Chapter 22: Are You Looking Down on Me?
"The old woman knows where it is!"
Granny Chiyo narrowed her eyes slightly, sweeping a glance at the Third Kazekage. There wasn't the slightest flicker in her gaze.
"Good that you know."
The Third Kazekage was genuinely worried Chiyo might go back on her word — because if she did, he honestly wouldn't be able to do anything about it.
After losing both her son and daughter-in-law, Chiyo had long since lost the will to continue fighting.
If she could, she would rather spend the rest of her days peacefully in Sunagakure, teaching young Sasori every day — that was enough for her.
"The old woman just feels that with Rasa's temper, he's not suited for diplomatic talks."
"What do you mean, my temper's bad?!" Rasa shouted in protest, pointing directly at Chiyo.
"..."
Everyone nearby couldn't help but roll their eyes.
With that kind of attitude — and he says his temper's fine?
"Enough."
Although Rasa respected the Third Kazekage, in his eyes, anyone who could stand up to Chiyo like this must be someone the Kazekage truly valued.
"Kazekage-sama, don't worry," Rasa declared confidently. "I'll make sure to negotiate properly with Konoha and get our village as many benefits as possible!"
The Third Kazekage gave him a sideways glance, clearly unimpressed.
(Seriously, this guy... always jumping to conclusions.)
Negotiate? If Rasa went to talk peace, the odds of another war breaking out mid-negotiation were probably fifty-fifty.
In this matter, both the Third Kazekage and Chiyo actually shared the same view — the calm and steady Ye Cang was far more suitable.
"Ye Cang," the Third Kazekage turned to her, "in the next few days, I'll have to trouble you to head to Konoha."
"For Sunagakure, I don't mind taking on a few troublesome tasks," Ye Cang replied calmly.
"..."
But beside them, Rasa was already fuming.
Noticing Rasa's expression, and wanting to avoid showing favoritism, the Third Kazekage patted him on the shoulder.
"Relax. I have an even more important mission for you."
"Yes, sir!" Rasa responded immediately, his frustration vanishing in an instant.
"Shukaku needs to be resealed. You'll accompany me when the time comes."
Reseal a Tailed Beast?
That was... far more dangerous than a diplomatic mission.
He wouldn't die, but he'd definitely get hurt!
"What, are you unwilling?" the Third Kazekage asked, narrowing his eyes.
"No, no, not at all!" Rasa shook his head frantically.
Besides —
If the Kazekage himself was willing to bring him along for such a dangerous task, that meant he was being valued above others.
Rasa immediately straightened up, full of renewed spirit.
Then, he glanced smugly at Ye Cang.
'See? In the Kazekage's eyes, I'm more important than you!'
'…???'
Ye Cang had no idea what Rasa was thinking.
Seeing him raise an eyebrow like that, she assumed he had something against her — and instinctively stepped a little farther away.
"…"
What's that supposed to mean? You disgusted by me?
You dare look down on me?! I swear I'm about to lose it—!
But Ye Cang didn't care about Rasa's inner tantrum.
What occupied her mind was that soon, she'd be heading to Konoha again.
When that time came, she'd see that man once more — the man whose powerful presence and dragon-scale tattoos still lingered vividly in her mind.
"Are you alright?"
Granny Chiyo, noticing Ye Cang's slight unease, asked curiously.
"Ah— I'm fine," Ye Cang replied quickly, shaking her head as she collected herself.
It was just that she'd been slightly injured during the last battle.
"Injured, huh? Then take some time to rest later," Chiyo advised with a nod.
No one suspected anything unusual — except Rasa, who muttered under his breath,
"Injured already? How weak… Guess I really am more suited to be Kazekage after all."
"…"
Kid, what's wrong with you?
The Third Kazekage, walking beside them, rolled his eyes in irritation.
He knew Rasa dreamed of becoming Kazekage —
but he was still in office!
To say, right in front of him, that he was "more suited" for the position —
what was that supposed to mean? Looking down on me now?
——
While Sunagakure's leaders discussed post-war matters,
in Konoha,
within a temporary camp set up near the battlefield,
Tsunade — the overall commander — had organized a grand celebration.
During wartime, alcohol was forbidden for shinobi.
But to Tsunade, that rule was nothing more than a joke.
When had she ever been the type to follow rules anyway?