Departure and Return

Land of Wind

At the entrance to the narrow passage on the eastern hills of Sunagakure

"Kazekage, though I've seen you off for a thousand miles, we must part eventually. The strength of Sunagakure gives me peace of mind. The alliance between Konoha and Hidden Sand is enough to face any challenge in the Shinobi World."

Naraku finished speaking, he withdrew his hand from Rasa's.

"Sunagakure still needs the support of Konoha to maintain stability."

Kazekage Rasa spoke humbly, and his words were sincere.

Villages in the desert rely on merchants and travelers to supply them with sufficient food and provisions; the desert alone cannot grow enough military rations.

The Land of Fire is a major grain-producing country and also the central region of the Shinobi World. Merchants from almost every country pass through the Land of Land of Fire.

Being sanctioned by the Land of Fire would be very damaging to the Land of Wind. This is one of the important reasons for the formation of the Hidden Sand Konoha Alliance.

"You will be the greatest Kazekage in the history of the Land of Wind, and the alliance between Konoha and Hidden Sand will become even stronger under our management."

Naraku smiled and spoke humbly. After finishing speaking, he turned around, waved to the Kazekage Rasa behind him, and walked towards the Konoha Sky Carrier.

He was followed by Anbu Ninja guards and nine Genin were participating in the Chunin Ninja Exams.

Even after the Konoha Sky Carrier took off, Rasa and several high-ranking Hidden Sand from Sunagakure Jonin and watched them intently.

"What kind of weapon is this? Konoha is getting stronger and stronger..."

The Jonin behind the Kazekage gazed at the gradually rising Konoha Sky Carrier, and after asking a question, let out a sigh.

"No matter how many elite ninjas are trained, they will still be subject to the control of Konoha, which is located in a more advantageous position. The alliance between Konoha and Hidden Sand is far too important."

Another Hidden Sand Jonin spoke with a somewhat pessimistic tone, but his words showed a more friendly attitude towards Konoha.

"The reason why the Land of Wind is second only to Konoha as one of the Five Great Nations is simply due to its desert geography."

If we possessed Konoha's fertile and prosperous land, we would surely become the strongest nation in the Shinobi World. And that day is not far off."

Rasa's eyes were sinister. The two advisors of Sunagakure, Chiyo and Ebizo, had retired and no longer concerned themselves with Hidden Sand affairs. Rasa's power was becoming more centralized, and he harbored ambitions to improve the land of the Land of Land of Wind.

"I look forward to that day."

"Under the Fourth Hokage's rule, I believe this will not be empty talk."

The four Hidden Sand Jonin somewhat excited upon hearing Rasa's words. The Hidden Sand wanted to change its situation of being confined to the desert, and it needed an ambitious and capable leader.

"Hmph, go back."

Kazekage Rasa watched the flying vehicle disappear into the distance, his eyes cold, and then turned and walked towards the direction of Sunagakure at the First Line of Sky.

"Hi!" X4

Four Hidden Sand Jonin respectfully behind.

High in the air

In the captain's lounge of the Konoha Airspace Carrier, Naraku on a futon. Behind the futon hung a huge Uchiha Gunbai emblem, below which were eight somewhat reserved Konoha Genin, and the cold-faced Ibuse Hangetsu.

The hundred-plus members of the Sky Ninja force on the aircraft carrier provided Chakra to power the Konoha Airspace Carrier, allowing Naraku to spare a little time to summon these Genin.

"Nine people, two passed the exam and became Chunin. The pass rate for the Chunin Hidden Sand is slightly higher than that in Konoha."

Regarding the Chunin Ninja Exams Sunagakure, Naraku quietly offered his opinion, then continued:

"The average age for Chunin to be promoted to Genin in Konoha is fifteen. You still have two years, so don't be too discouraged. You can take the exam four times in two years."

"Ha?"

"It took four exams to pass?"

"I'll definitely get through next time! Those Kusagakure Genin too cunning!"

Genin hearing Naraku's words of comfort, the nine genin began to speak all at once.

"Alright, alright, being able to ride on Konoha's secret weapon, the Sky Helicopter, can be considered a reward for this trip."

Naraku interrupted softly, casually offering a rosy picture: these Genin had only graduated a year ago, were only thirteen years old, and had been recognized and recommended by their Jonin teachers to participate in the Chunin Ninja Exams.

In peacetime, after years of development, Konoha's ninja population has become saturated, and the requirements for graduating Genin and selecting Chunin have been raised.

"Wow, Lord Hokage, speaking of which, this flying machine is really cool!"

"I've never seen a flying fortress like this before."

"Is this a secret weapon? Can I apply to serve in this aerial fortress?"

The boys and girls started chatting away again. Naraku had a very approachable image, a gentle temperament, and a warm smile on his face.

"Hahaha, sure, of course, but you'll have to go through a selection process."

This aerial fortress is called a space carrier, and it's designed for air forces. The village will issue a recruitment notice later; if you're interested, just sign up.

Naraku patiently Genin's questions, his expression becoming slightly serious as he said in a deep voice:

"Alright, Uzumaki Class, stay. Everyone else, step back."

The three Jonin in charge of the three— Ibuse Hangetsu, Kawaguchi Shio, and Murayama Tomonobu— are none other than Uzumaki Qu, a veteran Jonin of the Uzumaki Clan.

"Hi" X6

Genin hearing this, the genin obediently agreed and withdrew, leaving only the three members of the Ibuse Hangetsu.

"I mentioned before that I would give you a special reward for passing the Hidden Sand Chunin Ninja Exams..."

Naraku whispered the reason why he had kept the three of them.

Murayama Tomonobu, who failed the Hidden Sand Chunin Ninja Exams, looked dejected; he was the only one in his team to fail.

"Kawaguchi Shio, Uzumaki has always praised your Genjutsu. This is Genjutsu that has reached level A, exceeding the learning level of Jonin."

Remember, you may not teach this without permission.

Naraku took out a scroll from his robe, examined it carefully, and after confirming that he hadn't taken the wrong one, tossed it to Kawaguchi Shio.

"Hi!"

Kawaguchi Shio took the scroll, gave a firm "yes," and her cute face revealed two dimples; she was very excited.

"Murayama Tomonobu, although you failed to advance, your performance was still quite good."

This is a high-level Fire Style Ninjutsu passed down from the Uchiha Clan, one of the two founding ninja clans of Konoha. I hope you will not disgrace the reputation of this Fire Style Ninjutsu."

Naraku reached into the collar of his robe again, pulled out a scroll, checked the title, confirmed it was correct, and gently tossed it to Murayama Tomonobu.

"Huh? Hi!"

Murayama Tomonobu was greatly surprised, never expecting to receive a reward despite failing to advance.

"Fire Style: Great Dragon Fire Technique? Is it a B-rank difficulty level? That's Ninjutsu only Jonin can master. I'll do my best, Fourth Hokage!"

After receiving the scroll, Murayama Tomonobu examined it carefully for a few moments, becoming very excited.

Both were commoner-type ninjas, with very limited access to Ninjutsu. Often Ninjutsu all the abilities they possessed.

"Remember, you are not allowed to teach or spread these techniques without permission. If you become Jonin future, I hope you will pass these powerful Ninjutsu on in Konoha Style and carry on the Will of Fire to the end."

Hi! X2

"Hi..."

Murayama Tomonobu and Kawaguchi Shio nodded very seriously.

Ibuse Hangetsu seemed listless, having waited for a long time without seeing its prey.