Chapter 310: Rasa's Ambition
What made him even more frustrated was that although Pakura and Sasori had both been defeated, their strength had nonetheless advanced to a new level.
Especially Pakura —she had developed a terrifying high-temperature taijutsu technique.
Now, it would be even harder for him to surpass them.
And with him still stationed in this quiet front, he had no real opportunities. He needed more chances to make a name for himself. Only then could he outshine Sasori and Pakura in reputation.
Over the past two years, while the name "Rasa" had spread through the ninja world, most of it was thanks to the reputation of the Third Kazekage's Magnet Release.
People respected his strength because of his Magnet Release—the ninja world acknowledged him for that.
Without Magnet Release, he would be nothing.
Which meant his fame was hollow. Compared to Pakura and Sasori, he was far behind.
Unless… he too could develop some powerful Magnet Release techniques like Sasori.
But clearly, without a puppet core, that was nearly impossible for him.
He couldn't surpass them in power, nor in reputation.
Worse yet, both Pakura and Sasori were on the main battlefield fighting against Konoha.
For the past year, Sasori of the Red Sand had overwhelmed even the top of the Three Legendary Sannin, Orochimaru, who possessed Wood Release. His terrifying Iron Sand Lightning Realm was now famous across the world.
By comparison, Rasa's Magnet Release had been completely overshadowed.
And as for Pakura —her Scorch Release and its terrifying heat were already widely known across the ninja world.
In Konoha's warfront, she too had built a legendary name for herself.
Among the three rising stars of Sunagakure, Rasa had become the weakest.
For someone like Rasa—who desperately wanted to become Kazekage—this was simply unacceptable.
He wanted to prove himself. He wanted to attack Iwagakure and show his strength.
"What if… I go deep into the Land of Earth?"
Rasa's eyes flickered as he weighed the pros and cons in his mind.
Lately, he had noticed through his Sand Eye technique that Iwagakure had secretly withdrawn a large number of shinobi.
He didn't know why—but clearly, this was a perfect opportunity.
There were currently few Iwa shinobi on this front. He could completely destroy them and push directly into Iwagakure itself.
None of the Five Great Villages had ever been attacked at their gates—not even after two Great Ninja Wars.
If he could pull that off, his name would definitely eclipse Sasori and Pakura .
The mere thought made Rasa's heart race with excitement.
Just as he steeled himself to defy the Fourth Kazekage's orders and march into the Land of Earth, a series of shouts from outside startled him.
His resolve vanished instantly.
Because the Fourth Kazekage had arrived.
Rasa's face changed. He hurried out of the tent.
"Lord Kazekage!"
"Lord Kazekage!"
Inside the camp, all the shinobi looked toward the rising sun and cheered.
A tall figure stood in mid-air, framed by the red morning light. Clad in the familiar Kazekage battle robe, his face unmistakable—it was none other than the man known as the strongest Kazekage in history.
Ever since Li Yao's Wind Release Clone had defeated the One-Tail, Shukaku, he had taken the title from the Third Kazekage and gained overwhelming prestige in Sunagakure.
Even those stationed here who felt bitter about not being able to distinguish themselves—upon seeing Li Yao's Wind Release Clone appear in person—had their complaints vanish in an instant, replaced by uncontrollable excitement.
Like children upset that their parents had been away working, but then suddenly seeing them return—those feelings disappeared, replaced by joy.
At that moment, every Sunagakure shinobi in the camp felt genuine happiness at the Fourth Kazekage's personal visit.
"So this is the charisma of the Fourth Kazekage…"
Seeing the looks on everyone's faces, Rasa sighed. His previous ambitions faded. It was best to follow orders obediently.
He looked up at that youthful face above him.
In that moment, even Rasa's dream of becoming Kazekage dimmed.
As long as the Fourth remained alive, he would never have a chance to reach that position.
Unless the Fourth died.
But who could kill the man who had tamed Shukaku?
Rasa shook his head and stepped into the center of the camp.
At that moment, Li Yao's Wind Release Clone—having deliberately made a dramatic entrance—descended from the air and landed in front of Rasa.
"Lord Kazekage," Rasa greeted respectfully.
"Mm." Li Yao's clone swept his gaze across the area and spoke directly, "In one hour, inform everyone to prepare. We're marching into the Land of Earth."
With that, he led Rasa into the tent to discuss plans in detail. The surrounding Sunagakure shinobi, upon hearing his words, became excited and quickly spread the message, preparing for the mission.
Rasa was excited too. He thought, The Fourth is finally turning his attention to Iwagakure…
Which meant his chance had finally arrived—except…
Rasa's face suddenly dropped.
With the Fourth personally leading the charge, what chance did he have to show off?
None at all.
Frustrated, Rasa escorted Li Yao's clone into the tent and obediently reported everything he knew about Iwagakure's current condition, including the intel that their bases were currently understaffed.
Li Yao's Wind Clone already knew that, and just nodded—he didn't care.
He had come here with only one goal: to kill Ōnoki in front of everyone.
At first, he had thought of turning Ōnoki into a dog, but after sensing the fear and desperation of the Third Raikage before his death, he changed his mind.
For people like Ōnoki, who deeply valued their village, the best way to kill them was to reveal his identity at the moment of death—let their minds spiral in fear and die in psychological torment.
One hour later.
All the nearby bases were summoned, and every Sunagakure shinobi was assembled—200 in total.
There were more stationed farther away, but they weren't needed. 200 was enough.
Li Yao's Wind Clone led these 200 shinobi straight toward Iwagakure's largest encampment on this front.
The border between the Land of Birds and the Land of Earth was marked by a man-made canyon—50 meters wide, with bare ground on both sides and no cover.
The moment Li Yao's Wind Clone and the Sand shinobi appeared, the Iwagakure scouts on the other side noticed them—especially Li Yao, who didn't even attempt to hide his identity as the Kazekage.
"That's… the Fourth Kazekage!!!"
"Quick! Go inform Lord Kurotsuchi!"
The squad leader watching the border saw Li Yao through a telescope, and his expression changed drastically. He immediately ordered his teammate to alert the base camp.
At the same time, he quickly formed hand seals and slammed his palms to the ground.
"Earth Release – Groundquake Technique!"
Rumble rumble… A deep tremor rippled through the earth, spreading in all directions.
Three kilometers away, atop a hillside where several walls made from Earth Release formed a fortified position—this was Iwagakure's largest base in the area.
Boom… The muffled quake reached them. Everyone in the base felt it and their faces changed.
This was Iwagakure's unique warning technique.
It sent word to nearby allies of an enemy attack via underground vibrations.
"Enemy attack!"
"Grab your gear and form up!"
"Move, move, move!"
Kurotsuchi, the one guarding this base, stepped out immediately, shouting commands.
In no time, thirty shinobi had gathered around him.
(END CHAPTER)
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