Many villagers questioned the so-called assassination of the daimyo by the "kindest Kazekage," hoping that the Sunagakure leadership would investigate the truth and even revoke the missing-nin status of Rasa.
But within a month, those voices disappeared from the civilian population.
Instead, resentment toward Rasa became the dominant sentiment.
No more merchant caravans. No food supplies. No missions for shinobi...
Everything happened too suddenly, and the village was completely unprepared.
The traders from the Land of Rivers also refused to do business with Sunagakure.
Prices soared, resources became scarce, and panic began to spread.
Looting. Shops shutting down.
Even shinobi—normally the village's elite force—lost control, because they, too, had families to feed.
Theft, robbery, even murder—all for the sake of hoarding more rations.
Even though the Sunagakure higher-ups repeatedly tried to appease the people and implemented rationing, they could only barely maintain order.
The trade routes they had hoped to establish with the Land of Birds and the Land of Water were also attacked by unknown forces.
As the "Kazekage's assassination of the daimyo" incident spread, the other four great nations issued their own wanted notices for Rasa.
They even made a joint declaration: anyone who traded with Sunagakure would be considered an enemy of all five great nations.
For the various daimyo, this was a chilling warning.
Even the daimyo of the Land of Fire, upon receiving the news, became more wary of Konohagakure.
Chiyo once again made her way to the capital, realizing that the last time she had been here was over a decade ago.
But this time, it felt more like she was a prisoner.
Four shinobi escorted her toward the Grand Princess.
Upon entering a side hall, she was met with the furious glares of many officials, making her even more anxious about the purpose of this meeting.
"Princess," Chiyo bowed deeply, her voice respectful.
"You people from Sunagakure still dare to come to the capital?" came a cold voice from behind a veil.
"Princess, I beg you to consider Sunagakure's long history of protecting the Land of Wind and give us a chance..."
"Even without Sunagakure, we have our own forces to protect the Land of Wind," a general beside her said solemnly.
"Sunagakure has always been employed by the Land of Wind. But after an act as grave as assassinating the daimyo, how could we ever trust you again?"
The Princess's tone was calm, as if she were discussing something utterly trivial.
Chiyo's heart sank.
"However," the Princess continued, "if you hand over Rasa, I may consider how to deal with Sunagakure."
There was no room for negotiation.
Without hesitation, Chiyo accepted the mission.
"Rest assured, Sunagakure will provide the Land of Wind with an answer."
"Good. I will send someone to supervise you. You do not have much time. If you fail, there will be no need for Sunagakure to exist."
Leaving the capital, Chiyo felt as if she were in a dream. She looked ahead at the six shinobi accompanying her.
The leader was none other than Pakura.
That outfit. That presence...
The Hero of Sunagakure—Pakura.
The one assigned to monitor her by the Princess was Pakura?
But hadn't she already been sacrificed in an exchange with Kirigakure years ago?
"Pakura...?"
"What is it, Elder? Don't recognize me?" Her cold expression matched her icy tone.
"How are you here in the Land of Wind? You and the Princess...?"
"Enough. I was just saved, that's all. There's no need for me to answer your questions."
Pakura cut her off impatiently.
Chiyo wasn't offended—her mind was racing.
Pakura was in the Land of Wind and seemed to hold a significant position?
And she clearly knew that Sunagakure had betrayed her back then. Otherwise, she wouldn't have avoided the village for so many years, nor would she be treating Chiyo with such hostility.
What exactly was her relationship with the Princess?
Could she serve as a bridge between Sunagakure and the Land of Wind?
...
Meanwhile, back in her private chamber, the Princess had not changed her attire.
She remained in her luxurious kimono, adorned with precious ornaments, exuding a dignified and noble beauty.
Kneeling respectfully, she reported her progress to Danzo.
If the nobles of the Land of Wind saw this, their eyes would probably pop out of their sockets.
"You've done well," Danzo said, offering a rare word of praise.
These past few days, he had been very pleased with Ichikawa Naomi's performance.
"Lord Danzo, Pakura doesn't seem very happy..."
Danzo glanced at her with a strange expression.
"Is this... part of your mission report?"
Naomi's posture stiffened. She quickly lowered her head.
"My apologies, Lord Danzo..."
"You'd best be careful. If Pakura overhears you, she might burn you to ashes."
Danzo picked up the sake on the table, taking a small sip, then looked at the kneeling Naomi.
"Making mistakes means accepting punishment."
Naomi immediately understood. She lifted her head, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush, her eyes shimmering.
She hadn't understood before why some people indulged in such humiliating things.
But now, she was beginning to realize...
Though Lord Danzo's demands were often humiliating, they also...
Her face flushed even deeper.
Just as she was about to stand and release the transformation jutsu, removing the cumbersome clothing, Danzo's gaze stopped her.
She could only crawl forward slowly...
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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