Sunagakure's size and foundation were ultimately too weak, and Rasa was ultimately unable to escape the limitations of his own small territory when thinking about problems.
"As for Ziji? Even if we agree, would the other ninja villages allow Konoha to have another Tailed Beast? The disappearance of the Sarutobi Clan has greatly weakened Konoha's strength. Compared to Tailed Beast, Konoha needs an ally now, do you understand, Rasa!"
Sigh... I hope Rasa will mature a bit in a few years. I don't know how much longer my body can hold on. Maybe I should take this opportunity to bring Pakura back from Konoha?
Although what happened back then, if I were to swallow my pride and beg her, she shouldn't be so heartless given her feelings for Sunagakure.
"Alright, since Elder Chiyo has said so, I have no further objections. I'll leave this trip to Konoha to Elder Chiyo."
He's definitely a cunning and calculating guy. It seems I still have a lot to learn.
"Well, judging from the enemy's speed, the sooner we act, the better. I'll set off today. Gaara is, after all, the One-Tail Jinchuriki from Sunagakure. You can rest assured about his safety as long as I remain alive."
Chiyo still didn't understand Rasa's true nature. Looking at Rasa, who seemed to be deep in thought, she thought he was concerned about Gaara's safety.
"I have great confidence in Elder Chiyo's strength, but if any crisis arises, please be sure to protect yourself. Sunagakure can do without Gaara, and even without me as the Kazekage, but it cannot do without Elder Chiyo."
It would be best if the Tailed Beast could be preserved, but if they couldn't, they would have to be abandoned. However, Chiyo, that old guy, can't be retired yet. Otherwise, he wouldn't be able to suppress the enemies from the Land of Rain and the Land of Water with his own strength and scheming. Rasa knew this much.
"Don't worry, things might not get that bad."
I knew I hadn't made the wrong choice. Rasa may lack a bit of strategic vision, but his love for the village is no less than mine. Strategic vision is something that comes with experience, and with my guidance, it will naturally develop over time. But love for the village and the spirit of sacrificing everything are not something everyone possesses. From this perspective, Rasa is indeed more suitable to be the Fourth Kazekage than Pakura.
With Elder Chiyo and Gaara gone, Rasa began arranging for personnel to take precautions and implement emergency rescue measures.
The next day~
Looking at the Human Puppet the Third Kazekage before him, Rasa broke out in a cold sweat. Although he was prepared to sacrifice everything for Sunagakure, he still felt uneasy about being treated like this after death.
" Rasa, hand over the One-Tail Jinchuriki. I don't want to waste my time."
Why didn't Chiyo show up? But that's fine, at least I don't have to worry about it so much.
"You're Sasori of the Red Sands, aren't you? So it really was you who killed the Third Kazekage. You came back this time for the One-Tail? But you might be disappointed. Elder Chiyo had already anticipated your plans. Our Sunagakure is too weak to protect the One-Tail Jinchuriki. Several days ago, Elder Chiyo personally escorted the One-Tail Jinchuriki to Konoha. If you want the One-Tail Beast, you can go to Konoha."
If it were just Sasori of the Red Sands alone, I could still hold my own against him with the help of the Sand Ninja. But with the addition of the Third Kazekage, given his Iron Sand Secret Technique, any number of Sand Ninja would likely be sent to their deaths. No, I can't waste the village's resources. I have to shift the blame. At this point, Elder Chiyo and Gaara should be almost at Konoha. With Sasori's speed, he can't catch up now.
"What?! That old hag actually went to Konoha?! Damn it!"
Given the old woman's wisdom, she might indeed do that. The organization's recent victories over Takigakure, Kirigakure, and Kumogakure have been too overwhelming. With the strength of Sunagakure, joining forces with Konoha would indeed be the best option. However, this is only the best option due to the disparity in intelligence. Konoha has the Akatsuki's strongest fighting force. No, I must go to Konoha.
Ignoring the tense expressions of Rasa and the others, Sasori of the Red Sands directly controlled the puppet and rushed towards Konoha.
"Are you leaving already?"
Whether it was a misperception or not, Rasa detected a hint of urgency in Scorpion's hoarse voice.
The Land of Fire, Konohagakure, Hokage's Office Building~
"So, Elder Chiyo came here this time to visit relatives?"
What exactly is this old man plotting? In the current situation, how can he still have the mind to care about someone like Pakura, who is practically missing-nin?
No, visiting relatives is probably just an excuse; this old guy definitely has a deeper purpose.
" Fifth Hokage, although Pakura severed ties with Sunagakure due to certain events, she is still from Sunagakure. I have come here today to resolve the grudges from that incident."
Of course, this is only one of the objectives; Gaara's existence should be kept as secret as possible.
"Oh, is that all? Doesn't Elder Chiyo know that Pakura has already married into the Uchiha Clan of Konoha? Regardless of whether the past grievances are resolved or not, she can never go back."
Could this old man really be here for Pakura? Why at this crucial moment when the Raikage is convening the Five Kage Summit? Did something happen to the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, Pakura Rasa to fill in?
That doesn't make sense either. Pakura is already considered a tainted person in Sunagakure. How could they possibly trust her to inherit Kazekage position of Pakura?
Wait... something happened to Rasa? That organization that's been capturing Tailed Beast lately... the One-Tail Jinchuriki from Sunagakure!
Could it be that Sunagakure has also been attacked? Has the One-Tail Jinchuriki been captured? Or has even the Fourth Kazekage perished?
Is Sunagakure truly out of manpower? Are they planning to use Pakura as a temporary replacement?
" Elder Chiyo should discuss this matter directly with Pakura herself. We won't interfere in the Uchiha Clan's internal affairs. Shizune, Shikaku, arrange for Elder Chiyo to stay at the embassy for now."
No matter what your motives are, old man, you're just a mantis trying to stop a chariot in the face of absolute power.
"Then thank you very much Fifth Hokage, for opening this door so kindly. May the friendship between Sunagakure and Konoha last forever."
Tsunade must have become suspicious. Gaara will have to stay in the puppet for now. With the Sealing Jutsu protecting him, Konoha shouldn't find out so easily.
"Yes, Elder Chiyo Chiyo's words are auspicious. Konoha has always been a peace-loving party. As long as Sunagakure maintains this friendly relationship, Konoha will naturally reciprocate Sunagakure's friendship."
There's definitely something wrong. Chiyo's son and daughter-in-law both died at the hands of Konoha's White Fang. Even when Minato, the Fourth Hokage, personally came to her door last time, she didn't give him a friendly look. Now she's actually saying these polite things? There's no way there isn't something fishy going on!