My Journey as Fourth Kazekage

Rasa was momentarily stunned, but quickly remembered and immediately took the scroll to examine it.

Ebizō glanced at Honoka behind him and said,

"This jutsu actually began taking shape back when we were developing the gourd sealing technique. But since it hadn't been tested, I couldn't be sure of its feasibility. However, during my recent trip to the Land of Rivers, I took the opportunity to work with this girl, Honoka, to try and construct a Reverse Summoning Path."

Rasa narrowed his eyes.

"What was the result?"

"I'll let Honoka explain it herself."

Ebizō gave the floor to the girl behind him.

Seeing everyone's attention shift to her, Honoka didn't hesitate and spoke directly.

"It worked. Master Ebizō and I successfully constructed a summoning channel that can connect two designated locations and allow for two-way travel!"

The others in the room were visibly shocked upon hearing this.

With this jutsu, wouldn't that mean Sunagakure could instantly transport troops or reinforcements to any location in the shinobi world?

But of course, it wasn't that simple.

"While we succeeded… Master Ebizō and I also discovered some problems."

Of course, things don't always go that smoothly.

"What problems?"

"Chakra. This Reverse Summoning Jutsu consumes a massive amount of chakra. On top of that, depending on the distance and size of what is being transported, the chakra cost increases dramatically. Right now, even just transporting something the size of an average adult takes up one-tenth of my chakra."

One-tenth might not seem like much, except that Honoka was a member of the Uzumaki clan. Rasa had originally tasked Honoka with developing this jutsu specifically for summoning the giant creatures on the Forgotten Island.

"Have you tried using senjutsu chakra?"

Honoka nodded.

"That's actually the biggest issue Master Ebizō and I discovered, senjutsu chakra doesn't seem to work with this jutsu at all."

!!!

That shocked Rasa.

"We're puzzled as well. The gourd sealing technique works fine with senjutsu chakra, but this space-time summoning formula seems to be completely incompatible."

Rasa fell into thought. If even Ebizō and Honoka couldn't figure out the problem, then it was unlikely he could either.

Which meant, time to call in outside help.

Without hesitation, he performed a summoning and called forth Tagitsuhime from Ryuchi Cave.

"Forgive the sudden summons, Tagitsuhime-sama. I called you here because I have a question I'd like to ask."

Tagitsuhime looked a bit surprised by the sudden appearance. However, over time, she had grown familiar with the shinobi of Sunagakure, so she responded graciously.

"Rasa-san, no need for such formality. What's the issue?"

Rasa briefly explained the problem they had encountered. As she listened, Tagitsuhime already seemed to grasp most of it.

"I see. May I take a look at this Reverse Summoning Formula?"

"Of course."

After accepting the scroll and studying it for a few moments, she nodded in understanding.

"So that's why… The reason senjutsu chakra doesn't work on this technique is because the space-time power that fuels this jutsu does not originate from this world."

Rasa understood right away. In other words, it was the power of Kaguya Ōtsutsuki. The others nearby still looked confused. However, from phrases like "our world" and "native power," they seemed to pick up on a few hints. Rasa, however, had no intention of explaining further; now was not the time.

"Is there any other way?"

Tagitsuhime showed a hesitant expression.

"Rasa-san, forgive me for speaking bluntly, but although you've mastered a powerful senjutsu energy and can wield it effectively, you seem to have no understanding at all of just how powerful the energy inside you truly is!"

"???"

Rasa was startled at first, but then he understood what she meant.

Yes, if it came to space-time power, he already possessed such energy. But until now, he had only been scratching the surface. It seemed he needed to settle down and properly study the senjutsu energy within his own body. Otherwise, he would remain a puppet to that power, rather than its master.

Understanding this, he bowed slightly in gratitude.

"Thank you for the guidance."

Seeing Rasa's sincere attitude, Tagitsuhime gave a small nod.

Then she added,

"As for this technique, if possible, I can help modify it. After that, it should work."

Rasa nodded.

"I'd truly appreciate that. And, please inform the White Snake Sage that once I've dealt with the matters here in the village, I will head to Ryūchi Cave to fulfill our agreement."

Tagitsuhime's eyes lit up immediately.

"That's wonderful, Rasa-san! The White Snake Sage and I will be waiting for your arrival."

Once she departed, Chiyo, Ebizō, and the others also took their leave, leaving only Pakura in the office.

Just as Rasa wondered what Pakura had stayed behind for, Pakura suddenly spoke.

"Congratulations on becoming a father, by the way."

"…You found out."

Rasa was a bit surprised, but then gave an apologetic smile.

"Sorry, Karura didn't want the news to spread, so we didn't tell anyone."

"It's fine."

Pakura's expression turned a little complicated, but after thinking for a moment, she asked,

"I remember you know how to use that technique Konoha's Minato developed, the jutsu called Rasengan, right?"

Rasa blinked, then realized what Pakura meant.

"Oh? You want to learn it?"

A tint appeared on Pakura's cheeks.

"Yeah."

---

Land of Water. Within the mist-shrouded Kirigakure.

A strange, eerie atmosphere permeated the Mizukage's office. Yagura, student of the Third Mizukage, stood facing his teacher.

In the room, another Kirigakure shinobi stood frozen in place, his eyes blank and lifeless.

"Alright, Yagura. You'll take this man and lead the team to cooperate with Iwagakure's upcoming operation. Here's the hand seal formula to unlock the seal within him."

Yagura accepted the scroll, though a trace of hesitation flashed in his eyes.

"Sensei… is this really worth it?"

The Third Mizukage's voice was cold and emotionless.

"Of course it is. It's just a tailed beast. If we can't use it for Kirigakure, then we'll make it prove its worth in another way. What, do you have doubts about my decision?"

Yagura was startled but shook his head.

"…No, Sensei. As you command."

As Yagura left with the shinobi in tow, the Third Mizukage slowly opened his eyes, revealing a pair of blood-red Sharingan.

And beside the Mizukage, a figure half-black, half-white emerged from the ground.

"Well? Have you confirmed the locations of the Four-Tails and Five-Tails?"

"Yes, Madara-sama. Although Sunagakure's Kazekage has extraordinary sensory abilities, I've already used mental control to take over one of Sunagakure's Anbu. I've located the place where they're holding the Four-Tails and Five-Tails. And to prevent that Kazekage from preparing in advance, the moment the Six-Tails enters Sunagakure, I'll activate the jutsu."

The Third Mizukage looked at the Black Zetsu he had created with satisfaction. As expected, a consciousness created using Yin-Yang Release was far smarter than those idiot White Zetsu.

"Well done. I'm looking forward to the chaos of three tailed beasts rampaging at once… heheheh…"