Pakura.
In Rasa's memories, she was a former classmate.
A capable and striking woman, skilled in Scorch Release, with formidable strength. Among the younger generation in Sunagakure, only Rasa and Pakura were close to being considered for the Kazekage position.
However, Pakura had no interest in becoming Kazekage. She preferred teaching children at the ninja academy, a gentle and caring instructor. Even after exhausting missions, she'd drag her tired body to train with her students.
She was fiercely loyal to Sunagakure—a truly dependable shinobi.
In the original timeline, she would earn the title of "Hero" of Sunagakure during this war, her strength undeniably top-tier. But Rasa knew that, barring any accidents, she would later be sent to Kirigakure as a sacrificial offering for peace by the defeated village, only to be ambushed and killed.
The Fourth Kazekage?
A tragic figure who yearned to strengthen the village but lacked the power to do so. He toiled tirelessly, mining gold to sustain Sunagakure, and sacrificed a hero like Pakura for peace.
Unlike the Third Hokage, he had no luck or scapegoat allies to shield him. In the end, he doomed both his son and his village.
But now that Rasa was here, things had already begun to change. After all, he had a cheat system!
The only problem? He was broke.
Frowning slightly, he muttered with a helpless tone, "I need to find a way to get some money, fast."
To grow stronger, he had to pay up! But just as the words left his mouth…
"Are you short on cash?" Pakura, walking beside him, tossed her head with a spirited flair, her tone casual. "Makes sense. You haven't taken a mission in a month, and the village is struggling. It's no surprise you're out of money."
She turned to Rasa, who was staring at her, and rolled her eyes. "What's with that look?"
"Nothing," Rasa said quickly, scrambling for a cover. "Just… you've gotten even prettier lately."
He earned another eye-roll from Pakura. Recalling his memories, he knew she'd always been like this—bold and seemingly careless but a reliable comrade.
Her love for Sunagakure meant she was always ready to help anyone in the village.
Borrowing money, though… [That's a bit embarrassing,] he thought. With the gacha system, he'd need a lot of cash, and repaying it quickly seemed unlikely.
Before he could say more, Pakura spoke again. "Your tongue's gotten sweeter, and your face isn't as sour as before." Her words made Rasa want to protest, but she continued, frowning as she studied him.
"The rumors about you being shaken by the Third Kazekage's loss seem true. You're like a different person."
She shook her head with a sigh. "Whatever. I don't care what's up with you. Here."
She pulled out a slightly worn coin pouch and tossed it to Rasa. "I just got back from a mission today. Most of it went to the village, but this is what's left."
Rasa glanced at the pouch, still warm from where it had been tucked against Pakura's chest. He coughed awkwardly, thanked her, and was about to toss it back, insisting he didn't need it, when—
"No need for thanks. Just pay it back," Pakura said, turning to leave with a carefree wave. "And… make sure you survive."
"Hey—" Rasa called out, but Pakura had already vanished into the night. He shook his head helplessly. "Fine, I'll consider it a loan."
As for when to repay it? With him here, he'd save Pakura's life in the future. As her savior, was it too much to delay repayment a bit? "Not excessive at all," he muttered. "Paying it back at all is already generous."
Just then, a familiar, gentle voice came from behind. "What's so generous?"
"Karura?" Rasa turned to see her standing nearby, a warm smile on her face. He jolted instinctively but quickly relaxed. Borrowing money from a fellow villager in his own village—what was wrong with that? Perfectly normal.
He flashed a smile and approached her. "What are you doing here?"
"You were out so late, I got worried," Karura said, her eyes soft as she looked at him.
"Then I saw…"
"It's nothing with Pakura, really!" Rasa blurted out, swearing internally he'd clear up any misunderstanding. Having been raised on dramatic soap operas, he knew to take a stand fast.
Karura giggled, her eyes crinkling. "I know there's nothing between you and Pakura-neesan."
Her smile widened. "You've really changed a lot, Rasa."
"Haha… have I?" His heart skipped, realizing his reaction was off. He looked up wistfully, mumbling, "People change…"
Before he could finish, Karura wrapped him in a sudden embrace. "Are you still grieving over the Third Kazekage?" she asked softly. "I'm sure he wouldn't want you to stay lost in sorrow. I'll always be here for you, Rasa."
Rasa returned her embrace, smiling silently. [Hugging my own fiancée isn't a crime, right?]
"If you need money, just tell me," Karura said, cutting off his attempt to speak. Her gentle face turned serious. "I've saved a bit. Don't refuse, Rasa. And…"
She paused, then asked quietly, "Is war coming?"
"Yeah," Rasa nodded, saying nothing more.
"You're going too?"
"Yeah."
"Can I come with you?"
"No way!" Rasa shook his head firmly, no longer playing the passive role. "Your body isn't fit to be a shinobi anymore."
Karura had once been a ninja, but an injury from a mission had left her frail, forcing her to retire.
"Wait for me in the village," he said.
"I…" Karura began, but seeing Rasa's earnest gaze, she smiled and nodded.
"Alright, I'll wait for you in the village, Rasa." Her eyes shone as she looked at him.
"Promise me you'll come back alive." Her cheeks flushed, visible even in the dark night. "When you do, we'll get mar—"
"Don't speak," Rasa interrupted, leaning in quickly. "Kiss me."
[You're going to jinx me!]
(End of Chapter)