Konoha: Starting from Being Adopted by Tsunade - Chapter Three Hundred Seventeen: Kazekage, Temari
"Hokage-sama."
The five of them, including even the usually aloof Gaara, rose in unison to greet her.
"Please sit down."
Natsume gave a slight nod and moved toward the topmost seat.
Chiyo and the others sat back down.
No one had any objection to him taking the main seat.
"Kazekage-dono," Natsume spoke directly. "I've heard that things aren't very peaceful within Sunagakure?"
Rasa's smile froze as his face paled instantly.
The other four also looked slightly nervous.
They'd been discussing earlier whether Konoha would take this decisive victory as an opportunity to absorb Sunagakure into its jurisdiction.
Being asked this question now had undoubtedly frightened them.
"There are some problems indeed," Rasa replied with cold sweat on his forehead. "But please rest assured, Hokage-sama. Nothing serious will come of it."
In short, he was not giving Konoha any chance to interfere.
"Mice are usually quite difficult to handle," Natsume knew Rasa had misunderstood but didn't clarify. "Still, I do have an idea."
"Please share." Rasa hesitated for a second but ultimately couldn't bring himself to refuse.
"The people in Sunagakure are dissatisfied with Konoha's strong influence—then let's show even stronger control." Natsume smiled lightly.
However, Rasa had already completely frozen.
What did he mean by "even stronger"?
Did it mean fully incorporating Sunagakure into Konoha?
"What about making Temari the next Kazekage?" Natsume continued asking.
"You mean... *Temari?*" Instinctively raising her head in surprise, Temari couldn't help exclaiming aloud.
Of course, she wasn't the only one shocked—it was an unexpected turn for Chiyo, Rasa, Kanpou, and Gaara alike.
The first three made no effort to hide their shock.
"That's exactly why we can flush out all those lurking in the shadows," Natsume interlocked his hands and explained.
"But..." Rasa hesitated, wanting to say something else but couldn't find the words.
Under normal circumstances, the next Kazekage would come from Gaara, Kanpou, or Temari—but that was meant to happen years from now, not today.
He could already imagine the reaction when this news reached Sunagakure.
There could be an immediate uprising.
After all, Temari wouldn't command universal respect, and for Konoha to intervene in the selection of Kazekage seemed overly domineering and humiliating.
Though ninjas could be flexible and endure hardships, they still had fierce spirits.
"Grandma Chiyo, what are your thoughts?" Unable to make the decision, Rasa could only turn his gaze towards Chiyo.
His standing in Sunagakure actually paled compared to hers.
Chiyo remained silent for a moment before asking, "Hokage-sama, if those rats decide to strike, may we handle it ourselves?"
With Konoha's overwhelming power at present, naturally they dared not provoke conflict.
Therefore, her plan hinged on whether Natsume would promise not to intervene—which might make it worth a try.
At this, Rasa's eyes lit up instantly.
Temari, Gaara, and Kanpou were all currently in Konoha and couldn't return immediately.
If that's the case, Sunagakure will take full responsibility.
Appointing Temari as the next Kazekage might not be a bad idea.
At the very least, one person has returned safely.
Perhaps they could use this opportunity to bring Gaara and Kankuro back too.
As for the position of Kazekage, under current circumstances, what difference does it make whether someone takes it or not?
After all, they're just living under another village's shadow.
"Of course, it's up to you to handle."
Natsume said naturally, "Konoha has no authority over Suna's internal affairs."
"..."
Chiyo didn't respond.
"In that case," Rasa took over the conversation, "we'll announce Temari as the new Kazekage upon returning."
Temari immediately gawked in disbelief.
She never expected herself becoming Kazekage.
And at such a young age too.
Even younger than Minato Namikaze was when he became the Fourth Hokage.
It was like falling into a dream.
But upon reflection, being the Kazekage wouldn't be easy.
Internal and external troubles await.
Especially considering how overwhelmingly powerful Konoha has become.
Sunagakure must tread carefully.
Temari felt a flicker of excitement at first, but quickly composed herself.
"Grandma Chiyo."
Natsume moved on to the second matter. "Previously in Kirigakure, we captured several Akatsuki members, one of whom has ties to your village."
"Who is it?"
Chiyo and Rasa exchanged glances, each seeing the other's unease.
Neither knew who it was.
But whoever it was, if they used to be a Suna ninja, it would give Konoha ample opportunity to exploit.
"Sasori of the Red Sand."
Natsume said evenly.
"What?!"
Chiyo immediately stood up, shocked.
Sasori was her grandson — Sunagakure's most gifted puppet master.
After defecting, he vanished without a trace — nobody ever imagined he'd join Akatsuki.
Worse still, now he had fallen into Konoha's hands.
"How about making a deal?"
Natsume offered a faint smile. "I return Sasori to you, and in exchange, Temari must marry a Konoha ninja."
"No way!"
Kankuro blurted instinctively.
"Shut up."
Rasa shot him a sharp glare, though clearly uneasy himself.
Though he himself wasn't willing either, how could he openly defy Natsume?
As for Temari, a tremor ran through her body as she instinctively gripped the hem of her kimono tighter.
Chapter Not Finished Yet!!!
"Don't worry."
Natsume assured, "I won't force her. She can marry whomever she chooses."
"And if there isn't anyone?"
Rasa hesitated while asking.
"If no one interests her, she can stay in Konoha as before and continue carrying out missions."
Natsume casually replied.
"But she will be Kazekage. Won't frequent traveling back and forth be inconvenient?"
Rasa struggled to maintain his composure as he continued.
"That's fine."
Natsume waved his hand. "It'll soon become convenient. I plan to build a high-speed transport corridor."
A transport corridor?
Rasa looked puzzled.
Natsume didn't explain further.
How should he put it?
With Kaguya Ōtsutsuki and advanced technologies like Yukie's airship, reducing travel time would be effortless.
It used to take around three days for a ninja to travel from Konoha Village to Sunagakure.
Thanks to the improved roads, that journey can now be completed in just half a day.
"What do you say to this deal?" Natsume asked the two.
"If not, then I'll have no choice but to eliminate Sasori."
"Fine."
Chiyo agreed immediately.
Rasa gave a faint nod as well.
What did Sunagakure need most right now?
Strong fighters.
And Sasori definitely met that standard.
Even though he had defected, under the current circumstances with Konoha as an external enemy, that issue could be overlooked.
"One more thing," Natsume said.
"We will extract the One-Tailed Shukaku, ensuring Gaara's life remains unharmed."
"This won't work!"
Rasa immediately stood up.
"This isn't a negotiation. It's a notification," Natsume glanced at him.
A chill ran down Rasa's spine.
"We will cooperate," Chiyo took a deep breath and said.
Natsume gave a slight nod and left the meeting room.
Leaving only the five of them frozen in shock.
Today's conversation would shake Sunagakure to its core.
But unfortunately, they were powerless to stop it.
Natsume returned to the Hokage's office.
The air felt fresh once again.
The floor was spotless too.
However, Kurenai Yuhi still hadn't woken up.
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