Chapter 96: Eight Gates Released Formation
Pakura's eyes immediately lit up with excitement. She had vivid memories of the summoning creatures from Konoha, and since this one belonged to a Konoha elder, it was undoubtedly powerful. Michikawa, on the other hand, remained calm.
"Give it to Pakura. I already have a summoning creature," Michikawa said.
Rasa knew about Michikawa's summoning creature—it was the same one that Temari, Rasa's eldest daughter, would later use in the future: the Kamatari. Although smaller in size, it could significantly enhance the power of wind-style techniques. More importantly, the Kamatari wasn't a single entity but an entire species. While it couldn't compare to the summoning creatures from the legendary summoning realms, it was still a valuable asset for Sunagakure.
Pleased with the unity within the village, Rasa nodded in satisfaction and tossed the summoning scroll to Pakura.
"Thank you!"
Pakura gave Michikawa a grateful look.
It was rare to see such harmony between the two factions that had historically been at odds within the village. Seeing this, Rasa took out two more scrolls.
"These are another forbidden technique I obtained from Danzo. It's called the Eight Gates Released Formation, developed by the Second Hokage of Konoha. By unlocking the gates that restrict chakra flow within the body, one can temporarily gain immense power. It's said that opening all eight gates can grant a person dozens of times their normal strength."
"Dozens of times?!"
The number shocked both Pakura and Michikawa. Pakura's eyes burned with enthusiasm, and even the summoning scroll in her hand seemed less appealing now.
"Of course, this technique comes with a heavy burden. Opening all eight gates is almost certainly a death sentence. However, opening just the first few gates should be manageable for your physical abilities, and it will also enhance your taijutsu."
Given Pakura and Michikawa's current strength, it was nearly impossible for them to achieve a qualitative leap like Minato Namikaze. Therefore, Rasa had no choice but to give them a boost. The Eight Gates Released Formation was one of the best options since it's safe, reliable, and something even he planned to train in.
The two took the scrolls, their gazes filled with admiration for Rasa.
Since becoming the Kazekage, Rasa had been incredibly generous, rarely keeping anything to himself. His magnanimity made Pakura and Michikawa reflect on their past actions with a sense of shame.
At that moment, Michikawa suddenly pulled out a prepared scroll and handed it to Rasa.
Rasa was surprised to receive a gift in return.
"What's this?"
Michikawa explained,
"Actually, the Third Kazekage once conducted an investigation into summoning creatures. Although he didn't find Ryūchi Cave, he did discover traces of a giant serpent named Aoda. This information might be useful to you."
Rasa's eyes immediately sparkled with excitement.
This was an unexpected delight!
While Rasa wasn't as familiar with the Boruto storyline as he was with the Naruto series, he knew the name Aoda: a powerful red serpent from Ryūchi Cave. He had even dispatched four elite jonin from his covert operations unit to search for traces of Ryūchi Cave.
Finding Ryūchi Cave also meant the possibility of locating Jugo.
However, Rasa hadn't expected that his covert operations unit, after searching for so long, would come up empty-handed, while Michikawa had provided a valuable lead.
"Thank you. This is indeed very important to me."
Pakura, standing nearby, felt a bit awkward, realizing she had nothing to offer Rasa in return. Fortunately, Michikawa changed the subject.
"What should we do with the spy, Nonō?"
Rasa thought for a moment before deciding.
"Let her go for now."
This surprised everyone present, especially Pakura, whose expression turned peculiar. However, Rasa's next words made her feel ashamed for her earlier assumptions.
Rasa tapped the table and explained calmly.
"From the beginning, my actions against Konoha haven't been driven by personal hatred. It's simply a matter of differing stances. In fact, I admire some of Konoha's shinobi. Take Nonō, for example. Although she's a spy for Root, from the intelligence I've gathered, she's genuinely a kind-hearted woman."
The others looked at Rasa with newfound respect. His wife, Karura, found him particularly captivating at that moment, exuding an indescribable charm.
Unaware of their reactions, Rasa turned to Karura and smiled.
"Karura, I'll leave Nonō to you. Try to win her over. If we can turn her into one of our own, that would be ideal."
Karura nodded firmly.
"Understood."
Rasa then turned to face all the present.
"Thank you all for your hard work. That's all I have to say for now. I'll be heading to Lady Chiyo's place. Does anyone have anything else to report?"
Everyone shook their heads, but Sēramu asked curiously.
"Kazekage-sama, do you need me to accompany you?"
"No need. For now, assist Karura in organizing the orphanage matters."
"Understood."
---
After leaving the Kazekage's office, Rasa made his way to the residence of Chiyo and Ebizō.
Unlike the high-rise architecture typical of Sunagakure, the siblings lived in a small, secluded courtyard reminiscent of Konoha's style. The area was quiet, and few dared to approach.
Once a barren, sandy plot, the courtyard had recently begun to sprout greenery, adding vibrant colors to the landscape.
As Rasa entered, he saw Ebizō teaching a red-haired girl. Upon noticing Rasa, both stopped their activities.
The girl, visibly nervous, bowed respectfully.
"Greetings, Kazekage-sama!"
This girl was, of course, Hana.
After bringing Hana, a survivor of the Uzumaki clan, back from Kusagakure, Rasa had placed her under Ebizō's care. His goal was clear: to train her as Ebizō's successor in sealing techniques.
Unfortunately, Rasa learned that Hana, unlike Kushina, hadn't inherited the Uzumaki clan's talent for sealing techniques. Thus, she had to start from scratch under Ebizō's guidance.
Ebizō, understanding Rasa's intentions, accepted the task without hesitation. Both he and his sister, Chiyo, had seen something extraordinary in Rasa.
Having lived through the era of the First Kazekage, they had witnessed Sunagakure's evolution over four decades. Yet, under Rasa's leadership, the village had transformed in ways they couldn't quite describe. If they had to put it into words, it was like the sudden emergence of green life in the desert—a miracle.
"She's a descendant of the Uzumaki clan, after all. Hana has remarkable talent in sealing techniques. However..."
Ebizō hesitated, which puzzled Rasa.
"However, what?"
The answer came from Chiyo, who emerged from the house.
"Compared to sealing techniques, this girl has an even more astonishing talent for medical ninjutsu. If you leave her to me, I can train her to become a medical ninja on par with Tsunade of Konoha."