Chapter 91: A New Era

Land of Wind, Sunagakure.

On this day, Sunagakure was livelier than ever before.

The streets were decorated with festive banners and lanterns, while firecrackers and fireworks went off continuously. The villagers, their faces filled with joy, were all heading toward the village center.

Only those who had just arrived in Sunagakure, unaware of the situation, curiously asked around.

"What's going on? Why is Sunagakure so lively today?"

Hearing the question, a Sunagakure villager looked at them warily.

"You must be from outside the village, right?"

"Ah, yes. I'm a merchant from the Land of Marsh, here to post a mission in Sunagakure."

"The Land of Marsh? That's quite rare."

Understanding the villager's caution, the merchant awkwardly explained.

"Yes, we used to post missions in Konoha. But lately, due to the ongoing war, Konoha has had no time to handle our requests. Therefore, we decided to come to Sunagakure and see what it's like."

Upon hearing this, the villager's wariness disappeared instantly, replaced by enthusiasm.

"Oh, so that's the reason. Well, welcome! Our Sunagakure shinobi are very skilled. You can trust them with your missions!"

"Ah, yes. We've also heard about how Sunagakure defeated Konoha. That's really impressive."

In fact, many outsiders arrived in Sunagakure these past few days. While some were undoubtedly spies, there were also many merchants looking to post missions. The entire shinobi world was in chaos due to the war.

For merchants, war was a prime opportunity to make money, but it was also extremely dangerous.

Konoha, Kumogakure, and Iwagakure were all caught up in warfare, unable to spare shinobi for escort missions. Kirigakure remained isolated from the world, making entry impossible.

At this time, Sunagakure has suddenly risen as an alternative.

Not only has it proven its strength by defeating Konoha, but it was also one of the only two major villages not deeply entangled in war, making it a relatively stable choice.

"But Sunagakure is really hard to find. We nearly got lost in the desert on our way here."

Hearing the merchant's complaint, a villager chuckled sheepishly.

"That's true. But don't worry, the Kazekage is already working on a solution. You must have seen the notices that anyone who can help solve Sunagakure's transportation issues will be generously rewarded."

"Ah, yes, I saw that. But unfortunately, I'm not good at that kind of thing. By the way, is today's celebration of the victory in the war?"

The villager shook their head, smiling brightly.

"No, today is a special day because of four great events!"

"Four great events?"

"Yes! First, we're celebrating the official inclusion of Rōran into Sunagakure. Second, today marks the opening of our shinobi academy. Third, our shinobi hospital is reopening. And lastly, our orphanage has been completed. The Kazekage himself will be attending the ceremony, so everyone wants to go see it."

Seeing the merchant's confusion over why these four events were considered joyous occasions, the Sunagakure villager explained:

"Well, although both the academy and the hospital existed before, they've been expanded under the Kazekage's orders. They're completely different from what they used to be, you could even say they're brand new! Not only are they bigger, but they're also much more beautiful. More children can now attend school, and medical care has become far more accessible.

As for the orphanage, it's a brand-new facility built to care for children who lost their parents, giving them a better life. And finally, Rōran, a small nation, officially joined Sunagakure over a month ago at the Kazekage's invitation. Originally, we were supposed to hold a welcoming ceremony back then, but due to the war, it was postponed until now."

Hearing this, even the merchant was impressed by all these innovations. Usually, Kages are ninjas whose main concerns are always warfare and security but Kazekage seemed to excel in management of the land as well. Heck, even Daimyo would find it hard to manage a land this effectively.

"I see. The Kazekage is truly remarkable!"

"Obviously!"

The villager's face filled with pride.

The merchant from the Land of Marsh smiled in agreement.

"Sunagakure is quite beautiful. Before coming here, I heard the environment was harsh, but it doesn't seem as bad as people say."

At these words, the villager's expression turned mysterious. Leaning in, they whispered,

"Well, you're not wrong. Sunagakure's environment used to be pretty harsh, but recently, the climate suddenly changed. Everyone's calling it the 'Green Miracle' brought by the Kazekage."

"The Green Miracle!?"

"Yeah!"

The villagers still looked puzzled as they continued,

"For some reason, the weather has gotten much better lately. The sandstorms have weakened significantly, and green plants have started growing all over the village. It's honestly incredible!"

"Huh?! That's amazing!"

"Right? That's why everyone calls it a miracle!"

Just then, a loud bell rang throughout the village.

The villager suddenly became flustered.

"Oh no! The ceremony is about to start! I have to go now, welcome to Sunagakure!"

"Goodbye!"

As the villager hurried off, the merchant from the Land of Marsh grinned.

In a completely different tone, he muttered to himself,

"Heh… I never paid much attention to Sunagakure, but who would've thought so many interesting things were happening here? If I tell Madara-sama about this, he'll definitely be interested…"

---

Sunagakure's Central District

Kazekage Office, within the Kazekage Building

Inside the office, the gathered shinobi listened to the cheers from outside, their faces filled with astonishment and joy.

It had been seven days since the Konoha Annihilation Plan was executed. Everything had finally settled.

After spending three days at the Land of Wind's borders to confirm that Konoha would not launch an immediate counterattack, Rasa returned to the village with most of his forces to rest.

Rasa thought for a moment. While he couldn't openly celebrate the victory, as it might provoke the other great nations, completely ignoring such a significant triumph felt too subdued.

At that moment, the Minister of Education, Goshima, Minister of Logistics, Ryūji, and Minister of Medical Affairs, Iris brought exciting news: the expansion of the shinobi academy and hospital, as well as the construction of the orphanage, had been successfully completed after more than a month of work.

Additionally, the welcoming ceremony for Rōran was also due.With all these events lining up, it was truly a time of fourfold celebration. Thus, Rasa proposed hosting a grand festival in Sunagakure to mark the occasion.

Everyone readily agreed. True to the efficiency of shinobi, once Rasa issued the order, everything was prepared within just three days.

As the cheering outside continued, those inside the office, dressed in their finest ceremonial attire, were momentarily dazed by the rare festivity.

"The village hasn't been this lively in a long time. The last time was when the Second Kazekage took office."

Ebizō remarked to which elderly Chiyo nodded, a trace of nostalgia and satisfaction in her expression.

"Well done, Rasa. You've fulfilled your promise to restore the glory of the Second Kazekage's era. You are now a true Kazekage."

Back then, she had only supported Rasa because he threatened her with her grandson's safety. But in hindsight, it had clearly been the right decision.

By this point, Pakura had long abandoned any thoughts of contesting for the Kazekage's position. With a sincere smile, she said,

"Congratulations, Kazekage-sama."

There was still a trace of reluctance in her tone, but everyone knew just how difficult it was to get someone as proud as Pakura to acknowledge Rasa's rule.

Michikawa also spoke up.

"If the Third Kazekage were still alive, he would be pleased to see this."

With those words, he had finally accepted the Third Kazekage's death completely. From this day forward, the Sand lineage would fully support Rasa's rule.

Rasa simply nodded in gratitude.

"Thank you."

At that moment, Baki entered the room, his face flushed with excitement.

"Kazekage-sama, the festival has begun."

"Hmm."

Rasa glanced at the four people in the room, his eyes filled with determination and ambition.

"Let's go, everyone, together, we shall usher in a new era for Sunagakure."