Scrutinized

Rasa stood tall, his presence radiating authority and dominance. His chakra flared, surging toward Gaara in an attempt to invade his body and draw out Shukaku. Gaara immediately felt the pressure. Yet, compared to the chaotic storm of emotions Shukaku had often flooded him with, this was but a ripple in the ocean. His mental fortitude had grown significantly, strengthened by years of training and his bond with the tailed beast. Rasa's attempt to invade him failed to make a dent.

The chakra surrounded Gaara, pressing in from all sides, but it couldn't penetrate him. It was as if an invisible barrier shielded his very core. This result surprised Rasa, who had expected to overwhelm the boy more easily.

He's stronger than I thought, Rasa mused internally. His resilience to mental manipulation is impressive for his age... and this level of chakra control, with such a small chakra pool... impressive for an average person.

Rasa's gaze remained cold, masking the surprise in his thoughts. "Is this the result of the medical ninjutsu training you received from Yashamaru?" he asked, his tone casual.

Gaara's expression shifted only slightly, pretending to be caught off guard, though in truth, he had expected this revelation. His heart sank slightly at the thought of Yashamaru's training being exposed, but at the same time, he knew this wasn't the worst possible outcome.

"Yes, Father," Gaara replied, his voice steady.

Rasa's eyes narrowed, his tone growing colder. "This level of control... it's acceptable for an average person. But you're not an average person, are you? You disappoint me."

Gaara felt a jolt of pain. Hearing those words from his father stung more than he had prepared for. He had anticipated disappointment, but to hear it so plainly—it pierced deeper than he had expected. The sting made his chakra control waver, his focus faltering for a brief moment.

Rasa noticed the slight tremor, the crack in Gaara's composure, and a small, cold smile tugged at his lips. There's still a chance. Perhaps he's not as strong as I thought.

"You will attend the academy," Rasa declared, his voice dismissive. "From this day forward, you're at my disposal. That's all. Take this with you."

Without another word, he tossed a gourd to Gaara, its red and black markings resembling a seal. The gourd seemed to pulse with power, as if something dangerous were contained within it.

"Learn to use it on your own," Rasa added, his hand waving as if dismissing Gaara.

Gaara's hand shot out instinctively, catching the gourd, his gaze lingering on it for a moment before he tucked it carefully into his cloak. Without a word, he turned and left the room, his heart heavy. A sigh of relief escaped him as soon as he was out of his father's presence. The tension had been unbearable, but now, it was over—for now.

---

Inside the room Gaara had just left, the atmosphere shifted. A figure materialized from the shadows, kneeling behind Rasa, who hadn't moved from his position.

"Lord Kazekage," the man said, his voice low.

Rasa didn't look back but spoke with quiet authority. "Inform them. Not all hope is lost. There's still a chance to make the One-Tailed Beast assimilate with Gaara."

The man nodded immediately, his voice barely a whisper as he answered, "Yes, Lord Kazekage."

Without waiting for further instruction, the man vanished into the air from whence he came, leaving Rasa alone in the room. The Kazekage's gaze hardened as he looked out over Sunagakure, his thoughts turning inward.

Gaara... the One-Tails cannot remain dormant inside you forever. If you had come to me sooner, if you were a bit more... suitable... you might have prospered. But now? You're nothing more than a burden, a debt that needs to be paid.

Rasa sighed, a faint trace of regret in his eyes, though his expression remained impervious.