Year 50 of Naruto.
Sunagakure had fallen into one of the worst periods in its history.
To the north, it was suppressed by Iwagakure.
To the east, it stood no chance against Konohagakure.
Even a minor village like Kusagakure dared to probe the borders of the Land of Wind, looking for easy gains.
And Kirigakure had bypassed Konoha entirely, locking Sunagakure into a prolonged and exhausting war.
Kazekage's Office, Sunagakure.
"The situation keeps getting worse. Externally, Kirigakure is pressing us hard. Internally, everything is chaotic and complicated. I truly don't know what to do anymore."
"If only we could reach a ceasefire with Kirigakure…"
A man across the table let out a cold snort.
"A ceasefire? You think we can just ask for one? With the conditions Kirigakure proposed, how could we possibly agree?"
…
The noise of arguments filled the room.
Already feeling weak, Rasa felt his headache worsen.
"Rasa? Since when did my name become Rasa?"
…Right.
I've transmigrated.
He pressed his fingers against his temples, trying to ease the throbbing pain, then slowly lifted his gaze.
Familiar figures came into view, one after another.
Everyone present was part of Sunagakure's upper echelon—
Clan heads.
Elders like Ebizo.
Elite jonin like Pakura.
And the younger generation's talents—Yashamaru, Baki…
What they had been arguing about was the same thing weighing on everyone's mind—
Sunagakure's dire situation, both internal and external.
Externally—
Kirigakure had gained the upper hand on the battlefield and was now demanding harsh terms for a ceasefire, seeking to squeeze maximum benefit from Sunagakure.
Meanwhile, other shinobi forces were stationed along the Land of Wind's borders, watching like predators, ready to strike.
If Sunagakure failed to reach a ceasefire soon, it would inevitably face attacks from multiple sides.
Internally—
Years of disadvantage had eroded the confidence of the village's shinobi.
The indecisiveness of the leadership only worsened the uncertainty below.
And recently, a rumor had begun to spread throughout the village—
That in addition to demanding heavy reparations, Kirigakure had required Sunagakure to hand over one of its own meritorious shinobi to them… to be slaughtered in revenge.
Worse still—
It was said that he had already agreed.
The rumor had ignited fierce arguments across the village.
Even the morale of frontline shinobi had begun to crumble.
At that moment, Rasa suddenly noticed something.
A translucent panel floated before his eyes—
Visible only to him.
[Great Deceiver System]
[—Step aside, it's time to spread rumors.]
Name: Rasa
Identity: Fourth Kazekage
Ninjutsu: ???
Taijutsu: ???
Genjutsu: ???
Kekkei Genkai: ???
Activation Points: 1
Points: 0
—100 points can be used for a draw.
By creating rumors, you may consume activation points to enhance their influence. Activated rumors will generate points as they spread.
Each rumor has a maximum of 10,000 points. Upon reaching it, you gain 1 activation point.
"…Points can be used for draws?"
[Ding!]
[You are currently being affected by the rumor—"Powerful Kirigakure, incompetent Kazekage, pitiful Pakura."]
[Newbie Mission Acquired: To spread rumors, one must first dispel them.]
[Mission Reward: 100% inheritance of Rasa's strength.]
Rasa's gaze sharpened.
"Enough!"
The room fell silent instantly.
All eyes turned toward the Kazekage.
Rasa's voice carried unmistakable anger.
"Who exactly is spreading such nonsense?"
"This is slander—pure slander!"
"To trade the lives of our own comrades for the end of a war… I would never do such a thing. I have never even entertained the thought."
"This is a complete betrayal of Sunagakure's shinobi. Even if such 'peace' were achieved, it would be meaningless."
Subtle changes flickered across the expressions of those present.
One figure stood.
"Kazekage-sama… then what is your plan?"
Rasa fell silent for a moment.
"We may be at a disadvantage on the battlefield," he said slowly, "but that does not mean defeat is inevitable."
"If we stand united—truly united—we can endure."
"As for Kirigakure's demands…"
"I will never accept them."
He paused.
Then his gaze shifted—landing directly on Pakura.
She wasn't particularly tall, dressed in practical combat attire, her hair tied in a bun. Strands at her temples carried a distinct orange-red hue, setting her apart.
She radiated sharp efficiency.
An elite jonin of Sunagakure.
A wielder of the Kekkei Genkai—Scorch Release.
A hero of the village.
A woman who had personally slain hundreds—if not thousands—of Kirigakure shinobi… earning their deepest hatred.
"Pakura."
She immediately looked up.
"Kazekage-sama."
"The person mentioned in that rumor… you understand who it refers to."
"This is Kirigakure's attempt to sow discord within our village."
"We cannot fall for it."
He drew a breath, his tone turning heavier.
"But unfortunately… many already have."
"They argue endlessly because of this rumor. Even the morale of our frontline forces is being affected."
Rasa's expression hardened with visible pain.
"We are all from the same village… yet we tear at each other under Kirigakure's provocation."
"There is no trust—neither in me, nor in a hero like you."
"And that… is exactly why Sunagakure continues to fall behind Kirigakure."
"…It pains me deeply."
A brief silence followed.
Then—
"Given the situation," Rasa continued, "there is only one way to resolve this as quickly as possible… and restore unity to the village."
Everyone's attention locked onto him.
Expectation filled their eyes.
Rasa stood.
"Pakura… marry me."
For a split second, the room froze.
"Only then will the people of the village truly believe there is no division between us."
"Only then will the rumor lose all credibility."
"Only then can we cut off Kirigakure's scheme at its root."
Pakura was stunned.
She had never imagined it would come to this.
When she first heard the rumor, she hadn't believed it.
What kind of village would trade its own hero for peace?
What kind of peace could possibly last after that?
How many hearts would it break?
How deeply would it damage the village?
But even so…
She hadn't expected this solution.
There was just one problem.
Rasa already had Karura.
"Pakura," Rasa said quietly, "I know this is unfair to you. But everything… is for the village."
"As for Karura… I believe she will understand. She won't make things difficult for you."
"…Will you accept?"
Pakura fell silent.
For a long time.
Her expression gradually hardened into resolve.
Finally, she lifted her head.
And nodded.
"Kazekage-sama… I accept."
[Mission Complete.]