Summer, Year 44 of the Hidden Leaf Calendar.
Advisors Chiyo and Ebizō returned to Sunagakure, weary and travel-worn.
Out of the forty-seven elite jonin who had gone out with them, only thirty-two came back. But even with the losses, the Sand shinobi wore bright, triumphant smiles. Their eyes were filled with admiration as they looked toward Rasa.
They'd clearly heard the news of the war's end during their return journey—how Sunagakure had triumphed in the face of overwhelming odds.
With victory in hand, who could dwell on grief?
Rasa didn't interrupt their joy. The pressure of war had weighed on them for nearly two years. Let them have this moment. The mourning—for the fallen comrades who would never return—would come during the official memorial service.
"Advisors Chiyo, Ebizō." Rasa stepped forward with a smile. "You've worked hard."
"Good! Good! Good!" Chiyo clapped him on the shoulder, her voice rough but full of pride. "You haven't let the Third Kazekage down. Rasa… you truly have what it takes to carry Sunagakure into the future."
Ebizō stepped forward as well, smiling warmly. He nodded and placed a hand on Rasa's shoulder, the gesture heavy with meaning.
"We heard what happened on the way back."
"You split the forces," he continued. "Had some of the shinobi use sand-based jutsu to mislead the enemy and give the impression we'd been crushed—tricked their commander into thinking we couldn't fight anymore. Then, in that moment of hesitation, you launched a full assault. And with a terrifying forbidden jutsu and clever tactics, you took down both the Fourth Raikage and the Eight-Tails' jinchūriki. Even in dire straits… you led us to victory. Well done, Rasa. Truly well done."
"…"
Wait, is that what they thought happened?
Rasa blinked in surprise, then sighed and shook his head, speaking with firm humility, "This victory doesn't belong to me alone. It was the result of Sunagakure's leadership and the tireless efforts of countless comrades. Without the two of you risking everything to strike deep into Kumogakure's rear lines and disrupt their logistics, we never would've had this chance. This was a victory shared by all."
A storm of applause broke out. Cheers echoed through the tent. Even Chiyo and Ebizō nodded with approval.
"To be humble in victory and resilient in defeat—well said!"
However—
"What?!"
Back in the war council tent, Rasa's voice shot up an octave, eyes wide as he stared at Chiyo and Ebizō.
"You didn't take out Kumo's logistics corps?!"
"That's right," Chiyo said, sighing. "By the time we arrived, their supply lines had already been wiped out—by Leaf shinobi."
"And what's worse, we got ambushed by Konoha afterward. Thankfully… it seems they weren't interested in pursuing us."
Of course, she understood this for what it was: Konoha wanted Sunagakure to take the fall. It wasn't ideal, but Suna was the only Great Shinobi Village that hadn't declared war on the Leaf. No need to burn bridges just yet—retreat was the smartest move.
"…So Konoha took the supplies, too?"
"Most likely," Chiyo said flatly.
"Konoha…" Rasa's expression darkened. He slammed his palm against the table. "They've gone too far!"
"…"
Chiyo and Ebizō shared a glance, both looking exasperated.
"Forget it," Chiyo finally muttered, shaking her head. "It is what it is."
She turned serious again. "Now then, according to Mōmu, the technique you used—"
"A forbidden jutsu," Rasa cut in before she could finish, sighing again. "And… not something I can activate so easily."
At the very least, it required the perfect time, place, alignment of forces…
…and a lot of premium currency.
Pay to win. Pay hard. You'll get the results eventually.
"I figured as much. A terrifying technique," Chiyo said with a slow nod.
As seasoned veterans, both Chiyo and Ebizō knew better than to probe too deeply. Shinobi arts weren't meant to be dissected in full detail—not if the user didn't offer the information willingly.
What mattered most… was that Rasa would be Sunagakure's next Kazekage.
And judging by his tone, he likely wouldn't be able to use that technique again anytime soon.
Chiyo's gaze drifted toward the iron basin now tightly guarded by several elite jonin.
That basin… wasn't it his foot bath?
Her mind went blank for a second, then she chuckled softly and said nothing. She was already making mental notes to instruct the others to keep their mouths shut.
If Kumogakure ever found out what was used to seal their Raikage…
It'd be a blood feud.
"The next Raikage… is really sealed inside that thing?"
"Yes," Rasa replied solemnly. "As long as no one opens the lid or shatters the basin, the seal will remain intact."
"Understood."
Chiyo and Ebizō exchanged another glance and nodded in unison.
"We'll take personal responsibility for guarding it," Chiyo said. "As for you…"
Her lips curved into a smile.
"It's time to return to the village."
"…Huh?"
Wait, what?
Back to the village?
Am I being forced out? Like a dog that's outlived its usefulness?!
Rasa stared, confused. But I haven't even collected Kumo's war reparations yet!
"What's with that look?" Chiyo chuckled. "Kazekage-sama… the village is waiting for you."
"You mean… I'm going back now to take office as Kazekage?"
Is this really the right time?
"There's no better moment than now," Chiyo said with a warm smile. "You saved the village in its darkest hour. Your contribution is beyond dispute. And besides… it's been nearly three years since the Kazekage vanished. The people need leadership. You're the best candidate. No one comes close."
"Exactly," Ebizō added, voice filled with quiet admiration. "As long as the Kazekage stands, Sunagakure stands. Yes, we won this battle, but until a new Kazekage is officially named, the people won't feel secure. So go—take this opportunity. My sister and I will hold the front until the war officially ends. Even though Kumo has retreated and declared defeat, this isn't the time for us to let our guard down."
In the world of shinobi, treaties meant little. Betrayals happened all the time—especially in their village. How many times had Suna ripped up a peace deal just to give Konoha hell?
"As long as the war hasn't officially ended, we'll stay here," Ebizō concluded. "That's the safest course for the village."
He turned toward Rasa with pride in his eyes. "Go now, child—no, Kazekage-sama. Take up your duty. Protect our home. Lead Sunagakure into the future."
As the words fell, the entire tent went silent.
Then, one by one, the Sand shinobi dropped to one knee before Rasa, heads bowed in unison.
"Kazekage-sama!"