"Gelel Stone? That name sounds familiar."
Naruto seemed to have some vague recollection of it, though it wasn't clear. He guessed it was probably something from a forgotten corner of the original work.
However, judging from the information in the report, the effects of these stones were quite extraordinary, as they could grant someone who couldn't even extract Chakra various miraculous abilities.
"How is the girl you brought back doing now?"
"She's currently being held in prison."
"Prison?" Naruto was a bit surprised.
Kakuzu said helplessly: "After she woke up, she immediately attacked the crew. Fortunately, we had hired Ninja on board and stocked up on a large number of explosive tags. Otherwise, there could have been significant losses."
"The information we have was obtained after the girl was brought to the Land of Waves and interrogated by the Uchiha Clan."
"Is that so..."
As Naruto read the description of the Geller Stones in the report, a glint of interest flashed in his eyes.
'These stones might be able to be combined with Chakra Armor.'
"I'll handle personally this matter."
Naruto said, handing the document back to Kakuzu. Then, with a smile, he added: "Since you're here, Minister Kakuzu, would you like to stay for dinner?"
Kakuzu took the document, momentarily stunned, but quickly shook his head. "Sorry, Leader, there are still a few accounts in the Finance Department that need to be settled. I need to keep an eye on them to avoid any mistakes."
After a slight bow, Kakuzu hurried off, his steps quick and urgent.
Naruto couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration as he watched Kakuzu leave, 'Truly, Kakuzu was the embodiment of 'capital never sleeps.'
---
The next day, Naruto and Minato set out from the Land of Waves together. Over the past few days, Minato had already mastered the power of the Yin Kurama. As half of the strongest Tailed Beast, Yin Kurama had initially been quite unruly.
However, Naruto had no patience for its antics. After treating it to a few miniature Tailed Beast Balls, Yin Kurama became much more cooperative and even began to enjoy the experience, much like its Yang counterpart inside Naruto.
It obediently donated its Chakra.
Now, with Minato able to harness the power of Yin Kurama, he had become the second strongest in the Land of Waves, second only to Naruto himself.
With the two of them working together, obtaining the Gelel Stones would be a piece of cake.
---
The unusual activity in Sunagakure had also caught the attention of Iwagakure.
In the Tsuchikage Building, Onoki put down a report from Kumogakure and looked at his son, Kitsuchi, who had just arrived. "So, any news from Sunagakure?"
After noticing Sunagakure's unusual behavior, Onoki had immediately sent spies to gather intelligence. "I have a feeling Sunagakure is up to something again."
Kitsuchi straightened up and replied seriously, "Sunagakure seems to have entered a wartime state again. Most of the spies we sent have lost contact after infiltrating the village, but a few managed to send back messages."
"It seems Sunagakure is searching for something… something that could determine their future."
"However, our people did find traces of a small-scale battle in a valley outside the village. Judging by the Ninjutsu remnants, it's likely that Yondaime Kazekage, Rasa, personally took action. "
"Rasa himself?" Onoki's eyes widened slightly, and he suddenly thought of something. "How is Rasa now? Is he still alive?"
"Uh, Rasa is in excellent condition. From the battlefield traces, it looks like Sunagakure won decisively," Kitsuchi replied, understanding Onoki's concern. "I don't think this has anything to do with Amegakure."
Hearing this, Onoki let out a small sigh of relief. He had been worried that the Kazekage might have been killed.
If that happened, Onoki feared he might be next. If he died, Iwagakure would have no successor, and they might fall to the bottom of the Five Great Ninja Villages.
After calming down, Onoki's face showed curiosity again. "Something that could influence Sunagakure's future, and even the Kazekage personally intervened... I'm really curious now."
Kitsuchi hesitated, misunderstanding Onoki's intent. "Should we send people to investigate?"
Onoki shook his head. "No need. If Rasa himself is involved, sending people would just be sending them to their deaths."
"Our focus should remain on Kumogakure. The Godaime Raikage's strength isn't enough to suppress the rebellious factions in the village. It won't be long before Kumogakure falls into chaos again. When that happens, we can intervene, secretly support one side, and perhaps even turn Kumogakure into our subordinate. "
As Onoki finished speaking, his eyes gleamed with ambition. If it weren't for Amegakure next door, which he deeply feared, he might have jumped for joy.
Kitsuchi also looked excited. The thought of turning one of the Five Great Ninja Villages into their subordinate was thrilling.
---
Meanwhile, at the border between the Land of Wind and the Land of Rivers.
In a rugged valley filled with yellow sand, a biting cold wind carried fine grains of sand, making it difficult for the Sunagakure Ninja to keep their eyes open.
The sky was growing darker, and they had to rely on the faint moonlight and weak torchlight to navigate the treacherous path.
"Move faster! We must reach the canyon before dawn! "
"Yes, Rasa-sama!"
Over a hundred figures, including Rasa, hurried through the valley.
Many of them carried large sealing scrolls on their backs. This was Sunagakure's group responsible for mining the Gelel Stones, consisting mostly of Earth Release Jonin and some of the village's top Elite Jonin.
Such a force was enough to make any village in the Ninja World wary, especially with Rasa, the Fourth Kazekage, leading them.
They had been traveling for a day and still hadn't reached the location of the ore vein.
Unbeknownst to them, someone was watching their every move from the shadows.