Sunagakure did have Suiton shinobi, but they were few…
Most weren't born with the affinity, having developed it through later chakra nature training. Their talent couldn't compare to Kanna's—she could freely summon water even in the desert.
And…
Just because a village's dominant chakra natures were wind and earth didn't mean others were impossible. Genes could mutate, after all!
Most of the medical ninja trained by Advisor Chiyo were… Suiton users.
But drawing water in the desert was a struggle for them.
Rasa sighed, his mind echoing with Chiyo's lectures. The elderly loved to ramble, and though much of what she said was new to him… she'd recounted Sunagakure's entire history, from the First Kazekage's founding to the Second Great Shinobi War and beyond.
Still… it wasn't without gain. Chiyo seemed torn—valuing talented shinobi, since Sunagakure desperately needed them, but wary that Kanna might be a spy, risking their knowledge falling into enemy hands.
So…
It was a matter of time!
After all, a genius ninja from a fallen village and nation, unclaimed by any, was rare.
"Got it, Kanna," Rasa said seriously, looking at her as she approached. "You've got to give it your all!"
Chiyo wouldn't stay active long. This war had forced her, at her age, to the front lines.
"Don't mind her sharp tongue, stubbornness, impulsiveness, or teasing. Her medical ninjutsu is top-notch."
"Um…"
As he finished, Kanna hesitated, shaking her head with a serious tone.
"Advisor Chiyo's actually kind."
Though… she'd been stuck doing chores lately.
"Really!"
Kanna's eyes widened, pinching her nose.
"I'm not lying—Chiyo's been good to me!"
"Come on, what village advisor would be kind to an outsider?"
Especially one from the fallen Land of Whirlpools, still bearing Konoha's Uzumaki crest on their gear.
Practically family!
So…
Unless absolutely necessary, major villages avoided taking in shinobi with such ties.
"I heard Chiyo's been…"
Rasa caught Kanna's frantic blinking, froze, and stiffened, realizing something. He quickly shifted tone.
"…teaching you diligently, sharing all her knowledge. Listen to her, complete her assignments, study hard, and strive to be a valuable asset to the village!"
As he spoke, he turned and saw Chiyo behind him, arms crossed, face dark.
"Oh? Advisor Chiyo, you're here? Did you forget to tell me something?"
"No!"
Her tone was sharp, her expression grim—she was clearly unhappy.
Rasa gave an awkward chuckle, about to say more, when…
"I'm just here to tell the Uzumaki girl," Chiyo said flatly, glancing at Rasa before turning to Kanna. "Come early tonight. Medical ninjutsu isn't easy to learn."
She looked at Rasa again, shaking her head with a sigh, hands behind her back, and walked away.
"Some people… eating from the pot while eyeing the bowl. Shameless!"
That old hag…
She did that on purpose!
Rasa stared at Chiyo's retreating figure, exasperated, then shook his head and turned to Kanna, who was giggling. "Ignore her… she's getting senile!"
"Mhm~" Kanna smiled, her familiar warmth returning as she nodded. "Is Karura-sama your fiancée?"
"Yes, we grew up together and are engaged," Rasa said with a smile, without hesitation. "If not for sensei's situation…" He paused, quieting. "We might've married soon."
Now that he thought of it, her little brother…
Sensing a gaze, Rasa turned to see a shinobi with short, sandy-blond hair and a Sunagakure headband.
He froze…
"Little brother… Yashamaru… what are you doing here?"
Why… did he suddenly have a bad feeling?
[What's going on?]
Seeing his future brother-in-law cozy with another woman…
What now?
Should he tell his sister?
Yashamaru stood silently, staring at Rasa, his big brother-in-law.
His heart was torn—admiration mixed with conflict.
Back in the village, he'd heard tales of [Rasa storming Kusagakure's camp] and [wiping out Iwagakure's vanguard]. So, when the village ordered him to the front, he'd brought his freshly graduated team, buzzing with excitement.
Though… rumors of his brother-in-law's "wandering heart" had spread, his sister had insisted, [Rasa isn't like that!]
Having grown up in Rasa's shadow, Yashamaru didn't believe he'd betray her. But now…
[Do I trust him or not?!]
Yashamaru's face wavered, rooted to the spot, unsure what to say.
Even his chūnin exam hadn't been this agonizing.
[Should I tell sis?]
His expression flickered, watching the man and woman before him. Finally, he sighed, his tone resigned. "Big brother Rasa!"
"You…" Rasa eyed Yashamaru's odd expression, hesitating. "What's wrong?"
He looked ready to throw a punch.
Then…
"Hello!" Kanna stepped forward, smiling warmly at Yashamaru. "Uzumaki Kanna. Rasa-sama saved my life!"
She bowed to Rasa, then greeted the stunned Yashamaru.
"I'll leave you two to talk!"
With that, she turned and left, leaving two men staring at each other…
"You… didn't misunderstand, did you?" Rasa raised an eyebrow, smacking Yashamaru's head lightly. "What's with the wild ideas?"
"But brother-in-law…" Yashamaru rubbed his head, aggrieved. "Since I got here, everyone's been talking about you and… ugh, fine, I trust you! Really, stop hitting me!"
"Enough, don't listen to gossip!" Rasa sighed, about to share his heroic tale of saving a damsel in distress—and clarify there was nothing between them—when…
"Enemy attack!!!"
A Sand shinobi's shout echoed through the camp!
(End of Chapter)