Hey guys,
Don't forget to comment on the chapter and support the story with Powerstones. Things are getting interesting, and it won't be long before war knocks on the door and begins.
200 Powerstones extra chapter.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The next day,
Daigo woke up rested and excited about what he had achieved yesterday. He arrived at the main room where his father and mother were having breakfast.
"Dai, sit down—I'll bring you breakfast now," his mother Ilsa said.
Daigo nodded and did as they asked, noticing his father's curious gaze on him.
"You look different today, Daigo. What's going on?" Haru asked, looking at him.
At the question, Daigo just smiled before extending his hand and starting to create a small crystal sphere. Haru opened his eyes wide at the sight.
"You did it—congratulations, son," Haru responded to his son's creation, standing up to give him a hug.
At this, Daigo could only accept it. The ones who had supported him the most were his parents—who had initially thought his son's ideas were just childish dreams, but in the end, they believed in him, and he succeeded.
After that, the family ate calmly amid comfortable conversation until Daigo had to leave—he needed to go to the Kazekage's tower to report.
Upon arriving, he did the usual: go up to the Kazekage's office floor, speak with the secretary, and wait. It didn't take long—within minutes, he was allowed in.
When he opened the door, this time the Kazekage wasn't alone as usual. Daigo found a young man with red hair sitting near the Kazekage, watching him seriously.
"Daigo, what brings you here today? The usual report, or something different?" the Kazekage asked.
"Kazekage-sama, I came to show you what I achieved yesterday. Over these months—almost a year—I made great progress," Daigo said, raising his palm and starting to create another crystal sphere, leaving both the Kazekage and the red-haired young man surprised.
"That's quite a surprise, Daigo. You managed to create a new bloodline for Suna. Do you have a name you want to give it?" the Kazekage asked.
"Yes, though it's simple—I want it to be called Crystal Release: Shōton," Daigo explained.
"Shōton sounds good. Though I imagine it's still far from being usable in combat?" the Kazekage asked.
"That's right. Currently, it consumes a lot of chakra to create and maintain the crystal. I'll need more time to start using it on a larger scale," Daigo said.
"Crystal doesn't seem very strong. Maybe it's a newly created bloodline, but I don't see much use for it, Sensei," the red-haired young man said, looking at Daigo.
"Rasa, why do you say that?" the Kazekage asked.
"Sensei, our enemy is Konoha. Most of them control fire, so they will melt it easily. Plus, if we look at the other nations, those from Earth would also have an advantage against this bloodline, and the Land of Lightning too. I don't see it working to give the advantage you were talking about," Rasa explained his point, making the Kazekage stop looking at him and now focus on Daigo, letting him speak.
"Rasa is your name, right?" Daigo asked, looking at him. Rasa nodded. "Yes, if we talk about effectiveness, there's a lot. Crystal isn't simple decoration—it has many possibilities for manipulation. Besides, you have a bloodline, right?" Daigo asked.
"That's right—I have Magnet Release. And though it's not the same as what Sensei controls, Gold Dust is much better than crystal," Rasa responded.
"Gold Dust doesn't sound bad. It could even help the village with money problems, but it wouldn't be the same as with crystal. Konoha can melt it with their fire jutsu, and Kumogakure also has an advantage against the earth element. So I don't see the problem with crystal—I think there are ways to manipulate it and eliminate weaknesses."
"Daigo is right there, Rasa. There is no jutsu impossible to defeat or block—there's always a way. As you say, Daigo, what are the properties of this crystal?" the Kazekage asked.
"In what I've managed to create, I haven't tested much, but I believe it has the possibility of crystallizing people, along with being able to manipulate existing crystals. Plus, it can be used anywhere since crystal attacks at the molecular level" Daigo explained.
"It sounds interesting. Daigo, I expect great things from you in the future. I'll keep the information you gave me stored as an S-rank secret. I have a mission I want you to accompany me on next week," the Kazekage said.
"A mission with you, Kazekage?" Daigo asked, confused.
"That's right. I have an important meeting with the Wind Daimyo to discuss important matters, and I think you could learn from this. If you want to become Kazekage, you'll need to learn about this," the Kazekage explained, looking at Daigo, who nodded.
So Daigo left the office to start training again until the week past to prepare for the mission.
With the Kazekage and Rasa.
"Sensei, don't you think it would be better if he stays in the village to continue improving his new bloodline?" Rasa asked, looking at the Kazekage.
"It will be in a week and it will just take around 3 days, Rasa. Besides, he can continue afterward. Perhaps he'll surprise me and achieve something even I can't," the Kazekage said.
"Impossible, Sensei—he's a chūnin. I don't think he can compare to you, and what he would achieve in a negotiation with important people." Rasa said without considering the tone in which he spoke his words in front of the Kazekage.
"Rasa, are you telling me what I have to do, the Kazekage of the village?" the Kazekage asked, now with a cold aura.
"No, Kazekage-sama. I apologize for my words," Rasa responded, bowing his head.
"As punishment for your disrespect, you will stay in the village instead of going to the mission to reflect on your words," the Kazekage said, rising from his chair.
"But—" Rasa tried to say something, but a cold look from the Kazekage was enough to silence him and let him leave the room.
Leaving a very angry Rasa clenching his fists.
a week later
Daigo arrived at the main gate, where he saw the Kazekage along with two other people: Chiyo and Ebizu.
Daigo approached, bowing his head to show respect to everyone there—though he knew them, in public they were important people.
"Oh, Daigo, you're coming on this mission with us?" Chiyo asked, looking at him.
"That's right, Grandma Chiyo. The Kazekage invited me to go with him," Daigo explained, looking at her.
"That explains why we haven't left yet. Is someone missing, Kazekage-sama?" Ebizo asked.
"No—we're starting the two-day journey now," the Kazekage said, beginning to move along with the others.
Daigo, keeping up with their pace, could only think about the physical training he would do by following the rhythm of the strongest people in the village.
So the journey continued—they moved quickly, though the three most important figures weren't running at full speed, as Daigo wouldn't be able to keep up if they did. Though they were surprised to notice he followed closely and didn't seem tired in the time they had been running.
At this, they increased the speed a little until dusk, when night began to fall. The group decided to stop and rest—there was no reason to hurry.
Daigo, for his part, could only be grateful. Though he could continue, he was tired and prefer to rest for tomorrow.
Setting up his mission tent, Daigo didn't hesitate to enter and lie down in his sleeping bag to relax his body—though a shadow at the door let him know someone was outside.
"Come in," Daigo said, seeing the door open to reveal an ANBU who looked at him before removing the mask.
"I didn't expect to see you traveling with the Kazekage, Daigo," said the feminine voice, surprising Daigo upon seeing who it was.
"Shizuka, it's good to see you. How have you been?" Daigo asked, happy to see his friend whom he hadn't seen in a long time.
"I've been training hard to beat you—though seeing you traveling with the Kazekage lets me know you haven't fallen behind," she responded, sitting in front of Daigo.
"Hahaha, of course I wouldn't stay behind waiting for everyone to get stronger," Daigo said.
So both talked And Daigo showed her his new power and how he managed to create it until Shizuka had to stand guard—she was part of the ANBU group protecting the Kazekage at night during the journey.
The next day, the journey continued—though this time without pauses. They went straight to the Wind Daimyo's mansion, who lived in one of the best areas of the desert—a part that had once belonged to the Land of Fire.
Where instead of being desert, it had an area covered with palm trees and green homes around an ancient oasis that the feudal family had chosen to live in since its creation.
The group of four shinobi only entered where the guards let them pass—they had advance notice of their arrival today, so they were taken to a house where they could wait until the Wind Daimyo was free.
They only waited a few hours until the Wind Daimyo could finally see them.
The Third Kazekage entered the audience hall with an imposing presence, followed closely by Chiyo and Ebizu. Daigo, keeping a low but attentive profile, walked a step behind, absorbing every detail of the political power play he was about to witness.
The Wind Daimyo, fanning himself with annoyance, only observed as the group sat and waited for his attention.
"Kazekage," the Daimyo greeted without showing any respect. "They tell me you're here to ask for more funds. Again. My ministers complain that Suna is a waste of money that can't be recovered."
The Third Kazekage didn't flinch. His gaze was steel. "Daimyo-sama, the security of our borders depends on the strength of my shinobi. Enemies are expanding their influence and watch our dunes with hunger. If Suna weakens, your palace will be the next to fall—even if you are a feudal," the Kazekage explained, trying to reason with the feudal lord.
"Kazekage, you know the economy of the Land of Wind has not stopped declining since the villages were formed. In exchange, the other lands—where the other Daimyos have no problem thanks to their respective village who have continued doing business and making money.
I've been thinking of reducing the budget for the village even more and, in exchange, hiring missions from Konoha. I've heard their rates are lower and their ninjas are better quality," the daimyo exclaimed, looking at the Kazekage, who showed no emotion.
Only the air in the room grew heavy. Daigo just listened and observed the negotiations. The Daimyo was suggesting subcontracting the defense of his own nation to a foreign village just to save some coins. Chiyo, for her part, only clenched her fists, but the Kazekage raised a hand to calm the mood.
"If you do that," the Kazekage said in an icy voice, "you're handing the keys to our land to the enemy. Sunagakure doesn't just need funds for the war; we also need investment for innovation. That's precisely why I've brought one of my most promising talents." The Kazekage said, drawing a little attention from the feudal lord.
The Kazekage made a discreet signal, and Daigo stepped forward, aware of the weight of the Daimyo's advisors' gazes—many of them filled with doubt and skepticism.
"Daigo," the Kazekage said in a firm voice, "show the Daimyo what you've been developing."
Daigo took a deep breath. It wasn't the first time he had shown his Crystal Release, but it was the first in front of someone whose judgment could decide Sunagakure's future. He gathered chakra in the palm of his hand, concentrating carefully. Little by little, almost invisible particles began to react, taking form until they crystallized into a pink object that reflected the sunlight.
In seconds, a small crystal gem took shape. It wasn't large or ostentatious, but its clean, defined shine immediately caught the Daimyo's attention, who slowly closed his fan.
"This..." the Daimyo murmured, leaning slightly forward.
"It's Shōton, Crystal Release," Daigo explained with respect, without raising his voice more than necessary. "A unique technique that I created and am still perfecting."
The Daimyo observed the gem for a few more seconds before looking up.
"And what value does this have for my country?" he asked finally.
At the question, Daigo glanced briefly at the Kazekage. Who nodded calmly, indicating he should continue—but without pressuring him.
"My control is still limited," Daigo admitted. "But even in this initial stage, the crystal has properties unaffected by the desert's extreme climate. The Kazekage believes that, with time and proper resources, it could be used as structural material or for storage."
The Kazekage then stepped forward, taking the floor.
"The Land of Wind suffers constant losses due to the day's heat and the night's cold," he explained. "Infrastructure resistant to those conditions would allow protecting resources, reducing expenses, and establishing trade routes where you—along with Sunagakure—would benefit."
A murmur ran through the room. The advisors exchanged glances, evaluating the idea and how much money they would make.
"Interesting," the Daimyo said cautiously. "But all this seems to depend on future promises that rely on this young man's survival with the ability to create crystal."
"That's right," the Kazekage responded bluntly. "That's why we request support now. War is approaching, and Sunagakure needs to survive first to be able to fulfill later. Daigo here is one of the best ninjas growing alongside the new generation that isn't falling behind."
"I understand what you're saying, and I see you've been busy, Kazekage. But in war, death can come to anyone—including Kage," the Daimyo said.
"You are absolutely right, but I have the confidence and certainty that in this war, things will be different for Suna," the Kazekage said.
The Daimyo, listening to the Kazekage's words, turned his attention to Daigo.
"So, young man, do you promise that your technique will be part of that future?"
Daigo bowed his head with respect.
"I promise to continue perfecting it and putting it at Suna's service," he responded honestly. "I can't guarantee immediate results, but I can guarantee my total effort and survival in the approaching war."
The Daimyo remained silent for a few moments before turning to the two most experienced ninjas.
"Chiyo. Ebizu. What do you think?"
Chiyo snorted softly before speaking.
"Daigo is a brat with a lot of vision," she said frankly. "But he's not delusional either. I've seen many shinobi grow, and few have this determination. I think visions are sometimes things that happen in the future."
Ebizu nodded.
"Sunagakure didn't have many cards to play," he added. "But this new generation is the strongest card Suna has had since its creation."
The Daimyo sighed, closing his eyes for a brief moment before walking until he stood in front of Daigo.
"Stand up," he ordered calmly.
Daigo obeyed.
"As Daimyo of the Land of Wind," he declared, "I will grant the necessary funds to reinforce Sunagakure during the conflict. In exchange, when the time comes, this technique will be used to strengthen the country."
"It will be so, Daimyo-sama," the Kazekage responded before Daigo could.
A servant approached with the documents. The agreement was sealed with blood, marking not only a contract but a bet on the future.
For Daigo, it wasn't a personal victory.
It was the first real step toward something much bigger.
End of chapter