An Invitation from the Kazekage / Gaara of the Sand Waterfall

As a result, everyone forgot about Rasa's "failure" assessment, and no one was so oblivious as to remind him.

If there's any change, it's that the villagers went from being afraid of Gaara to openly calling him a monster.

The day his brother-in-law's assassination attempt failed, Gaara didn't just tattoo a word on his forehead; he went berserk.

Ultimately, Rasa brought Gaara to the battlefield against Iwagakure, and under the guise of ensuring the safety of the One-Tail, he never let Gaara leave the distance where he could provide support... oh no, I mean keep an eye on him.

As it turns out, Gaara's talent is truly terrifying. At the age of ten, he was completely at ease on the battlefield. The more grumpy his expression, the more skillfully he used Magnet Release. His Chakra even showed signs of being at the Jonin level.

This isn't just because the One-Tail is incredibly powerful; it's actually going against Gaara.

To understand what it's like for Tailed Beasts and its Jinchūriki to go against each other, you can refer to Naruto Uzumaki before he graduated in the original timeline.

But that's the Nine-Tails version. Kurama's confrontation refers to passive resistance and disrupting Chakra, while Shukaku's confrontation has many more variations.

As everyone knows, Shukaku has a very high-pitched voice, much like the voice of a eunuch in Zero Quest. It is also the noisiest and most fickle of the Tailed Beasts, always acting on a whim.

To be fair, Uchiha Shingen didn't really have any bad intentions towards Gaara; after all, this young man was one of the future mainstays.

"I never imagined that my good-for-nothing child would receive praise from Lord Shingen." Rasa sighed with great regret. "If I had known, I wouldn't have sent him on this mission."

Even if he dislikes this son, it doesn't mean he'd send Gaara to the tiger's mouth.

Gaara's temper is now incredibly foul, he's completely in a "what are you looking at?" style, he has virtually no ability to regulate his emotions, and he's already on the path to becoming a ruthless killer.

Gaara listens to him because he can't beat him.

Gaara doesn't know Uchiha Shingen, and if Uchiha Shingen tries to talk to him, he'll definitely be met with a hostile response.

Rasa thought that Uchiha Shingen might say, "Your son started it."

What will we do then? Should we completely break ties with Leaf Village?

"It's alright, Lord Kazekage, the mission is the priority," said Uchiha Shingen. "By the way, what brings you here?"

"Oh, sorry, I completely forgot about the important matter." Rasa slapped his forehead. "Shingen- kun, you came here to observe our battle with Iwagakure, right?"

"That's right, that's how it is," Uchiha Shingen said. "Please understand, as allies, we also hope to mediate between our friends in Iwagakure and Sand Village and clear up any misunderstandings."

"Lord Shingen, you jest."

Rasa gestured for Uchiha Shingen to sit down at a small table.

"Sand Village is not like Leaf Village; the conditions are simple. Please don't find them unpleasant, Shingen- kun."

"How can you say the conditions are simple when Lord Kazekage personally receives us? I'm not that kind of arrogant person."

Chapter Forty-Five: An Invitation from the Kazekage

After Rasa sat down, the Sand Ninja next to him immediately served them both a cup of tea.

"I heard that you, Shingen- kun, enjoy tea, so I had some tea from the Land of Fire prepared." Rasa picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and said, "It can't compare to the Uchiha Clan's tea, but it's already very precious in Sunagakure."

"Where? Such fine tea is rare even in the Land of Fire."

Uchiha Shingen took a sip.

Not only did we use good tea leaves, but we also used good water.

This Lord Kazekage has good taste.

"Shingen- kun, how do you plan to mediate between us and Iwagakure?" Rasa asked.

During the Joint Chunin Exams, a group of people patted their chests in front of him and said they wouldn't mess around, but he treated it like a fart.

As it turns out, those people giving the test-takers practice questions was nothing compared to what they were really doing. They practically threw a party in Sunagakure. If they hadn't failed that final test, they would have shown some people what Sand Village's unique 007-style service was all about.

Today, Uchiha Shingen said he was coming to mediate the dispute, Rasa still treated it as a lame joke.

But since Uchiha Shingen started this, and Rasa also understood the routine, they would still respect each other's acting skills.

Although the Kumogakure may not have done many decent things and their hands and feet are dirty, at least they're stubborn, aren't they?

We all come from big villages, so we'll still follow these tedious rules.

"It mainly depends on what the main conflict is between Sand Village and Iwagakure. Since the goal is to find common ground while reserving differences, we should focus on the big picture and let go of the small details," said Uchiha Shingen.

"The principal contradiction, focusing on the major issues and letting go of the minor ones... Shingen's choice of words is very apt." Rasa's expression was a half-smile.

The main conflict between Sand Village and Iwagakure is that there are still living people in Iwagakure.

"I'm certainly happy that Shingen- kun is willing to take the lead in helping us resolve this major conflict," Rasa said. "I'm just afraid that Iwagakure won't agree."

"Lord Kazekage, you are being pessimistic. As far as I know, Lord Tsuchikage's heart is still peace-loving. We all live under the same blue sky, so what can't we talk about openly?"

Well said, should the association let us join too?

After filtering through Uchiha Shingen's ramblings, Rasa felt it was time to get straight to the point.

"Shingen- kun, are you worried that this will start the Ninja World War?"

"Somewhat." Since the other party was the Kazekage, Uchiha Shingen didn't beat around the bush. "The peaceful situation is hard-won. If we can avoid fighting, of course we should."

"But the wars between our ninja villages are not entirely determined by our own expectations." Rasa clearly showed his desert dweller side. "Every year, various countries export food to us at high prices. Not only do we have to pay many times more to buy food, but they also steal our precious resources at low prices. This is no different from bandits. Bandits should be roasted to death."

"Perhaps it's a bit unfair," Uchiha Shingen said, "However, the Land of Wind is a powerful nation. Although it lacks resources, it has strong military power and advanced technology. It's normal for nations to take some measures against each other."

"Well, let's put that aside for now." Rasa changed the subject. "But what about Iwagakure using the association's power to interfere with the Land of Wind's normal trade activities and take a cut?"

Go ahead and mess with him, what else can you say?

You've already got it up and running, haven't you?

"This is indeed a bit excessive, but it's still negotiable."

"How can we negotiate? Since you, Shingen -kun, have no intention of further expanding the association's membership, then Sand Village has no choice but to seek justice from Iwagakure through war."

"Lord Kazekage, the association is not expanding because its current size is limited, and besides, I cannot control the selection of association members."

"Let's leave it at that, but Iwagakure definitely has to compensate Sand Village for the losses they've suffered over the years, otherwise the war probably won't stop." Rasa looked at Uchiha Shingen. "Shingen- kun, you've been to Sunagakure, you know the environment there. Survival is hard for Sand Village; this is a war for survival."

"If things take the worst-case scenario, Lord Kazekage, how far are you planning to fight?"

"The war won't stop until Iwagakure hands over the resources they've stolen from Sand Village through dirty tricks over the years, and they'll also have to bear the war expenses of Sunagakure."

After saying this, Rasa picked up his teacup, took a sip to moisten his throat, and then continued:

"Even if this leads to a Ninja World war, Sand Village will be prepared."

"You've made your statement so definitive that I can't give you an answer right now," Uchiha Shingen helplessly.

"It's alright, situations can change, and I might change my mind too." Rasa smiled. "Since it's observation, why don't we go together? That way, you can observe more closely."

"Then I shall respectfully accept your offer, Lord Kazekage." Uchiha Shingen's eyes lit up upon hearing this.

While this might make it inconvenient to observe the Rock Ninja on this battlefield, it would allow for a clearer view of the Sand Ninja —he had no doubt that Rasa would only show him the side he was meant to see, but he didn't mind.

Whatever you want to see, Rasa can arrange it as he pleases.

How to judge is up to Uchiha Shingen himself.

Besides, at the age of ten, Gaara, who is known for his cool and collected personality, would definitely be able to see it too.

Is it possible to steal some of Shukaku's Chakra?

Since Gaara doesn't know him anyway, I can try flirting with him.

As a Konoha Ninja unfamiliar with the area, he didn't know Gaara's temper and thus angered the little panda, which is quite normal, right?

On the other side of Uchiha Shingen, Rasa's heart skipped a beat when he saw his expression.

He began to wonder if he had said something wrong.

As everyone knows, Leaf Village's White Ghost Uchiha Shingen, has never held a good grudge against outsiders.

This person is full of bad intentions.

Rasa thought about it for a while and felt that the problem shouldn't be too serious.

Gaara's side; we can't let Uchiha Shingen run into them.

After all, Uchiha Shingen not only possessed the Sharingan, but he was also someone with Chakra sensing abilities, Jinchūriki couldn't hide from such a person.

However, it wouldn't work to leave Uchiha Shingen behind without his status Kazekage; who knows what kind of trouble he might cause if he were left out on his own.

"In that case, Lord Shingen, why don't you stay here for now?" Rasa maintained his smile. "Although our strategic meeting requires your absence, I will try my best to facilitate your observation work. Besides, I have many topics I would like to discuss with you."

"You're too kind, Lord Kazekage. Of course, I will answer all your questions in detail."

"Then I'll remember that." Rasa was very satisfied. He decided to use this time to have a good discussion with Uchiha Shingen about financial management.

The person before him was Hidden Leaf Village's moneybags; he must have many ingenious ideas that could inspire him.

Chapter 46 Gaara of the Sand Waterfall

Rasa did indeed keep his promise.

Except for a few sensitive meetings or venues that involved the internal secrets of Sunagakure and were not open to Uchiha Shingen could wander around the Sand Village camp at will.

As for the Rasa that were not open to the public, Uchiha Shingen did not secretly go to see them.

The atmosphere during my conversation with this Lord Kazekage was very harmonious.

Rasa gave Leaf Village lot of face, as if Uchiha Shingen wasn't a third party, but a Sand Village ninja.

After a brief but smooth period of adjustment, Rasa and Uchiha Shingen began their formal sparring... no, I mean, in-depth exchange.

On this day, Rasa was about to go into battle. Before setting off, he suddenly extended an invitation to Uchiha Shingen.

It was a bright and sunny afternoon when Rasa, dressed in full military attire, invited Uchiha Shingen to his golden tent.

"Shingen, we have a tough battle to fight against Iwagakure today. Why don't you come with me?"

He was hit with a powerful attack as soon as he entered the tent, Uchiha Shingen said it was no big deal.

"Lord Kazekage's Gold Dust Technique is renowned throughout the Ninja World. Surely no one would want to miss this opportunity, and I'm no exception." No one doubted Uchiha Shingen's sincerity based on his expression. "Unfortunately, I have a mission to fulfill for the village, and I can only miss this precious opportunity."

"Oh? Perhaps you're afraid Iwagakure will misunderstand?" Rasa said.

But Uchiha Shingen immediately responded.

"Sand Village was the first major ninja village to establish a friendly relationship with Leaf Village. The partnership between our two villages has always been highly valued by the Lord Hokage. Although some historical issues have hindered our relationship, Leaf Village still clearly distinguishes between close and distant relationships. Before I left, the Lord Hokage also said that I must not cause trouble for my friends in Sunagakure. I'm not afraid to let you know that I have poor emotional regulation skills and am not mature enough, which is why I often carry out missions alone so as not to burden my comrades."

The Sand Village Jonin had initially looked displeased softened considerably upon hearing his words.

Rasa silently cursed him as an idiot in his heart.

What are you guys acknowledging here? Did you put all your intelligence into fighting?

"It's alright. Leaf Village is also a friend that Sunagakure values most. In that case, I won't disturb you while you're on your mission. However, may I ask you for a favor?"

"You said you'd help me with anything I could."

"Hmm, the Rock Ninja are ruthless and will hunt down our wounded who are unable to fight. Within Shingen- kun's capabilities, is it possible to provide assistance?"

"Of course. Since we've withdrawn from the battle, as an observer, it's my duty to lend a hand. After all, there's no need to cause unnecessary casualties. However, if I were to encounter Rock Ninja, I would have no choice but to do the same. Please understand."

"Haha, that's natural."

Rasa let out a hearty laugh.

Uchiha Shingen maintained his smile to avoid embarrassing him.

After laughing a few times, Rasa resumed his serious expression.

"Then, Lord Shingen, please do as you please. I'm going to take command of these young men."

"Yes, Lord Kazekage, I will keep my distance and will not interfere with your battle."

Rasa nodded to indicate that he understood, and then set off with the Sand Ninja.

After walking a short distance, he couldn't help but look back at the figure by the tent and sighed.

She's not even thirty yet.

"Lord Kazekage?" A Sand Village Jonin beside Rasa, noticing his leader's lack of interest, asked, "Is there a problem with Kurama?"

He also glanced in the direction Rasa had been looking.

There was no one left near the tent.

"Shi Shou, are there any young men like this in our village?"

"Are you referring to Uchiha Shingen? I think he still respects you quite a bit."