Naruto's Strongest Force

Land of Wind, Sunagakure.

"This is sour plum juice, this is grass jelly, and this is herbal tea."

Yamaki handed a series of booklets to Rasa.

"These include dessert categories, peach gum, glutinous rice, cough remedies, and poria paste..."

"These are detailed recipes."

Rasa, holding the stack of booklets, quickly recognized their commercial value due to his strategic insight as the village leader.

"I've selected these because they suit the climate of the Land of Wind. Find trustworthy people to run these businesses, and we'll split the profits."

Rasa frowned. "What's your objective?"

Yamaki smiled. "You are the leader of a village. With your promotion, we Uchihas can earn more. Consider it finding an ally for our clan."

Yamaki emphasized "we Uchihas" deliberately.

Rasa understood. The Uchihas were currently dominant in Konoha, both economically and in terms of high-end combat power, surpassing the entire village. However, Konoha's combined forces of various ninja clans still needed to improve their overall strength.

What the Uchihas needed more of was development.

Even though Fugaku had stepped down from his position as the head of the Police Force, as long as the Uchihas had money, they could provide resources to other clans.

The election of the Hokage was not solely based on prior authority. If you could offer sufficient benefits, you could be elected even if you were previously a commoner.

Rasa had become Kazekage due to his significant contributions during the Third Shinobi World War.

Fugaku had already demonstrated his strength as a Mangekyou Sharingan wielder. Since the Third Hokage was suppressing him in terms of power, the Uchihas were now focusing on economic development to compete for the Hokage position.

Yamaki, as the deputy leader of the Uchihas, offered significant benefits during his visit to Sunagakure. Yamaki alone resolved the sealing issue, which had troubled the entire village.

Rasa had many people check Yamaki's sealing technique and confirmed that it was unique. Yamaki genuinely came with good intentions. Now, Gaara could freely converse with Shukaku, eliminating the risk of rampages. This reconciliation also made Rasa realize many of his previous mistakes, even though the process was uncomfortable.

However, circumstances were compelling. The rules were set by the strong. Besides, Yamaki was merely seeking an ally for the Uchihas.

Seeing the mutual benefits, Rasa found no reason to refuse.

"Alright! I agree. As long as I am Kazekage, Sunagakure will be the staunchest ally of the Uchihas."

Yamaki smiled.

"Now that we've discussed business, let's talk about personal matters." With Rasa's promise secured, Yamaki relaxed in his chair.

"Oh?"

Yamaki continued, "Although the ninja world has seen three great wars, there are still many ambitious individuals. While Gaara's seal is now stable, as a Jinchuriki, he will inevitably be targeted."

Rasa listened attentively. The Land of Wind was among the poorer nations. The Daimyo was indifferent to governance, and Sunagakure's budget had been consistently cut. Even Rasa had to work as a gold miner to supplement the village's finances. Without his unique ability, he might never have become Kazekage.

Jinchuriki were supposed tconsidered weapons, but Sunagakure needed more skilled sealers. This led to Shukaku being more of a burden than an asset. Bunpuku managed Shukaku well, with a pure heart that earned Shukaku's respect. However, political infighting led to Bunpuku's imprisonment until his death, wasting many opportunities.

Yamaki said, "We Uchihas have reliable information about a powerful organization targeting the Tailed Beasts. Their strength is such that their plans could impact not just Konoha and Sunagakure but several villages."

"And Gaara is part of their plan."

Rasa didn't ask for the source of Yamaki's information, respecting it as a secret. But the thought of Gaara being targeted for extraction, which would mean his death, made Rasa uneasy.

"Mr. Yamaki, what do you suggest?"

Yamaki replied, "I believe in Gaara's talent. He hasn't received proper education due to frequent rampages. Over the next few years, Kazekage-sama should focus on nurturing Gaara to prepare for the inevitable disaster. With his potential, Gaara could be the best candidate for the next Kazekage."

Rasa was moved. He had always believed in his son's talent, but having someone like Yamaki, an influential figure, affirmed it meant a lot. Yamaki's strength was evident, and his endorsement of Gaara was significant.

"Rest assured, Mr. Yamaki. I will ensure Gaara receives the best training."

"I came here not just for business cooperation but also to bring you this warning so you can be prepared."

Rasa felt a growing unease. As the deputy leader of the Uchiha and a Mangekyou Sharingan wielder, Yamaki's words carried weight. Yet, the organization targeting the Tailed Beasts hadn't revealed itself, leaving Rasa with lingering worries.

After concluding his business, Yamaki didn't linger long and soon departed. His main goal in the Land of Wind was to establish a positive relationship with Gaara, and he hoped to recruit him into his faction.

With Obito already causing trouble in Kirigakure, Yamaki knew time was running out. He carefully examined a map, noting that his following targets were in the Lands of Grass and Waterfalls. The Land of Water, rich in talent, was isolated overseas, requiring a journey across the Land of Rivers and the Land of Fire. From the Land of Hot Water a sea voyage lasting several months would be needed to reach the Land of Water.

While the alliance between Konoha and Sunagakure provided a convenient route, other nations were less accessible.

Yamaki sighed.

I have to send Itachi on a mission. I'll head to the Land of Water myself.

Seeing the vast, empty desert, Yamaki quickly wrote on a scroll, instructing Itachi to recruit Karin from the Land of Grass and Jugo from the Land of Waterfalls. Both would be crucial to Orochimaru's research.

Yamaki formed a hand seal.

Summoning Jutsu!

With a puff of smoke, a crow appeared.

"Deliver this message to Itachi," Yamaki instructed.

"Ah... Ah..."

The crow, unable to speak, quickly disappeared.

The Uchiha clan had always had good relations with ninja cats and crows, and Yamaki chose the latter. For him, the most valuable aspects of summoning jutsu were communication and reverse summoning.

He usually used a ninja cat to communicate with the clan. Now, traveling alone, he relied on the crow to exchange information with Itachi.