#59

Mufasa summoned eight students from the Ninja Academy, including Rakka.

They arrived at a hidden laboratory where Orochimaru, Kabuto, and Kakuzu were waiting alongside Mufasa.

With Kakuzu's full cooperation, Orochimaru and the others had made a breakthrough—the first-generation Earth Grudge Symbiote.

The process, however, was anything but gentle.

Kakuzu extracted a portion of his living tendrils and severed them from his chakra, leaving them in a near-death state.

They were then implanted into a new host in hopes of forming a symbiotic bond, drawing chakra from the host to survive.

During this procedure, Kakuzu used his Earth Grudge technique to keep the tendrils active, increasing the chances of successful integration.

However, failure could mean the symbiote going rogue, consuming the host instead of bonding with them.

Fortunately, with Mufasa's strategic mind and Orochimaru's mastery over biological experiments, even an unruly first-generation symbiote was manageable.

Mufasa turned to the eight students.

"I know that you all chose to specialize in Taijutsu because controlling chakra has been difficult for you," he said.

The students, including Rakka, nodded.

"For a Taijutsu ninja to surpass those who wield ninjutsu and genjutsu, the odds are one in a million,"

Mufasa continued. "But I believe that when you entered the Ninja Academy, you all hoped to become exceptional shinobi."

Rakka and the others responded in unison. "Yes, Lord Kazekage."

Mufasa smiled. "Good. Then I'll give you a chance."

He explained the nature of the Earth Grudge Symbiote and demonstrated its effects using a screen.

The students were fascinated by its capabilities—enhanced strength, regenerative abilities, and even the power of flight.

"This is still an early-stage experiment," Mufasa warned. "There are risks. But I will do everything in my power to ensure your safety."

He scanned their faces. "If any of you want to back out, now is the time. There is no shame in choosing not to take this risk. This is your decision, not an order from your Kazekage."

Rakka was the first to raise his hand. "I volunteer."

Mufasa studied him carefully. "Are you sure? Don't do this just because of me."

Rakka hesitated for a moment, then met Mufasa's gaze with unwavering determination. "I want to become a stronger ninja."

Mufasa nodded. "Step forward."

Kabuto made a precise incision near Rakka's heart. Kakuzu extracted his black tendrils, their ends writhing like serpents.

The tendrils twitched violently as they were inserted into Rakka's body, searching hungrily for chakra.

Kabuto quickly stitched up the wound and infused medical chakra to stabilize the process, while Kakuzu applied his Earth Grudge technique to stimulate the symbiote externally.

Rakka clenched his teeth, his body trembling from the searing pain.

The tendrils burrowed into his flesh, latching onto his veins, drawing chakra from his core. Sweat dripped from his forehead as the agony intensified.

Kakuzu observed coldly. "If he can't endure this, he has no place in this experiment. Pain is the price of power."

Mufasa activated his electromagnetic eye, scanning Rakka's body. The tendrils were moving aggressively, instinctively seeking sustenance.

"Rakka, focus your chakra," Mufasa instructed. "Send it toward your heart."

Rakka, despite the pain, obeyed.

He had never been skilled in chakra control, but he forced himself to direct it toward the implant.

The tendrils reacted immediately, latching on faster. The pain became unbearable.

With a final, strained breath, Rakka collapsed.

Kabuto knelt beside him, checking his vitals. "His breathing is stable. He's unconscious, but in no immediate danger."

Mufasa's electromagnetic vision confirmed the symbiote was still active in his chest. "The experiment is half successful. Now we wait for him to wake up."

Kabuto carried Rakka to the infirmary while Mufasa turned to the remaining seven students.

Their faces were tense, but none backed away.

Mufasa smiled. "Don't be afraid. You can still quit."

None of them moved.

Mufasa nodded. "Orochimaru, I'll leave the rest to you. I have a guest to greet."

At the entrance of Sunagakure, Tsunade and her assistant, Shizune, stood before the towering steel gates.

Tsunade had seen many reports and images of the village, but standing before its massive 20-meter-high gates gave her a new appreciation of its scale.

The village had changed.

The large boulders once used to block desert winds had been replaced by towering wind turbines, their blades spinning relentlessly.

Tsunade frowned. "Is this Sunagakure's new defense system?"

Shizune shook her head. "I don't know. It seems recent. They call them wind turbines."

Before they could discuss further, the gates swung open.

A sleek, sand-powered vehicle emerged, Mufasa at the wheel. He grinned, waving at them.

"Hello, ladies."

Tsunade crossed her arms, scowling. "I don't have time for pleasantries."

Mufasa chuckled. "This is my village, Lady Hokage. Try to enjoy the hospitality."

Tsunade rolled up her sleeves. "I'd rather settle this with my fists."

Mufasa held up his hands. "If you came here to fight, we can go outside the village. But if you're here to talk, get in the car."

Tsunade scoffed but climbed in with Shizune.

As they drove, Mufasa smirked. "I expected Konoha to send someone sooner."

Tsunade huffed. "Hmph."

Konoha's leadership had only recently realized the loophole in the "One Country, One Village Act" that Mufasa had cleverly exploited.

Instead of making money, Konoha had lost revenue from their traveling ninjas. Danzo had been furious.

"I warned everyone that Mufasa had ulterior motives!" Danzo had raged. "We should nullify the contract and expel his people from Konoha!"

Mitokado Homura and Koharu Utatane, however, had objected in unison. "That would be unwise."

Danzo turned on them. "Have you two been bought off by Mufasa?!"

Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu glared at Shimura Danzo, their expressions etched with frustration.

"What nonsense are you spouting now?" Homura snapped, his patience thinning.

"Who here is betraying Konoha? We would never do such a thing!" Koharu added, her voice firm.

Danzo scoffed, crossing his arms. "Then why won't you agree to expel them?"

Koharu frowned. "Have you not seen the benefits we've gained from Suna's trade? Their ninja tools and supplies have been invaluable."

Danzo's eyes narrowed. "And what so-called 'benefits' are worth Konoha's dependency on an outside village?"

Koharu sighed. "Our shinobi use their tools on missions, and the casualty rate has dropped by one percent. One percent may seem small to you, but it saves lives."

Homura nodded. "Not to mention, their tools are affordable. We've significantly cut down on military expenses.

With the money we've saved, Konoha has been able to improve infrastructure, support orphaned ninja, and invest in new projects."

"Even civilians have benefited," Koharu continued. "Many of them prefer Suna's products, from clothing to farming supplies. Some even use their fertilizers in our fields."

Danzo clenched his fists, his frustration mounting. Suna's influence had spread far beyond just the ninja ranks.

Their industries covered metalwork, textiles, agriculture, transportation—everywhere he looked, Konoha was integrating Suna's innovations.

Even their vehicles now rolled through Konoha's streets.

"If we abruptly expel the merchants of Suna, the economic consequences would be catastrophic," Koharu warned.

Danzo was momentarily speechless, a rare occurrence. He had spent a lifetime fighting battles, cutting down threats with his own hands. But this?

This was an enemy he couldn't stab with a kunai.

Suna's influence was like a creeping vine, entwining itself with Konoha, growing stronger each day.

How was he supposed to fight something that wasn't a tangible foe?

His frustration boiled over. "As Konoha shinobi, shouldn't we be willing to sacrifice for our village? Do we really need Suna's products to survive?! Have Konoha's ninja lost their pride?!"

Tsunade, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke, her tone sharp. "Danzo, watch your words. We are all Konoha shinobi. That doesn't change just because we buy tools from another village."

Danzo's glare remained unfaltering. "Then expel Suna's merchants. Cut off their supply lines."

Tsunade's eyes flashed dangerously. "Hmph. We signed a contract with them. And you want us to break it? Where is Konoha's honor in that? Where is our reputation?"

Danzo shot back, "They harbored Uchiha Sasuke! Doesn't that count as breaking the agreement?!"

A quiet voice interrupted. "Elder Danzo… that isn't true."

Shizune stepped forward, handing him a document. "This is Suna's official statement regarding Sasuke."

Danzo snatched the paper and scanned its contents. His expression darkened.

According to the "One Country, One Village Act," Suna had the right to govern all shinobi within the Land of Wind.

Sasuke, now classified as a rogue ninja, had been captured and sentenced to twenty years of imprisonment, during which he would undergo rehabilitation through labor.

Upon completing his sentence, he would be returned to his home village. [T/N: LOL!]

Danzo's grip on the document tightened. "This is absurd! They're treating us like fools!"

Tsunade slammed her hand on the table, rattling the room. "Enough! You all agreed to this treaty. Are you telling me you were fools when you signed it?!"

The council room fell into tense silence.

For days, Konoha's higher-ups argued over how to handle Suna's growing influence.

But no matter how much they debated, they found no valid reason to act against them.

The merchants followed the rules. The stationed shinobi obeyed Konoha's laws.

No disruptions, no violations. If anything, Suna had been nothing but cooperative.

What could they do? Ban goods for being 'too affordable'? Exile merchants for being 'too efficient'?

It was ridiculous.

Finally, Tsunade had enough.

She clenched her fists and declared, "This ends now! I'll go to Suna myself and speak with Mufasa. I'll make sure we reach an agreement that benefits Konoha."

With Shizune by her side, Tsunade set off for Suna.

...

As the vehicle rumbled across the desert, Tsunade stared out the window.

She had been to Suna before, but something was different this time.

The roads were covered by curved metal archways, casting long shadows over the streets.

Curious, she turned to the man driving the vehicle—Mufasa, the Kazekage himself. "Why did you build your roads like this? It looks like you've caged your own people."

Mufasa grinned. "The desert sun is unforgiving. These covers block the worst of the heat, making travel easier."

In reality, these "covers" were far more than just shade. They were part of a defensive system designed to shield the village from aerial attacks.

In case of an invasion, the covers could seal shut, creating a barrier that would divide the village into defensible sectors.

If an enemy broke in, they would find themselves trapped in a maze, unable to advance without exposing themselves to Suna's defenses.

Unlike Konoha, Suna would never allow itself to be caught off guard.

Tsunade wasn't entirely convinced, but she let it go.

The vehicle continued its journey, passing through the bustling streets until it stopped in front of the Kazekage's Tower.

As she stepped out, she noticed two massive circular buildings under construction behind the tower.

She smirked, pointing at them. "What are those? More of your 'sun shields'?"

Mufasa's face turned slightly red before he burst into laughter.

"Haha, of course, it's the Armstrong Cyclotron Jet Armstrong Cannon!" he declared proudly.

Tsunade and Shizune exchanged skeptical looks.

"We've read a lot of books, you know. You can't fool us that easily," Tsunade said dryly, arms crossed.

Mufasa cleared his throat, trying to maintain his composure.

"Alright, alright, you got me. Actually, there are cannons everywhere in our village, and this is the biggest one yet."

Tsunade squinted at him. "Uh-huh... Sure."

Shizune sighed. "Let's just move on."

Mufasa grinned. "Fine, fine. Let's get inside. I've prepared a feast for you both."

He led them into the Wind Studio, a lavishly decorated hall with elegant Hidden Sand Village aesthetics.

Servants quickly brought out an array of dishes and drinks. The warm aroma of grilled meats and exotic spices filled the air as the three sat at the table.

Tsunade and Shizune removed the heavy cloaks they had been wearing to shield themselves from the harsh desert winds, revealing their clothing underneath.

Mufasa's eyes widened. "Wait a second... No way!"

Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "What's with that reaction?"

Mufasa pointed, his face still in shock. "You're both wearing our Sand Village-produced nylon undergarments!"

Shizune's face turned bright red while Tsunade frowned, clearly unimpressed. "What's your point?"

Mufasa, realizing how inappropriate his reaction was, quickly waved his hands. "N-No, I just meant... uh... our clothing products are truly superior! They must be comfortable, right?"

Tsunade's expression darkened. "Watch what you say, Mufasa. My iron fist isn't just for show."

Mufasa coughed awkwardly. "Ahem... Anyway, let's eat!"

As they started their meal, Mufasa lifted his drink. "To good business and strong alliances!"

Tsunade took a small sip, much less than usual, her mood visibly more serious than before.

Mufasa noticed. "Something on your mind? If there's a problem, let's talk it out. Everything has a solution."

Tsunade sighed. "You've made a lot of money from Konoha. It almost feels like we're just here to help your village prosper."

Mufasa chuckled. "And what's wrong with that? Your village is stronger now. Your people are happier.

Even you look better in our clothing. Isn't that a win for everyone?"

Tsunade narrowed her eyes, feeling like something was off but unable to put her finger on it. She downed another drink.

Mufasa leaned forward. "If you think we're the only ones benefiting, then why not take some of our money?"

Tsunade's interest piqued. "How?"

Mufasa smirked. "Simple. We can start outsourcing missions to Konoha. We need greening projects—you could send Yamato.

We need teachers—you could provide instructors. We need trade expansion—you could act as our agents. Work together, make money together."

Tsunade frowned. "A village taking missions from another village? That's... unconventional."

Mufasa gestured at the large crabs on the table. "Look at these. They're both crabs, but one is seen as more valuable than the other.

Money is the same. Whether it comes from a feudal lord or from our village, it still spends the same way."

Tsunade thought for a moment, then nodded. "I'll consider it. But there's another issue—Sasuke. He's our village's rogue ninja."

Mufasa leaned back, his expression unreadable. "You think I don't know that?"

Tsunade's patience thinned. "Then why did you take him in?"

Mufasa sighed dramatically. "Tsunade, I did this for Konoha's sake."

"What?!" Tsunade slammed her glass on the table. "How is harboring a traitor good for us?!"

Mufasa shook his head. "You don't see the bigger picture. Think about it. The Uchiha were one of Konoha's founding clans, right?

Without them, the village wouldn't exist."

Tsunade nodded. "That's common knowledge."

Mufasa continued. "And yet, under Konoha's leadership, the Uchiha have been wiped out. Now only Sasuke remains.

What's your plan? Kill him? Lock him up? Either way, the last Uchiha is gone. What does that say about your village?"

Tsunade fell silent, deep in thought.

Mufasa pressed on. "He didn't leave to destroy Konoha. He left to get stronger and take revenge on Itachi.

But if you imprison him, that hatred will turn toward Konoha instead. Is that really what you want?"

The table grew quiet. The weight of his words settled heavily between them.

Just then, Gaara entered and whispered something to Mufasa. His face brightened.

Mufasa turned back to Tsunade, grinning suspiciously. "Hey, do you want to—"

Tsunade's eyes narrowed at Mufasa's weird grin.

"You better careful with your next words, I swear I will knock you into next week." 

Mufasa's expression turned into one of pure horror. "WHAT?! No! I was going to ask if you wanted to spar! Where the hell did your mind go?!"

Tsunade sighed, rubbing her temples. "I swear, I need another drink..."

____________________________

Word count: 2599