Fourth Kazekage?
The desert winds blew softly across the Sand Shinobi Village as Minato and his companions were escorted through the bustling streets. The air was dry, filled with the scent of sun-baked earth and the distant call of desert birds. Minato's thoughts swirled as they approached their destination.
He had just learned that the Sand Shinobi had already chosen their new Kazekage — a successor to the legendary Rasa. The news stirred a deep curiosity in his heart.
"Excuse me," Minato asked respectfully to the guide who was leading them, "Who is this Fourth Kazekage you speak of?"
The man leading the way was a sharp-eyed, respectful officer with a calm demeanor. He turned slightly and replied, "You may call me Yura, Minato-sama."
Yura bowed lightly, then continued, "You might not have heard yet, but the village elders recently announced that Lord Rasa's successor is Lord Luo Sha."
Minato's brow furrowed thoughtfully. Luo Sha? The name sounded unfamiliar.
"Is he the one who, to test his son's qualification as a Jinchūriki, ordered his brother-in-law to attempt his assassination?" Minato silently recalled.
"That's correct," Yura answered with a faint nod. "He's a stern and ruthless leader, but respected for his unwavering strength."
Minato glanced to Kakashi, who was walking just behind him. The mention of the Sand Shinobi had brought a spark of interest to Kakashi's eyes. In his previous life, he had often admired the official couple Shikamaru and Temari — and Temari was the daughter of the Third Kazekage, Rasa.
If possible, Kakashi hoped to see the young Temari, perhaps a child at this time, and the new Kazekage Luo Sha himself.
Soon, the group arrived at the Sand Shinobi's Kazekage office. The building was modest but sturdy, reflecting the harsh desert environment — practical, yet dignified.
From behind the desk stood a young man with sharp brown eyes and short brown hair. His black ninja uniform fit him perfectly, with mesh armor visible beneath the collar and sleeves. He rose quickly from his seat and approached Minato with a confident smile.
"You must be the legendary Yellow Flash of Konoha, Namikaze Minato," Luo Sha greeted warmly. "I have heard much about you. Please, take a seat."
Minato inclined his head slightly. "Thank you. You must be Lord Luo Sha, the new Kazekage. I have also heard many good things about you."
The two exchanged polite greetings and settled down, while Kakashi and the others stood respectfully nearby.
"I've heard your intentions," Luo Sha said without preamble, "How do you plan to finalize this alliance treaty?"
Minato nodded and pulled out the covenant scroll — a solemn document personally drafted by the Hokage himself, detailing the alliance terms between Konoha and the Sand Shinobi Village.
Luo Sha took the scroll carefully, reading through every line with meticulous attention.
The treaty was straightforward and ambitious:
Konoha would dispatch troops to assist Sand Shinobi in fighting the Cloud Shinobi army.
A fifty-year offensive and defensive alliance would be established.
Should either village face an invasion, the other must mobilize troops to assist immediately.
Both villages would engage in military cooperation, share economic resources, exchange personnel for training, and abolish tariffs.
Luo Sha paused, then looked up. "The covenant itself is well-drafted and equitable. I wonder, however, how many troops you can spare, and how soon can they arrive?"
Minato smiled, then replied, "Besides myself and my three students, we have five hundred elite members of the Uchiha clan ready to assist."
Luo Sha's eyes widened slightly at the mention.
"Among them, there are one hundred Jōnin and Tokugami, with the remainder being Chūnin. The current head of the Uchiha clan, Uchiha Fugaku, personally commands them."
The name "Uchiha clan" carried immense weight in the ninja world. Known for their exceptional skills and battle prowess, even a small contingent of Uchihas could turn the tide of any conflict.
Luo Sha's mind raced with possibilities. He had expected Konoha to send only a few hundred Chūnin at best — but five hundred elite Uchiha ninja were far beyond what he had imagined.
His expression brightened, "This is excellent news. Let us not delay. I am ready to sign the alliance immediately."
Without hesitation, Luo Sha took the brush and sealed the covenant with the official Fengying stamp — a symbol of the Sand Shinobi's authority.
Both men clasped hands firmly.
"From this moment onward, we stand united as allies," Minato declared solemnly.
"Immediately after signing, I will send a message to the village," Minato added. He cut his palms, performed hand seals swiftly, and pressed them to the dusty ground.
Suddenly, a large red ninja frog materialized with a loud bang.
"Gama Kousuke, this is an important document. Deliver it to the Third Hokage at once. You must complete this mission without fail," Minato instructed, placing one of the covenants around the frog's neck.
"Don't worry, Master Minato. I will not fail," Gama Kousuke responded firmly before vanishing in a puff of white smoke.
Luo Sha laughed heartily, the weight of worry lifting from his shoulders. "I'm glad you're here. You must be exhausted from the journey. Come, I will show you to your accommodations."
The group followed Luo Sha through the streets toward the VIP residential district of the village.
Minato noticed the simple but sturdy architecture, mostly cylindrical or hemispherical buildings designed to withstand the desert's harsh sandstorms and scorching heat.
"You may find our VIP apartments modest," Luo Sha admitted with a smile, "But this is the highest level of accommodation in Sand Shinobi Village."
The lack of natural resources, economic limitations, and remote desert location had always restricted the village's development.
Even the Kazekage's official residence was more practical than lavish, but that suited the pragmatic spirit of the Sand Shinobi.
"This is your home for the time being," Luo Sha said as he opened the door to a modest single-family apartment. "I also hope you will join me for dinner tonight at my home. It would be an honor."
Minato smiled. "I would be pleased."
Luo Sha nodded and excused himself. "I will leave you to rest. When dinner is ready, my trusted aide Yashamaru will escort you."
Inside the apartment, the team relaxed after their grueling journey. Obito, unable to contain his fatigue, flopped onto the sofa with a loud sigh.
"We're finally here! No more sleeping in tents or living off ration pills," he said, stretching out his arms.
"Hold on, Obito," Minato said with a gentle smile. "Let's first choose our rooms, wash up, and prepare for dinner. Lin, why don't you pick first?"
Lin hesitated, unsure whether a student should choose before the teacher. Kakashi quickly intervened.
"Come on, Lin. Girls first."
Minato nodded in agreement, ever the gentleman.
Lin smiled shyly and pointed to a cozy-looking room decorated with a stuffed bear — clearly prepared for female guests or children.
Kakashi chose the room next to hers, while Obito grumbled about being neighbors with Minato but didn't object.
After locking their doors, Kakashi stepped into the bathroom and turned on the cold shower. The refreshing water washed away the sweat and exhaustion from the journey.
In this arid desert, water was precious — Kakashi was careful not to waste a single drop.
He dried his hair, then retrieved a clean set of pajamas sealed within a scroll — a luxury amidst their otherwise sparse conditions.
Thanks to the healing techniques he and Lin had mastered, creating these sealing scrolls was no problem. They had also crafted enough for Obito's use, who had not yet learned the Hundred Healings Mark.
Minato's thoughts drifted to the upcoming alliance — a hopeful beacon in the grim times they faced.
This fifty-year offensive and defensive pact would not only protect Sand Shinobi Village but also strengthen Konoha's position against the Cloud Shinobi's aggressive advances.
As he prepared for the evening's dinner, Minato felt the weight of responsibility settle comfortably on his shoulders. Allies had been made, promises exchanged — now it was time to rebuild trust and stand united.
---
Additional Context and Expansion:
The new Kazekage Luo Sha was a man of great determination and intelligence. Though young, his leadership had brought renewed hope to the Sand Shinobi, especially amid the growing threat from the Cloud.
Luo Sha's rise was no accident. His ruthless decision to test his son's resolve was a testament to his belief in strength and survival — qualities necessary to lead in these turbulent times.
Despite the internal struggles and blood feuds, like the one between Elder Chiyo and Konoha, the pressing threat from the Cloud forced a rare but crucial reconciliation.
Even Chiyo, bound by personal hatred, recognized that survival required pragmatism over revenge.
As the evening approached, Minato's group would soon meet with Luo Sha and his trusted aides to discuss the military strategies that would define the next fifty years.
The alliance was more than just a military pact — it was a bridge of hope between two villages, a mutual vow to defend each other's future.
And as the sun set behind the dunes, Minato silently vowed to honor this alliance with every ounce of his strength.