A Rising Reputation

Konoha remained peaceful, but the events at Mount Tenmoku had stirred undercurrents throughout the other four great nations.

Inside the Kazekage's Office in Sunagakure, the atmosphere was tense and oppressive.

The Third Kazekage sat in his chair, waves of fierce Magnet Release Chakra radiating from him as he glared at Rasa, who stood before him with his head bowed in apology.

Rasa's activities in the Land of Rivers had recently been exposed. Not only had his base been destroyed, but the Human Experimentation he had spent a year arranging had also been uprooted by Konoha. The news had shaken Sunagakure's entire leadership.

"Rasa."

The Third Kazekage's low voice carried a trace of fury. "You went behind the village leadership's back to conduct forbidden Human Experimentation in the Land of Rivers. Your carelessness let Konoha discover it, and they destroyed the whole operation. Do you still recognize me as Kazekage?"

This border clash had nearly sparked an all-out war between Konoha and Sunagakure. If Konoha had not kept the matter quiet instead of publicly demanding accountability, the two sides would already have come to blows.

Even if they wanted to take on Konoha, now was not the time. How could they fight when nothing was ready?

What an idiot. He belonged in a museum!

Seeing his own student make such a basic mistake, the Third Kazekage was furious at his wasted potential.

Faced with his teacher's questions, Rasa bowed his head. He felt no remorse, but his expression was impeccably respectful. He had prepared his explanation well in advance.

"Lord Kazekage, I accept my fault."

He spoke earnestly, every word seemingly heartfelt. "Sunagakure lies in the desert and has always lacked resources. Compared with the other four nations, we are at a natural disadvantage. In recent years, the Daimyō has steadily