Chapter 93: The Embassy and Education Reform

Chapter 93: The Embassy and Education Reform

What is the biggest problem facing the Kazekage right now?

It's Shukaku.

The frequent rampages of Shukaku have inflicted enormous losses on Sunagakure. After witnessing Konoha's methods for handling the Three-Tails, it was only natural for Rasa to seize the opportunity to secure a similar advantage.

Of course, the Mangekyō Sharingan wasn't an option, so the solution lay elsewhere—the Four-Way Barrier Seal.

This technique functioned both as a sealing jutsu and a barrier jutsu. It required four shinobi to activate, but the sealing patterns could be pre-inscribed by a sealing expert in advance.

Since the patterns were pre-prepared, even shinobi without sealing expertise could successfully use it.

It was somewhat similar to the sealing techniques later used by the Allied Shinobi Forces against the Reanimated Shinobi.

However, compared to the original Four-Way Barrier Seal used to suppress the Three-Tails, this version had undergone extensive refinement. With input from multiple sealing experts, it had become significantly more effective.

Thus…

Rasa knew that the plan document Hyuga Fuji placed before him was no coincidence.

"Konoha believes in strengthening alliances, which is why this proposal exists. If Sunagakure agrees, we can dispatch shinobi to assist in handling your Tailed Beast," Hyuga Fuji stated.

Rasa frowned.

A plan?

It was clear this had been prepared long before his arrival.

He picked up the document and began reading. The room remained silent, save for the sound of pages turning.

After some time, Rasa stopped.

The document's primary proposal was simple:

Konoha and Sunagakure would establish embassies in each other's villages, with shinobi stationed there permanently to facilitate diplomatic relations.

The two villages would cooperate in various fields, and Sunagakure would have the opportunity to study Konoha's policies openly.

Though unstated, it was obvious—both embassies would be under strict surveillance.

"Lord Hokage, who does your village plan to send as the ambassador?"

"Koharu Utatane, Konoha's former advisor," Minato replied with a smile. "If Sunagakure is willing, please send a shinobi of equal rank."

"..."

Rasa wanted to refuse outright.

Is this a joke?

Even though Sunagakure hadn't fully grasped the details of Konoha's recent political upheaval, they knew Koharu Utatane had been on the losing side.

The fact that she hadn't been eliminated outright was purely due to Minato's leniency.

But she had been an advisor, privy to many of Konoha's secrets.

And now Konoha wanted a high-ranking Sunagakure official stationed in Konoha in exchange?

What choice did he have? It's not as if he could send Sunagakure's top officials to Konoha… or could he?

Thinking of the two retired elders who no longer held authority, Rasa's expression softened.

"I can agree to this plan and send someone of equal status to your village.

However, the Tailed Beast is a vital asset to Sunagakure. Entrusting it to outsiders is impossible—I hope you understand.

We are willing to exchange Sunagakure's sealing techniques for Konoha's in return."

Exchange?

Konoha's sealing techniques, inherited from the Uzumaki Clan, were unparalleled in the shinobi world. Even Kumogakure, known for perfect Jinchūriki, fell short in this area.

Minato's smile faded slightly as he sighed.

"Lord Kazekage, neither the Five Kage Summit nor this proposal is designed to take advantage of Sunagakure. Why not show some sincerity?"

Another document appeared in Minato's hands, which he handed to Rasa.

Behind Rasa, Maki noticed his expression darken as he read the first few lines.

"...We will exchange secret techniques of equivalent rank for your village's sealing techniques."

Rasa's voice was cold as he abruptly stood, intending to leave. But Minato's next words made him pause.

"The Four-Way Barrier Seal is a high-level technique worthy of inclusion in the Scroll of Seals.

May I ask, Lord Kazekage, what equivalent-level secret technique you propose to exchange for it?"

The Scroll of Seals…

A forbidden scroll personally safeguarded by the Hokage, containing immensely powerful techniques.

It was rumored that the Flying Thunder God Technique, mastered by the Fourth Hokage, had originated from it.

That scroll represented the very foundation of Konoha's power.

Was the Four-Way Barrier Seal truly worthy of being included in it?

Recalling that some of the shinobi who had used the technique earlier weren't even jōnin, Rasa's expression shifted slightly.

Perhaps… it truly was.

The technique's low usage threshold made the pre-drawn scrolls the key factor.

If one person mastered the Four-Way Barrier Seal, then anyone in the village could potentially use it.

For Sunagakure's current predicament, this was priceless.

"..."

In the end, Rasa left the meeting room without a word.

When it came to high-level techniques, he needed to consult Sunagakure's leadership. Unlike the Fourth Hokage, he couldn't make unilateral decisions.

---

"Completely captivated by the technique's potential," Minato mused with a faint smile.

"And later, distracted by Ye Cang's situation… he didn't even notice our real objective."

Many shinobi village policies had been directly copied from Konoha's system over the years.

Ordinarily, Konoha wouldn't be concerned. But the upcoming reforms weren't something that could simply be imitated for the same results.

Minato turned to Hyuga Fuji. "Are you sure we're not rushing this? Launching an intelligence network through the embassy initiative is risky."

Once embassies were established, Konoha would have a legitimate foothold in Sunagakure—a perfect opportunity to infiltrate spies.

Of course, Rasa likely intended to do the same.

"There's no need to worry. The shinobi I've selected are natural-born spies," Hyuga Fuji said with a soft chuckle.

Minato looked thoughtful.

"Fuji, what did Koharu Utatane demand in exchange for agreeing to this? Did she make things difficult for you?"

Hyuga Fuji remained composed. "She made no requests. She'll send one of her clones to Sunagakure."

Minato: "..."

Yakumaru: "..."

Minato and Yakumaru, who stood in the shadows, both glanced at Hyuga Fuji's calm expression, their lips twitching.

Sending a former advisor in exchange for one of Sunagakure's "high-level officials" was already excessive…

But sending over a disposable clone?

That was just too much.

"Well, now that this meeting is over, Minato, it's time to get back to work," Hyuga Fuji said, cutting off any of Minato's potential complaints as he placed a stack of documents on his desk.

Minato's expression darkened slightly before he sighed with a bitter smile.

Why does it feel like my workload keeps increasing? Is it just my imagination?

He picked up the top document and read it in silence for a long time before finally speaking.

"Fuji, how long have you been planning this?"

"The current environment is perfect for it," Hyuga Fuji replied.

Minato turned his gaze toward him.

"With the shinobi clans suppressed and no wars on the horizon, we finally have the time and resources to explore new directions," Hyuga Fuji said softly.

Minato passed the document to Yakumaru instead of answering.

Taking it, Yakumaru began to read.

The document proposed a new educational system in Konoha—a reformation of the shinobi academy.

A new path for the future generation.

(End of Chapter)