Far away in the Land of Wind, a grand banquet was underway in the capital's daimyo residence.
In the center of the grand hall, more than a dozen geishas performed traditional dances, their graceful movements enchanting the audience. Seated at separate tables, nobles indulged in an extravagant feast of meats, vegetables, and fruits, conversing in hushed tones, sharing laughter, and forging connections.
These banquets were held almost every month, and for the influential figures of the Land of Wind, receiving an invitation was a mark of prestige. Here, one could savor the finest sake, the most exquisite delicacies, and the most beautiful women. It was also an opportunity to establish alliances and strengthen family influence.
While noble ranks rarely shifted, power flowed constantly beneath the surface.
At the head of the hall, behind a silk curtain, the daimyo lounged comfortably, holding two kunoichi in his arms—female ninja who had once been tributes from Sunagakure. Though relations between Sunagakure and the daimyo had deteriorated, he remained infatuated with them.
"Milord, the princess isn't feeling well and won't be attending tonight," a servant reported respectfully.
"Hmm, let her rest," the daimyo replied absentmindedly, his hand already wandering over one of the kunoichi beside him.
"Speaking of the princess, you're being naughty again, my lord," the woman teased, giggling as she swatted his hand away. Then, leaning closer, she whispered something into his ear.
The daimyo's eyes lit up, and he burst into laughter, anticipation gleaming in his gaze as he looked forward to the night ahead.
Hearing the daimyo's laughter, the nobles below, already enjoying their wine and delicacies, joined in, their amusement echoing through the hall. Some grew bolder, sliding their hands into the garments of the attendants serving them. No one found such behavior unusual—it was a scene of indulgence and decadence, one that had long become the norm.
None of them noticed the shadow that had appeared atop the grand residence's gate.
A pair of hands formed a rapid series of seals.
"Magnet Release: Flowing Sand Waterfall."
The entire daimyo's estate trembled. From all around the residence, torrents of golden sand surged forth like a tidal wave.
The violent tremors instantly alerted the daimyo's guards.
The samurai and shinobi loyal to the daimyo quickly located the intruder atop the gate—Rasa.
"There! Take him down!"
The warriors charged forward, weapons drawn, but the swirling sands around Rasa seemed to possess a will of their own, forming a living barrier that prevented anyone from approaching.
Instead, many of the samurai and shinobi found themselves ensnared by the sands, dragged under and crushed into pulp.
At the same time, intricate sealing runes flared to life around the perimeter of the daimyo's estate, forming a massive protective barrier. Like a colossal sphere, it enveloped the grand hall, keeping the invading sand at bay.
Outside, the golden waves crashed relentlessly against the barrier, chipping away at it bit by bit. Though the runes held firm for now, the pressure was mounting.
Meanwhile, more guards rushed to the scene, reinforcements pouring in from across the capital.
"Quick! Everyone attack together—kill the intruder!"
But what happened next left them all in utter shock.
The seemingly impenetrable barrier, once a steadfast defense, began to fracture—slowly at first, then faster—like a bubble stretching too thin before it popped.
Before anyone could react—
"Magnet Release: Gold Sand Burial."
An ocean of golden sand surged into the estate, swallowing everything in its path.
Screams rang out.
"Ahhh—!"
"Help! Somebody, please—!"
"Save me—!"
The grand hall, which had moments ago been filled with laughter and indulgence, had transformed into a scene straight out of hell.
Even the daimyo, who had been lounging contentedly, was now scrambling for his life, his once-dignified form reduced to a panicked mess. The two kunoichi who had been at his side just moments ago now struggled to support his floundering body as they attempted to flee.
"Hurry! Get me out of here!" he bellowed, his voice shrill with fear.
But the sands were relentless, flowing like a living entity, sealing off every possible escape route.
Sensing the inevitable, the two kunoichi exchanged a silent glance—then, without hesitation, they abandoned him.
"You treacherous wenches! Help me! Save me— AHHH—"
His desperate cries were cut short as the golden sands swallowed him whole, crushing his bloated body into a smear of blood and flesh.
When the jutsu was finally complete, the daimyo's grand residence had been reduced to nothing more than a massive golden mound—like an opulent tomb.
Of those who had attended the banquet, only a few shinobi and samurai managed to escape. The rest, every noble in attendance, had been buried beneath the sands.
From the tower at the back of the daimyo's estate, Danzo stood by a window, watching the spectacle unfold. He sighed in admiration.
"What a sight to behold… Though, I must say, using this much gold just to bury a bunch of rotting nobles does seem like a bit of a waste."
His interest in watching Rasa's slaughter quickly waned. He turned his gaze downward, where a woman knelt before him—Ichikawa Naomi.
"Now then, it's your turn to put on a show. Don't mess this up."
She gave no response, but the slight shift in her demeanor made it clear—she was looking forward to it.
Unable to resist, Danzo reached out and patted her head.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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