any time he affected the original storyline.
And the easiest way to influence the plot was to affect characters from the original story or powerful figures in the major shinobi villages.
Chiyo had a decent amount of screen time, and Ebizo didn't get much, but they were currently in control of Sunagakure. Every influence he had on them would indirectly affect the village's actions, and thus directly affect the Shinobi World's balance and course.
It was the lever effect combined with the butterfly effect, sending points rolling in.
Give me a chance to show off, and I'll move the whole Shinobi World!
"In that case, go get ready.
"This mission is extremely important. The future of Sunagakure is in your hands!"
Chiyo sprang to her feet and excitedly took Rasa's hand.
After closing the door behind him, Rasa left the Kazekage Office. He first found Yashamaru and Karura, telling them that he'd had another new insight and would be meditating in seclusion at home for a few days.
He hoped they wouldn't disturb him, and wouldn't let anyone else disturb him either.
Yashamaru readily agreed, thumping his chest. His brother-in-law had gotten even more awesome, which meant he was even more awesome too, right?
After Yashamaru left, Rasa told Karura that he was going on another secret mission and asked her not to worry.
When a man said not to, he meant he wanted her to. Playing hard to get wasn't just for women.
What mattered more than a secret of Sunagakure was flirting with his woman? Besides, Karura really was a good woman, a true homemaker. She knew what she shouldn't do.
Finally, Rasa returned home to prepare for the mission.
Not revealing his identity meant he couldn't use Puppet Technique, Sunagakure's signature jutsu, or his own Kekkei Genkai.
Those restrictions would have greatly weakened anyone else, but they were no problem for Rasa. Easy.
Electromagnetic Force had countless possible applications. Even at his current low level, it was enough to let him convincingly assume many identities without affecting his strength.
First up were swordsmen and samurai. The difference was that the former wielded their blades by hand, while Rasa used Electromagnetic Force to control the sword in his hand.
He'd appear to be a swordsman. Aside from a reduction in range, his attack power and lethality wouldn't be greatly affected.
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