Rasa would probably never forget this scene for the rest of his life. Was this even human? Could a human really unleash such a jutsu? If he had to find one word to describe what he was witnessing, it would be—miracle.
The burning buildings in Amegakure were disintegrating inch by inch, rising into the air with black smoke, flowing flames, and the occasional detonation of explosive tags—dense and overwhelming like swarms of locusts! No! This wasn't a swarm—this was a plague! In the end, all the building debris gradually coalesced into an impossibly massive fireball! Not a single spark remained visible in all of Amegakure—the entire place had become a blank slate! Cleaner than any demolition crew could manage!
That was nearly the entire village's worth of buildings! In other words, this person possessed the terrifying power to single-handedly destroy an entire city.
And here I was, babbling about tactics with him? Turns out he'd been listening to a comedy show this whole time!
He alone had the power to handle everything!
No wonder Lord Kazekage insisted I maintain good relations with the Akatsuki organization. If we'd made enemies of them, the consequences...
Rasa slapped his forehead and immediately barked at the still-stunned Yura and Karuke beside him:
"Quick! Get out our tents, food, medicine—mobilize all ninja immediately to begin disaster relief for Amegakure's survivors! Even if our ninja have nowhere to sleep, leave the tents for the refugees! Even if our ninja go hungry, make sure the refugees have food! All medical ninja, establish field hospitals immediately and provide free treatment!"
Yura snapped to attention.
"I'll arrange the tents right away!"
Karuke was slightly slower to react.
"I'll distribute military rations!"
"If we don't have enough supplies, have Yashamaru at Moon Lake New District prepare more urgently and transport them here at maximum speed!"
Rasa added,
"Send a report to Lord Kazekage! Explain everything that's happened here in detail."
Karuro looked at the still-burning fireball in the sky and murmured,
"I've already arranged for the communications team to send the report. Should this be included?"
Karuro pointed at the fireball in the sky.
Rasa thought for a moment.
"Include it, but keep it brief. These people were recruited by Lord Kazekage—he should have some idea of their capabilities."
"Understood."
Karuro gazed at the fireball overhead, unable to look away, as if admiring a great work of art.
"Lord Kazekage is truly unfathomable. I wondered why he cared so much about some insignificant exile organization—turns out this group possesses such world-destroying power. Even a Tailed Beast's might probably doesn't compare."
"Indeed. You should feel honored that these people aren't our enemies but our allies. Otherwise, this fireball would probably..."
Before he could finish, the fireball in the sky suddenly crashed down like a meteor into the village's outskirts.
The earth shook, flames shot skyward—truly like a meteor impact.
In an instant, Pain had descended to Rasa's side.
"Just now, from the sky, I spotted a small squad of ninja fleeing eastward. I believe they were the last batch of Konoha arsonists."
"So... you used the... fireball to...?"
"Yes."
Pain nodded slightly.
Well then! Using an entire village's worth of buildings to crush one small squad—now that's creative! They probably won't even find DNA.
"Report! Message from Lord Kazekage!"
A communications ninja broke Rasa's awkwardness.
"Read it!"
"Having heard of Konoha's bestial acts in Amegakure, I am deeply shocked. Such inhuman, unconscionable deeds anger both gods and men—divine retribution is inevitable! I hereby order your forces to temporarily halt the eastern advance and devote all resources to disaster relief. Do not let a single Amegakure villager suffer from cold or hunger. All necessary supplies will be dispatched from Moon Lake New District. Additionally, the village treasury has allocated a twenty billion ryo interest-free loan for Amegakure's post-disaster reconstruction. Maintain strict military discipline—no harassment of refugees. Assist the Akatsuki organization fully in rebuilding their homeland. I will personally visit Amegakure soon to discuss our grand strategy."
After hearing the telegram, Pain bowed slightly toward the east.
"Lord Kazekage is truly benevolent! The people of Amegakure will never forget Lord Kazekage's kindness."
Seeing this, Rasa quickly returned the bow.
Big brother is big brother—when it comes to winning hearts and minds, you're the master. With twenty billion thrown down, damn, Pain and the Akatsuki crew would die for you!
Konoha, heh heh, you're in for some good times.
Let's shift our focus to the southern tip of the Land of Wind—the Yuexi Peninsula.
At this moment, in a luxurious office on the top floor of the magnificent Crystal Palace Casino, Kakuzu was gazing through the window at the beautiful cityscape below.
He held a thick cigar in his left hand and a glass of red wine in his right, leisurely crossing his legs as he spoke softly to the beautiful secretary in his arms:
"Do you know why I like sitting here looking at the scenery?"
"Because the view is beautiful?"
The secretary bent down, revealing a perfect cleavage line, respectfully holding an ashtray in her hands.
"Wrong."
Kakuzu smiled and shook his head, casually placing his cigar in the ashtray.
"Down there, it's all money. What I love most is seeing all that cash flowing right here, like all the money in the world is pouring into my pocket. That feeling is absolutely wonderful—I love this place!"
The secretary skillfully stepped aside. Kakuzu stood up, drained his wine in one gulp, and spread his arms as if to embrace the entire Yuexi Peninsula.
The current Kakuzu was completely different from the assassin Kakuzu of years past. He wore what was obviously an expensive, perfectly tailored suit, four or five platinum rings on his hands, each set with gems the size of pigeon eggs, and a thick gold chain around his neck that could probably strangle someone—you wouldn't doubt it for a second. Only the Takigakure rogue ninja headband on his forehead still proclaimed his ninja identity. He looked absolutely dazzling with wealth, radiating opulence.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
Suddenly, knocking interrupted Kakuzu's fantasizing.
"Come in!"
Kakuzu said with some displeasure, handing his glass to the secretary.
"Sorry to disturb you, Mr. Kakuzu."
The visitor was Maki, the highest official of the Yuexi Peninsula, currently all smiles and pleasant demeanor.
"Oh, it's Manager Maki! Sit down! Bring tea."
Kakuzu quickly invited Maki to sit.
Only Kakuzu addressed Maki this way throughout the entire Yuexi Peninsula. Maki wasn't just the peninsula's highest official but also served as general manager of the Golden Sands Entertainment Group. Kakuzu had principles—he only acknowledged being an employee of Golden Sands Entertainment, never a Sunagakure ninja.
"No need for tea—I'm here to discuss a business deal with you, Mr. Kakuzu."
Maki smiled.
"Business? Heh heh."
Kakuzu crossed his legs and chuckled.
"Manager, for anything under one billion ryo, don't bother me. My disciples are perfectly capable of collecting those debts."
"It's far more than one billion."
Maki said.
"Oh? How much then?"
Kakuzu became somewhat interested.
"Probably enough to buy half the Land of Fire."
"Oh!"
Kakuzu sat up straight, his green eyes widening.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
The story isn't over...
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