Chapter 2: A Pay-to-Win Trash Game
Kazekage Building.
A massive sand fortress shaped vaguely like a gourd—though, to be fair, nearly every structure in the Hidden Sand Village was built like this. The Land of Wind was battered by constant sandstorms, and fortress-like designs helped resist the harsh climate.
Led by a jonin, Rasa entered the Kazekage Building's conference room. The tan walls were made from compacted sand, as usual. The chairs and tables, though plain, were some of the most "refined" furnishings the village had to offer.
There were plenty of skilled carpenters in the village—some of the best in the entire ninja world, in fact. The only issue? A serious lack of wood. With almost no trees around, woodworking couldn't flourish. A real shame, honestly.
And if even the things Suna could make for itself couldn't be replaced in time… well, it was a clear sign just how bad things had gotten.
Rasa looked around at the village higher-ups already gathered in the room. There weren't many. Just as he remembered—Suna didn't have much talent left. Most of the older generation had died in previous wars. The few survivors had retired or gone into seclusion, weary of life in the unforgiving sands.
Even advisors Chiyo and her brother Ebizō had been planning to retire—until their grandson disappeared. For now, they'd put retirement on hold to search for him.
Sasori… He was supposed to be the pillar of the next generation. If not for his descent into darkness, Suna's future wouldn't be so grim. Now, the strongest remaining ninja was just a jonin.
Of course, Sasori and Rasa now had a blood feud between them. After all, Sasori had murdered the Third Kazekage—Rasa's own teacher.
But Rasa… wasn't quite Rasa. And now wasn't the time to pick fights with Chiyo or Ebizō.
The Third Great Ninja War was coming.
"Rasa, please sit."
Chiyo greeted him with a kind smile. But as she looked around at the aging, understaffed Hidden Sand Village, a quiet sigh escaped her lips.
If only her grandson were still here… He might have become the next Kazekage's right hand—or even the Kazekage himself, if no other suitable candidate appeared.
But this wasn't the time for wishful thinking.
Suna was on the brink of collapse.
After losing both previous ninja wars, the Daimyo of the Land of Wind had grown fed up with backing losers. He began slashing Suna's funding year by year, which forced the village to reduce its own ninja numbers. Combine that with the brutal environment, low birth rate, and even lower survival rate…
This outcome was inevitable.
The only true "accident" was the sudden disappearance of the Third Kazekage. Without a strong leader to step up in time, the entire village was now paralyzed—directionless.
As the hour grew late, Chiyo's expression turned serious.
"I know the loss of the Third Kazekage hit you hard," she began gently. "But right now…"
She gave a bitter smile, her voice tinged with helplessness.
"You've seen the situation. We've received intel from spies: the Land of Lightning has begun large-scale military mobilization. The atmosphere in Kumogakure is tense. We believe…"
She looked Rasa directly in the eyes.
"…they plan to strike while we're vulnerable."
And then—
"Chiyo!" Ebizō, still gray-haired and long past his prime, chimed in. "It's not just the Land of Lightning. There are signs of movement from Kusagakure too—Konoha's ally. It's possible even the Leaf might get involved. Maybe all five great nations will join in."
"Another war is coming."
The Third Great Ninja War.
After all, the other nations wouldn't just sit back and let Kumo gobble up the Land of Wind uncontested.
"I know," Chiyo said with a weary nod. "But this isn't news we can share publicly. The village is already on edge. If this spreads… panic will follow."
"We'll keep it under wraps for now. As long as we can."
"…Yeah, you're right," Ebizō muttered, nodding. Then he glanced at Rasa, whose expression hadn't changed.
Not bad, he thought. Still calm after hearing this. That's the disciple of the Third Kazekage, alright.
He paused, then continued.
"You probably know why we summoned you."
"War preparations?" Rasa replied.
"Exactly," Chiyo said with a sigh. "We can't ignore the Land of Lightning. Kumo won't let this opportunity slip."
It was more than just countries warring—it was ninja villages clashing.
"At this point, Ebizō and I will lead a defensive force to block any sudden attacks from the east. As for you…"
She gave him a look of heavy responsibility.
"…among the younger generation, only you and Pakura are capable of leading troops."
She pointed at the sand map on the table, at the area bordering the Land of Earth.
"I want you to lead a defensive force here. Guard the border against Iwa and Kusagakure. As for Pakura…"
Across the room stood Pakura—wearing tight-fitting ninja gear that showed off her striking figure, her hair tied up in twin buns. She turned to Chiyo, awaiting her orders.
"You'll be assigned to monitor Kirigakure across the sea. We don't know if they'll get involved, but we can't leave that flank unguarded. If the war breaks out for real…"
Chiyo shook her head again, smiling bitterly.
"We're in deep trouble."
Suna was broke, short on manpower, and leaderless. If war broke out, she didn't even want to imagine the result.
A village without a Kage.
How could its ninja have peace of mind?
"I'll do everything I can to hold off the Lightning troops," Ebizō said. "All of you—do your best to survive this war."
He chuckled like an old man trying to lighten the mood, but no one was in the mood for jokes.
Pakura gave a sharp nod. "I swear to defend the Hidden Sand Village with my life!"
And as for Rasa…
He wanted to say no. Honestly, he'd even come up with excuses to resign from the ninja ranks. He didn't want this life. He was Rasa—and also not. But even so… how could he just walk away?
This was a village he'd lived in for more than 20 years. He had memories here. Friends. A fiancée.
Even if he was scared of war…
Even if his so-called "golden finger" system was pure trash—only pay-to-win, no grind. No free-to-play strength gains. No hope of zero-cost power-ups.
He still couldn't abandon the village.
So, with the same calm, unreadable expression as ever, he gave a short nod.
"Understood."