Hey guys, here is the new chapter hope you will liked and read thru everything.
If we hit 300 PW I post a extra chapter
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The return of the Shadows of the Desert to Sunagakure was marked by a silence of expectance. Malenia Chinoike walked in the midst of the imposing warriors, her gaze fixed on the horizon where the silhouette of the village began to rise among the dunes.
What she saw left her breathless. She expected to find a more ordinary village, like the few she had seen in her life, but it was not so. The outer wall seemed to flash under the sunlight hitting the crystal that reinforced it, creating a barrier of light that made it impossible to see anything beyond it.
Upon entering, even the five Shadows were a bit surprised. The wall was entirely different now, and the sight of houses being actively rebuilt alongside the main streets let them know that something major had happened during their time away on the mission.
But what truly captured the attention of Malenia along with the rest, forcing them to stop for a second, was the new structure rising in the center of Suna: the Kazekage's Tower.
Before the five Shadows had left for their mission, the Kazekage's tower was a boring structure—a monotonous mass of brown stone and packed sand that blended seamlessly into the arid landscape. Now, under whatever improvement or incident had occurred, the tower had been transformed into an imposing work of art. The entire exterior structure was coated in a thick, polished layer of reflective crystal that shone under the desert sun like a giant diamond. It stood out, it gleamed, and it sent a clear message to anyone who approached: Sunagakure was no longer hiding in the sand; now it resplended above it.
"Wow," Malenia whispered, her scarlet eyes fixed on the flash of the crystal. "Your Kazekage truly has an extravagant taste."
"That's not just for aesthetics, girl," Kaito replied, adjusting the Kabutowari on his back with a practiced movement. "That Crystal Style reinforces the physical structure of the tower. It makes it practically harder to tear down. Though... it wasn't like this when we left."
The group advanced toward the main entrance. As they crossed the threshold, the Sand ninjas immediately squared up upon recognizing the Shadows of the Desert. Nobody stopped them, nobody asked for identification. The respect and rank imposed by the elite unit opened a clean path for them through the crystal hallways until they reached the massive door of the Kazekage's office.
Baki stepped forward and knocked on the reinforced wood with three firm raps.
"Come in," a deep, clear, and serene voice resonated from within.
As the doors opened, the group entered the vast office. Behind a wooden desk, Daigo received them. He did not wear ceremonial robes, but rather a dark outfit that denoted functionality. Looking at the Kazekage for the first time, Malenia analyzed every detail. She expected a monstrous man, an older man based on the rumors whispered in the lands she came from, but she ran into a young man with fine features, undeniably handsome, whose presence gave off a magnetic calm. She could easily say he looked about her same age. The only truly striking feature that made his face look more masculine was his right eye: a carved crystal gem that gleamed with an intense, mystical light.
Kisame was the first to break the formality, stepping forward with Samehada still resting on his shoulder.
"What on earth happened in the village while we were away, Daigo?" the swordsman asked with a shark-like grin, looking at the reflection on the walls. "This looks like a completely new place, and at the same time, like a battlefield."
Daigo set aside the paperwork he was reviewing and flashed a slight smile.
"Well, a lot of things. The Seven-Tails escaped its sealing and caused some trouble, but not much more than that. We've already rebuilt almost everything and improved it," the Kazekage replied, before shifting his gaze directly toward the white-haired young woman standing behind Kisame. Daigo's single eye seemed to gleam slightly upon seeing the girl. "But before we catch up on internal affairs, who is our guest?"
Malenia stepped forward, straightening her posture and holding the Sand leader's gaze without showing a single shred of submission.
"My name is Malenia Chinoike, current leader of the Chinoike clan," she introduced herself with a firm voice. "I came here by my own free will alongside your men because I demand to clarify the terms of the deal offered to us in the Valley of Death."
Daigo listened to her attentively, leaning his elbows on the desk.
"Clarify?" Daigo asked, slightly confused. "I understand that the scroll I gave my ninjas specified everything with absolute clarity. You are offered asylum, a safe home, supplies, and the integration of your capable members as citizens and ninjas of Suna. Nothing of what is written has changed, nor will it change."
Hearing the direct and sharp response of the Kazekage, Malenia felt a slight sting of internal embarrassment. She felt a bit stupid for having traveled all the way here just to hear that the deal was exactly the one she already held in her hands—a fair agreement with no fine print. However, she wouldn't let her pride break. Looking straight into Daigo's eyes, a bold, extreme, and desperate idea crossed her mind. It was a political gamble to secure the future of her clan.
"I understand," Malenia said, keeping her expression completely serious and cold. "The deal is fair. However, I have one final proposal to formally accept my clan joining Sunagakure. But it is an non-negotiable condition: I must speak with you alone. Just you and me in this room."
The girl's words provoked an immediate reaction of curiosity in the office. Kisame raised an eyebrow with amusement, Kaito narrowed his eyes analyzing the situation, and Baki remained motionless, waiting for the reaction of his leader and friend. Daigo stared intently at Malenia. He could note the sheer determination in her crimson eyes. The young woman seemed a bit older than him, and that audacity sparked his interest. He made a subtle wave with his right hand toward his ninjas.
"Leave us alone," Daigo ordered calmly.
"As you command, Daigo-sama," Baki replied, being the first to turn around.
Kisame let out a low chuckle as he passed by the girl. "Don't try anything weird, kid. The boss isn't someone easy to handle."
The Shadows of the Desert left the office, closing the heavy crystal doors behind them, leaving the room in absolute silence. Daigo leaned back in his seat, intertwining his fingers.
"Alright, Malenia. We are alone now," Daigo said, inviting her to speak with a nod of his head. "Tell me, what is this final proposal?"
Malenia took a deep breath, tossing aside any trace of doubt. She took two steps toward the desk, staring straight at him, completely devoid of any visible emotion on her face.
"My proposal is simple and direct," the young woman declared with a clear voice. "I want you to have a child with me. If my clan is going to join the Sand, I need to ensure that our bloodline does not go extinct. Not all members of the Chinoike clan are capable of awakening the Ketsuryūgan in the future due to the weakness of our current lineage. If I mix my blood with yours—with the overwhelming power you possess and your heritage—the heir of our clan will be the strongest to have ever existed. It is a marriage of convenience to strengthen Suna and save my clan."
Daigo froze in his seat. His eyes widened a bit more with genuine surprise. Throughout his time in this world, he had expected assassination attempts, political betrayals, monetary demands, or territorial grievances, but never a direct proposal for reproduction in their very first meeting.
For a brief second, Daigo evaluated the situation purely objectively. Malenia was a beautiful, determined woman with a unique Dōjutsu genetic trait in the ninja world and an impressive willpower. In the cold and calculating world of the shinobi, a blood pact of that nature was a masterstroke to consolidate a clan's loyalty. Perhaps, if he hadn't met Pakura, if his heart didn't already belong to the fierce user of the Scorch Style, he would have accepted the proposal out of pure strategic benefit for the village. But things were different. He loved Pakura, and he was not willing to betray her trust or his own feelings for a political alliance.
Without saying a single word, Daigo slowly stood up from his chair. He walked around the side of the desk and made a subtle hand gesture to Malenia, indicating for her to follow him.
Thinking that the Kazekage had accepted the proposal and was preparing to seal the pact, Malenia stepped forward with firm paces. However, before she could get close enough to touch him, Daigo raised a hand, stopping her at a respectful distance.
"Hold your steps right there," Daigo said in a soft but firm tone.
With a fluid movement, Daigo extended his left arm and threw the main office window wide open. A gust of warm wind swept into the room, bringing with it the echoes of labor, the laughter of children in the streets, and a panoramic view of all of Sunagakure resplending under the late afternoon light. Malenia looked outside, visibly confused by Daigo's gesture.
Daigo turned back to face her.
"Your proposal proves that you are a leader willing to do whatever it takes for the future of your people, and I deeply respect that, Malenia," Daigo began, looking over the vastness of the village. "However, what you ask is completely impossible for me. I am currently with someone. I love a woman from this village, and I plan to marry her very soon. I am not going to break my loyalty to her for a blood agreement."
Malenia remained silent, processing the Kazekage's words. In her mind, powerful men in the ninja world usually took whatever they wanted, viewing women as political tools or trophies. Seeing such a young Kage reject such a powerful genetic alliance out of pure fidelity to his partner caught her completely off guard.
Out of pure instinct, Malenia activated her Ketsuryūgan for a fraction of a second, analyzing Daigo's chakra flow at close range. What she felt sent a shiver through her. Daigo's chakra was no ordinary river; it was a dense mass, a giant and perfect storm of energy that seemed connected to the earth itself. It was an overwhelming force, destructive yet entirely controlled. The combination of his immense power with that unyielding loyalty didn't push her away; on the contrary, it sparked a deep sense of admiration and a much more profound interest within her.
With a solemn gesture, Malenia took a step back and formally knelt before the Kazekage, bowing her head in a sign of absolute submission and respect.
"I, Malenia Chinoike, leader of the Chinoike clan, formally accept your invitation," she declared with a solemn voice. "From this moment on, my clan belongs to Sunagakure, and I become your sword to serve you in whatever your will dictates."
Daigo nodded with a satisfied expression, extending his hand to signal for her to stand up.
"Welcome to Sunagakure, Malenia," Daigo said in a warm tone. "I hope you and your people feel comfortable here. You won't have to hide in the darkness ever again. I will speak directly with Rasa so he can help you with the logistics and the safe relocation of your entire clan from the Valley of Death."
Malenia stood up, brushing the invisible dust off her knees. She walked toward the door, but right before placing her hand on the handle, she stopped. She turned slightly back toward Daigo, a playful and defiant smile gracing her lips, her scarlet eyes gleaming with mischief.
"I appreciate your generosity, Kazekage-sama," Malenia said in a teasing tone. "But let me warn you about one thing... I haven't given up on you yet. Weddings can be delayed, and the future takes many twists and turns. We shall see what happens."
Without waiting for a response, Malenia opened the door and walked out of the office with a firm, decided stride.
Daigo was left alone in the room. He let out a long sigh of exhaustion, running a hand through his hair while shaking his head. "Women... they truly are the hardest enemy to predict in this world," he muttered to himself with a resigned smile.
A few seconds later, the door burst open again. The five Shadows of the Desert walked back in a line, wearing expressions that blended pure curiosity with contained amusement. Kisame was practically leaning over the desk trying to read his leader's face.
"Well then, Daigo-sama," Kisame said with a teasing grin. "What did you two talk about so secretly? The girl walked out with a very interesting look on her face."
Daigo returned to his seat, regaining his serious and professional composure, deliberately ignoring his subordinates' insinuations.
"The Chinoike clan will formally join Sunagakure," Daigo announced, cutting straight to the chase. "They have already accepted the terms of the scroll. However, due to the weakened condition of their members, I will need at least two of you to return immediately to assist Malenia and Rasa with the safe relocation of all their people across the borders."
Daigo scanned the elite group before making a decision.
"Genta, Yura. You two will be in charge of escorting the relocation," the Kazekage ordered. "I want you to ensure that no bounty hunters or rogue ninjas try to take advantage of the clan's vulnerability during the journey."
"Understood, Daigo-sama," Genta replied, nodding seriously as the invisible sparks of his Lightning Style completely faded.
"We'll make sure they arrive without a single scratch," Yura assured, adjusting the Kubikiribōchō.
Both ninjas made a formal bow and left the office, eager to catch a brief rest before embarking on the trek back to the valley.
Now, with the room occupied only by Kisame, Kaito, and Baki, the atmosphere of the office shifted drastically. Daigo leaned forward, resting his intertwined hands on the desk. His expression turned extremely grave, and his right crystal eye gleamed with a sharper intensity that erased any trace of lightness from the room.
"Now that it's just those of us who remain, I have a top-priority mission for the three of you," Daigo began, lowering his voice. "An SS-rank mission that must be handled under the strictest secrecy."
Kisame, Kaito, and Baki instantly snapped into high-alert stances, paying absolute attention to their leader's words.
"I need you to undertake a research expedition toward the western side of our desert," Daigo explained, pointing to a specific, faded spot on an ancient geological map he spread across the table. "Your primary objective is to locate the underground ruins of the ancient city of Rōran."
"Rōran..." Kaito repeated with puzzlement. "I understand that city was abandoned and destroyed generations ago, left buried by the sandstorms of the west. There are no trade routes or apparent strategic military value in that dead zone. Why are we looking for a ghost city, Daigo-sama?"
"Listen well," Daigo warned, fixing his gaze on the three ninjas. "Your only task in this phase is to scout the terrain and locate the entrance to the ruins. Under no circumstances are you to attempt to explore the deep levels of the city on your own once you find it. Simply locate the place and secure the perimeter."
"If it's an SS-rank mission, there must be something of extreme importance hidden beneath that sand," Baki deduced in his usual monotonous, direct tone.
"Exactly," Daigo confirmed, crossing his arms. "Rōran hides a vital secret. It is a fundamental piece of critical importance for Sunagakure to advance with the final phase of our urban development and industrialization plans. What we obtain from that place will guarantee the future of our nation far above all the other Great Hidden Villages. We cannot allow Konoha or any other power to suspect we are moving toward that sector."
Kisame let out a low laugh, stroking the hilt of Samehada, which seemed to emit a slight purr beneath its bandages.
"A secret expedition into the deep desert... sounds like my kind of job," the Mist swordsman said. "But boss, we just got back from a long mission in a canyon reeking of sulfur. My muscles need a breather before I start swallowing sand again."
"I know," Daigo nodded with understanding. "The mission will officially begin in forty-eight hours. You have all of tomorrow completely free to rest, restock your supplies, sharpen your weapons, and prepare adequately. Kaito, I want you to use that time to chart the most efficient navigation route, avoiding the desert sandworm nests to the west."
"Understood, Daigo-sama. Tomorrow morning I will have the travel calculations and weather contingencies ready," Kaito replied with a bow.
"We will prepare accordingly," Baki concluded.
The three remaining members of the Shadows of the Desert performed a formal military salute and left the office, the crystal doors closing softly behind them.
Daigo was left once more in the solitude of his office. He stood up from his seat and walked back over to the large open window. He observed the lights of Sunagakure starting to ignite one by one under the starlit blanket of the desert night.
The threads of his strategy were moving in perfect synchronization: the Chinoike clan would arrive to strengthen the ranks of his army, contributing a lethal Dōjutsu for internal security, while his best ninjas set out toward the west to unlock the gates of the Ryūmyaku.
End of Chapter