Naruto: The Sand Will Rise!

The meeting resumed smoothly. Surprisingly, Danzo Shimura was nowhere to be seen—perhaps he finally realized that it was best to stay out of this one.

With the recent attack by Uchiha Itachi and Kisame Hoshigaki, the Konoha elders had a stark realization: besides dealing with tensions from the Cloud and Stone villages, they now had to worry about threats from rogue shinobi organizations as well. It was clear that unnecessary conflicts had to be set aside.

As a result, Mufasa's proposal to lease land instead of demanding war reparations was approved without resistance.

Tsunade read from the finalized document, "The first condition has been revised to lease twenty acres of land between Naka Bridge and Naka Shrine on the west bank of Naka River to the Sand Village for a period of ten years. The rent will be waived during this period, and the security force will consist of both Konoha and Sand Village shinobi."

Shizune sat nearby, diligently drafting the official agreement.

Mufasa, leaning against his wrapped-up Samehada, smirked and added, "Let's make it clear—after the lease expires, the Sand Village has the right to renew automatically. The rental fee will be based on the average market value of the surrounding land."

His tone was casual, but his intentions were firm. He had no plans to let go of that land so easily.

Koharu Utatane, one of Konoha's advisors, frowned. "Lord Kazekage, isn't this condition a bit much?"

Mufasa feigned innocence. "Why? We plan to turn that land into a business hub, boosting Konoha's economy and tax revenue. We're making a huge investment, and it'll take years before we see any returns. Think about it—we're developing your wasteland for free, and you'll eventually profit from it. Honestly, I might not even break even in ten years. You're the ones getting a great deal here."

Koharu and Homura Mitokado were speechless. They hadn't asked him to develop anything, yet somehow, he had framed the entire deal as if Konoha was taking advantage of him.

Tsunade sighed, rubbing her temples. "Enough, Mufasa. We accept."

With that, both leaders signed the agreement under the watchful eyes of their respective councils.

Mufasa extended his hand. "Looks like we have peace now."

Tsunade grasped his hand firmly. "Let's hope it lasts."

Mufasa nodded. "Sunagakure will not start another war, that much I can guarantee."

As someone who understood history well, he knew that economic control was far more effective than military conquest. War was costly, but financial leverage? That could last forever.

Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "I hope you mean that, because we also value peace."

Mufasa smiled. "Let's see if you can hold onto that belief. If things go south, you know where to find me."

He didn't have much faith in Konoha's future stability. As their economy weakened and internal tensions grew, the cries for war would only get louder.

When that happened, Tsunade would face immense pressure. He doubted she could hold out forever.

Tsunade acknowledged his words with a nod. "Thanks."

The two walked together out of the conference room, stepping onto the grand Hokage balcony.

Below them, Konoha's shinobi and villagers had gathered, waiting anxiously for the outcome of the talks.

Among the crowd stood Kankuro, recently freed along with the other Sand Village prisoners as a show of good faith.

In response, Mufasa had ensured the safe return of Konoha's captives, including Shikaku Nara.

Standing before the crowd, with the Hokage Monument behind her, Tsunade raised her voice. "I hereby announce that Konoha and Sunagakure have officially signed a peace treaty. The war between our nations is over!"

A roar of cheers erupted from below.

Mufasa, never one to waste an opportunity, grabbed Tsunade's hand and lifted their arms in the air.

"Peace! Peace!"

Tsunade shot him a glare but begrudgingly joined in. The crowd followed suit, chanting in unison.

Kankuro's eyes scanned the crowd until he found the person he was looking for—Shino Aburame, standing inconspicuously with his signature sunglasses.

Kankuro clenched his fists. "Hmph. Just wait until I upgrade my puppets. Next time, I'll take you down."

As if sensing his gaze, Shino's sunglasses shifted slightly.

Not everyone below was celebrating peace with the same enthusiasm as their leaders.

The peace treaty was followed by a grand feast. There was food, sake, and laughter all around. Mufasa, however, made the mistake of challenging Tsunade to a drinking contest.

Needless to say, he lost miserably.

His loyal retainer, Baki, had to carry him back to camp.

Mufasa groaned as he slowly regained consciousness, a steaming cup of tea placed in his hand. As his vision cleared, he noticed Kankuro standing nearby.

"Oh, Kankuro, good to see you. You've had quite the experience lately, huh?" Mufasa said, stretching lazily.

Kankuro looked ashamed. "Boss, I've brought disgrace to the Hidden Sand Village and to you."

He still couldn't believe he had been defeated so easily by a Konoha genin.

Mufasa waved him off. "Puppet techniques, as they are now, are only good against ordinary shinobi. Against stronger opponents, their weaknesses become glaringly obvious."

Kankuro winced at the harsh truth but nodded. "I understand."

Mufasa smirked. "We need to evolve. Improve the puppetry technique. Once we return to the village, we'll begin."

A spark of excitement flashed in Kankuro's eyes. "I trust you, boss."

Then, Kankuro's gaze shifted to the bandaged bundle on Mufasa's back. "Boss… is that your new puppet?"

Mufasa chuckled. "No, this isn't a puppet. This is Samehada, one of the Seven Swords of the Mist. And with it, we might just find a way to make our puppets even stronger."

Samehada's unique ability allows it to absorb an opponent's chakra and transfer the stolen energy into its wielder.

For living beings, absorbing foreign chakra types can have dangerous side effects.

But what if this ability could be integrated into a puppet?

Then there would be no risk.

Any chakra could be absorbed and utilized without consequences.

If modified correctly, a puppet could drain an enemy's chakra upon contact, injecting it into itself to sustain continuous movement. In theory, this would make the puppet capable of infinite operation.

Imagine the terror. Enemies would be drained dry the moment they faced Sand Ninja puppets in battle.

With a puppet capable of both absorption and redistribution, a puppet master's combat potential would skyrocket.

At that point, all that would be needed was the initial chakra activation.

Ten puppets, a hundred, or even a thousand—it wouldn't matter.

Picture it: A Sand Ninja puppet master commanding a thousand puppets in combat.

One person could annihilate an entire village.

Of course, many technical issues remain.

How can a puppet be controlled at such a scale?

How do we merge mechanical puppets with living components?

How do we cultivate and mass-produce Samehada?

These are difficult problems, but with enough research, solutions will emerge.

Mufasa faced Kankuro, "Alright, get some rest tonight. Someone will escort you back to the village tomorrow. A lot has changed while you were away—you'll be in for a surprise."

Kankuro wore a confused expression before nodding, "Boss, what about you?"

"I need to oversee the first Sand Ninja Trade Fair before I return." said Mufasa as he paused and sip his tea.

"Starting something new is always the hardest part. I want to take charge in Konoha and set things into motion." he added.

Kankuro nodded, "I hope everything goes as planned."

The following day.

Inside the Sand Ninja tent camp.

Mufasa met with Konoha's appointed liaison.

Hatake Kakashi.

He looked exhausted.

Dark circles under his right eye stood out—evidence of the severe mental strain caused by Uchiha Itachi.

Mufasa smirked. "Kakashi, did Konoha run out of people? Sending an injured man for negotiations?"

Kakashi chuckled. "Just feeling a little drained. Maybe a trip to the hot springs would help."

Mufasa laughed. "Want me to send you a few copies of Icha Icha Paradise to speed up your recovery?"

"That would be great."

After some lighthearted banter, they got to business.

"Did you find the personnel we need for construction?" Mufasa asked.

From the beginning, the plan was for Konoha to handle the construction of the Sand Ninja Commercial Center.

This way, Konoha wouldn't have to worry about Sand Ninja secretly building military facilities inside.

"Yes, we found someone."

Kakashi turned toward the entrance. "Yamato, come in."

A calm, composed man stepped forward.

Kakashi gestured toward him. "Yamato is my apprentice and a master of Wood Release. He'll get your commercial center built efficiently."

Yamato smiled politely.

Mufasa kept a friendly expression, but inside, he scoffed.

'Damn you, Danzo, you old bastard. Can't win fairly, so you send a spy?'

You're afraid I'll build something indestructible, aren't you?

'Joke's on you—I really am just building a commercial center.'

"Oh? Wood Release is quite rare," Mufasa mused. "Aside from the First Hokage, no one else has been known to use it."

He gave Yamato an approving nod. "You're quite talented."

Yamato bowed slightly. "Thank you, sir."

Mufasa: "How do we assist you?"

Yamato: "Just provide the construction layout and clear the designated area."

Mufasa called over Temari, who handed Yamato the blueprints.

The initial plan was simple:

A commercial building with three storefronts.

A second, three-story building for staff housing.

Three large warehouses.

After reviewing the plans, Yamato assessed his chakra reserves.

"It'll take about seven days."

Mufasa nodded, pleased. "Let's start then. Begin with the commercial building—it'll be in use soon."

The team cleared an area along the riverbank, then stepped back as Yamato pressed his palms to the ground.

Wood Release: Serial Pillar Houses Jutsu.

A deep rumble echoed as thick tree trunks sprouted from the earth, intertwining and rapidly expanding. Within moments, a fully formed three-story building stood tall.

Mufasa clapped. "Impressive, Yamato!"

Then he smirked. "Do you take commissions?"

Yamato hesitated, his face pale. "What…for?"

Mufasa grinned. "Sand Ninja Village lacks greenery. How about planting some trees for us? How much do you charge?"

Yamato stared, horrified.

He wants me to plant trees… in the desert?

The thought alone made him collapse.

Mufasa chuckled. "Did I scare him that badly?"

Kakashi sighed, lifting the unconscious Yamato. "We'll let him rest."

Mufasa nodded. "Alright, take care of him. I'll need his help later."

Kakashi nodded "Just say the word." As he flickered away with Yamato in tow.

Mufasa turned to Temari. "Get the jōnin to start decorating the storefronts. We launch the trade fair in two days."

Temari nodded eagerly, "Yes, boss!"

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Word count: 1745

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