Thanks to the miraculous [Earth Release: Earth-Style Transformation] technique, as long as blueprints were planned, Earth Release users could roughly shape the terrain according to the plans.
In just a few days, Sunagakure had rebuilt its home upon the ruins.
Although this new home was somewhat crude, mostly constructed from stone pillars, it at least provided some spiritual solace.
At this moment, inside the hastily constructed Kazekage Building, a group of Sunagakure's Ninjas were conducting a criticism session against Rasa and the Chiyo-Ebizo siblings.
Chiyo spoke woodenly, "We will seclude ourselves in a corner of the village from now on, not participating in political affairs. We will dedicate the rest of our lives to improving puppet techniques as a form of atonement."
The Jonin exchanged complex glances. One of the Jonin broke the silence first: "Chiyo-sama's puppet techniques are a treasure of Sunagakure. This arrangement... is very appropriate."
All the attending Jonin agreed with this outcome.
They didn't want to drive Chiyo and Ebizo to utter destruction either. After all, Sunagakure had just suffered a great disaster, and every bit of combat strength was indispensable.
Letting Chiyo shine in the field of puppet techniques could be considered atonement.
The treatment of Rasa was even more lenient.
Apart from requiring him to collect a sufficient amount of gold dust every month, there were no restrictions on his personal freedom.
There was no other way. In a sense, Rasa, who mastered Magnet Release, held Sunagakure's economic lifeline in his hands.
If Rasa had thicker skin and shifted all the blame onto the Chiyo-Ebizo siblings, they might still have had to grudgingly let Rasa become the Kazekage.
A seasoned and prudent Jonin said, "The main purpose of this meeting is to elect the Fourth Kazekage. Please everyone, speak your minds freely."
"I nominate Bunpuku-sama. He is the people's choice."
"Yes, I also support Bunpuku-sama."
The Jonin expressed their opinions one after another, not only out of admiration for Bunpuku's character but also as compensation for their past guilt towards him.
"This old monk is truly unfit for such a responsibility." Bunpuku pressed his palms together, "My entire life has been confined within prison walls, and my understanding of the outside world is truly limited. I have no insights in politics. Please elect another Jonin."
Even as he said this, he felt very happy inwardly.
As a Jinchuriki, he had gained everyone's recognition. Didn't that also mean they recognized Shukaku?
'Perhaps after my death, people and Tailed Beasts could coexist peacefully.'
Seeing that Bunpuku's refusal was not merely formal but sincere, everyone did not insist on the matter.
Rasa spoke up at the right moment: "In that case, let me propose a candidate: Pakura."
"Pakura?" The Jonin looked at each other, somewhat hesitant.
Whether in terms of strength or achievements, Pakura was certainly qualified to be a candidate for Kazekage.
But the problem was, there had never been a precedent of a Kunoichi becoming a Kage in the Ninja World. Could Pakura handle the role?
Pakura looked up in surprise, pointing at herself. "Me? As Kazekage?"
Rasa nodded. "You have the strength and the prestige."
Pakura shook her head repeatedly. "I'm not suitable. I only know how to follow orders as a Ninja. I lack the broad perspective a Kazekage should have."
Rasa reassured her, "Don't worry. You can appoint a Kazekage's Advisor. Choose suitable people to assist you. This Kazekage's Advisor must be intelligent, far-sighted, and capable of helping you govern Sunagakure."
Rasa's eyes grew brighter. Since he couldn't become Kazekage, he would become Sunagakure's 'Shimura Danzo'. He could also be the Kazekage's shadow, just like the Darkness of the Ninja World, bearing the village's darkness.
'It seems I misunderstood Advisor Danzo before. To be willing to become the village's unseen guardian even while being despised by the village... what a noble spirit.' Rasa was almost moved by his own thoughts.
Pakura had a sudden realization. Under Rasa's expectant gaze, she said, "Then I appoint Karura-nee as my Kazekage's Advisor."
Rasa looked shocked. "Karura? How could it be Karura?"
Pakura said without hesitation, "Karura-nee is gentle and kind. In these difficult times, she will surely be able to soothe everyone's hearts and become the bridge for communication between me and everyone else."
"Karura? She is indeed a good candidate."
"I also agree with Karura."
The Jonin nodded one after another. Rasa controlled Magnet Release.
As long as he didn't outright defect, Sunagakure couldn't truly abandon him. Appointing Karura, Rasa's wife, as Kazekage's Advisor was a perfect way to rein in Rasa's ambitions.
On the other hand, Karura was indeed a suitable candidate. In the current situation, what Sunagakure needed more was spiritual healing.
Hearing everyone's agreement, Rasa also felt confused, 'Was Karura really that outstanding? Had I overlooked her before?'
"So it's decided. Pakura, you are the Fourth Kazekage of our Sunagakure!"
Everyone quickly applauded to pass the resolution. Just as Pakura was thinking about giving an acceptance speech, a Chunin guard from outside rushed in, looking panicked.
"Everyone! It's terrible! That devil is here again!"
"Devil? Who are you talking about?"
"That Konoha's Ninja, Chiaki Setsuna!"
As soon as the words fell, the hall fell into dead silence.
A moment later, a Jonin cried out in terror, "What is he doing here again? Does he want to destroy Sunagakure once more?"
Another hot-blooded Jonin roared, "Does he want to humiliate Sunagakure over and over? Let's fight him to the death!"
"Is this a test for me as Kazekage?" Pakura felt an invisible pressure settle on her shoulders. She stood up and said, "This is no way to treat a guest. Everyone, come out with me."
Outside, Setsuna looked down at the Greek temple-style stone buildings below and nodded slightly.
'Chakra was indeed the primary productive force in this world. As long as the Ninja didn't resist, rebuilding their home wasn't difficult.'
'Pity, it's still not refined enough. It really can't compare to the Wood Release [Three-Bedroom-Two-Living-Room] Technique.' Setsuna commented internally as he descended from the sky.
The moment his feet touched the ground, the nearby crowd scattered like a receding tide.
But when Setsuna looked around, he didn't see much hatred in their eyes.
He saw awe and fear in their eyes, and even more admiration than hatred.
A young Ninja even mustered the courage to ask, "Setsuna-sama, have you come to conquer Sunagakure?"
Some glared at him angrily, but a considerable number had hopeful light shining in their eyes.
Setsuna found it interesting. Humanity's worship of strength was indeed ingrained in their bones… especially when this powerful figure could have killed but chose mercy, when the old rulers used lies to push them into war, and when the new conqueror brought hope for reconstruction.
"I am here on behalf of Konoha to form an alliance." Setsuna's voice wasn't loud, but amplified by Chakra, it clearly reached everyone's ears, "Although some individuals tarnished Sunagakure's honor with conspiracies, I believe that Sunagakure, having rebuilt its home from the ruins, has already rediscovered itself and reclaimed its own Will of Wind."
Of course, the 'alliance' was for the ears of the Sunagakure's villagers. In substance, it was more akin to vassalage.