"Did I really go to all the trouble of framing you, turning you from Kazekage into a missing-nin, just to kill you?"
Rasa froze, staring at Byakuya with confusion. If not to kill me, then what was all this scheming for? He thought, struggling to comprehend.
The awkward silence stretched on for what felt like an eternity.
Finally, Rasa broke it. "In the ninja world, only the dead can keep secrets. You told me so many secrets just now. Isn't that a prelude to killing me?"
Byakuya shook his head and raised two fingers. "First, I have no intention of killing you. While you're not as strong as I am, you're still one of the rare powerhouses in the ninja world. You're useful to me. Second, in my view, even the dead cannot keep secrets—not in this world."
The emotional rollercoaster left Rasa speechless. He slumped slightly, resigned. "Then what do you want from me? Are you trying to recruit me? Do you think I'd agree to something like that?"
Byakuya pointed to Rasa's chest. "I think the seal on your heart is persuasive enough. Besides, as Kazekage, don't you want to see the future development of Sunagakure?"
Rasa instinctively touched his chest, sensing an unfamiliar presence inside his body. Byakuya's words struck a chord. As Kazekage, Rasa could disregard his children and subordinates, even his own life—but not Sunagakure.
The night his wife Karura died during childbirth, Rasa resolved to dedicate his life to the village.
After a deep breath, Rasa finally said, "You've convinced me. Until I see Sunagakure break free from its curse, I won't let myself die disgracefully in the desert."
[System Prompt: Rasa has joined the Akatsuki. You have obtained the Magnet Release Bloodline Limit.]
Byakuya smiled approvingly. "That's the Kazekage I admire—willing to endure humiliation for the sake of the village. One day, you'll rise again."
"Endure humiliation…" Orochimaru couldn't help smirking. He had heard Byakuya use this historical idiom before. The man in the story had ultimately destroyed the nation that humiliated him.
Byakuya's expression turned serious as he addressed Rasa. "Do you remember the plan Orochimaru mentioned to you last night? Your first task is to attack the Wind Daimyō."
"I'll notify Sunagakure to 'protect' him, which will allow them to control him in the name of safeguarding his life."
"Attack the Wind Daimyō?" Rasa narrowed his eyes. Carrying out such a task would permanently cement his status as a missing-nin. Meanwhile, Sasori, who would save the Daimyō, would gain his support and solidify his position as Kazekage.
After considering the implications, Rasa realized the task was a test of his loyalty. If he couldn't sever ties with Sunagakure and the Land of Wind completely, Byakuya would never fully trust him.
After a moment's thought, Rasa agreed to the task. He had no other options.
---
Several hours later, Byakuya, Orochimaru, and Rasa arrived at the Wind Capital.
Staring at the Daimyō's mansion, Rasa took a deep breath and dove toward it, prepared to sever ties with his past.
Within minutes, Rasa subdued the Daimyō's guards and took the Wind Daimyō captive.
---
One Month Later
In the Kazekage's modified office, Sasori was quietly crafting puppets. Although officially the acting Kazekage, he resembled a reclusive puppet master uninterested in worldly affairs.
Despite this, the surrounding Sand shinobi gazed at Sasori with awe and respect.
The reasons were clear. Over the past month, Sasori had:
Prevented a rampage by the Jinchūriki Gaara.Rescued the Wind Daimyō from the clutches of the former Kazekage.Shared advanced puppet techniques, including both combat and civilian applications.
Sasori's contributions earned him widespread admiration, solidifying his place as a leader, even if he rarely handled official duties.
After accomplishing these tasks, Sasori earned the trust and recognition of Sunagakure's shinobi, solidifying his position as the acting Kazekage.
Having finished crafting his puppet, Sasori left the Kazekage's office, entrusting the paperwork to Elder Chiyo. He then headed toward Rasa's residence.
Chiyo, upon arriving at the office, sighed in resignation but took over the duties anyway. Though she felt somewhat disgruntled about having to work post-retirement, she couldn't bring herself to refuse her grandson. If she didn't handle these tedious affairs, there was always the risk that Sasori might leave one day.
Not long after, Sasori arrived at Rasa's residence.
Despite Rasa being labeled a rogue after abducting the Wind Daimyō, his children were not ostracized as a result. Sasori's visit served two purposes: to check on Gaara and to reassure Temari and Kankurō.
Both Byakuya and Elder Chiyo had suggested that calming Rasa's children would improve relations with Rasa's former loyalists, thereby reducing internal strife in Sunagakure.
Upon Sasori's arrival, Temari and Kankurō immediately came out to greet him, looking nervous and uncertain. Over the past few days, they had learned the full extent of Rasa's actions. Although Elder Chiyo assured them that their father's deeds did not implicate them, they still felt uneasy facing Sasori.
In contrast, Gaara seemed more comfortable around Sasori.
Gaara knew Sasori had once stopped one of his rampages and could sense the solitude within Sasori's heart—a feeling he deeply understood. Without needing words, they instinctively empathized with each other.
---
Inside Rasa's residence, Sasori turned to Gaara and asked, "Gaara, has Shukaku been bothering you at night recently? If it keeps disturbing your sleep, I'll take care of it."
Aware of Gaara's difficulties with maintaining rest due to Shukaku's interference, Sasori had previously sought Byakuya's help. Thanks to Byakuya's sealing techniques, Shukaku's influence on Gaara had been minimized, allowing him to sleep soundly.
Gaara shook his head and replied, "Shukaku only makes noise during the day now. I've been able to sleep well."
Hearing this, Sasori nodded in satisfaction before shifting his gaze to the puppets in the corner of the courtyard. "Who made these puppets?"
Kankurō hesitantly stepped forward. "I did."
Sasori's expression grew serious as he evaluated the puppets. "Your work is decent, but I suggest you review the notes I left in the library. Focus on improving your puppet-making skills. I'll personally test you in the future."
Kankurō's face lit up with excitement. "Yes, Sasori-sama!"
To Kankurō, Sasori wasn't just the acting Kazekage—he was a genius puppeteer whose mastery of the art far surpassed his own. The opportunity to receive Sasori's guidance meant his skills would improve significantly.
After addressing Kankurō, Sasori turned to Temari. "Temari, take good care of your two brothers. While I'm not skilled in Wind Release, I can arrange for you to learn from someone who is."
Temari nodded, feeling a mix of relief and gratitude. Sasori's willingness to look out for them eased much of the tension she had been feeling.