While the upheaval of the Arakawa family sent tremors through the upper echelons of the village, it barely made a ripple among the common civilians.
Their attention was consumed by the series of livelihood improvements Shiraishi had rolled out.
Foremost among these was the new barrier system. Although the Oasis Ring already offered a far better climate than the Old Sand Village, the persistent dust and sand remained a major grievance.
To solve this, Shiraishi erected a series of massive metal pyramids. These structures absorbed solar energy and converted it into a specialized air-purifying current, using electromagnetic isolation to create a self-sustaining air circulation system within the barrier.
Under the shimmering electromagnetic glow, the periphery of the New Hidden Sand was now adorned with silver pyramids and golden detection towers that monitored external threats. These systems were integrated into Shiraishi's Supercomputing Center deep underground.
Here, most of Shiraishi's puppet clones were at work. Their consciousnesses were linked to Shiraishi's primary brain, allowing him to process the village's daily administrative tasks with unprecedented speed and analytical depth.
The Universal Food Assembly
Inside the grand conference room of the Sand high command, a proposal for a massive "Food Festival" was spread out before the elders.
"A Food Assembly?"
The elders were puzzled by Shiraishi's sudden push for such an event. Inviting various nations to a culinary gala at this strategic juncture seemed trivial, even for a Kage.
"Most of these dishes focus on tree-fruits. Is Lord Kazekage planning a deeper promotion of our local produce?" one elder asked.
In recent years, the Sands' engineered fruits had successfully entered the noble circles of many nations as a luxury commodity.
However, beyond the premium table fruits, there were many varieties suited for spices or medical applications that needed a broader market.
The resilient tree-fruit plants had already taken root across vast swaths of the Land of Wind.
Seeing no objections, Ebizo cleared his throat. "Beyond the fruit promotion, I see you've invited shipping magnates and local tycoons from as far as the Land of Waves?"
Having uprooted the Arakawa family and seized their assets, Shiraishi was now planning the future of maritime trade. The Sea Train project required cooperation from international industry giants.
Furthermore, the festival would serve as a "soft power" tool to promote the unique culture of the Sand, for which Shiraishi had personally designed several specialized desserts and ingredients.
With most of the elders now aligned with Shiraishi's modernizing vision, the proposal passed without friction.
The Fate of Karura
As the meeting adjourned, Shiraishi received dire news: Karura had gone into premature labor, and her physical condition was deteriorating rapidly.
"Maki is doing everything she can to save the child," Ebizo reported somberly.
"Is Lady Chiyo's intention only to save the infant?" Shiraishi asked.
Ebizo sighed. "Karura's body can no longer sustain her. It's better to prioritize the child, as he is the most compatible vessel for the One-Tail."
In her pursuit of continuing Rasa's lineage, Karura had given birth to Temari and Kankuro in quick succession over the past few years.
This third pregnancy, coupled with the strain of sealing Shukaku into the unborn child, had pushed her beyond her limits.
Shiraishi fell silent. Though he had been estranged from Karura due to his rivalry with Rasa, she was Yashamaru's sister and had looked after him in the past. The reality was cruel.
"Karura herself wishes to protect the child. She has named him Gaara."
Midway to the hospital, Shiraishi gave a light wave of his hand. "I respect her choice."
At the entrance of the medical ward, Shiraishi saw the anxious faces of Rasa and Yashamaru. It was jarring to see Rasa like this—no longer the cold Kazekage, but a husband fearing for his wife. Having stepped down from his position, Rasa had begun to value his family more deeply.
Knowing that Maki was currently pregnant with his own child, Shiraishi could finally empathize with Rasa's agony.
"Everything will be alright," Shiraishi said.
Rasa looked at Shiraishi in his Kazekage robes, his gaze a mess of conflicting emotions. "Thanks..."
The Promise
The group entered the delivery room to find a frail Karura cradling the tiny Gaara. She was desperately channeling the last of her chakra into the infant.
Shiraishi stepped forward to inspect the baby. Though Gaara was small, he possessed an innate, extraordinary talent for sand manipulation—the perfect Jinchuriki.
Shiraishi placed his hand over Karura, the gentle light of Moonlight slowing the ebb of her life, making her final moments less painful.
"Lord Kazekage... this child..."
With Rasa ousted, the fate of his child as a Jinchuriki was a sensitive political matter. Karura tried to struggle up to speak, but Shiraishi stopped her.
"This child will be my personal disciple," Shiraishi promised. "I will teach him how to harness and control the power of the Tailed Beast."
At these words, Karura finally relaxed. She gazed at her child one last time, her eyes filled with an unbearable longing and love. The bond of a mother's heart was absolute.
Ebizo and Chiyo exchanged looks, silently approving of Shiraishi's decision to take Gaara as his student. Even Rasa realized the weight of this gesture.
Shiraishi was currently dismantling the old noble systems of the Sand. While effective, it risked destabilizing the village's heart.
By taking a child of the three primary Sand lineages as his disciple, Shiraishi was sending a signal of reconciliation to the established clans.
This child would be the balance point—the bridge that would close the rift in the new Hidden Sand.
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