"In the village, you've repeatedly gone down to the grassroots, winning the hearts of the people. You've never cared about fame or fortune—only about protecting the countless citizens of Konoha."
Rasa looked at the now slightly flushed face of Danzo, who had been cold and guarded just moments ago, and felt deeply satisfied with how well his manipulation was working.
The [DIO character card] was still active—he had to push harder while it lasted.
"In times of war, you personally stepped onto the battlefield, concealing your identity, eliminating threats that endangered Konoha from the shadows. You risked your life to protect Konoha's shinobi. And what about the Third Hokage? Sitting safely behind the lines, doing nothing, yet reaping the glory of victory—victory that should have belonged to you, to all the shinobi of Konoha!"
"You... don't understand. Hiruzen, he—"
"See? That's the problem! You're too kind. Too generous. Even now, you're still trying to speak for him. You treat him like a brother, but he treats you like a blade to be wielded and discarded."
Rasa gave Danzo a look full of regret and disappointment.
"Are you saying everything you've done wasn't for Konoha? That a shadow shinobi must remain hidden in darkness, hated and spat upon by the ignorant masses? But you've bled for Konoha—you've earned its respect!"
Danzo's eyes reddened. His expression twisted, conflicted.
Good. Just what Rasa wanted.
DIO, you beautiful bastard.
Then, switching to a serious expression, Rasa continued:
"And what about the Third Hokage? His backward thinking, steeped in outdated ideologies, is rooted in feudal control. He uses empty slogans to fool the people, drives shinobi to sacrifice themselves, resists reform, and sabotages progress. But you and the Root? You uphold order, maintain stability, secure peace from within! You ask for nothing—no name, no reward—only the chance to serve Konoha from the shadows."
"You protect the village, eliminate internal and external threats, purge hidden dangers, and all for what? For the future of Konoha—for its next generation!"
"You've even been willing to set aside political differences, to reach out to Hiruzen's disciples—your own fellow students—all to develop science and technology, to build a better world. You believe in practical action over hollow words. You understand that today's sacrifices are for tomorrow's glory."
Danzo's fingers twitched slightly.
"…How do you know all this?"
"That's not important. What matters is this—everything you've done, all your exhausting efforts for Konoha, your selfless devotion… and what have you gotten in return? Only scorn. Only blame. Tell me, was it worth it?"
Rasa let out a long sigh and shook his head, falling silent for a moment.
Then he looked up again, this time with heartfelt sincerity.
"That's why you need to think about yourself for once. I know you're generous, noble, driven by nothing but peace for the shinobi world and the safety of Konoha. But can you really stand by and watch the village you've sacrificed so much for rot under Hiruzen's outdated leadership?"
Danzo didn't answer.
But inside, his heart trembled.
He didn't understand how this man from Sunagakure knew so much about Konoha's internal affairs—but his words, his sincerity, his eyes—pierced straight into the deepest part of Danzo's soul.
All those years of thankless loyalty... of pain...
"Why...? Why is it only he understands me?"
Danzo opened his mouth again, quietly, "Even if what you say is true… the others in the village won't see it that way. Konoha needs stability. War has taken too great a toll."
"You're right," Rasa said with a sigh. "Hiruzen still holds power. Even if your intentions are genuine, no one would believe you. All it would do is plunge Konoha into chaos."
"And let's be honest… after the Nine-Tails attack, after the Fourth Hokage died, who came back to clean up the mess? It was you, wasn't it?"
Danzo's eyes narrowed. "…After all, I am the shadow of the leaf."
"Exactly. Which is why you need your own financial resources. That way, even if you want to conduct research, train elite shinobi, or protect the village, you'll have the means to do so."
Seeing that the time was right, Rasa finally revealed his true goal.
"Imagine this: using your own wealth to build orphanages in your name… donating a library to the Academy… providing scholarships to underprivileged children… funding treatment for the sick… repairing roads and water systems. Doing real good—not just empty promises."
"With your kind heart, I'm sure seeing the injustice and suffering in Konoha must fill you with rage, helplessness, and sorrow, doesn't it?"
"…Yes… yes, exactly."
Danzo snapped out of his daze and sighed deeply.
"Every time I see poor families, struggling children, helpless shinobi—it fills me with grief and frustration!"
But inwardly…
"So... having money means you can do that kind of stuff?"
"No wonder this guy became Kazekage…"
Under the emotional barrage of the Fourth Kazekage, Shimura Danzo had a sudden, powerful thought:
"I need to make money. A lot of money. And break free from Hiruzen's financial grip on the Root."
And once he did…
"With my influence in Konoha, I could do whatever I damn well please!"
...
Early winter, Konoha Year 51.
Konoha's great shinobi—and future great entrepreneur—Shimura Danzo, formed a commercial alliance with Sunagakure.
This was a brand-new type of economic partnership built on resource sharing and trade integration, with the ultimate goal of strengthening the shinobi world's economy and securing lasting peace.
Rasa watched Danzo's departing figure.
This guy still didn't fully trust them.
After signing the agreement, Danzo had left immediately without even resting. Future trade would be handled by his handpicked subordinates.
Who knows how effective that card's charm really was?
Still…
So far, things were going well. And even if Danzo snapped out of it later, Rasa figured that with enough money on the table, the man would continue working with them.
After all, Rasa was Kazekage of Sunagakure—he couldn't stop Danzo from dreaming of the Hokage seat.
From the moment that agreement was signed, Sunagakure's goods officially entered the wealthiest, strongest shinobi village in the world.
And with Konoha's example, other villages would soon follow.
Rasa looked out in the direction of Konoha's departing convoy. Once they were gone from sight, he clutched his forehead and muttered to the nearest Sand ninja:
"Get that little brat Kabuto over here—now."
That bastard definitely orchestrated this morning's absurd welcome ceremony.
He had specifically told Kana:
"Keep it low-key. He's a major client. Don't screw this up."
That damn kid must've done it to get back at Kana's expense!
They had nearly become the laughingstock of the entire shinobi world!
Meanwhile…
Far from Sunagakure, Danzo suddenly stopped in his tracks.
He turned, facing the wind and sand, and looked back toward the village.
"…What a terrifyingly persuasive bastard."
Even now, his mind was a mess.
The corners of his mouth curled slightly in a cold smirk.
"Let's see what you're really after, Fourth Kazekage."