Sunagakure, the sky was just beginning to brighten. The entire village of Sunagakure was still immersed in sleep.
In a certain room inside a building, the people from Iwagakure had already gathered.
Leading them was the son of the Third Tsuchikage: Tsuchi.
His expression was serious, and the room was eerily quiet, with the five ninjas below daring not to say a word.
Time passed, and when the first golden rays of the morning light shone on everyone's faces, Tsuchi slowly lifted his head from his silence and spoke to the ninjas below.
"We've gathered information on the time of Sunagakure's celebration. The Priestess of the Land of Demons will arrive at ten o'clock. After that, there will be a three-hour celebration. This three-hour window is our best opportunity. During this time, I want you to do everything you can to gather as much intelligence on Sunagakure as possible while it's chaotic. Any questions?"
The five ninjas simultaneously lowered their heads in agreement.
"No problem, Tsuchi-sama!"
"Alright, the focus of these three hours will be gathering information. After that, from eight to ten in the evening, during the banquet, is when we'll truly act. During that time..."
At this point, Tsuchi looked at a ninja with a small braid on his head.
"Magama, your task will be crucial. During this period, I need you to do everything you can to draw the attention of the people of Sunagakure. Any method will do."
Upon hearing Tsuchi's words, the ninja named Magama immediately became excited.
"Don't worry, Tsuchi-sama, I've been itching to cause trouble for these Sunagakure ninjas!"
"Alright! Since that's the case, everyone prepare yourselves, it's time to begin our operation!"
---
Meanwhile, in another building.
In a room where the ninjas of Kumogakure were staying, the same orders were given by the Raikage to a ninja named Samoi.
"Samoi, your task is simple, just delay the time for our upcoming operation!"
The ninja named Samoi was also very excited. He was an absolute martial artist and naturally opposed the idea of an alliance. The chance to create chaos in Sunagakure was something he was more than happy with.
Moreover, with the crucial moment of the alliance between the three countries and the arrival of the Priestess from the Land of Demons, even if he caused a scene, Sunagakure wouldn't be able to do anything about it. This made him even more thrilled.
However, what he didn't notice was that after the Raikage gave this order, there was a hint of regret in his eyes.
Time slowly passed, and it was now ten o'clock.
---
BOOM!
With the thunderous sound of fireworks, the azure sky of Sunagakure was immediately filled with a variety of colors. Countless ribbons fell from the sky, followed by the lively cheers and the bustling sound of footsteps.
On the main street of Sunagakure, everything had been freshly prepared, just like the last celebration. Banners were hung along the streets, and flowers were placed everywhere. The villagers of Sunagakure had come to the streets on their own, eagerly looking towards the village's entrance. The village's ninjas acted as guards, trying their best to maintain order.
Sunagakure, on the rooftop of the Kazekage Building.
The three high-ranking officials of Sunagakure, Rasa, Pakura, and Michikawa, appeared here in formal attire.
Rasa wore the standard Kazekage cloak, Pakura donned a tight black skirt, and Michikawa was dressed in a long robe.
Originally, they only needed to attend the banquet in the evening, but after a day of private lessons and successfully sensing senjutsu energy, Pakura was in a good mood. To give Rasa, the Kazekage, some respect, she decided to attend the welcome celebration. And since Pakura was attending, Michikawa, Rasa's trusted right-hand, naturally wouldn't miss it either.
At this moment, as the sound of various instruments played, all three of them could see a long, extravagant procession approaching the entrance of Sunagakure from the direction of the village's main street.
At the same time, Sēramu appeared beside Rasa and spoke.
"Kazekage-sama, the Priestess of the Land of Demons has arrived in Sunagakure."
"Thanks, Sēramu. From here on, follow your plan."
Rasa replied.
"Understood, Kazekage-sama. I'll go prepare now!"
"Mm."
As Sēramu left, Michikawa watched her figure and sighed.
"Sēramu-sama is doing better and better in the village. I have to say, Kazekage-sama's ability to recognize talent is truly remarkable. First Sēramu-sama, then Hana and Honoka-sama!"
Upon hearing this, Rasa glanced back at Michikawa and responded.
"Sēramu is doing well, but I heard there are some complaints in the village?"
Rasa's words caught Pakura and Michikawa's attention.
Michikawa didn't hesitate and replied openly.
"Yes, everyone feels that Kazekage-sama trusts outsiders too much."
The atmosphere turned awkward at these words, and Rasa calmly asked.
"What do you think, Michikawa?"
Michikawa answered decisively.
"Sēramu-sama is not an outsider. With the village's current pace of development, more and more people will join Sunagakure in the future. Sēramu-sama is a living example, showing that Sunagakure does not reject outsiders!"
Rasa nodded in satisfaction. Michikawa was indeed excellent in political insight.
If it weren't for Rasa's accumulated knowledge from his previous life and his understanding of the situation, he might not have been as good as Michikawa in this regard.
Michikawa's words also caught Pakura's attention. Pakura then realized why Rasa trusted this queen from Rōran so much, there was such thoughtful consideration behind it.
She had initially thought it was only because Sēramu was beautiful. After all, the queen from Rōran was truly stunning, and even though she already had a daughter, she exuded a kind of captivating charm that even Pakura could feel. This had led to some gossip in the village.
However, now that she thought about it, all the people Rasa had brought to the village so far seemed to be women, and each one was more beautiful than the last!
With this thought in mind, Pakura suddenly spoke.
"This Priestess Miroku is very beautiful, isn't she?"
Pakura's unexpected words left both Rasa and Michikawa stunned.
Rasa thought for a moment and then replied.
"Yes, she is a very beautiful young woman, somewhat similar to Sēramu, but younger."
Michikawa also added.
"I've heard that the Priestesses of the Land of Demons have always been extraordinary beauties."
Seeing the two men agreeing, Pakura couldn't help but coldly snort, which confused the two men further. Michikawa, however, curiously asked.
"Kazekage-sama, you are putting on such a grand reception for this Priestess. There must be another reason, right?"
"Mm."
Rasa didn't hide his intentions.
"I received information from the Anbu in the Land of Demons. It seems that some of the officials there are planning to overthrow the Priestess!"
!!!
Pakura and Michikawa were both shocked.
"Why?"
Pakura asked, puzzled.
"It's simple. The Priestess's position, comparable to that of a Daimyo, was made possible because of the presence of the Mōryō. But now that the Mōryō have been eliminated, those men won't allow a girl to stand above them."