Wind Province.
Governor's Office.
Rasa stood with his hands behind his back, looking at his two children before him.
Temari carried the massive Three-Star Fan on her back, her expression stern.
Kankuro fiddled with the Puppet strings in his hands, his face serious.
"The Dragon Vein's transmission point is in our Wind Province this time."
"This is a heaven-sent opportunity!"
Rasa's voice carried unconcealed ambition.
Although the Empire had unified the Ninja World, and everyone now answered to Chiba.
The rivalry between the five provinces had never truly stopped.
Whoever pleased His Majesty would gain more prestige and have more to boast about in front of the others.
"Temari, Kankuro."
"You must secure one of the slots!"
"In an unknown world, Wind Style and Puppet Technique can work wonders."
Temari nodded heavily and tightened her grip on the fan's handle.
Kankuro chuckled and patted the Puppet Scroll on his back.
Outside the office door.
Gaara leaned silently against the wall.
His short red hair was slightly messy, and the "love" character on his forehead was especially scarlet.
Listening to the conversation inside, deep disappointment flashed through his eyes.
Ever since the Empire had been established.
People no longer treated him as a monster, and Naruto had even become his closest friend.
Under such circumstances.
The knot in Gaara's heart had long since been untied.
But he also wanted to earn merits for the Empire and see that unknown Parallel World.
However.
The One-Tail Shukaku was sealed within him.
The immense Tailed Beast Chakra had become an insurmountable barrier.
"What a pity..."
Gaara murmured softly, then turned and left in loneliness.
Water Province.
"Ao."
"You must give it everything you have in this fight for a slot."
Mei Terumi reclined against a leather sofa, her red lips parting slightly.
"Governor,