Sunagakure's Resolute Alliance! The Land of Wind Daimyo's Gratitude, Kamizuki Yu's Far-Reaching Benevolence!

The Land of Wind's capital was a world apart from Sunagakure, its lavish palaces utterly unlike the village's rugged style.

Rasa followed behind Kamizuki Yu, his palms drenched in sweat.

This was not his first time meeting the daimyo, but it was certainly the most nerve-racking.

Several days earlier, the daimyo's most formal invitation had arrived at the Kazekage's office. Its wording was earnest, almost reverential, inviting "Master Yu" to the capital for a conversation.

The letter lavished praise upon Gaara's transformation and was overflowing with gratitude for Kamizuki Yu's "righteous deed."

But Rasa understood that a politician's gratitude always came with a price tag.

"Master Yu, the daimyo is..."

"I know." Kamizuki Yu did not break stride. "Greedy, suspicious, accustomed to keeping others in check. He enjoys the support of the ninja villages while constantly guarding against their power."

Cold sweat instantly soaked Rasa's back.

He only dared think such words in private.

"Then we..."

"Don't worry. He'll be more than happy to pay for our friendship."

At the palace gates, a squad of ninjas dressed in white samurai attire had long been waiting. Their auras were steady, their stances as firm as pines. The man leading them had a cross-shaped scar on his face and a stern expression.

The Twelve Guardian Ninja, the daimyo's elite force. Every one of them possessed strength close to, or even comparable to, a jonin.

"Fourth Kazekage, Master Yu." Chiriku, the leading man, gave a slight bow. His posture was neither servile nor arrogant. "The daimyo has been awaiting you for some time."

His gaze lingered on Kamizuki Yu for a moment.

The man before him looked even younger than the intelligence reports had described, with an aura so restrained that he seemed like an ordinary person.

This was the mysterious powerhouse who