"Nonsense!"
The Third Kazekage couldn't believe his ears. Someone was suggesting that Chiyo's grandson, Scorpion, was plotting against him. It seemed utterly ridiculous.
Chiyo was a loyal and respected figure in Sunagakure, having served through three different leaders.
Her entire family was known for their deep and unwavering loyalty to the village.
Tragically, Chiyo's own son and daughter-in-law had been killed by Konoha's White Fang.
How could such a family possibly produce a traitor? he wondered.
"Lord Kazekage…"
Aburame Torune's face grew serious.
"This… this is a prophecy from Mount Myōboku, one of the Three Great Sage Locations…"
Aburame Torune emphasized the importance of where this information came from.
The source was Namikaze Minato.
After visiting Mount Myōboku and learning Sage Techniques, Namikaze Minato had received a prophecy from the Great Toad Sage.
He'd shared this prophecy with Danzo, and was completely certain it was true.
This mission to Sunagakure was originally a simple diplomatic task.
Now, it had become a mission that could change the entire Ninja World!
The Third Kazekage, known as the "Strongest Kazekage," was in danger, and whether he lived or died would have huge consequences.
The impact wouldn't just be felt within Sunagakure; it could affect the whole Ninja World!
So, after careful thought, Danzo had decided to send Aburame Torune to convince the Third Kazekage.
There 's no harm in trying, Danzo had reasoned.
If it failed, and the Third Kazekage died, Konoha wouldn't lose anything.
But if it succeeded, and the Third Kazekage survived, a strong Sunagakure could slow down Hatake Sakumo's path to becoming the Fourth Hokage. This was something Danzo would be quite pleased about.
"…"
The Third Kazekage and Aburame Torune stared at each other for a long moment.
With a cold snort, the Third Kazekage turned and walked away.
A small smile appeared on Aburame Torune's lips. He knew that the Third Kazekage was starting to have doubts.
----
The next morning, the sun rose as usual, bringing a new day.
When the group arrived at the Kazekage Office, they saw a handsome, red-haired young man standing next to the Third Kazekage.
"Scorpion of the Red Sand?"
Though young, he had a youthful appearance.
Sarutobi Ryo carefully observed the other's delicate features. A slight smile played on his lips, a smile that carried a hint of ruthlessness.
It looked as if he could pull out a knife and stab you at any moment, Sarutobi Ryo thought.
Of course, Scorpion hadn't yet earned the title "of the Red Sand" at this time.
He got the title after he betrayed the village, killing those who came after him, staining the yellow sand with blood, hence the name "Scorpion of the Red Sand."
Looking at how closely he followed the Third Kazekage.
It seemed like… only a matter of time.
Yes, the Third Kazekage's death anniversary.
Sarutobi Ryo hoped that the Third Kazekage would realize that not all Suna ninja were devoted to the village.
From an enemy's point of view, Sarutobi Ryo didn't feel the need to warn the Third Kazekage.
But since the two sides were about to become allies, a mutually beneficial partnership, then… a stable partnership with a strong Kazekage was much better than one with Rasa.
"Please, everyone, have some tea." Scorpion reached out with a smile, inviting them to drink.
"…"
Hatake Sakumo blinked, feeling a little uncomfortable.
The son of the couple he had killed was standing right in front of him, even offering him tea.
And Scorpion was from a family of poison users.
Oh, dear …
"Tea can wait. Lord Kazekage, please tell us your decision."
Sarutobi Ryo's words relieved Hatake Sakumo's awkwardness and stopped anyone from accidentally getting poisoned.
The Third Kazekage certainly wouldn't do that.
Scorpion… this ruthless character, might not be so thoughtful.
It was always good to be careful when dealing with people like him.
"Yes, I discussed this with everyone yesterday, and the Elders agree that we can start working with Konoha… but for true cooperation, Konoha needs to actively show their commitment…"
The Third Kazekage stared at Sarutobi Ryo.
You started this, so you have to take responsibility for the problem, he thought.
"Since Konoha believes that Iwagakure is our common enemy, then you need to provide some proof of your sincerity…"
The Third Kazekage walked over to the map and pointed to the Land of Wind's Border.
"Recently, Iwagakure teams have been constantly causing trouble along our border… I hope the Ninja from Konoha can join forces with my Sunagakure Ninja to eliminate them… What do you all think?"
Sunagakure and Konoha working together to take down Iwagakure teams looked like a simple cooperative mission on the surface.
But politically, it would let Iwagakure know that Sunagakure and Konoha had joined forces.
If Iwagakure thought that Konoha and Sunagakure had formed an alliance, they would definitely change their strategies.
If the Third Shinobi World War were to break out, they would be much more cautious, and the whole situation could change in unexpected ways.
And all of this… depended on the Third Kazekage's being alive.
If the Third Kazekage died,
Rasa would take over. He was still young and wouldn't be able to control the Elders and Clans. He would have to make compromises. In that case… even if Sunagakure allied with Konoha, it wouldn't be a strong alliance.
For Sunagakure,
The Third Kazekage's existence was extremely important.
But if the Third Kazekage survived, Konoha would have a powerful ally/enemy in Sunagakure.
They might even turn against each other one day.
Was it worth creating a strong enemy just to resist Iwagakure?
After thinking for a moment, Sarutobi Ryo didn't hesitate.
You shouldn't want to harm others, but you must be ready to defend yourself.
With that mindset, Sarutobi Ryo strongly believed in mutually beneficial situations.
We don't want to invade others, but we won't be bullied either.
We hope to have a win-win situation with Sunagakure, but we will also be cautious of Sunagakure, and we aren't afraid of Sunagakure.
This… was the true perspective.
Eliminating a potential threat out of fear wasn't the answer. Was it any different from how Senju Tobirama, Shimura Danzo, and others were wary of the Uchiha clan?
Thinking of this, Sarutobi Ryo nodded, "Lord Kazekage, I accept this mission."
Sarutobi Ryo used "I" instead of "we."
He knew that he couldn't represent Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura.
But he could represent himself.
"As the Hokage's son, and… the Division Leader of Konoha Anbu Squad Six, a Konoha Jonin, I am willing to try to reach a mutually beneficial alliance with Sunagakure."
"…"
Sarutobi Ryo's statement made the Third Kazekage pause and think.
Then, he took a deep breath and couldn't help but admire the young man's open-mindedness and courage.
If things continued like this, Konoha would definitely become more and more successful.
Sunagakure becoming stronger, Konoha prospering … a win-win situation, perhaps it really was a good strategy.
But before that, it was time to get rid of the parasites within Sunagakure.
"By the way, Lord Kazekage, my father has a Secret Letter that he wants me to give to you. Please take a look."
Sarutobi Ryo took out a Scroll that he had prepared ahead of time.
Of course, it contained information about a certain red-haired Puppet Master.
He had just mentioned that he was the Division Leader of Anbu Squad Six for a reason.
On the surface, it was Anbu, but the Third Kazekage would think of Danzo of Root, and his all-pervasive Root.
Aburame Torune's arrival would strengthen this idea even more.
So… it made sense for someone from Root, a spy, to be in Sunagakure and gather some information… right?
For example, Scorpion, this Suna Sand Generation, was actually a liability.
Secret Letter?
Namikaze Minato, who was beside him, was slightly surprised.
He didn't expect the Hokage to give the Secret Letter to Sarutobi Ryo.
According to the "original Future" predicted by the Great Toad Sage, this wasn't supposed to happen…
"Lord Kazekage." Scorpion, who was next to him, wanted to check it for the Kazekage first, to show his loyalty.
But the Third Kazekage signaled that it was okay.
Then, he casually took the Scroll and opened it without hesitation.
He saw only one line of large characters in the Scroll… "Lord Kazekage, please be careful of Scorpion!"
"…"
The Third Kazekage looked at it calmly for a few seconds, then put the Scroll away and crushed it into powder with his Iron Sand.
Then, the powder was thrown into the almost extinguished brazier.
"I have received it… Then, next, I will send out Ninja from our side to accompany Sunagakure's ninja…"
*
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[T/N:
Latest Chapter translated on Patreon - Chapter Access up to Ch 206 (Vol 2 Ch 148)
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-> Naruto Paradise: An Evil Uchiha's Rise
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-> Young Master, Please Become Hokage!
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]