Disclaimer: Naruto and all of its character belong to Masashi Kishimoto. I own nothing but the original characters I make
Chapter 158: Missing Kage
---Recap Kazekage Missing---
Kazekage Shamon, the second Kage of Sunagakure, faced many challenges. The worst of these was losing the war and having to pay war reparations. Sunagakure is located in the desert, meaning there are very few resources to scavenge for paying Konoha. Before the village was founded, shinobi in the area fought each other for resources.
There was no Rasa with the Gold Dust kekkei genkai or the Third Kazekage with the Magnet Release kekkei genkai. The most stable Kage was Rasa, who had Gold Dust and brought immense wealth to Sunagakure, surpassing the previous Kage. This is why Shamon easily fell into a trap when he heard rumors of gold being smuggled from the desert.
He was ambushed by 30 elite shinobi from Iwagakure, ending his legacy as the second Kazekage.
---New Kage---
Sunagakure nearly fell into civil war. Fortunately, Chiyo, a counselor during the Second Kazekage's tenure, suggested that the next Kage be chosen from the elite jonin. Ultimately, they chose Shakudo, a Magnet Release user, as the next Kazekage.
Unlike Shamon, who was too weak to lead Sunagakure and lacked a strategy to improve it, Shakudo was different. As an elite jonin, he hid his strength for fear of making others jealous. He had high IQ and EQ, and even in the original series, he was called a genius comparable to Tobirama. Many referred to him as the strongest Kazekage of all time.
The only reason Sasori managed to kill him was that he let his guard down.
Now, as the new Kazekage, Shakudo faced the same pressures as the Second Kazekage. Fortunately, Uchiha Setsuna had sent several merchants to Sunagakure, bringing important supplies such as grain and flour. Using his Magnet Release, Shakudo was able to mine iron ore easily and sell it at market price to the merchants.
The Daimyo also provided 10 years of support, allowing Sunagakure to train elite ninja to break Uzushiogakure's defenses. This brought tremendous wealth to Sunagakure, and the people had enough clothes and could eat three meals a day.
---Pakura and Rasa---
Among the elite ninja of Sunagakure, two stood out the most: Rasa and Pakura, both users of kekkei genkai.
Rasa possessed Magnet Release, like the Third Kazekage. However, he had not yet improved his ability to control Gold Dust. In the original series, he trained and eventually gained control over Gold Dust because it was suitable for controlling Shukaku.
Rasa was an excellent ninja, skilled in taijutsu, shurikenjutsu, and ninjutsu. Shakudo placed him on the list of those who would go to war in 10 years.
Pakura, on the other hand, had a unique and dangerous ability: Scorch Release. In the original series, no one managed to defeat Pakura head-on. She lost in the Fourth Great Ninja War because she gave up, hoping to give her student a better life.
Scorch Release is far more terrifying than Fire Release, as it can scorch people instantly and is difficult to counter.
Shakudo, not wanting to see Rasa and Pakura fight each other, decided to create two champions. On the male side, Rasa ranked first, while on the female side, Pakura was the top-ranked.
---Shakudo---
"Kazekage-sama," said Chiyo.
"Yes, Chiyo," replied the Kazekage.
"Do you think it's right to attack Uzushiogakure?" asked Chiyo.
"Yes and no," replied the Kazekage.
"What do you mean?" asked Chiyo.
"Yes, because the Daimyo will fully sponsor the village for 10 years, which will help us develop significantly," answered the Kazekage. "And the biggest sponsor is the Daimyo from the Land of Fire."
"That foolish Daimyo... don't they know that Uzushiogakure and Konoha are allies?" sighed Chiyo.
"Hahaha, as a Daimyo, he knows, but he chose to destroy that village because they overstepped by killing a noble from the Land of Fire," replied the Kazekage.
"I know about that, but they had their reasons. I'm not angry, just frustrated with someone so high up yet so stupid when it comes to governing the land," said Chiyo.
"Even if that land is an enemy?" asked the Kazekage.
"Yes. I understand he did this out of frustration. His nobles, who were living comfortably in the Land of Fire, were killed," said Chiyo, trailing off with a sigh.
"This is politics," replied the Kazekage. "Do you know why I never showed my abilities during the Second Kazekage's tenure?"
"Why?" asked Chiyo. "With your intelligence and how you handle crises, I think you could have helped Shamon a lot."
"I didn't want to be the target of jealousy, especially from the Kazekage," smiled the Kazekage.
The ANBU, who had overheard the conversation, stiffened, taking the Kazekage's words as a warning not to overstep in the future.
---Rasa---
"Rasa, my pride," said Gasar when he saw his son return.
"Father, good evening," replied Rasa.
"Hahaha, look, darling, our son has matured so quickly," Gasar said to his wife.
"Let the boy eat, don't bother him too much, Gasar," his wife replied with a smile.
"Do you know what I've heard among the shinobi?" asked Gasar.
"What is it?" his wife asked, curious.
"The Third Kazekage finds Rasa promising and wants to guide him to become an even greater ninja," Gasar said proudly.
"Do you mean as the next Kazekage?" asked his wife, her eyes widening.
"Yes, that means our son could be the next Kazekage!" Gasar grinned, but just as he was about to celebrate, he remembered something important.
"Rasa, about what I told you earlier, remember to keep it to yourself. Don't share it with anyone," Gasar warned.
"Huh?" Rasa felt strange. While he was proud, his father's reminder puzzled him. "Why, Father?"
"If the Kazekage is still alive, and you start spreading word that you're the confirmed next Kazekage, it could cause trouble," Gasar explained.
"Trouble?" asked his wife, concerned.
"Yes, there are people who might not like it. They could frame you and spread rumors that you're plotting to rebel," Gasar warned with a serious tone.
Gulp! Gulp!
"So, don't mention it. Just keep it a secret," Gasar reminded him again.
"Understood, Father," Rasa replied.
Little did Gasar know, this conversation would be one of the reasons Rasa eventually trap Pakura and send her to die. First, because Pakura was his political rival, and second, because Kirigakure requested it.
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