Naruto: The Sand Will Rise!

Like Jiraiya and Naruto, Kakashi was taken aback by the drastic changes in the Sand Village.

The once barren and harsh desert landscape was now evolving, with towering buildings rising behind the Kazekage's office, signaling growth and modernization.

After meeting with Akimichi Chōza, Nara Shikaku, and Yamanaka Inoichi, Kakashi was summoned by Mufasa.

Led by Baki, he made his way to the Kazekage Building, which, like the Hokage's office, was constructed against the mountainside.

However, the surrounding area was undergoing heavy construction, with new structures resembling towering spires being erected.

"Let's go," Baki urged. "Kazekage-sama doesn't like to be kept waiting."

Kakashi followed him into the Kazekage's office, which bore a strong resemblance to the Hokage's—large wooden desk, towering stacks of documents, and wall-mounted filing cabinets filled with neatly arranged books and folders.

Unlike the Hokage's office, however, there were modern additions—computers, printers, and other office equipment, a rarity in the shinobi world.

Mufasa sat behind his desk, focused on the computer screen, fingers tapping away at the keyboard. Without looking up, he acknowledged them.

"Oh, Kakashi, have a seat. I'll be done shortly."

Kakashi took the seat across from him, watching as Mufasa typed, then printed out a document. After a brief read-through, Mufasa stamped it with his Kazekage seal.

"Baki, take this to Temari. Tell her to prepare everything according to these numbers."

Baki took the document and left. Kakashi caught a glimpse of its contents—an extensive list of ninja tools with precise quantities. Forty thousand kunai, thirty thousand shuriken, and more. His brow furrowed slightly.

Was this preparation for war?

Ninja warfare was expensive. Battles often burned through weapons at an alarming rate—kunai and shuriken thrown without hesitation, explosive tags used liberally.

Kakashi quickly averted his gaze, pretending not to have seen the document. But Mufasa had already noticed. He smiled knowingly.

"You're wondering about the ninja tools, aren't you?" Mufasa asked.

Kakashi hesitated before replying, "I just happened to see it."

"Don't be so tense," Mufasa chuckled. "Those tools are for Konoha. You'll find out soon enough."

For Konoha? Kakashi's mind raced. Was this an arms deal?

Mufasa leaned back in his chair, his expression calm. "I know Konoha has a strong economy and a high demand for ninja tools. There's an opportunity here."

Kakashi was momentarily taken aback. "These tools… they're for sale?"

Mufasa nodded. "Of course. If I'm going to Konoha, I might as well bring something profitable with me."

Despite himself, Kakashi couldn't help but admire Mufasa's pragmatism. Most leaders would consider such dealings beneath them, but Mufasa approached it with a casual confidence.

"Then… Kazekage-sama, does this mean you've agreed to the peace talks?" Kakashi asked.

Mufasa nodded. "Yes. I will personally attend to show our sincerity."

Kakashi exhaled, relieved. This was a step toward stability between their villages. As Mufasa continued speaking about the benefits of trade and potential railway connections between the Sand and Leaf villages, Kakashi nodded along. He didn't fully understand the logistics, but the vision was clear.

Finally, Mufasa wrapped up. "You'll have to wait here for two more days. We'll depart for Konoha together."

"Understood. Thank you, Kazekage-sama."

Two days later, Mufasa and his entourage set off. Given the ongoing development in the Sand Village, he brought only a small group—Temari, a few jōnin, and his diplomatic liaison, Baki.

Meanwhile, Orochimaru had left with Kabuto for the Land of Sound to handle his own affairs.

At the village gates, a convoy of twenty trucks lined up, ready for departure. Mufasa turned to Gaara, Baki, and the others.

"I'm leaving the village in your hands. Make sure to protect it. And don't forget to investigate the situation with our food supplies."

"Yes, my lord," Baki responded.

Gaara, however, clenched his fists. "Teacher, I'll find whoever's behind it… and kill them."

Mufasa placed a hand on Gaara's shoulder. "Don't be hasty. Gather information first. Wait until I return."

The shinobi world wasn't just about fighting. Strategy and understanding were equally important.

With that, Mufasa climbed into one of the trucks, Kakashi following suit. The convoy set off toward the Land of Fire.

As soon as they were on the road, Mufasa stretched, letting out a satisfied sigh. "Finally, I can take a break. Running a village is exhausting."

Kakashi glanced at him, puzzled.

Mufasa grinned. "You'll understand one day."

Kakashi blinked. "Me?"

Mufasa laughed. "Who knows? Maybe you'll be Hokage someday."

Kakashi scoffed lightly but said nothing. Still, the idea lingered in his mind as the convoy continued toward Konoha.

Driving was naturally slower than a lone ninja traveling at full speed.

A skilled ninja could make the journey in six days.

The convoy, however, took ten.

Tsunade had already made preparations after receiving Kakashi's message.

Once the convoy crossed into the Land of Fire, Konoha's Anbu operatives shadowed them, ensuring their safety the entire way.

On the day they arrived, Tsunade herself, accompanied by Konoha's senior officials, stood at the village's barrier to welcome them.

The low roar of engines rumbled from the road ahead. The ground trembled, shaking the trees flanking the path.

Villagers unfamiliar with the sound whispered among themselves.

"What the hell is that?"

Those who had been briefed answered.

"It's a car."

"A car?"

"They say it's a four-wheeled, horseless carriage powered by burning oil."

A horseless carriage?

Interest piqued, more people turned their eyes toward the approaching vehicles.

The first car came into view—a rectangular metal structure, its four wheels rolling swiftly over the ground.

"Wow, that's amazing," someone murmured in awe.

Others scoffed. "It's just a transport vehicle. Useless to us ninjas. A single explosive tag could take it out."

More voices chimed in agreement.

Danzo was the most dismissive.

"It's just a gimmick. A ninja has no need for such things."

Since it was the Sand Village using this technology, he saw no real threat.

The convoy of twenty vehicles came to a halt.

Tsunade stepped forward as Mufasa climbed out of one of the cars.

She was dressed in her formal Hokage attire.

Mufasa, in contrast, wore casual clothes.

Tsunade studied him—a strong, confident face, his presence exuding authority. He didn't even need to look at the kanji on her Hokage hat to know who she was.

"Welcome to Konoha, Lord Kazekage," she greeted politely.

Mufasa returned the courtesy. "Thank you, Lady Hokage, for the warm welcome."

"The journey must have been exhausting. Please, come rest in the village."

Mufasa shook his head lightly. "I appreciate it, but we have a lot of people and vehicles to account for. We need to get things organized first."

Tsunade nodded. "There are warehouses in the village where you can store your goods and park the vehicles."

Mufasa waved off the suggestion. "I'd rather keep everything together."

He continued, "Lady Hokage, would it be possible for us to set up camp somewhere open? We brought our own tents and supplies, so we can manage on our own."

Tsunade hesitated. "Konoha doesn't have many open spaces."

With its dense population and tightly packed buildings, finding room for twenty vehicles and an entire camp would be difficult.

Mufasa offered a solution. "We don't need to be in the center of the village. Just let us set up near the Naka River."

The river ran through Konoha, and while it wasn't prime real estate, it was still within the village's borders.

Tsunade had no real reason to refuse. "Kakashi, take Lord Kazekage and his people to find a suitable spot."

She smiled. "Once you're settled, come find me. I'll host a banquet in your honor."

Mufasa grinned. "I'd never say no to a drink with you, Lady Hokage."

Kakashi led the group southwest along the river, where Mufasa eventually found a suitable clearing.

"This spot is perfect—spacious, close to the water, and peaceful."

Kakashi scanned the area, his expression unreadable. "Are you sure you want to stay here?"

"Why?" Mufasa asked, amused. "You think it's haunted?"

Kakashi sighed. "Let's just say this place has some history."

Mufasa glanced at a nearby shrine. "Well, at least we have some protection."

Kakashi said no more. He knew this spot was close to where the Uchiha clan once stood, but he saw no point in arguing.

"Alright, if you're fine with it."

Mufasa turned to his people. "Let's start setting up camp."

The Sand ninja quickly got to work.

"Temari, Baki, I'll leave the rest to you."

"Yes, Lord Kazekage," they answered.

With his duties delegated, Mufasa clapped his hands together. "Alright, time for a drink."

In a high-end izakaya in Konoha, Mufasa and Tsunade sat across from each other. Their table was covered with sashimi, grilled eel, sushi, and bottles of sake.

Mufasa eyed Tsunade's formal Hokage robes and smirked. "Lady Hokage, it's warm in here. You sure you want to stay all wrapped up?"

Tsunade, already growing impatient with the layers, sighed. "You have a point."

She removed her Hokage hat, setting it on the table, then peeled off the heavy robes, revealing the simple but elegant attire beneath.

She exhaled in relief. "That's better."

Mufasa watched as the table shook slightly at her movement.

Well, she wasn't shy.

Grinning, he lifted the sake bottle. "Come on, let's drink."

He poured them both a full cup.

"Bottoms up."

Mufasa took a deep swig, and Tsunade matched him without hesitation.

The formalities faded quickly, and soon, they were drinking like old friends.

"Cheers."

"Cheers."

The cups kept clinking, the laughter grew louder, and the bottles emptied fast.

Halfway through the night, Mufasa leaned forward, curious. "Aren't we supposed to talk business?"

Tsunade slammed her cup down, cheeks flushed from the alcohol. She leaned in, lips slightly parted, the scent of sake on her breath.

"Business can wait," she said smoothly. "You know how long it's been since I had a proper drink?"

Mufasa chuckled. "Guess we have that in common."

He raised his cup again. "Alright then, one more."

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Word count: 1652