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Today, the weather in the Anegakure was excellent. It hadn't rained for a long time. It seemed to be celebrating the complete end of the war.
That's right, the Second Great Ninja War had ended just like that. After Hanzō died and all Four Great Shinobi Villages secured their interests, who would want to keep fighting? As for Kirigakure, sorry, they were too far away, so it had nothing to do with them.
In the Raikage's office in Kumogakure, the Sandaime Raikage had been in a great mood these past few days. Even his desk hadn't needed replacing. There was no other way, he had simply made too much profit. Originally, he just went out to support the Daimyō of the Land of Rain, but unexpectedly, he gained such a huge profit without spending a single soldier. Of course, the Land of Lightning Daimyō also had a share in this. But since he had a good relationship with the Land of Lightning Daimyō, the Daimyō waived his share.
Ah~, how wonderful, how wonderful!
"Father, I'm back!"
Just as the Sandaime Raikage was immersed in joy, the figure of A walked in.
"You're back!"
Looking at his beloved son's arrival and his fierce, burly muscles, the Sandaime Raikage showed a satisfied expression. Truly worthy of being my son! Look at those muscles, those lines! Kumogakure has a successor!
However, A's next sentence caused the Sandaime Raikage's face to freeze, nearly making him choke with anger.
"Father, when Killer Bee and I were training today, he looked at my perfect physique and insisted on coming over to touch me!"
"Haha, and did you let him touch you?"
"Yes, I did. What's the big deal? I touch him often too."
"Touch... him often! Are you saying you and Killer Bee frequently touch each other?!"
"Yes. What's wrong, Father? You don't look very well."
A turned around, looked at his father's flushed face, and asked with concern. He remembered his father's complexion was fine when he first entered, so why was it so red now?
However, the Sandaime Raikage was in no mood to pay attention to his son's call. His mind was filled with what Sayan had said earlier. Not interested in women! Bringing a man back!! No heir!!! The whispers of a demon echoed in the Sandaime Raikage's mind, making his breathing heavier and his head momentarily dizzy.
"Father!"
"Father!"
Finally, A woke the Sandaime Raikage from his deep thought.
"Ah! I'm fine!" Looking at his son who was leaning close, the Sandaime Raikage took a deep breath and asked indirectly. "My son, you're not getting any younger. Do you have a girl you like? Tell your father and make him happy!"
After saying this, the Sandaime Raikage looked at his son with anticipation, hoping to see a hint of shyness or awkwardness on his face. However, he was destined to be disappointed.
"What are you thinking, Father! What's there to like about those girls? They're weak and frail, and they're not even as good-looking as my biceps!"
"You really don't like anyone?"
"No!"
"Then who do you usually spend time with?"
"With Killer Bee!"
"No one else?"
"No one else!"
"Then is there anyone you want to protect?"
"Yes!"
"Who?!" The Sandaime Raikage's eyes clearly brightened, as if he had heard something wonderful.
"Killer Bee!"
"Crack!" The Sandaime Raikage's hanging heart finally died. It's over! The line is going to end!
"Oh, Kazekage-sama!!!"
Kakuzu immediately knelt at Sayan's feet, shouting with snot and tears streaming down his face. "I, Kakuzu, have drifted half a lifetime, only regretting that I never met a bright lord. Today, seeing the true face of Kazekage-sama, I know that you are the bright lord I have been searching for! If you do not abandon me, I am willing to serve..."
Wait, wait, wait!!! You mustn't! You mustn't!
Sayan quickly stepped forward to help Kakuzu up. Just barely! He almost triggered the death trap!
"I have already felt the sincerity of Kakuzu-dono."
"To be honest, I have also long desired Kakuzu-dono. I have heard for a long time that Kakuzu-dono has a complete grasp of the Way of Money. I wonder if Kakuzu-dono would be willing to serve as the Minister of Commerce and earn a continuous stream of money for Sunagakure?"
"Let Kazekage-sama know that I have been immersed in money for many years, and I regard other merchants as mere weeds. I am willing to lead the Ministry of Commerce to earn all the money possible to strengthen Sunagakure!"
"Good! Excellent! With Kakuzu-dono's assistance today, I am like a fish in water! Rasa!"
Rasa, whose name was called, walked forward.
"Kazekage-sama!"
"Mhm! Starting today, follow Kakuzu-dono and learn well."
"Yes!"
"Kazekage-sama, do you not trust me?" Kakuzu asked, slightly displeased, looking at the suddenly added shadow following him.
But when Rasa displayed his Jidō, that displeasure immediately turned into flattery.
"Kazekage-sama, I truly did not misjudge you. You are my sun!" He then pulled Rasa away, afraid he might run off.
As for the reason for Kakuzu's massive change in demeanor... That has to be traced back to this morning.
Due to the end of the war, the people of the Land of Rain finally didn't have to hide anymore. Naturally, Sunagakure stopped its aid program for the Land of Rain. Although the program had stopped, the money hadn't been settled yet. So, Kakuzu came to the Sunagakure factory this morning, preparing to wait for his money to be deposited.
Then, he saw a scene he would never forget in his life, a scene that shocked him even more than the battle at the Shūmatsu no Tani back in the day. He saw a golden half-body giant suddenly rise from the distant mountaintop, shining even brighter under the sunlight.
Kakuzu dared to swear that this was the most beautiful sight he had ever witnessed. The giant, entirely crafted from gold, was swinging its fists, smashing the mountain rocks ahead, punch after punch. Every collision between the fist and the rock splashed out golden sand, which scattered in the air, but before it could fall, it would re-merge into the giant's body.
The golden giant continued punching like this for over two hours, and Kakuzu watched for over two hours with his head tilted back, without blinking once. If Hidan were here, he would definitely feel that his reverence for Jashin-sama was insufficient.
And then... Then came the scene of Kakuzu kneeling before Sayan, wanting to recognize him as his lord.
Of course. All of this had been prearranged by Sayan. Sayan had begun preparing as early as Kakuzu's first visit. Otherwise, the task of carving out the mountain would never have fallen to him. After all, no matter how much Chakra was used to reinforce it, the material—gold—was still gold. Its hardness could never compare to Sasuke's Satetsu.
Although Sasuke's Chakra quantity was a bit lacking, Sayan could have easily let him handle a portion of the work first. But in order to completely captivate Kakuzu... Sayan had to do it himself.
The effect was excellent. Kakuzu was indeed intimidated by his imposing display and willingly pledged allegiance to him, his bright lord.
Would you like me to continue with how Kakuzu and Rasa begin their "golden" partnership in the Ministry of Commerce?