After bidding farewell to Miroku, Rasa quickly led Honoka and the Raijin Four back to Sunagakure Village.
Thanks to his direct control of gold dust to fly them over, Sunagakure came into view just as dawn broke.
Rasa immediately ordered the Raijin Four to summon Chiyo-sama, Ebizō-sama, Pakura, Michikawa, and Karura to the Kazekage's office. He specifically instructed Chiyo-sama to bring her disciple along before heading to the office with Honoka.
Having been on the move for so many days, Rasa had no time to rest. Soon after, Baki and Sēramu arrived with updates.
As soon as they entered, they noticed Honoka sitting in the Kazekage's office, sipping tea with a cold expression.
Though surprised by the sudden appearance of this unfamiliar girl, they didn't ask any questions and began reporting on the events that had occurred in the shinobi world during Rasa's absence.
"So, Konoha is trying to divert trouble onto us!"
Rasa's face turned sour.
Baki explained in detail,
"Konoha has spread the news throughout the shinobi world that you, Kazekage-sama, have obtained the Sharingan and Hashirama's cells. While Kumogakure and Iwagakure still appear to be pressuring Konoha on the surface, we've received intelligence that both villages have halted large-scale attacks on Konoha. Now, it's only minor skirmishes. Additionally, the Raikage and Tsuchikage have sent envoys to inquire, subtly probing to see if they can obtain the Sharingan and Hashirama's cells from us."
"Hmph!"
Rasa snorted coldly, unsurprised by this development.
Kumogakure was no stranger to such tactics since their past attempts to kidnap Kushina and later Hinata were proof that these seemingly muscle-headed individuals were far more cunning than they appeared.
As for Ōnoki, that old man's petty and calculating nature made it impossible for him not to covet Sunagakure's newly acquired treasures.
"Let them come if they want the Sharingan and Hashirama's cells. They'll have to take them by force!"
"Hai!"
Honoka, who had been quietly drinking tea, glanced at Rasa with slight surprise.
Since returning to Sunagakure, Rasa seemed like a completely different person, exuding an imposing aura.
Truly, he was the Kazekage.
"Is there anything else?"
Rasa raised a brow to see whether there was anything new to know.
"Nothing else. Everything else is proceeding according to your plans, Kazekage-sama."
After Baki finished his report, Rasa turned to Sēramu.
Sēramu, however, brought a pleasant surprise.
"Kazekage-sama, I have some good news. Do you remember your plan to improve our village's transportation system?"
"Yes, I do. Is there a new developement?"
Rasa raised an eyebrow. Of course, he remembered.
Unfortunately, this wasn't a problem that ordinary people could solve. Despite posting notices for so long, no reliable solutions had emerged.
"Don't tell me someone has found a way?"
"Yes!"
Sēramu handed over a document from his pocket.
"Three days ago, a group of six individuals arrived in our village. Their leaders are named Shinnō and Kanro. According to their claims, they are from Sky Village and Takumi Village. After consulting with Baki-senpai, we've confirmed their identities."
Baki nodded in agreement.
"Yes, Kazekage-sama. Sky Village was a village that existed during the last Great Shinobi War. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by Konoha. However, Sky Village indeed possessed incredible technology. They were able to create tools that could fly in the sky. If we could utilize their technology for Sunagakure, it might truly solve our transportation issues. As for Takumi Village, they demonstrated a special ninja tool with extraordinary capabilities. That's why I decided to keep them here."
Baki's explanation suddenly jogged Rasa's memory. Shinnō seemed to be the name of a major antagonist from one of the Naruto movies, and Takumi Village also rang a faint bell, though he couldn't recall the details clearly.
"I see. In that case..."
Rasa did some quick calculations.
"Sēramu, arrange for them to meet me the day after tomorrow..."
"Hai!"
After handling these two matters, Rasa turned his attention to the battlefield.
"How is the situation on the battlefield? Are Kumogakure and Iwagakure still cooperating with us? Has Kirigakure responded?"
Baki answered each question in turn. Overall, there were no major changes. The cooperation with Kumogakure and Iwagakure was still ongoing, while Kirigakure had gone silent since the last letter from the Third Mizukage.
"What about Konoha?"
"Konoha has been unusually quiet recently. It seems they're taking this time to recuperate and rebuild their strength."
Rasa thought for a moment before issuing a warning.
"The current situation in the shinobi world is chaotic. Neither Konoha, Kumogakure, Iwagakure, nor Kirigakure can be trusted. Inform all our shinobi outside the village to remain vigilant. This calm might hide dangers we can't even imagine. Just as we've schemed against Konoha, other villages might be plotting against us. The Intelligence Division must pay close attention to any signs of movement. Don't overlook even the slightest hint of trouble."
"Hai!"
Baki immediately acknowledged the order.
Rasa then turned to Sēramu.
"Sēramu, during my trip, I passed through the Land of Demons and met the shrine maiden of that country. She will be visiting Sunagakure in the near future. I'm entrusting you with the task of handling communications with her. Draft an alliance agreement between our village and the Land of Demons. The main focus should be on resolving Sunagakure's future military expenses and food supply issues. In exchange, we can offer military protection to the Land of Demons."
!!!
Sēramu was startled. Although the Land of Demons was considered a small country in the shinobi world, especially compared to the Five Great Nations, it was still a significant nation compared to places like Roran, where she had once lived. The shrine maiden held a position equivalent to a daimyo in other countries. He hadn't expected Rasa to have met the shrine maiden during his trip.
If an alliance could be formed, it would bring tremendous benefits to Sunagakure.
"Understood. I'll prepare everything."
"Good."
Just as Rasa, Baki, and Sēramu were discussing village affairs, the door to the Kazekage's office opened. Karura and Pakura entered together.
After greeting Rasa, they noticed Honoka sitting on the couch and were visibly surprised.
"Take a seat first. I'll explain once everyone is here."
"Okay."
The two sat down.
Soon after, Michikawa arrived, nodded to Rasa, and also noticed Honoka. Rasa repeated his earlier explanation.
Just as Michikawa took his seat, the door to the Kazekage's office opened again.
At that moment, Honoka, who had been sitting calmly, suddenly stood up and looked toward the door. Karura, Pakura, and Michikawa were puzzled, but they quickly understood.
Accompanying Chiyo-sama and Ebizō-sama into the room was a girl they didn't recognize. Before they could wonder who she was, the red-haired girl's eyes filled with tears as she rushed forward.
"Honoka-nee!!!"
"Hana!!!"
The two red-haired girls embraced each other, their sobbing filling the entire office.