Although Rasa was the disciple of the Third Kazekage and inherited his [Magnet Release], the form of its manifestation was different.
The Third Kazekage controlled [Iron Sand Body], while Rasa mixed [Gold Dust] into the sand to increase its weight and density.
There was no doubt that the attack on Haruki was Rasa's doing.
At this time, he was far from the composure he would have after becoming the Kazekage. He was more impulsive and was provoked by a single word from Haruki, so he instinctively launched an attack.
But Haruki didn't make any move.
Just as the attack was about to touch his body, a dark figure blocked him at an extremely fast speed. The figure plunged both hands directly into the drill formed by the [Gold Dust] and forcefully dispersed the chakra.
Haruki turned his head, and the shredded cuff of his sleeve revealed the in - human - looking arm of the dark figure.
It was a [Puppet].
He squinted his eyes and followed the [Chakra Threads] until he saw Chiyo.
"Rasa, Haruki is a guest from afar. How could you be so rude!"
Chiyo's face darkened slightly. She hooked her fingers, and the [Puppet] returned to her side.
Rasa forced a smile and put down his hand but remained silent.
The atmosphere became a bit tense again.
Haruki took back his left hand that had been resting on Tsunade's shoulder. If he hadn't reacted in time, Tsunade would probably have thrown a punch.
"Rasa is being childish and has disturbed our honored guest. Let me apologize on his behalf."
A look of apology appeared on the Third Kazekage's face. He waved his hand and said seriously, "Rasa, go out and reflect on your actions!"
Rasa left silently.
The Third Kazekage looked at the calm - faced Haruki and frowned slightly. Was he really that confident that Sunagakure wouldn't attack him?
Rasa was his disciple, and he naturally understood his character.
When Haruki said those words, he had already guessed that Rasa would make a move.
In fact, he had given his tacit approval.
Otherwise, Rasa would definitely not have had the chance to use chakra in front of him.
This was the confidence of the most powerful Kazekage.
Haruki might have known, but he remained so calm in the face of an attack that could have taken his life. Either he was scared senseless, or he was certain that Sunagakure would stop the attack.
The former was naturally impossible, and the latter meant that no matter what the deal was, their Sunagakure would be at a disadvantage.
Strength determined diplomacy.
Moreover, the Third Kazekage shifted his gaze downward. He had been observing Haruki and the others, and in that moment just now, he clearly felt the extraordinary nature of Haruki's three students.
Not to mention Minato Namikaze and Mikoto Uchiha, who he had prior information about, what really surprised him was Izumi Shigure.
After Chiyo told him last night that she had cracked the carefully - prepared poison, he became suspicious. Now, he also noticed the astonishing change in her aura, even if it lasted less than a second. The Third Kazekage could basically conclude her identity. Most likely, she was Tsunade. So, he completely gave up the idea of using force.
Not to mention the high cost they would have to pay to capture Tsunade, one of the Sannin. Once Konoha Village found out, they would definitely start another war.
Haruki alone might not have such great influence, but with Tsunade involved, it was almost certain.
"Lord Kazekage."
Haruki shrugged and said, "Your disciple doesn't seem to be very friendly to us. If he's not careful, he might end up dead here."
The Third Kazekage's face froze.
Previously, the words were sent back exactly as they were.
But he knew it was a threat, yet he couldn't do anything.
As the Kazekage, he couldn't seek revenge as freely as a rogue ninja or a lone wolf. He had to consider the consequences.
And he couldn't bear such consequences.
Chiyo and Ebizo's expressions also changed.
Even though they had better self - restraint than ordinary ninjas, as the three who almost represented the dignity of Sunagakure, being verbally attacked in a humiliating way made them feel extremely embarrassed both physically and mentally.
"But I'm here with sincerity, to help your Sunagakure escape poverty and achieve prosperity."
Haruki changed the topic, with a serious expression, and started talking about the real business.
The previous words were a response to Sunagakure, but he could understand their doubts and actions.
It could only be said to be a difference in ideological realm.
Just like the aid from the Flowering Clan in his previous life, many people always thought there were other ulterior motives and costs.
But the facts proved that rabbits loved peace, while eagles were different.
"Escaping poverty and achieving prosperity?"
The Third Kazekage stared at him in disbelief, trying to see if he was joking.
Although he knew about the poverty of Sunagakure, it was just too absurd for a ninja from Kiki Village to come and talk to him about escaping poverty and achieving prosperity.
"You may not be lying, but Sunagakure's poverty is due to the land and the environment."
The Third Kazekage shook his head and said, "Unless you're the Hokage and are willing to cede land to us, otherwise, just one or two businesses won't be able to achieve this."
"However, that's not the case. The desert and the oasis contain unique resources, but you've never noticed them."
"How is that possible?"
The Third Kazekage completely didn't believe Haruki's explanation. Although Sunagakure wasn't established for a long time, they had lived in the Land of Wind for generations and were very familiar with the local resources.
"Sunlight, wind, water, oil, coal, and ore." Haruki casually mentioned what he had learned in high - school geography.
"..."
The Third Kazekage wasn't just shocked; he was completely dumbfounded.
What on earth were you talking about?
Could these make money?
With his limited knowledge, he simply couldn't understand how what Haruki said could help Sunagakure escape poverty and achieve prosperity.
Fortunately, Haruki had prepared in advance. He summoned a scroll and handed it to the Third Kazekage.
"This is a... oh no, a business plan."
The Third Kazekage opened the scroll out of curiosity.
And he became even more dumbfounded.
Tree - planting and afforestation? Intensive irrigation? Wind power generation? High - speed railways? Raising sheep and mining?
"Let me take a moment to process this."
The Third Kazekage put his hand on his forehead, looking utterly confused.
There were too many unfamiliar concepts for him to adapt to. It was even more of a headache than when he developed Magnet Release.
"Lord Kazekage?"
Chiyo was also a bit bewildered by his series of actions and became extremely interested in the scroll.
"You can take a look too."
The Third Kazekage threw the scroll to her.
So, there was one more dumbfounded person in the office.
"Is... is this really going to work?" Chiyo couldn't hold back and asked.
"Of course it can." Haruki replied.
He only explained the concepts in the scroll but didn't elaborate on the methods.
Even so, it was still hard for them to digest.
Ebizo couldn't help but lean over in front of Chiyo and read the contents of the Scroll.
Soon, he scratched his head.
He couldn't understand it.
The Third Kazekage took a deep breath in, looked at Haruki, and asked, "Can what you said really make Sunagakure prosperous?"
"I have no reason to lie, and it won't do me any good to lie to you." Haruki looked sincere - faced.
The Third Kazekage carefully observed his expression.
After a moment, he asked, "What should we do?"
Haruki smiled.
He wasn't surprised by this answer.
Sunagakure had no alternative but to trust him.
If there were any other alternatives, they wouldn't have ended up with the Kazekage selling Gold Dust and Ninjutsu.
"Lord Kazekage, it can't be explained in a few words. There are a lot of things involved, so we need to be open and honest with each other. Only when we have enough trust can we form a partnership."
"What are your conditions? As long as they're not too excessive, I can meet them." The Third Kazekage asked after a moment of silence.
If it could really change the current situation of Sunagakure, he was willing to give it a try even if it was a Booby Trap.
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