Rasa's words immediately made Michikawa understand, and Pakura clenched her teeth and said angrily.
"Truly disgusting people. So, you're planning to help this Priestess now?"
"Yes!"
Rasa replied calmly.
"The Priestess and her predecessors helped me eliminate the Mōryō, so I've agreed to help them in return, taking care of the Priestess and the Land of Demons. Of course, their requests are one thing, but I'm also considering Sunagakure. While the Land of Demons is smaller than the Land of Wind, its land area and wealth are quite decent compared to other small nations. If we can form an alliance, it would provide us with more options."
This made both Pakura and Michikawa nod, especially after the recent interference from the Daimyo in the matters between Sunagakure, Iwagakure, and Kumogakure.
"So, how do you plan to help this Priestess?"
Michikawa asked.
"I have two ideas."
Rasa replied.
"First, like the relationship between the Land of Water and the Land of Waves, we can provide mercenary protection to the Land of Demons. Second, we can help the Land of Demons establish a ninja village."
!!!
Pakura and Michikawa were both slightly surprised.
The first option wasn't unexpected, it was a common method used by many smaller countries in the ninja world. But the second one... Well, helping out to develop a secondary military village might not be a good option.
Michikawa pondered for a moment before opening his mouth.
"That might be a violation of the rules. The Daimyo and other countries wouldn't agree to it."
Pakura, however, shrugged dismissively.
"Sunagakure doesn't need anyone else to tell us how to handle our affairs."
Rasa directly voiced his thoughts.
"If it were in the past, it would be difficult, but I have a feeling this might be an opportunity."
"An opportunity!?"
Michikawa and Pakura were puzzled by this.
Just as they were about to ask more, Baki appeared with a body flicker technique and knelt before Rasa.
"Kazekage-sama, as expected, both the ninjas from Kumogakure and Iwagakure have tried to break free from the Anbu's surveillance during the chaos of the celebration."
"Is that so...?"
Rasa responded, "As long as they're not in any secretive areas, let them watch. If we don't throw out some bait, how can we catch the big fish?"
"Understood!"
Baki replied before leaving. Amidst the crowd, the Priestess's luxurious carriage slowly approached the Kazekage Building.
---
"Rasa-sama!"
Seven days had passed since their last meeting, and the Priestess, Miroku, wearing a luxurious purple ceremonial robe, called out without hesitation when she saw Rasa. Her behavior made the guards, Shinami and Jippō, cough lightly and give her a subtle glance. Miroku then regained her solemn, sacred demeanor as the Priestess.
Rasa, noticing that Miroku seemed much more cheerful and youthful than when they first met, smiled gently and nodded.
Shinami and Jippō, seeing this, assisted Miroku as she gracefully dismounted the carriage.
Miroku approached Rasa with a poised step, smiling brightly as she greeted him.
"It's good to see you again, Rasa-sama!"
Rasa responded with a smile as well.
"Yes, the Priestess looks much better."
Miroku smiled, her face glowing with a subtle warmth.
"I must thank Rasa-sama for helping us in the Land of Demons to eliminate Mōryō!"
Rasa nodded and then introduced Pakura and Michikawa to Miroku.
"Please go rest for a while. Afterward, I'll show the Priestess around Sunagakure."
"Umu!"
Miroku nodded excitedly.
---
Under Rasa's lead, the group ascended to the Kazekage Tower, which was considered the highest authority building in all of Sunagakure.
Along the way, Miroku couldn't help but look around, her curiosity evident as she gazed left and right.
If it had been anyone else, they would likely have been apprehended by the Anbu as spies. However, at this moment, everyone expressed great goodwill toward the Priestess from the Land of Demons, even going so far as to open some of the secret rooms for her.
Before long, they arrived at the most powerful center of Sunagakure: the Kazekage's office.
Miroku looked around excitedly and asked.
"So, this is where Rasa-sama lives and works?"
After seating everyone, Rasa spoke slowly.
"Technically, this is just my workplace. Being Kazekage is merely a job for me. After the banquet tonight, I can take you to my home, where Karura has prepared to welcome you. You'll also get to meet Honoka."
Miroku's eyes lit up as she replied,
"That's wonderful! Speaking of which, to become Rasa-sama's wife, Karura must be an exceptional woman."
"Of course!"
Rasa replied, smiling. Miroku smiled even more brightly but then looked a bit saddened.
"It's such a shame. I can only stay in Sunagakure for two days before I have to return."
Seeing the Priestess's downcast expression, her guard, Shinami, spoke gently.
"It can't be helped, Priestess-sama. The Land of Demons still needs you."
Miroku seemed even more displeased, mumbling quietly.
"Whether I'm here or not, it's the same."
Rasa understood her feelings but chose not to say much. Instead, he replied,
"Well then, why don't you rest for now? Once you're ready, I'll show you around Sunagakure."
Miroku shook her head, her face beaming with happiness.
"No need. I'm not tired at all. I want to learn more about Rasa-sama's village right now."
Seeing this, Rasa exchanged a glance with Shinami, who seemed helpless, and then nodded.
"Alright, then. I'll have everything prepared, and we'll head out."
---
Sunagakure, as a ninja village, is naturally different from ordinary towns in many respects.
In fact, most of the time, the entire village is under strict surveillance.
As the largest group in the village, the ninjas, their lives aren't as carefree as the average civilians.
This means that the villagers of Sunagakure live under a certain level of suppressive regulations, similar to a military regime.
Even though in the past six months, the village has rapidly developed, and many people have gained a lot of pocket money, due to these restrictive rules, they still suppress their desires for leisure and live restrained lives.
But today was different.
The reason this day could be called a celebration was because the village had relaxed some of its rules for the villagers and ninjas, allowing everyone to enjoy themselves freely.
Even the ninja school gave the children a day off.
On the streets of Sunagakure, the children of Michikawa and Seramu, Kunmi and Sara, along with a regular girl named Kanna, took advantage of this opportunity to go out and have fun.