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  "e, e! Let's celebrate!"

  "We're all friends here. Rex!"

  "Yes, Elder Baki! Elder Kankuro!"

  Baki's office was filled with smoke and the boisterous chatter of ninja team captains, each holdis and eager to impress.

  The captains were a mixed group. Some were Baki's cssmates from the Academy, some their subordinates, others protégés of fellow War Hawk elders. This work, spanning Sunagakure, had been mobilized by Baki and Kankuro. And outside, more ninja, bearing gifts, waited for an audience.

  Yasuke, the new Anbu Deputy ander, observed the se, a knot of unease in his stomach.

  Rasa had only been gone for half a day, and Baki was already solidating his power, dug official business in his own office, bypassing the established els.

  What was he pnning?

  Had he already decred himself Kazekage? Yasuke didn't dare think too deeply. The situation was delicate. He couldn't act without crete evidence.

  With Rasa gone…

  Chiyo and Ebizo had retreated. He, Yasuke, cked the authority to intervene. And Elder Kosaka, obsessed with Sunagakure's GDP, was oblivious to the shift in power.

  Everything was unfolding as Rasa had feared. Sunagakure was in turmoil, its leadership promised.

  "It's getting te. I have to oversee security at the ceremony."

  Baki, his face beaming, emerged from his crowded office, leading his ente out of the Kazekage Tower, towards an uain future.

  Yasuke's left eye twitched. "Time to review the vilge's military resources," he muttered, turning away.

  …

  …

  The Konoha-Suna Trade Route was bustling.

  Thanks to Gojo Kaigetsu's efforts, Konoha's veteran ninja ahy s had ied heavily.

  And the article, "Respees from 20 Ryō," had bee popur among the dising tele of the ninja world. Many, their pockets overflowing with cash, had e to experiehe trade route.

  Even before the official opening ceremony, service stations, rge and small, dotted the route, a variety of goods and services.

  These service stations, though not as luxurious as Konoha's establishments, were a y for the merts and travelers of the Land of Wind, the Land of Rivers, and the Land of Birds.

  They offered imported goods: water from the Land of Water, bananas from the Land of Rice Paddies, "Soft Konoha" and "Hard Konoha" cigarettes, milk tea, even the occasional coffee or chocote.

  Bookstores offered a wide sele of titles.

  And the foot massage parlors well, let's just say they were popur.

  The Konoha ninja and merts who'd initially beeant to i were now smiling, their profits exceeding expectations.

  The Konoha-Suna Trade Route had truly ected the East a of the ninja world, allowing those from smaller nations to experienew products and cultures.

  Some shrewd merts even realized they could use the route to export their goods eastward.

  And for smaller nations, g powerful ninja vilges for prote?

  Konoha had a solution.

  Each major service station housed a branch of the Konoha Escency. Uhe Hokage Tower's varied missions, the agency specialized in esc.

  From point A to point B, guaranteed safe passage.

  Konoha ninja, vetted by Gojo Kaigetsu himself, provided prote for a fee.

  "Konoha's prote, everywhere. Guaranteed delivery! Konoha Express, transding spad time!" The slogans were inspiring.

  And the list of avaible escorts hundreds of Konoha ninja, their skills, experience, age, t revierices clearly dispyed.

  Merts from smaller nations had never seen anything like it. Hiring ninja in their vilges involved iations, deys, and uainty. Here, it was effit.

  This was how a major vilge operated. Simple. Transparent. Effective.

  In Konoha, this was called the Will of Fire.

  This philosophy, it seemed, would spread along with the trade route.

  And beyond the bustling ercial activity, Sunagakure puppeteers offered free demonstrations. Their chakra strings, instead of maniputing puppets, now trolled whips, shing the backs of let's just say they weren't Suna citizens. Their dark skin was crisscrossed with bloody welts.

  And in the middle of the desert, a small oasis, cultivated by Suna's Earth Release and Water Release ninja, bloomed.

  Cotton fields stretched as far as the eye could see.

  And at regur intervals, a wooden posts, seemingly imbued with some life-giving energy, dotted the ndscape. Around them, pnts thrived.

  The applications of Wood Release they were expanding.

  These posts, remnants of Hashirama Senju's Wood Release, helped stabilize the sand, transf barre into fertile nd.

  Under Gojo Kaigetsu's guidance, Konoha's agricultural stists had finally found a way to turn waste into well, ly gold, but certainly something valuable.

  If Wood Release could be used on a rger scale, the ninja world's food produ would skyrocket. And perhaps huhe root of so many flicts, would be eradicated.

  Sunagakure, at least, having solved its food and water shes with Konoha's help, wouldn't be so eager to wage war.

  And if they did just remove the Water Release ninja and the Wood Release posts. Sunagakure would crumble within months.

  Tsunade, seeing her grandfather's legacy used this way, felt a surge of emotion.

  His life force, the stro in the ninja world, and even ih, his Wood Release tio give life. He hadn't lived to see peace, but his legaurtured by his grandson-in-w, was now bearing fruit.

  'If only Grandfather's spirit lingered He'd be so proud to see his Wood Release used this way.'

  A pang of sadness struck her. If only if only they'd developed these teiques sooner. Perhaps Sunagakure wouldn't have attacked Konoha. Perhaps Nawaki wouldn't have died. Perhaps tless ninja could have been spared.

  True peace between Konoha and Sunagakure could have been achieved long ago.

  But it was too te.

  The Hidden Vilges, their polified by the Tailed Beasts, had grown too ambitious.

  For fifty-one years, their desires had festered, each believing they could quer the ninja world.

  Until a vierged, the cycle of violence would tinue.

  A ninja's ambition only died with them. Those who willingly relinquished power were rare.

  Tsunade, lost in thought, leaned against Gojo Kaigetsu, seeking fort.

  "Jutsu," Gojo Kaigetsu said, his voice soft, " be used for destru, or for creation. It depends on the ninja's heart. There are only two paths: creation or destru. Jutsu itself isn't evil. It's human nature, our fws, that twist it into a on. That's why the ninja world is like this."

  He looked towards the sky. 'Sage of Six Paths, I've practically revealed your ultimate wisdom. Why not just give me your power? I'll handle Nagato and Bck Zetsu, and then instant world peace.'

  But the Sage offered no response.

  Gojo Kaigetsu ofteed his te arrival. If only he'd e sooner.

  He'd rewrite Bck Zetsu's message on the Uchiha stoablet. The Infisukuyomi wouldn't be necessary. True peace came from stru.

  He'd have Madara Uchiha, wielding his Perfect Susanoo, level the mountains around Konoha to build highways. He'd divert the rivers, turn the deserts into oases.

  And then, he'd have Hashirama Senju pnt trees across the ninja world, using his Wood Release to transform the nd. With Wood, Earth, and Water Release they could achieve unimaginable agricultural yields. A Great Leap Forward for the ninja world.

  Lost in his fantasies, they finally arrived at the ceremony.

  The stage and the surrounding stands were already prepared.

  Guests from the Lands of Fire, Wind, Birds, Rivers nobles, officials, merts they'd all gathered.

  This ceremony wasn't just about speeches.

  It was about dispys of power, about f new partnerships, attrag iors. While the Land of Fire's policies were already under his trol, the other nations' tariffs those could be iated ter.

  The Konoha and Suna officials in charge of the trade route's stru took the stage first, delivering the usual ptitudes.

  Gojo Kaigetsu settled into the mai, the best view.

  Rasa, the Fourth Kazekage, was already there. He rose to greet Gojo Kaigetsu.

  No overly enthusiastidshakes. Though Sunagakure was currently reliant on Konoha, they were, at least on the surface, equals.

  "Advisojo. A pleasure."

  "The honor is mine."

  They shook hands, the moment captured by nearby reporters.

  The Land of Wind's headline: Fourth Kazekage Meets with Konoha Advisor at Trade Route Ceremony.

  The Konoha Times': Gojo Kaigetsu and Rasa Hold Summit, Ushering in a New Era of Prosperity for the Southwest Ninja World.

  Rasa g Tsuanding behind Gojo Kaigetsu.

  'They've even brought Tsunade of the Sannin to protect him.'

  They sat down, looking out at the assembled guests.

  "Advisojo, I've heard about Konoha's ret Summer Camp," Rasa began.

  "Indeed."

  "How did our Suna students perform?"

  "Exceptionally well," Gojo Kaigetsu said without hesitation. "I saw the resiliend spirit of Sunagakure's ninja ihey'll be outstanding."

  "Kazekage-sama, you must have read that article about the Summer Camp. It's all Kumogakure propaganda, twisting the facts to sabotage our alliance. I've already ba in the Land of Fire. Our academy students won't be exposed to such drivel. Those shameless Cloud barbarians!"

  Rasa's carefully prepared questions rendered useless. He nodded slowly, recalling Elder Kosaka's words. His expression darkened.

  "Kumogakure has gooo far."

  So, Kumogakure was trying to sabotage the Konoha-Suna alliance, jealous of their growing prosperity? Trying to force Sunagakure bato their Co-Prosperity Sphere?

  How dare they?!

  Rasa felt a surge of anger. He almost wao decre ao their military alliand fe a stronger partnership with Konoha.

  But he couldn't act rashly. The alliance had been a vilge-level decision. He couldn't simply reverse it.

  He sighed, abandoning the thought. A Kazekage's power was limited.

  "And my daughter, Temari. How is she doing at the Academy?"

  "Temari is an exceptional student. Kind, helpful, dedicated quite popur. She even made a friend, an Uchiha girl."

  "A girl good."

  He didn't mind Temari making friends, but preferably female friends. He couldn't have his daughter, the future Kazekage, falling for some Konoha brat and then well, let's just say it wasn't a sario he wao envision.

  Regardless of Suna's retionship with Konoha, Temari was being groomed for leadership.

  A future Kazekage married to a ninja from another vilge? That would be a disaster.

  "I'd like to ask a favor, as a father. I'd like Temari to study under Advisojo's tutege." He couldn't make this request as Kazekage. A Kazekage's daughter studying under a Konoha advisor? Too humiliating.

  Gojo Kaigetsu was taken aback. He hadn't expected this.

  "But I'm just a in. My skills are limited. I doubt I teach Temari anything. She'll likely surpass me in a couple of years."

  Tsuanding behind him, rolled her eyes. He was lying again.

  "No, no, Advisojo. I've been training Temari from a young age, preparing her for leadership. Her ninja skills are exceptional. But I 't teach her how to be a Kage. And she wouldn't learn from me anyway."

  "I see…" A knowing smile curved Gojo Kaigetsu's lips. "I don't take students. But I have many associates. I prefer tangible expressions of gratitude. It makes future iions less plicated. Wouldn't you agree?"

  Rasa nodded. He felt the same.

  A Kazekage's daughter and a Hokage's advisor their positiooo sensitive for a traditional student-teacher retionship.

  Mo simplified things.

  "I've already sent Temari a substantial sum. She'll offer it as tuition."

  "My services are expensive."

  "If it's not enough…" Rasa gritted his teeth, "…she'll tact me, and I'll provide the necessary funds."

  Tsunade's expression turrange.

  Why were they all so eager to give Gojo Kaigetsu money?

  Yagura, lying in Konoha Hospital's Top Ward, was like a human ATM.

  Even she, a mediin with ethics, felt a twinge of guilt. Yagura ractically healed, yet she had to keep inflig minor injuries to justify the exorbitant medical bills.

  She was draining Kirigakure's coffers.

  It rofitable.

  And now, Sunagakure was doing the same, their princess…

  Another human ATM.

  Tsunade g Gojo Kaigetsu. If even she, with her medical ethics, could be persuaded to exploit Kirigakure, what hope did a mere teacher have?

  Both Rasa and Gojo Kaigetsu smiled, satisfied.

  A win-win.

  Gojo Kaigetsu's smile faded as he looked at the Suna ninja stationed around the ceremony grounds.

  To demonstrate Konoha's itment to peace, and to well, let's just say there were other reasons, he'd entrusted the security arras to Sunagakure. His own escort, including Tsunade, was minimal.

  If Sunagakure had any unventional ideas…

  They could replicate the Gold and Silver Brothers i, perhaps even elimihe dignitaries present and bme it on Konoha.

  But that seemed unlikely.

  The scars from Fugaku Uchiha's Susanoo were still visible on Kusagakure's gates. No one would believe Sunagakure's puppets could withstand such power.

  "Kazekage-sama, who's in charge of security?"

  "Baki. He's a reliable ninja, his strength on par with my own."

  "Baki…" Gojo Kaigetsu's eyes narrowed.

  "It's almost time for my speech."

  "I await your words, Advisojo."

  Gojo Kaigetsu took the stage.

  Thunderous appuse erupted from the Land of Fire's dignitaries, each trying to outdo the other in their dispy of loyalty. After all, any ck of enthusiasm could be interpreted as disloyalty to the Will of Fire.

  The uests stared, bewildered.

  Wasn't that the Fire Daimyo's brother, g so enthusiastically for a mere ninja?

  Gojo Kaigetsu, however, basked in the adution.

  He'd always thought such dispys were superfluous. Empty gestures. But now, standing oage, he uood their importance.

  The appuse tinued.

  He raised a hand, and the noise ceased instantly.

  "The development of the southwest ninja world is a joint strategiitiative between Konoha and Sunagakure. We must uand the profound implications of this partnership, its role in promoting Konoha's vision for a modern ninja world. We must maintain our strategic focus, diligently implementing the necessary policies, and prioritize the Konoha-Suna Trade Route to establish a new era of prosperity. We will enhahe overall strength and sustainability of both vilges, deepening our cooperation, liberating and developing our ninja workforce, and f a path of mutual prosperity We must be steadfast in our resolve, diligently exeg our pns, and creating a neter in Konoha-Suions…"

  His speech, though filled with the usual political ptitudes, was different. The y of the cepts, the siy in his tone, captivated the audience.

  Even those who'd erely for the spectacle found themselves listening ily.

  As for the Land of Fire's representatives they were furiously scribbling notes. Every word a pearl of wisdom.

  "The development of the southwest ninja world it shouldn't be limited to just Konoha and Sunagakure…"

  Gojo Kaigetsu tinued, but then…

  Several shuriken, thrown from the roof of a nearby service station, arced towards him.

  Gojo Kaigetsu seemed frozen.

  It wasn't that the attack articurly skillful, but rather…

  'Such amateur shurikenjutsu. Even academy graduates are better than this. It's not Sasori or Kakuzu. Should I dodge? Or…'

  The shuriken seemed fast, but to his eyes, they moved in slow motion.

  Was there even a o dodge?

  He deactivated his Limitless teique, adjusting his position slightly, allowing a shuriken to graze his cheek.

  A thin line of blood appeared.

  He staggered back, feigning shod injury, clutg his cheek.

  "Assassin! Assassin!" someone screamed.

  Chaos erupted. The dignitaries ducked for cover.

  The ninja world was a dangerous pce. While ninja might be polite in public, they wouldn't hesitate to kill.

  Rasa and Tsunade leaped to their feet. But instead of proteg Gojo Kaigetsu, their instincts took over. They immediately identified the attackers on the rooftop.

  "What's going on?! Where's Baki?! Apprehend those assassins!" Rasa roared.

  Gojo Kaigetsu's Konoha guards surrounded him, drawing their kunai. They moved as a unit, esc him down from the stage.

  Their loyalty to the Will of Fire, to Advisojo, was on full dispy. They formed an imperable wall of flesh, their bodies shielding him from any potential attacks.

  This, however, presented a problem.

  How was he supposed to perform with them blog the view?

  Gojo Kaigetsu was tall, but so were the Konoha ninja. They were practically obsg him pletely.

  "Crouch down," he hissed to the squad leader.

  "Advisojo! We will protect you with our lives!"

  "I said crouch down! You're blog the camera!"

  "What…?" The squad leader blinked, fused. "You want us to leave you exposed?"

  "Just do it! That's an order!"

  The guards crouched, allowing Gojo Kaigetsu's upper body to be visible.

  He smeared more blood on his face, enhang the Effect!

  He then raised his fist towards the sky, his voiing. "Fight! Fight!"

  The initially panicked Land of Fire dignitaries, hearing his cry, joined in. "Konoha! Konoha!"

  As the guards escorted him doweps, the ts grew louder, even spreading to the uests.

  Gin, the Konoha Times' star reporter, captured the moment.

  A masterpiece was born—

  The Martyrdom of Gojo.

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