After Aoki Yasunao's blunt remark, the expressions of the Sunagakure entourage shifted subtly. Rasa's gaze darkened. In the past, he might have tolerated such a tone, perhaps even spared the man some dignity, but now, that time had passed.
"Hmph. And who do you think you are? I am the Kazekage. I'm speaking with the daimyō. When did it become your place to interrupt?"
"What did you say?"
Aoki's eyes flared with anger, and he looked ready to retort, but Rasa's icy tone cut him off before he could speak.
"Daimyō-dono, I suggest we not let a spectacle like this distract from the scenery ahead."
The plump daimyō let out a relaxed, amused chuckle as a silly smile spread across his face.
"Don't take offense, Kazekage. That's just how Aoki is. He means well. There have been some rumors floating around the estate, that's all. Alright, Aoki, step aside."
Although clearly displeased, Aoki still backed off without a word.
Only then did the daimyō speak again, his voice calm yet deliberate.
"Kazekage, I trust you, of that, I have no doubt. And what you once said rings true: the daimyō's estate and Sunagakure are equals. Still, I can't say I haven't heard the rumors."
"You're right," Rasa replied, his tone even. "Then, Daimyō-dono, what are your thoughts?"
He knew that if the daimyō was willing to bring this up here, he must already have something in mind.
Sure enough...
"Kazekage, I've heard that you only have one wife?"
"!!!"
Behind Rasa, both Maki and Honoka exchanged glances, their surprise evident.
"As a man, how can you settle for just one wife? Look at me, three wives in the inner court, and seven concubines besides."
Honoka's face twisted, her expression turning cold in an instant.
"I happen to have a younger sister, Princess Tamako. Skin like white jade. If you're willing, perhaps we can tie our houses together more closely..."
In that moment, Rasa finally understood the daimyō's true motive. But there was absolutely no way he would allow this man to succeed.
If he wanted women, with the power he currently held, he could have any kind he wished.
"Forgive me, Daimyō-dono, but I'll have to decline."
"Oh? Why? Are you not interested in deepening our bond?"
"You misunderstand. It's not that. You may not know, but my wife is currently pregnant. To take another woman during such a time would be a grave insult to her."
"!!!"
The daimyō was caught completely off guard. He hadn't expected such an answer, and it was a reason he couldn't easily refute.
"I see. I was being too hasty. You truly are a devoted husband, Kazekage. Then perhaps... once your wife gives birth, we can revisit the matter. What do you think?"
This time, Rasa didn't refuse. After all, that was still more than half a year away. By then, at the rate things were advancing, Sunagakure would no longer be tethered to the daimyō's estate at all.
"Very well."
At Rasa's agreement, the daimyō's wide grin returned.
"Excellent. I look forward to the day we become one family, Kazekage."
And so, with each of the Five Great Nations harboring their own ambitions and secrets, the fleets continued forward. Taking separate waterways, they entered the great River of the Flowing Sand.
As the ships moved deeper inland, the vibrant landscape lining both riverbanks took everyone by surprise. Lush trees swayed gently in the breeze, stretching as far as the eye could see. Even the daimyō of the Land of Wind began to question if this was truly the same barren land he had ruled over for years.
But the other Kage noticed something familiar.
Wood Release?
The secret was out. Among the five great villages, it was no longer a hidden card. And for Minato, it only solidified what he had already suspected.
Chakra didn't have to be a weapon.
It could become a force of healing, a tool to reshape the world.
---
Ships of this era were painfully slow. Powered only by the wind, their top speed hovered around fifteen kilometers per hour. It would take nearly twenty-four hours to reach Sunagakure from the river's mouth.
The daimyō, after their initial excitement faded, retreated to their cabins to rest, unaccustomed to such prolonged journeys.
Rasa, however, found himself bored out of his mind. He briefly considered flying back to the village using his Sand Flight technique, but that would have been an insult to the daimyō, an obvious breach of protocol. Worse, there was no safe or discreet space aboard the ship to train.
With nothing better to do, he settled at the bow and started fishing.
Perhaps it was the abundance of Senjutsu energy flowing through Sunagakure's expanding territory that attracted wildlife, but the Flowing Sand River had become teeming with fish. And not just small ones, even in Lake Reto, sharks had begun to appear.
Some fishermen who had migrated from other lands and now made their livelihood in Sunagakure quickly took note of the thriving fish population. Wasting no time, they submitted a formal request to Shingū, asking for permission to fish in Lake Reto. Rasa, naturally, approved it. It was another way to provide more food for Sunagakure's people, a simple but meaningful improvement to their daily lives.
Just then, Honoka approached quietly and respectfully.
"What is it?"
"The Fourth Hokage from Konohagakure wishes to see you."
"So soon? Alright, bring him here."
Although the Five Kage from the great nations were now physically close, none of them had met face-to-face yet. Given their positions, they had all chosen to wait for the formal summit upon arrival in Sunagakure.
Before long, Minato appeared on the deck of the Land of Wind's flagship. Walking beside him were three young shinobi.
Rasa gave them a quick look, eyes narrowing slightly.
"These are Konohagakure's younger generation participating in the final round of the competition?"
"Yes. Although, to be precise, only Kakashi will actually be competing."
Indeed, the three behind Minato were none other than his own students, Kakashi, Rin, and Obito.
Since becoming Hokage, Minato had been overwhelmed with responsibilities and had little time to mentor them. Feeling somewhat guilty, he brought them along on this journey. With so many clan representatives attending, adding three more was hardly an issue.
But as the children stood there, it was obvious they were uneasy. They were in the presence of the Fourth Kazekage, a man whispered about in Konoha like a living legend or a demon. His fearsome reputation was known across the entire shinobi world. Even Kakashi, usually composed and serious beyond his years, struggled to hide his nerves.
Then Rasa spoke, and his words sent a chill through all three.
"Konoha's quite daring, aren't they? If I recall correctly, this brat's father is Sakumo Hatake, isn't he? The same Sakumo who killed Elder Chiyo's son and daughter-in-law."
"!!!"
Obito and Rin turned sharply, their faces frozen in shock. Kakashi's forehead broke into a cold sweat. Honoka narrowed her eyes, her gaze settling on the boy.
Minato remained unshaken, his voice steady.
"I don't believe Kazekage-dono would bear a grudge against a child."
Rasa's expression gave nothing away.
"I don't. But others might not be as... rational."
The moment he finished speaking, Honoka unleashed a wave of killing intent without hesitation. It hit the three students like a gust of icy wind. Kakashi instinctively dropped into a defensive stance.
"Oh, I forgot to mention," Rasa said with a faint smirk.
"Honoka is also technically one of Elder Chiyo's disciples."
Even Minato's expression grew tense at that.
Fortunately, Rasa didn't press the issue further.
"Enough. You didn't rush over just to parade Konoha's future stars in front of me, did you?"
Relieved, Minato gave a small, almost sheepish smile.
"It might sound strange, but aside from giving the children a broader perspective, I did want to ask you something about village administration. Kazekage-dono, you've done far better than I have in that field."
"!!!"
This time, not only Rasa, but also Honoka and all three students looked stunned.
"Hahaha..."
Rasa burst out laughing.
"Interesting. Since you're being so sincere, I'd look small-minded if I refused to share anything."
He paused briefly, then said,
"You still remember what happened last year, when your Elder Danzō attacked me, don't you?"
He wasn't bringing it up to reignite past conflicts.
"If you can figure out why I chose to let him go... maybe then, you'll start to understand what it truly means to be a Kage."