Naruto: Rebuilding the Hidden Sand Village

A visit from Amegakure.

This was, without a doubt, a major event for Sunagakure at the moment.

After all—Sunagakure was short on manpower.

Whether it was the upcoming North-South Water Transfer Project, electrification of the village, infrastructure expansion, or even the labor-heavy factories outside the village—they were all severely understaffed.

At the same time, Amegakure had just undergone civil strife. Their leader had been recently replaced, and the country was still plagued by small rebel factions.

With Yahiko still alive and Nagato uncorrupted, they didn't dare enforce extreme control and force the entire population into labor. After years of brutal rule under Hanzo the Salamander and the country's uniquely harsh weather, even with a regime change, expecting Amegakure to stabilize and fully resume production anytime soon was naive at best.

One village lacked people.

The other had surplus labor.

If they didn't cooperate now—when would they?

"That's why this visit from Amegakure must be treated with the utmost seriousness by every department!"

Inside the Kazekage Building's conference room, Rasa slammed the table with emphasis, his eyes sharp as he scanned the gathered Sand shinobi—each a proud bearer of the Will of Sand.

"We must ensure Amegakure feels our village's warmth and hospitality. Deepen ties between our villages, strengthen our bonds of friendship, and promote lasting cooperation between—"

But he was abruptly cut off.

"Um… excuse me."

A cautious hand went up.

"Lord Kazekage, I'd like to say something."

Rasa blinked.

This guy looked familiar…

His brow twitched slightly, displeased at being interrupted mid-speech.

Then he remembered.

This was the same jōnin who previously spoke out against opening commercial ties with Konoha, contradicting Rasa's policy and supporting the Leaf's decision to deny Sunagakure's trade delegation.

What nonsense is he going to spew this time?

Still, Rasa gave a short nod.

"Go ahead."

"My lord, I believe we're going about this the wrong way," the jōnin declared confidently, his eyes filled with the pride of a major shinobi village.

"As one of the Five Great Shinobi Nations, Sunagakure must uphold its dignity. Why should we cater to a minor village like Amegakure? Their leadership just changed, and who knows how long that blond brat will stay in power? The village is still unstable. Why treat them so seriously? I say we ignore them completely."

Rasa stared at him.

What the hell is this guy talking about?

There was a long silence before Rasa smiled gently, even kindly.

"They say copper is a mirror for attire, and people a mirror for reflection. From you, I see the confidence and pride of a true Sunagakure shinobi. Your critique shook me to my core as Kazekage."

He nodded solemnly.

"You're able to identify Amegakure's weaknesses and recognize Sunagakure's current strength. That shows sharp insight. And your bold words reveal your loyalty and pride in being one of us. It's rare and commendable to speak the truth so fearlessly. Tell me your name, shinobi."

"Reporting, Lord Kazekage! I am Teishi!"

"A fine name!"

It's perfect for a contrarian!

Rasa gave a satisfied nod.

"Sunagakure needs people like you—sharp-minded, unafraid to speak up, and able to remind the village of its values as we grow. With people like you, I'm confident our future is bright."

Applause broke out across the room.

Everyone looked at Teishi with admiration, cheeks flushed from the praise he'd received.

"He's been recognized by the Kazekage—he's going places for sure!"

But then…

"Ebizō-dono, didn't you mention needing more personnel for your research team?"

Rasa turned suddenly to the elder, who had been chuckling on the sidelines.

His tone shifted—more serious.

"That project is vital to the future of Sunagakure, and even the Land of Wind. It affects the livelihood of generations to come. There's no room for error."

"Now, from what I see, Jōnin Teishi is exactly the type of person you need—forthright, dependable, and already of considerable rank. For the sake of our village's future, I'm assigning him to assist you."

Before Ebizō could say anything, Rasa cut him off.

"Ah, don't argue! I know the job is hard and the conditions are rough, but I'm sure Jōnin Teishi will be honored to contribute."

"Absolutely! I won't let you down, Lord Kazekage!"

Teishi stood tall, voice full of passion.

"Advisor Ebizō, I hope you'll accept me!"

Kid… do you even know what I'm researching?

Ebizō gave him a blank stare.

This so-called "important mission" involved…

studying manure.

Dozens of pigs had just been delivered for waste analysis.

Still, seeing Teishi's burning enthusiasm and the direct order from the Kazekage…

What could he do?

With a long sigh, he nodded toward Rasa.

"Understood. I can see Jōnin Teishi's value clearly. He's just the talent I need."

"Good. I trust you won't be disappointed."

Rasa smiled, then addressed the rest of the room again.

"I expect all of you to follow orders seriously and carry out your assigned missions without delay."

No more discussion.

No more debates.

Just work.

"Dismissed. Ebizō, please stay behind a moment."

Once the others had filed out, leaving only a grim-faced Ebizō behind, Rasa poured him a glass of cool water.

"So, you were saying…"

"Save it, I get it," Ebizō replied, waving him off with a weary sigh.

"That guy might love the village, but he's rigid—always prioritizing top-down policies while ignoring the needs of the lower ranks. I've already had complaints from his subordinates. Yesterday, I even overheard some of his team whispering about how unfair he is. But no one dares speak up due to his rank."

"What nonsense."

Rasa's face hardened, the picture of righteous indignation.

"Ebizō, I chose Jōnin Teishi solely because of his noble shinobi spirit. Don't slander a rising star of Sunagakure! I only asked you to stay behind to discuss your desert reclamation research. Nothing more."

"...Right."

"You handle things so well, Lord Kazekage."

Time flew by.

At the end of May, Year 48 of the Hidden Leaf Calendar…

The Amegakure delegation officially arrived at Sunagakure.

PS: Read Advance Chapters at https://www.patreon.com/c/ReadJin