Chapter 466

A three-point tax reduction meant increased profits for the caravan, but it only applied to their dealings within the Sand Village. The Third Kazekage had no authority to adjust taxes in regions controlled by the daimyo, so elsewhere, tax rates remained unchanged.

Given this advantage, the caravan made a swift decision. Abandoning their initial plans, they prioritized the Sand Village as their first destination. No merchant would turn down an opportunity to save money.

In the carriage, Pakura sat with a conflicted expression. "I didn't expect Lord Kazekage to value you so highly—enough to reduce the caravan's tax rate by three points."

She hesitated. The thought of returning to Sand Village filled her with unease. She had no idea how to face the people she once called comrades. Yet, Shinki couldn't refuse the Kazekage's invitation, leaving her with little choice.

"Why dwell on it?" Shinki replied calmly. "Though you've changed allegiances, those who truly care about you will remain your friends. Don't forget, Konoha and Sand Village are officially allies. For anyone who sees you as a traitor, why waste your time on their opinions?"

He hoped his words would ease her internal struggle. The reality of her situation couldn't be changed, so why fret over the judgment of others?

"When we arrive, rest if you want. If you wish to meet your old friends, do so. And if they reject you, then simply move on. It's better than avoiding the encounter altogether."

Pakura stayed silent, unsure of what to say. Despite Shinki's assurances, her anxiety lingered.

When the caravan entered Sand Village, Pakura slipped away. She decided to visit her former teammates and friends, regardless of the outcome. Her emotions were in turmoil, but she couldn't resist the pull of her past.

To her surprise, her former teammates were all alive and present in the village. None had perished in the war. When she appeared before them, they froze in disbelief. Some looked overjoyed, while others appeared confused.

Pakura had no time to consider their reactions. Her focus was solely on reuniting with them, no matter the consequences.

Meanwhile, Shinki arrived at the Kazekage's residence as promised, where the Third Kazekage personally greeted him.

"This is..." Shinki's attention was drawn to a young boy standing beside the Kazekage. He appeared to be around the same age as Namikaze Minato, with striking red hair and a reserved demeanor.

The Kazekage, typically a stoic figure, softened slightly as he introduced the boy. "This is Sasori, Chiyo's grandson. His parents were lost during the war..."

He paused, his words trailing off. Sasori, who had been curiously observing Shinki, lowered his head at the mention of his parents.

Shinki noted the Kazekage's subtle care for the boy. Their relationship seemed warm—perhaps explaining why Sasori would later betray him. Trust often led to vulnerability.

After a moment of observation, Shinki smiled. "I've heard he's quite talented with puppetry."

The Kazekage's normally expressionless face softened further, a hint of pride visible in his eyes. "He is. A true genius."

"Very impressive," Shinki replied. "He's about the same age as my disciple, Namikaze Minato. Perhaps they could meet one day."

Sasori's curiosity piqued. He raised his head. Despite being well-versed in Shinki's reputation and abilities, the mention of a disciple caught his interest.

"If the teacher is strong, the disciple must be too," Sasori thought. "Could this Minato be as talented as the rumors suggest?"

Understanding Sasori's reserved nature, the Kazekage intervened. "Would you be open to discussing puppetry with Sasori? He might enjoy an exchange of ideas."

Shinki paused, sipping his tea. Then he smiled. "I'm afraid my disciple doesn't know puppetry."

The Kazekage blinked in surprise. Even Sasori looked up, confused. How could a student of Shinki, a man skilled in every ninja art, not know puppetry?

"My disciple's strength lies in taijutsu," Shinki explained with a grin.

Puppetry? Minato didn't need it. Shinki believed in building a strong foundation. With the Flying Thunder God Technique and sage training in Minato's future, puppetry was unnecessary.

Soon, the table was filled with dishes unique to Sand Village. The Kazekage had spared no effort in hosting Shinki. While they dined, their conversation shifted to the ongoing war. Sasori, though silent, listened intently, his eyes rarely leaving Shinki.

"The Rock Village's offensives have been growing fiercer," the Kazekage noted grimly. "It's clear Ohnoki is determined to win this war."

Shinki nodded thoughtfully. "The Rock Village now faces the same dilemma Sand Village once did. They can't afford to delay. Apologies, Kazekage-sama, I don't mean to offend. It's simply an observation."

The Kazekage waved it off. "You're not wrong."

He couldn't deny the truth. The Sand Village had launched a war only to find itself unable to sustain the effort. The Rock Village, while stronger, shared the same vulnerabilities—poor land, limited resources, and economic strain.

Their relentless push against the Cloud Village reflected Ohnoki's desperation to secure a swift victory. A prolonged conflict would only devastate his forces further.

"The Cloud Village, however, is no easy opponent," Shinki continued. "Even while supporting Konoha and Sand Village, their strength in logistics and combat remains formidable. If this drags on, Rock Village could end up like Sand Village—crippled by poverty."

The Kazekage nodded. "A lean camel is still bigger than a horse, but I fear Ohnoki has underestimated the Cloud Village."

The longer the war continued, the more the Rock Village risked becoming a shadow of its former self. The Sand Village had learned this lesson the hard way.

Shinki smirked slightly. "That said, the situation in the Water Country is far more intriguing. Yagura, the Fourth Mizukage, must be under tremendous pressure right now."