The Treasure-Gathering Technique was an extremely peculiar skill.
Its greatest feature was not offense, but attraction—it allowed the user to gather metallic substances. Although it was classified as a Normal-type technique, it opened up a completely new line of thought for Shiraishi.
Gathering metal…
If, in the future, he mastered sand-manipulation techniques, wouldn't it be possible to follow a path similar to the Third Kazekage or Rasa—and develop a unique form of Magnet Release?
The principle behind the Treasure-Gathering Technique was straightforward.
By attaching chakra to a specific type of metal and forming a special gathering seal, one could instantly draw in the same kind of metal from within a certain range.
Currently, Shiraishi is unable to combine this technique with Sand Release to form Magnet Release. For now, the most practical use would be to concentrate on precious metals, alleviating his dire financial situation. After all, research and development required vast resources.
Unfortunately, under ANBU surveillance, Shiraishi could not openly train the Treasure-Gathering Technique. As a result, he shifted all his focus to improving Iai Slash.
"Um…"
When he opened the door, he found Maki standing there with a bright smile, holding a freshly prepared bento. The sunlight was dazzling, yet Shiraishi felt his mood finally lift, leaving the shadows of the Kitajima and Chiyuki incident behind.
The bento box was exquisitely wrapped, still warm inside—clearly made and delivered in haste. Shiraishi could feel the care behind it.
"Thank you."
Seeing that Shiraishi's spirits had recovered, Maki let out a quiet sigh of relief. She had been worried he wouldn't be able to move on from Chiyuki's death.
"Um… Shiraishi…"
"Yes?"
Under his gaze, Maki's face gradually turned red. "Tonight is the annual Sand Memorial Festival. There's supposed to be a really nice fireworks display. Of course, if you want to train instead, that's fine too."
"No problem."
"Eh?"
"Most of my training is already done. We resume missions tomorrow—relaxing a bit is a good choice. Just don't forget your chakra control training."
Tree climbing and water-walking exercises had always been routine for the two of them. Sometimes, it was even Shiraishi who urged Maki not to waste her talent on trivial distractions.
He didn't reject her.
That alone was enough.
Inside the Kazekage's Office.
Rasa rubbed his temples as he read through ANBU's complaints against Pakura. The report detailed how she had shielded her student and openly challenged ANBU authority.
Back when the Third Kazekage was still alive, Pakura and Rasa had been the two strongest contenders for the position. However, Pakura's temperament made her ill-suited for leadership, and she had never seriously competed. As Rasa grew closer to the council of elders, the struggle quietly ended in his favor.
With his succession as Kazekage all but confirmed, Rasa had no desire to escalate tensions with Pakura—yet this clash with ANBU put him in a difficult position.
As for the boy, Shiraishi, Rasa believed he was innocent.
In truth, this was little more than ANBU losing face, while Pakura sought to protect a gifted young ninja.
Rasa's impression of Shiraishi came from the few times Yashamaru had brought the boy to his home—quiet, reserved, and unusually steady for his age.
His swordsmanship was exceptional. Killing Chiyuki—one of the stronger genin—suggested he already possessed strength approaching that of a chūnin.
Perhaps I should find an opportunity to test his true potential…
But compared to that, the situation of the Land of Wind weighed far more heavily on Rasa's mind.
He had yet to officially assume the title of Kazekage—the ceremony was scheduled for a week later. After that would come full-scale war with Konoha.
Rasa knew well that Konoha was not the true culprit behind the Third Kazekage's disappearance. But reality dictated that Sunagakure—and the Land of Wind as a whole—had to redirect internal tensions outward.
Otherwise, the village's hidden crises would only deepen.
Being a Kage was never easy—especially for a Sunagakure that had grown weaker year by year. If Rasa was to bear the title of Kazekage, he had to shoulder its responsibilities.
"…What are you thinking now, Lady Chiyo…"
The Sand Memorial Festival was held in early July—Sunagakure's most important annual celebration, decreed by the First Kazekage himself.
On this day, the Kazekage would light the ceremonial fireworks, symbolizing the beginning of a new year.
Sunagakure Year 42 transitioned into Year 43—aligned with Konoha's calendar. This odd synchronization stemmed from Sunagakure having been founded half a year later than Konoha.
As the next Kazekage, Rasa presided over the ceremony. Chiyo and Ebizō, the village's most influential elders, were also present—an unmistakable sign of Rasa's close ties with the council.
"Sensei Pakura, you look beautiful today!"
Pakura did not attend the festival with the official delegation. Instead, she walked through the streets wearing an elegant kimono, a round fan in hand.
Freed from her ninja attire, she stunned countless villagers. In recent years, Pakura had been constantly on missions outside the village—this was the first time she had appeared publicly like this since growing up.
"Maki, you look lovely as well."
Maki's outfit had clearly been chosen with care. Light makeup, lipstick, subtle powder—everything was done for the boy beside her.
Such meticulous preparation spoke volumes about her feelings.
Shiraishi himself wore a clean white outfit. Without his glasses and with his forehead protector in place, he looked sharp and composed.
"Pakura-sensei! Shiraishi! Maki!"
Tsukasa's voice came from afar. Turning around, they saw him wearing clothing emblazoned with his clan's emblem, holding a fan decorated with a red flounder.
Grinning, he slung an arm around Shiraishi's shoulder. "I thought you were the type whose head was full of nothing but training."
"Besides training, I also enjoy reading," Shiraishi replied calmly.
Tsukasa was momentarily speechless, then proudly snapped open his fan. "Funny. I wonder who copied answers during the last exam."
"Care to retake it?"
Pakura's expression instantly turned cold. She grabbed both boys by the ears. "Can you two behave yourselves? The new Kazekage is speaking!"
Team Nineteen—assemble!
On the ceremonial stage, Rasa humbly gestured for the two elders to light the torch.
Ebizō stepped forward, but Chiyo stopped him. "You are the Kazekage. You should light it."
Rasa's earlier humility had been a test.
Chiyo's response was deliberate—once again signaling the elders' stance and giving Rasa full authority to act decisively.
Including…
War with Konoha.
No matter the outcome, Sunagakure needed an external war—to vent internal pressure and to justify post-war measures such as military downsizing and budget reductions.
The torch was lit.
Fireworks rose into the desert night.
And Sunagakure Year 43 officially began.