[God of Shinobi—Hashirama Senju Chakra Capacity Experience Card (Two-Star): 10 Seconds!]
This was the only two-star item Rasa had drawn after 22 pulls, and according to the description, it was a rare one at that.
Truly a treasure.
After cursing the [trash gacha pool] in his mind, Rasa looked at the now-calm desert.
The Rock ninja… were all dealt with.
No wonder he was the God of Shinobi~
The moment that chakra surged through him, Rasa felt his body brimming with power and vitality, trembling involuntarily and letting out an [Mmm~] of pure exhilaration.
One word!
Exhilarating!
The only downside was the emptiness after those ten seconds ended… a void he still hadn't recovered from. He just wanted to light a cigarette, stare out a window, and sit on a bed, basking in the moonlight.
And all that massive gold dust… gone, just like that!
What a waste!
His current chakra couldn't gather nearly that much gold dust again, making a wild spending spree impossible.
Rasa shook his head helplessly, stomping the sand beneath his feet. Seeing no reaction, he sighed in relief. "Should be fine now!"
That terrifying sandstorm—nobody could've survived it.
The God of Shinobi's chakra capacity was downright monstrous!
As for now…
Rasa surveyed the pitch-black night, frowning slightly in thought. "I'll rest for now and, come morning…"
Keep panning gold!
As for the Sand ninja… those ungrateful jerks, couldn't they come find him?
He'd worked his butt off dealing with these Rock ninja. If not for his potions and that lucky card pull, he'd probably be done for.
"Bunch of heartless punks. I'm so disappointed!" he muttered.
No matter how you looked at it, he was the Third Kazekage's disciple on paper, and they didn't even check on him.
So, he'd just rely on himself, grinding cash to get stronger.
And for now…
Rasa figured it was best to stay out of sight. After all, the Rock ninja had chased him in front of the Grass ninja. If he showed up on the battlefield now, he'd definitely draw the Hidden Rock Village's attention.
Sure, if he made a big splash during this time, as the Third Kazekage's disciple, he'd likely secure the Fourth Kazekage seat.
But…
The Hidden Sand Village was a backwater dump. Why bother being its leader?
No money, no manpower, constant sandstorms, and he'd have to pan gold to feed the whole village…
Way too much work!
So, wasn't it better to lay low and confuse the Hidden Rock Village?
He wasn't scared!
Really, as the Third Kazekage's disciple, who'd be afraid of some Tsuchikage, Raikage, or Hokage… or, uh, whoever?
…
Late in the 42nd year of Konoha's founding.
The war had raged for nearly two months, with the northern front against the Hidden Cloud Village growing fiercer. Limited by their ninja numbers, the Hidden Sand Village was increasingly on the defensive. Nearly every available ninja had been deployed, even children fresh in the academy… their teachers, eyes red and lips curled in bittersweet pride, saying, [Child, you have great ninja talent. After review, it's been decided you'll graduate early to become an honorable ninja and shine for the village!]
And then…
They were sent to the battlefield.
Everyone knew that these kids, thrilled to receive their Genin headbands and unable to sleep from excitement, faced grim odds on the battlefield. Few would survive.
And their impact on the war was minimal. Those who lived might grow into fine ninja under veteran guidance, but most… were just cannon fodder.
In the face of despair, the village could only throw everything it had to secure victory.
Meanwhile…
After repelling another wave of Cloud ninja, Chiyo sat exhausted in the temporary command post, reading a report from another front. Her eyes widened, and she froze. A moment later, she slammed the table. "Rasa… that kid sacrificed himself?!"
"?!" Ebizo, hearing his sister, was stunned, looking at Chiyo in disbelief. "You're saying… something happened to Rasa?"
"That's right!" Chiyo nodded, her eyes flashing with anger and helplessness before she sighed wistfully and shook her head. "Two months ago, when Rasa led his team to the battlefield, they were ambushed by Rock and Grass ninja. To preserve as much fighting strength as possible, he… ugh~ Rasa appointed Momu as temporary commander and single-handedly drew all the Rock ninja away. Since then… he hasn't returned!"
"This… this…" Ebizo, furious, paced the command post, at a loss for words. "This is too much! Too much! A measly Grass Village dares to attack our Hidden Sand Village?" He sighed helplessly, shaking his head in lament. "Rasa… he lived up to the name of the Third Kazekage's disciple!"
Loyal and righteous, drowning his sorrows in drink after the Third's disappearance, his mind shattered. Yet, when other villages invaded, he still stepped up, protecting his comrades and the village's strength!
"If he were alive… he could've become the Fourth Kazekage and protected the Hidden Sand Village!"
"What's the use of saying that now?" Chiyo crushed the report in her hand, frowning in thought.
"This can't be widely announced."
The Third Kazekage's disappearance was already a massive blow. If word got out about Rasa too… the impact on the Hidden Sand Village would be devastating.
"Understood!" Ebizo nodded, then scanned the other Jonin nearby with a stern gaze. After they nodded seriously in agreement, he turned back to Chiyo.
"And… how's the situation over there?"
"Not great," Chiyo said after a pause, shaking her head helplessly. "Most of the village's reinforcements have been sent here. Facing the combined forces of the Grass and Rock Villages, they're barely holding on. They're hoping for support."
The Hidden Sand Village…
Was falling into a disadvantage.
…
At that moment…
A young man with short brown hair stood atop a sandcastle formed from dust, gazing ahead, his brow furrowed. "Something's off~ The main battlefield should be with the Hidden Cloud Village, right?"
Why did this front feel like it was about to collapse?!
(End of Chapter)