Konoha Year 43, Summer.
With Kumogakure boldly declaring war on Konohagakure, Iwagakure, and Sunagakure, the Great Shinobi War raged fiercely.
Iwagakure, seemingly well-prepared, shifted its focus after Kusagakure was beaten into retreat. They redirected their efforts toward the conflict between Konoha and Kumogakure.
As for Sunagakure… it was barely holding on!
The major ninja villages, whether intentionally or not, had turned the Land of Wind into a battlefield. The moment war broke out, their forces converged in its deserts.
Though the shinobi of Sunagakure, the ninja village of the Land of Wind, burned with indignation at this shameless exploitation, what could they say?
Swallow their broken teeth and endure.
A weak village has no diplomacy!
For now, their only goal was to ensure Sunagakure's survival in this war. Everything else… they had to bear.
That autumn, Kirigakure crossed the seas, officially declaring war on Konoha. They also repeatedly harassed Sunagakure's border troops, seemingly intent on sparking conflict. Yet, for reasons unknown, these provocations never escalated into full-scale battles.
It seemed… Kirigakure had plans of their own!
With all five great ninja villages now involved, most of the shinobi world's powers had joined the war.
Meanwhile…
At Kumogakure's front.
After another grueling battle, Rasa collapsed onto the desert sand, utterly exhausted. How long had it been since he'd "mined gold"?
After each battle, he wanted nothing but to lie down and rest. His strength hadn't grown in ages.
As for looting corpses… this battlefield wasn't like the one with Kusagakure.
Each village had its rules. Here, touching enemy corpses was impossible. After battles, specialized ninja collected the dead, leaving no chance for scavenging.
At Kusagakure, Rasa could loot mid-battle, but here… no way.
It was too dangerous!
One wrong move, and he'd provoke those philosophy-obsessed Kumogakure shinobi into a frenzy.
They were ruthless—fighting shirtless, no less!
Especially their Third Raikage. Rumors painted him as crude and hot-tempered, but a kind, gentle grandfather? Pure nonsense!
This was a man who'd later lead a force deep into Iwagakure's territory, fighting ten thousand ninja alone. No way he was reasonable.
If they caught him "desecrating" their dead in front of them… no need to guess.
The next day, the Raikage would sneak into Sunagakure's rear and wreak havoc!
"Rasa, you're here."
As Rasa lay lost in thought, Chiyo and Ebizō approached, faces grave.
They scanned the area, then adopted serious expressions. "We need to discuss something with you."
"???"
Rasa looked puzzled at Advisors Chiyo and Ebizō.
Perhaps because he'd set his sights on becoming the Fourth Kazekage, they'd been consulting him on war matters lately, subtly seeking his opinions.
Likely to boost his reputation.
But… it was nearly night. What was this about?
Planning a sneak attack on Kumogakure?
"Ebizō and I plan to infiltrate Kumogakure's rear," Ebizō said, stepping forward with a stern look. "We'll look for a chance to threaten them, divert their attention."
"…"
A sneak attack, really?
Rasa stared at Ebizō, exasperated, sighing inwardly. He was about to object…
Though Sunagakure was at a disadvantage, they didn't need to risk their lives like this.
Did they think infiltrating enemy lines was that easy?!
But before he could speak…
"No need to dissuade us," Ebizō said, shaking his head gravely. "You know if this drags on, Sunagakure will lose."
Other villages had rear support. Sunagakure… couldn't even supply food.
Short on food, funds, and ninja, Sunagakure needed a quick resolution. They couldn't afford a prolonged war!
"So, we must shift Kumogakure's focus. Their war with Konoha and Iwagakure is our chance!"
"…"
Rasa fell silent. He knew Ebizō was right.
Money!
War burned money!
And Sunagakure was broke.
Not to mention short on talent, water, and food. They lacked everything!
Just days ago, he'd requested funds from Chiyo to protect Sunagakure, only to be flatly rejected.
As the war dragged on, food prices soared, sometimes to the point of being unaffordable even with money.
The Sand shinobi sent to buy food, unable to secure any, had to beg the Wind Daimyō's mansion for help.
Even then, they paid several times the market price.
Rasa didn't know how much those greedy, stingy Daimyō officials pocketed, but… food was exorbitant now!
From the village's inability to fund even his gacha-driven dreams of protecting Sunagakure, it was clear…
Just how poor Sunagakure was!
Ebizō was right.
If this continued, who knew what would happen?
Without money or food… how could they fight? Rely on him "mining gold" to fund the war?
Still…
Rasa thought for a moment, then looked up gravely at Chiyo and Ebizō. "What's your plan?"
"The plan?" Chiyo squinted, stepping forward with a faint smile. "We'll use Sunagakure's specialty, of course."
"Puppets?"
"Poison!!!"
…
Konoha Year 43, Late July.
Rasa took temporary command, while Advisors Chiyo and Ebizō returned to Sunagakure to manage rear affairs, ensuring stability.
"Is everyone here?"
Seated at the head of the meeting room, Rasa surveyed the Sand shinobi, their headbands shielding against sand, many wrapped in bandages.
"You've likely heard the message from the ninja sent to inform you."
"Why are Advisors Chiyo and Ebizō returning to the village at such a critical time?" a shinobi asked hesitantly. "Did something happen?"
"For the war's victory and to secure a stable rear for our front lines," Rasa said, smiling. "They've entrusted the front to us, and we must hold the border defenses in their absence!"
That was the gist. No need to mention the infiltration plan—too many mouths, too much risk.
As he finished…
"Understood, Lord Rasa!"
The Sand shinobi's faces hardened, responding loudly.
"We'll strictly follow your orders!"
"Is that so?"
He'd been waiting for those words!
Rasa's eyes narrowed, a smile spreading as he scanned the shinobi, nodding.
"In that case… for now, let's shift our focus to… gold-mining!"
"???"
Lord Rasa… what did you say?!
The Sand shinobi stared, dumbfounded, at the grinning Rasa.
[Gold-mining?!]
(End of Chapter)