Kazekage Tower

the leaders representing various interests within Sunagakure were gathered.

Baki, having returned from Konoha, dusted off his travel gear and promptly reported on the treaty he had signed with Konoha.

Listening to Baki's report, the representatives of the various factions fell into deep thought.

"Baki, you've done well."

Rasa, the Kazekage, first commended Baki's successful completion of the mission. Saving Sunagakure a significant sum on trade route construction costs was a considerable achievement.

"There's no need to discuss what's already written in the treaty. Print it out quickly and send it to the daimyo and the rest of the shinobi world. Implement what needs to be implemented."

"The key point we need to discuss is this-"

Rasa manipulated his sand, pointing to the [Ninja Academy] section.

"Joint Chunin Exams and Genin Exams between Suna and Konoha? Sending Sunagakure Academy students to study at the Konoha Academy?"

"What is Konoha's intention behind this?"

"Everyone, can someone give me an explanation?"

The elders of the various Suna factions furrowed their brows. The elder of the War Hawks was the first to offer his opinion:

"I suspect Konoha wants to use our younger generation of ninjas as opponents to hone the skills of their own village's ninjas."

"Or perhaps they want to keep our young ninjas in Konoha as hostages?"

The elder of the Reformists immediately jumped up to retort, "You imbecile, use your brain! What benefit would Konoha gain from doing this? Would they dare to violate the treaty and harm our young ninjas? Does Konoha want to ignite another Shinobi World War?"

"Then tell me, why would Konoha hold joint exams and accept Suna students?"

"Can't you see I'm thinking? Don't interrupt my train of thought!"

As always, the two opposing factions began to bicker. The elder of the Hedonists, his brow gradually smoothing out, offered his own explanation:

"I think we're overthinking this. It's likely just what it says on paper-economic and cultural exchange."

"It's a gesture of goodwill from Konoha towards Sunagakure."

The Hedonist elder looked towards Baki. "Baki, tell us, from your perspective, what did you see and feel during your time in Konoha?"

The two arguing elders stopped their squabble and turned to Baki.

Baki recalled his experiences in Konoha, carefully choosing his words. "Prosperity, unprecedented prosperity, the kind of prosperity we don't see in Sunagakure."

"But beneath that prosperity, I didn't see the seriousness that a powerful shinobi village should have."

"Post-war Konoha is enveloped in an atmosphere of ease and pleasure. The ninja have become corrupt and decadent, squandering resources like nouveau riche…"

"I saw with my own eyes that the largest ninja tool shop in Konoha, Taiten, actually employs Water Style ninjas to polish kunai with some unseen Water Style jutsu, and then has normal people rinse those kunai seven times before placing them on the shelves."

"Even the Mist elders, who only recently formed an alliance with Konoha, seem to have become enamored with Konoha's lifestyle after only a short stay."

"Extraordinary prosperity, excessive procedures… it's hard to imagine that Konoha ninjas can maintain their combat effectiveness in such an atmosphere."

"All that glitters is not gold."

The Hedonist elder wore an "I knew it" expression, scratching his head sheepishly. Based on Baki's description, Konoha seemed like the perfect place for a Hedonist like himself...

"In that case, it's not hard to judge."

"Konoha wants to use this to corrupt the fighting spirit of our younger generation!"

The War Hawk elder slammed the table. "We cannot agree to this treaty! As Suna ninjas, if we lose our fighting spirit, we will have no place in this cruel shinobi world!"

"On the contrary, we must agree to this treaty!"

"Have you forgotten what was said in the previous meeting? The shinobi world is currently in a relatively peaceful period after the war. Our village should prioritize economic development and construction. The task of defending against Iwagakure falls to Kumogakure, while we foster relations with Konoha for economic development."

"Furthermore, we can take this opportunity to try and uncover the secret behind Konoha's continued strength!"

"Is it their superior village system, their academy's teaching methods, or perhaps some secret ninja elixir… A three-month summer camp is enough time for us to uncover the secret."

"July is scorching hot, and everyone here knows how harsh our village's environment is. Every year, villagers die from the heat… Let us, as elders, give the academy students a rare opportunity to relax!"

An opportunity to relax!

Rasa's eyes flickered. The Liberal elder's words unexpectedly struck a chord within him.

Rasa made his decision, raising his hand to interrupt the War Hawk elder, who was about to continue arguing. "In that case, this treaty is approved. The Hedonist elder will act as the envoy, leading these academy students to Konoha."

"The academy should prepare a list of students as soon as possible. My daughter, Temari, will serve as the representative of outstanding students, leading the top 20 Suna academy students to study in Konoha."

This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

"But, Kazekage-sama, Temari hasn't enrolled yet…"

"I'll handle her enrollment procedures after this meeting. With her talent, she's already qualified to be considered an outstanding student."

"Once in Konoha, Elder, you are responsible for overseeing the Konoha academy. We cannot allow our Suna students to become completely complacent and relaxed."

"They must maintain their training regimen and intensity."

The Hedonist elder immediately stood up, his heart filled with glee, though his expression remained serious. "Yes, Kazekage-sama!"

Rasa waved his hand. "That's settled then. We can send Pakura to Konoha now. Tell her that I, as the Kazekage, am sorry for what happened to her, that this village is sorry. After her death, Suna will always remember her."

...

A short while later.

Pakura, meditating on her bed at home, heard a noise at the entrance. She slowly opened her eyes and saw a ninja clad in ANBU attire. She remained silent.

She carefully wiped her cherished third issue of "Iki" one last time and placed it on the bookshelf.

She packed her ninja pouch with standard mission gear-kunai, shuriken, explosive tags, soldier pills… Since she was going to her death, she would play the part fully.

She needed to convince Konoha, to focus all their hatred on her, allowing it to dissipate with her demise. If her death seemed too easy, a lingering unease would remain between Konoha and Sunagakure.

"I'll leave now."

…

…

Several days later.

"Report-!!"

Hyuga Ko, a Hyuga Jonin, flashed before Gojo Kaigetsu, reporting rapidly, "A powerful chakra source is quickly approaching Konoha. It will reach the western sector of our village's third security zone in approximately half an hour."

Konoha had three security zones, each divided into east, west, north, and south sectors.

The north housed the Hokage Tower and the Hokage Rock, typically guarded by the Hokage's direct ANBU forces. The east, south, and west were patrolled and defended by various village guard units, including Chunin, Jonin, and the Uchiha-led Military Police Force.

Within Konoha's perimeter, a large-scale barrier jutsu covered the entire village, activated in times of enemy intrusion. However, the level of enemy it could withstand… remained a mystery to most in Konoha.

With such defenses, not to mention elite Jonin, even a Kage from another village would likely be left half-dead if they attacked Konoha.

Pakura made no attempt to conceal her chakra, brazenly exposing it to the Byakugan-wielding ninjas. This was a clear sign of-

"A suicide mission~"

Gojo Kaigetsu clicked his tongue. "I recall… the west sector is jointly guarded by the Hyuga-led Jonin unit and members of the Military Police Force, correct?"

"Let her in. Closely monitor her movements, but don't engage yet. Once she enters the first security zone, surround and restrain her, then wait for my arrival. Also, inform the Military Police Force Captain to come and 'protect' me."

"Yes, Advisor Gojo!"

Hyuga Ko felt puzzled.

Normally, enemy ninjas were killed on sight, and the Hokage made the final decisions regarding the village's overall defense. However, two days prior, the Fourth Hokage had temporarily transferred command of Konoha's three security zones to Gojo Kaigetsu.

It was as if… he had foreseen this sudden attack.

Thinking for a moment, Hyuga Ko, concerned that Gojo Kaigetsu might not fully grasp the gravity of the situation, added, "Advisor Gojo, while there's only one enemy this time, judging by the scale of their chakra, they are at least Jonin-level."

"If we don't intercept them outside the village, it could cause considerable chaos."

If news of an enemy freely intruding into the village spread, it would inevitably raise concerns among merchants and foreign travelers, creating anxieties about the village's security and potentially triggering a chain of problems.

Gojo Kaigetsu raised an eyebrow, choosing not to explain. "Carry out your orders, ninja!"

"Yes… Advisor Gojo."

On the streets of Konoha, observant villagers might have noticed the increased frequency of ninja movements and the strengthened patrol forces throughout the village.

It was as if they were preparing for a major event.

In the Military Police Force headquarters, a bewildered Fugaku, upon receiving the notification from the Hyuga ninja, immediately set off, traversing the rooftops of Konoha with ninja speed, heading towards the distant forest.

...

Meanwhile, Pakura, leaping and dashing through the trees of the Konoha forest, felt perplexed.

"Has Konoha's defense become this lax?"

"Good, this will allow my village to reap greater benefits from Konoha after my death."

Pakura's heart was remarkably calm. As she ran, she greedily inhaled the Konoha air.

It was truly sweet…

In Suna, even with a cloth covering her face, she could still feel the coarse sand in the air. In Konoha, however, even without any protection, the air was pure and sweet. It was fortunate that Pakura had naturally delicate skin. Otherwise, in Suna's harsh environment, her back might have become rough enough to sharpen kunai on.

Suddenly, Pakura stopped.

She had emerged from the forest and reached a riverbank, where the only sound was the gentle flow of the stream. Birdsong, cicadas… all other sounds were absent.

With her ninja instincts, she knew she had fallen into Konoha's trap!

'The plan… is proceeding smoothly.'

Pakura calmly drew a kunai from her pouch, gripping it tightly as she vigilantly scanned her surroundings.

Committed to her role, Pakura called out,

"Heh, what a pity. I almost made it into Konoha. Were you able to detect my presence here?"

"Come out, I've found you!"

Pakura's eyes narrowed. A figure slowly emerged from the trees on the opposite riverbank.

The man wore a black blindfold, had a shock of white hair, and was dressed in a sharp, form-fitting, high-collared black combat suit. His mere presence exuded an aura of formidable power.

Based on his build and appearance, a name surfaced in Pakura's mind. This was-

Konoha's Hokage advisor, the one who supposedly held the rank of Chunin by working eighteen hours a day, Gojo Kaigetsu!

The man, Gojo Kaigetsu, seemed utterly unconcerned by the imminent danger. A grin spread across his face as he casually greeted Pakura.

"Hello there~ Hero of Suna, Pakura."

"Heh… how condescending. A Chunin dares to appear before me." Pakura tightened her grip on the kunai, unmoved by Gojo Kaigetsu's friendly demeanor.

A prominent figure of Konoha was, to Suna, an enemy that must be eliminated!

The information in "Iki" and Sunagakure's intelligence were consistent. Judging by the aura Gojo Kaigetsu emitted, he was just a normal Chunin.

His position in the village hierarchy was likely due to political maneuvering.

"However, this works in my favor. As long as I display hostility towards Gojo Kaigetsu here, Konoha ninjas will be forced to kill me."

"After my death, there will be peace."

Pakura glanced at the forest behind Gojo Kaigetsu.

While he appeared alone, she suspected a trap had been laid, ready to eliminate her at any moment.

"It's a shame I couldn't enter Konoha to see it with my own eyes, but it doesn't matter now."

To display hostility towards Gojo Kaigetsu, she would have to hold back.

After all, he was just a Chunin. If she accidentally killed him… any hope of peace negotiations would vanish.

"Konoha ninja, prepare to die!"

Pakura shouted coldly, unleashing her chakra without reservation, as if afraid the hidden Konoha ninja wouldn't notice the threat she posed to Gojo Kaigetsu.

Despite the chakra burst, Pakura refrained from using her signature Scorch Style.

Acting like a novice Genin, she charged towards Gojo Kaigetsu, kunai in hand, ready for a passionate close-quarters combat.

Moving like a phantom, Pakura crossed the three-meter-wide river in an instant, slashing her kunai towards Gojo Kaigetsu's neck.

'Why isn't he dodging?'

'Is he unable to react?'

Doubt arose in Pakura's mind. Gojo Kaigetsu stood there, seemingly stunned, neither forming hand seals for a jutsu nor drawing a kunai to defend himself.

'Could it be that Gojo Kaigetsu is a fake Chunin? Does he actually only have the abilities of a Genin?'

There was no sign of movement from the Konoha ninjas hidden in the forest behind him.

What was going on?

"Yare yare~, you're quite feisty, Pakura-san."

Gojo Kaigetsu spread his arms wide, as if he devoutly welcoming the rising sun.