Chapter 53

The council hall of Sunagakure.

The Third Kazekage was waiting for news.

He wore the white Kazekage robe, with a blue ninja outfit underneath. His hairstyle was similar to Minato Namikaze's with a slighty longer black hair.

Opposite him sat two short elders: Chiyo and Ebizo.

Moments later, an ANBU wearing a demon mask appeared before the three, bowed, and handed over a scroll.

The Third Kazekage waved his hand, and the ANBU left.

He opened the scroll.

"The information is accurate. Konoha's Haruki is accompanying the team."

"Why is he here?" Chiyo's wrinkled face showed confusion. In the last war, she had a strong impression of Tsunade and Haruki, the medical couple from Konoha. Together, they rendered her poisons almost useless.

Medical ninjas, compared to combat ninjas, are very rare and valuable.

If Sunagakure had a medical ninja like Haruki, they would never let him travel to an enemy village, even in times of peace.

Because if lost, such talent is irreplaceable.

Sunagakure greatly desired to have medical ninjas like Tsunade and Haruki.

"Informal discussions with the Hyuga family for potential business," the Third Kazekage mused, skeptically reviewing the scroll.

He didn't believe it.

Neither did Chiyo and Ebizo.

"If it's really for business, he wouldn't come personally. Given his rarity, he wouldn't risk himself." Chiyo's face turned serious as she analyzed.

Sunagakure had recently suffered heavy losses. If Hiruzen Sarutobi had any plots involving Haruki, they couldn't afford any more setbacks.

"Did they show any odd behavior on the way?"

Ebizo's long white eyebrows moved as he spoke, resembling whiskers.

"There was one thing."

The Third Kazekage's eyes stayed on a few lines in the scroll, puzzled. "They used food supplies to aid many border civilians of the Land of Wind, roughly estimated at nearly a thousand people."

Chiyo frowned immediately. She didn't believe Haruki would be so kind.

They are ninjas, not philanthropists. It's impossible for them to give away such quantities of food just out of sympathy.

"Kazekage-sama, send ANBU to investigate what they said during the distribution and check if the food is suspicious."

"That's my intention." The Third Kazekage nodded, sharing Chiyo's thoughts.

"Regardless of his motives, since he's here in Sunagakure, he doesn't get to call the shots." Ebizo snorted. "If he causes trouble, we'll have a reason to detain him."

"Unless necessary, don't provoke him." The Third Kazekage sighed. "We are in a difficult situation. Sunagakure is too poor and can't handle more turmoil."

Ebizo wanted to argue but stayed silent.

Among the Five Great Villages, Sunagakure's environment was the worst, naturally leading to its poor development. Economically, it was less than half as prosperous as Konoha.

No matter how powerful the Kazekage was, it was impossible to create something from nothing.

"I've fought Haruki many times. We're old acquaintances. Let me test the waters first." Chiyo suggested.

"Alright, when they arrive, let them rest for the night before meeting. Let's not treat them poorly. Send Rasa to greet them on my behalf." The Third Kazekage agreed with Chiyo's suggestion after some thought.

---

Despite Haruki preparing a large amount of food, the suffering civilians were too many. Their efforts were but a drop in the ocean.

Thus, the latter part of the journey was somewhat somber.

But time waits for no one, and the long journey finally ended.

Sunagakure.

Even on a sunny day, one could feel the yellow sand in the air, rubbing against the skin and creating an uncomfortable sensation.

The group had already donned protective masks.

Haruki gazed at Sunagakure, where the sand seemed to cover the yellow buildings like a veil.

Due to the lack of wood and stone, the houses were made of sand, uniform yet monotonous, but full of desert charm.

Haruki couldn't help but think of the former Western regions of his previous world.

Similar to Sunagakure.

But after generations of effort, it was no longer impoverished.

Exotic beauties, singing and dancing, fine wines, and camels.

Haruki turned his gaze to the approaching team of ninjas.

Leading them was his old acquaintance, Chiyo.

Beside her was a young man of seventeen or eighteen with short brown hair and a black ninja outfit.

The Third Kazekage's apprentice, the future Fourth Kazekage, and Gaara's father, Rasa.

Haruki had seen him on the battlefield before, so this wasn't their first meeting.

But times had changed.

They were not enemies, but allies in name.

"Welcome."

Rasa greeted them calmly, slightly bowing. "My teacher is currently occupied, so I'm here on his behalf. You must be tired from your journey. Please rest for the night and meet my teacher tomorrow. Follow me; the rooms are ready."

Chiyo remained silent.

The team behind her was also silent.

But Haruki sensed their hatred.

If he guessed correctly, this was Sunagakure's combat unit.

They and another puppet unit were the elite forces of the Sand Ninjas, the toughest and strongest units.

Haruki had witnessed their combat abilities.

For this reason, their hatred was the deepest because these units were always Konoha's primary targets, suffering numerous casualties.

Haruki glanced at Minato and the others.

Except for Tsunade, the rest were entering Sunagakure for the first time.

The unique architecture and customs made them curious, and they kept looking around.

"Thank you, Rasa."

Haruki nodded lightly, not refusing. As for the Third Kazekage, he could guess his thoughts.

But he came with good intentions.

Although there were only six people in Haruki's party, Sunagakure generously rented an entire inn for them.

"The food will be served soon."

Rasa waved, and a ninja left immediately. "I won't disturb you further."

After he left, Haruki nodded. "Everyone, sit down. Since we're here, let's try Sunagakure's cuisine."

The Sharingan in Mikoto Uchiha's eyes slowly rotated. She said, "Teacher, there are many people watching us outside."

"That's normal. They don't trust us." Haruki didn't mind, finding it more suspicious if there was no surveillance.

The food was quickly served.

The table was full, with plenty of meat and wine—a very sumptuous meal.

As Haruki picked up chopsticks, he stopped Minato's hand.

"?"

"It's poisoned."

Haruki exchanged a glance with Tsunade, speaking softly. "I haven't seen this poison before, but the technique is familiar."