Konoha Prodigy

In Konoha Year 43, Sunagakure was still struggling to survive beneath the shadow of defeat and the harsh reality of scarce resources. Life at the Ninja Academy proceeded as usual, and Shaye maintained his quiet yet efficient study routine, as though everything beyond it had nothing to do with him. However, news from the distant Land of Fire fell like a boulder into stagnant water, abruptly shattering the surface calm among Sunagakure's upper ranks.

The news had arrived through confidential channels. It was brief, yet enough to trigger an earthquake: Hatake Kakashi of the Hidden Leaf Village had officially been promoted to Chunin at the age of seven.

A seven-year-old Chunin!

At first, the news circulated only within a small circle of Sunagakure's upper echelon, but its impact was unparalleled. In his office, the Third Kazekage stared at the intelligence scroll in his hand, his fingers unconsciously tapping against the desk. His expression was so gloomy it seemed ready to drip water. The elders and advisors below exchanged looks, their eyes filled with disbelief and deep wariness.

"Hatake Sakumo's son..." an elder murmured hoarsely. That name was still a nightmare in the hearts of many Sunagakure ninja.

"Seven years old... a Chunin..." another advisor repeated the words, as if unable to comprehend what they meant together. "Has Konoha... grown this powerful already? What does a genius like that signify?"

Panic and frustration spread soundlessly among the upper ranks. Their defeat in the Second Shinobi World War had already weighed heavily on them, and now their rival village had produced such a monstrous prodigy. It was undoubtedly another severe blow to Sunagakure's morale. This was not merely a matter of pride; it concerned the balance of national strength over the next ten, perhaps even twenty years!

The Third Kazekage suddenly rose to his feet and walked to the window. He looked out at the somewhat dilapidated village shrouded in windblown sand, his gaze sharp and cold. Konoha absolutely could not be allowed to monopolize the glory of "genius," nor could the already depressed morale of their village suffer another blow.

He turned around, his voice low and resolute. "Konoha has its 'genius.' Does Sunagakure not have one as well?"

Everyone's gaze instantly focused on him.

"Bring Elder Chiyo here at once," the Kazekage ordered.

Not long afterward, Elder Chiyo arrived at the Kazekage's office. After learning the reason and the Kazekage's intentions, her aged face showed no expression. Yet a faint and extremely complicated glimmer flashed through eyes that had weathered countless storms. There was pride in her grandson's talent, but even more than that, there was an indescribable heaviness and worry. More than anyone, she knew what kind of loneliness and distortion lay hidden behind Sasori's genius.

"Elder Chiyo," the Third Kazekage said in a tone that allowed no doubt, "we need a voice to counter Konoha's propaganda. Sasori's talent is a treasure of the village and should not be buried. It is time for the Land of Wind, for the entire Ninja World, to know that Sunagakure also possesses a peerless genius!"

This was not a discussion, but an order. For the village's interests and reputation, personal wishes had to yield.

Chiyo fell silent for a moment, then slowly lowered her head. "...This old woman understands."

Thus, a publicity campaign authorized by the Kazekage, pushed forward by the upper ranks, and reluctantly carried out by Elder Chiyo quietly unfolded across Sunagakure and the entire Land of Wind.

Official channels began deliberately leaking and exaggerating Sasori's achievements in Puppet Technique. "At eleven years old, he has already mastered every basic Puppet Technique and can independently create advanced puppets!" "His puppet design concepts are ahead of their time, and his abilities far surpass those of his peers. He is a once-in-a-century prodigy!"

"Sasori of the Red Sands is the future hope of Sunagakure and will surely shine across the Ninja World!"

These words spread rapidly through the mouths of ninja, merchants, and wandering performers. Sasori, who had already begun making a name for himself within the Puppet Corps, saw his title of "genius puppeteer" grow like a snowball. It swiftly spread through every street and alley of the Land of Wind, with signs that it might even spill beyond the country's borders.

After meals and during idle conversation, villagers began excitedly discussing their own village's genius, talking about how he had achieved such extraordinary skill at such a young age. It was as though doing so could dispel the gloom of defeat and ease their fear of Konoha's seven-year-old Chunin. In a short time, the name Sasori had been molded into Sunagakure's pride and a symbol of its future.

In the Maintenance Unit, the craftsmen also discussed it during their breaks. "Have you heard? Lord Sasori is incredible!" "Exactly. He's Elder Chiyo's grandson, after all. Let's see how arrogant Konoha can be now!" "Sunagakure has geniuses too!"

Shaye sat quietly in his corner, polishing a new small component as he listened to the conversations around him. His black eyes remained calm. He had met Sasori and witnessed the nearly obsessive focus and astonishing talent for Puppet Technique hidden beneath his cold gaze. He knew that the publicity might contain exaggerations, but Sasori's talent was undeniably real.

Yet for some reason, he always felt that this "glory," forcibly thrust into the spotlight, was completely at odds with the boy who immersed himself in his workshop and showed no interest in the outside world. It felt more like the need of a political game than genuine respect for a genius.

He also thought of the Konoha prodigy named Hatake Kakashi. A seven-year-old Chunin... What kind of terrifying strength and talent would that require? The Ninja World truly was vast.

Pressure had silently emerged. Konoha's genius had provoked Sunagakure, and the genius Sunagakure put forward might in turn provoke other villages. A silent competition over the future seemed to have already begun.

Shaye lowered his head and continued focusing on the component in his hands. The clamor of the outside world had nothing to do with him. Whether it was Konoha's Kakashi or Sasori, who had been pushed into the eye of the storm, they were merely points of reference on his path forward. All he had to do was keep accumulating, keep thinking, and quietly catch up in his own way until he surpassed them.

His path had never been beneath the spotlight, but within the silent ocean of knowledge and among cold components.

(End of chapter)