Under the vast, dark sky, two figures stood at the opening of a crescent-shaped oasis.
Despite the late hour, the area glowed with bright lights.
This oasis was a magnet for the rich and adventurous tourists seeking thrills in the desert.
They flocked here for experiences not allowed in regular cities: gambling, wild parties, and adult entertainment.
It was a super-charged version of the Land of Fire's Tanzaku Street, a place of extreme luxury and indulgence.
This oasis was in a gray area, not entirely controlled by ninjas or the Land of Wind's ruler.
Instead, it was jointly managed by important people from the Land of Wind and the powerful figures of Sunagakure.
In short, it was a lawless zone.
The rules of Sunagakure and the Land of Wind didn't apply here.
Money and power were the only things that mattered.
This oasis represented the darkest sides of the Land of Wind and Sunagakure.
It was even featured in the official novel, Gaara Hiden , as a place of sanctioned corruption.
"Why are you here?" Maki asked, her eyes showing her disgust as she looked at Sarutobi Ryo, who was disguised as her companion.
She had thought he would go straight to Sunagakure.
"Or haven't you had a bath in ages?"
Maki's voice dripped with sarcasm.
A Konoha ninja wandering around in the Land of Wind would probably get lost, right?
"I know Water Release: Waterfall Technique," Sarutobi Ryo replied calmly, glancing at her.
Water Release: Waterfall Technique was a basic C-rank ninjutsu.
In Shippuden , Yamato used it to create a waterfall for Naruto's training.
It could draw water from underground, breaking through the surface wherever there was a source.
So, with this technique, a ninja wouldn't need to worry about dying of thirst, and bathing would be simple.
Maki fell silent. Continuing the conversation would only make things worse.
Soon, at Sarutobi Ryo's insistence, Maki used a Transformation Technique. Then, with Sarutobi Ryo having also changed his appearance, they entered a fancy hotel.
Having lived her entire life in the poor village of Sunagakure, Maki had never seen such luxury.
The suited waiters and opulent lobby made her feel dizzy and deeply uncomfortable.
"W-what do you want?"
She followed Sarutobi Ryo to a table and sat down.
Sarutobi Ryo casually ordered expensive food and drinks.
Then, as Maki watched, he began to enjoy his dinner.
"Your Sunagakure has a poor economy. Even the Kazekage is very careful about what he eats, wears, and uses."
Sarutobi Ryo spoke casually, but Maki felt a growing sense of unease.
"Yet here, there's extravagance everywhere. Random people live more lavishly than the Kazekage. Have you ever wondered why?"
Konoha had Utatane Koharu, Mitokado Homura, and Danzo - three troublemakers who represented the interests of most of the clans.
And Sunagakure had more than a dozen like them!
In the story, Rasa even sacrificed Pakura to appease the Council of Elders.
This situation was not unlike what Ringo Ameyuri and Hatake Sakumo experienced.
"Half of the wealth here belongs to the Sunagakure elders. It's where the interests of many high-ranking clans lie…"
"!"
Maki's eyes widened in disbelief as she heard Sarutobi Ryo's explanation.
She wanted to argue, but she couldn't help thinking about the Third Kazekage's plan.
To remove the Council of Elders … Was that the reason?
"The basic-level ninjas in your Sunagakure fight and die every day, barely surviving. Yet the Council of Elders and their families live in luxury, owning things more extravagant than the Kazekage…"
On one side, there was starvation.
On the other, there was gold and jewels.
The contrast was stark.
"So, what do you think Sunagakure's chances are in this Great War?"
Sarutobi Ryo smirked.
With such a bunch of useless leaders, how could Sunagakure ever succeed?
"Even if what you say is true, it's Sunagakure's problem, not yours as an outsider!"
Maki's face flushed red.
Unable to find a proper argument, she declared that she was a loyal follower of the Will of Sand.
Sarutobi Ryo wasn't surprised.
After all, Pakura was betrayed and killed by Rasa and the leaders of Sunagakure.
Maki was the type of person who would tell Pakura to let go of her anger and forgive, believing that things would get better because everyone was trying... but she would never suggest change.
It reminded him of someone else. Later, everyone saw what happened. That person didn't keep his promise to Konan and Nagato to bring peace to Amegakure. Instead, Amegakure eventually… became ruins.
How ironic.
And in the novels, Sunagakure stayed the same.
The Elder Council remained, Maki was still a low-ranking ninja, and Pakura stayed dead.
Next.
Sarutobi Ryo didn't respond, instead continuing to eat his dinner carefully.
His enormous appetite amazed Maki.
After a large stack of plates had piled up, Sarutobi Ryo wiped his mouth with a silk napkin.
Then, he took Maki to the top floor in the elevator… to a suite.
The highest-end suite was incredibly lavish.
The cost per night was unbelievable.
Sarutobi Ryo wasn't simply wasting money.
This place was a no-man's land.
That made it the safest place in terms of secrecy.
Even Sunagakure ninjas wouldn't investigate here.
So, certain things could be done in secret.
As Maki looked around the room, a dangerous feeling arose behind her.
A chill ran down Maki's spine, and she turned to see Sarutobi Ryo's cold expression.
"I said before… interrogation doesn't always mean invading the mind. There are other ways."
The system prompt in his right eye was clear.
[Inject the Will of Fire into Maki]
[Reward: Magnet Release Possibility]
"You have one last chance. Use it wisely."
Sarutobi Ryo's tone softened, but the threat in his voice made Maki tremble.
Still, Maki strengthened her resolve, refusing to give in.
But soon, she would realize how wrong she was.
With her refusal, the world suddenly spun before her eyes.
Sarutobi Ryo threw her onto some furniture in the bedroom.
Her body bounced hard, and before she could react, some items the hotel provided… ropes…
They tied Maki's hands and feet.
Maki's eyes widened in terror.
The next second, in Maki's terrified gaze, the Sarutobi Clan's Summoning Weapon, Adamantine Staff… slowly rose…
*
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[T/N:
Latest Chapter translated on Patreon - Chapter Access up to Ch 224 (Vol 2 Ch 166)
Final Total Power Stone Collection : 99 PS
Goal : Reach +50 Total PS = +2 Bonus Chapters next day! 🚀
Here are the novels I'm currently translating:
-> Naruto Paradise: An Evil Uchiha's Rise
-> One Piece: I'm Destined to Be the Son-in-Law King!
-> Young Master, Please Become Hokage!
Want to support my work and get early access to chapters? Check out my Patreon! 👇
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]