Late autumn, Year 51 of the Konoha Calendar.
Konoha and Kumogakure officially signed an alliance.
From the information that leaked out, the negotiations weren't exactly cordial. But the details were never made public.
All the shinobi world knew was…
Peace was coming again.
As for Kirigakure… well, Konoha didn't seem to care much.
After the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist kneeled, Kirigakure's high-end combat power couldn't recover anytime soon.
As for those occasional small squads sent to harass Konoha's borders? Those were minor nuisances. As long as it wasn't a full-scale invasion, Konoha wasn't too worried.
Meanwhile…
In Sunagakure, preparations were underway.
To welcome the arrival of Konoha's Root, they cleaned the village gate, tidied up the streets, and ensured every shinobi and civilian was presentable.
According to the Kazekage, everything was to be arranged as if the Hokage himself were visiting. They were to offer the full treatment due to an honored guest of village leader rank.
There was just one problem…
Sunagakure was dirt poor.
In the past, when they hosted feudal lords or other Kage, the "hospitality" was basically letting them sip wind and chew sand. Sunagakure had no luxury to spare.
After all, acting pitiful was the only way to squeeze extra funding from the higher-ups. But ever since the Third Great Ninja War, they hadn't seen any of that promised money.
Still, since the Kazekage had given the order, what choice did they have?
A reception fit for a village head?
Well, once they confirmed the identity of the visitor, they immediately erected two massive statues of Shimura Danzo at the village gate, expressing their passionate welcome for the Konoha elder.
They played a 24-hour looping audio clip of "Everything I do is for Konoha~" — a tribute to Danzo's tireless, selfless, and thankless service.
They hung a banner above the gate: "Welcome to Konoha's Greatest Ninja, Shimura Danzo!" — an official recognition of Danzo's strength.
And to top it all off, twelve children stood in two rows, each holding a bouquet of vivid plastic flowers.
Surely, this was a warm enough reception for someone of village leader status?
Except…
Shimura Danzo, a man who radiated darkness from every pore and clearly wasn't the friendly type, did not look pleased.
Could he be unhappy with Sunagakure's welcome ceremony?
"..."
Unhappy?
Of course he was unhappy!
Danzo's face was practically green as he looked at the scene before him and the neatly lined-up Sand ninja.
He had come to Sunagakure for two reasons:
To secretly investigate what schemes the village might be hiding. After all, such extravagant treatment for someone like him—who held little official recognition in Konoha—was deeply suspicious.
To test Sunagakure's current strength. If they posed any threat to Konoha's position, it would be necessary to make preparations.
He had come in secret, without Sarutobi Hiruzen or the village's knowledge, bringing only his most trusted Root operatives — all for the sake of Konoha's future.
And then this happened.
Damn it!
He could already imagine what would happen when he returned — Hiruzen would personally interrogate him about his relationship with Sunagakure.
Everything he did was for Konoha's future, for peace in the shinobi world. But how many people in the village could understand his sacrifice?
And as for ambitions of the Hokage's seat…
He knew.
Hiruzen knew.
The village elders knew.
But could he really say it outright? That would mean open conflict with Hiruzen.
Face dark, Danzo gave a subtle nod to his Root ninja, signaling them to tear everything down.
He was loyal to Konoha — he couldn't let anyone twist that narrative and ruin everything he had worked for.
At that moment, he was even convinced that the Fourth Kazekage had done this deliberately, to pit him against Hiruzen and stir internal strife within Konoha.
Unforgivable!
But just as they were about to act, the Sand shinobi froze. A moment later, their faces turned furious.
They had gone through all this effort to organize a grand welcome, and Konoha dared not appreciate it?!
This was a slap in the face!
Rolling up their sleeves, the Sand ninja looked ready to show these ungrateful bastards a thing or two—
BOOM!!!
A massive wall of gold dust surged up with a roar, slamming down between the two groups and stunning everyone.
Rasa stepped forward, smiling.
When he glanced behind at the "welcome ceremony," his expression twitched.
These idiots… what the hell were they thinking?!
No wonder Danzo wanted to destroy it all…
He turned back and saw Danzo's thunderous face, and immediately put on a layered expression — part surprise, part delight, part joy — and strode up to him, gripping his hand tightly in excitement.
"You… you've finally arrived!"
In that moment, the teachings of 'The Actor's Craft' resurfaced in his mind — and he became a full-blown drama king.
With affectionate eyes, he gazed at Shimura Danzo.
"Sunagakure has been eagerly awaiting your arrival. The banquet is ready — please, come this way!"
After all, this old guy had always been overly suspicious. They had sent the gifts years ago, and still, not even a peep of response.
Clearly, he had spent all this time probing Sunagakure's defenses.
"We can talk over a nice meal!"
Danzo's hands — hidden beneath his long cloak — stopped forming seals. Looking at the Kazekage, he said coldly, "I wonder why the Fourth Kazekage is giving this old man such a grand welcome? What exactly do you want?"
"No agenda."
Rasa smiled calmly, hands behind his back, wind and sand whipping around his robes. His expression was serene, as if he alone remained clear-headed in a drunken world.
"Of all the heroes under heaven, only you and I remain."
"???"
…Is this guy an idiot?
...
Late autumn, turning to winter. Konoha Year 51.
Konoha elder Shimura Danzo paid a visit to Sunagakure.
To demonstrate the depth of friendship between their two villages, the Fourth Kazekage personally led his shinobi ten miles out into the desert to greet Konoha's delegation.
Danzo, caught off guard, blurted out: "Isn't this a bit much?!"
Moved by that remark, the Sand ninja deeply felt Konoha's gratitude for their efforts.
"Give a plum, get a peach in return."
What a heartwarming moment.
At the meeting, the two sides shared their visions for peace and the future of the shinobi world. They exchanged ideas on village governance, shinobi training, and public education.
The initial talks went smoothly. At the Kazekage's invitation, Danzo and his men joined a banquet prepared in their honor.
At the banquet.
Dish after dish was served — beautifully presented and full of flavor. There were… well, too many to list here.
Rasa smiled as he poured Danzo a glass of plain water.
Ever since he drank that fake sake, he had sworn off alcohol for good.
So—
"Let us welcome Advisor Danzo's arrival… with a toast of clean water."
He downed it in one go, then gestured to the simple meal before them: three dishes and a soup.
"Come, let's eat and talk — don't hold back."
But—
"..."
Danzo didn't even lift his chopsticks. One glance at the wilted vegetables and fishless soup drained any appetite he had. He sneered inwardly.
"This… is the feast you want to use to recruit me?"
What a joke.
"If you have something to say, just say it. I have matters back in the village that need attending."
"Huh? Not hungry? I see, the journey must've been exhausting. No appetite — that's understandable."
Rasa waved his hand, signaling for the "sumptuous banquet" to be cleared away. As he looked at Danzo, still unmoved, he sighed internally.
Looks like… I'll have to use that.
[Character Card: DIO]
Skill: Villainous Charisma
Effect: The more evil the target, the more they are drawn to your charm.
Duration: 10 minutes.