Disclaimer: Naruto and all of its character belong to Masashi Kishimoto. I own nothing but the original characters I make
Chapter 159: Conflict
In the original timeline, the conflict between Pakura and Rasa began early on because both were considered candidates for the position of Kazekage in Sunagakure.
However, the Elder Council leaned towards choosing Rasa due to his magnet release kekkei genkai, which mirrored the power of the Third Kazekage.
Although Pakura was stronger than Rasa, thanks to her unique Scorch Release that could melt even Rasa's strongest defenses, Rasa didn't lose. The battle ended in a draw as time ran out.
In the end, the Elder Council chose Rasa as the next Kazekage, a decision that shocked many people, as they had clearly seen Pakura overpower Rasa's defenses. If not the time is up, Pakura would defeat Rasa with ease.
But the higher-ups in Sunagakure understood the Council's reasoning. One of the key factors was Rasa's ability to manipulate metal ores, which could be sold to other villages. Metal was a valuable resource, necessary for creating weapons like swords and kunai, and even for civilian uses like pots and pans.
Rasa took things further by developing lighter sand to better control Shukaku. Eventually, he created something even more valuable which is gold dust. This ability made him wealthier than any previous Kazekage.
Gold was an essential part of the currency used by the people, alongside silver and bronze. Rasa's gold dust made him the wealthiest man in Sunagakure, and he used that wealth to help develop the village.
However, in this alternate timeline, Setsuna was hiding from the public. No one knew that he was aging slowly, unlike normal people. His body had developed to a level akin to that of the Otsutsuki, whose slow aging was one of their traits.
---Shakudo POV---
But that was in the original timeline. In this timeline, the battle between Pakura and Rasa still happened, but the result was different. Since they were quite young, the battle was fought fiercely, and they ended in a draw. There is no time limit both of them are just too tired to continue fighting each other.
"Rasa and Pakura," muttered Shakudo, the Third Kazekage, as he reviewed the list of new-generation shinobi.
These two had outperformed everyone in the tests, both possessing unique and rare kekkei genkai.
Most shinobi in Sunagakure used poison, puppets, or fought directly with kunai. Those with kekkei genkai relied on their bloodline abilities in combat.
Shakudo had witnessed the battle between Rasa and Pakura. Although their match ended in a draw, he believed that Pakura could eventually defeat Rasa.
Her Scorch Release could melt the metal that protected Rasa. Fortunately, they were both young, meaning they could still grow much stronger.
"Kazekage-sama," said Ebizo.
"Yes, Ebizo?" the Kazekage responded, looking at him.
"What do you plan to do with those two?" asked Ebizo.
"I intend to teach both of them how to lead the village," replied the Kazekage.
"Do you want both of them to lead in the future?" Ebizo inquired.
"If possible, one will become the Kazekage, and the other will serve as a bodyguard," answered the Kazekage.
Ebizo nodded in acknowledgment. "Which one do you prefer to become the next Kazekage?" he asked.
"Pakura," said the Kazekage.
"Why her?" Ebizo was curious.
"I am a user of the magnet release kekkei genkai, and I understand its strength. Yet Pakura was able to melt Rasa's defense. If she were a bit older, she might have defeated him," explained the Kazekage.
Ebizo took a moment to process his words. "Do you believe she could become stronger than you, Kazekage?" he asked in shock.
"I don't know, but if she does, it will greatly benefit the village," the Kazekage replied.
"But, Kazekage-sama, your metal ore is helping the village's economy. The people are no longer starving and can even eat meat every day," Ebizo tried to persuade him to choose Rasa.
"It's true that the metal ore has boosted the economy, but remember this, Ebizo, the metal will eventually run out. Metal is a limited resource, even in this desert. What we need is another way to survive. If this desert could grow crops like the Land of Fire, we wouldn't need another Kazekage with the magnet release," said the Kazekage.
"Is that why you prefer Pakura?" asked Ebizo.
"Yes. But I will only teach them about the village and won't tell them that I have choosen them as a next Kazekage. Then, we'll decide who will become the next Kazekage," concluded the Kazekage.
---Hiruzen POV---
"Senju," muttered Hiruzen while caressing his chin. He had just finished another intense meeting with the clan leaders, and they had given him a headache.
They questioned Hiruzen and the elder council on how the Senju clan had found evidence that Hiruzen had favorably assigned the easiest tasks to the Sarutobi, Mitokado, Shimura, and Utatane clans.
It wouldn't be a problem if the tasks were easy, but the payment was also significantly higher. If someone else took the jobs, the payment might have been 10% to 30% lower.
Danzo tried to help, but to no avail—he failed as well. Danzo's power in the Root had only just begun, and he couldn't do anything against them. Because of this, Hiruzen compromised and promised the Senju clan that they would be the ones to manage missions in the future.
Other clans tried to protest, but the Senju clan had sacrificed the clan during first hokage era and had willingly removed their surname and become civilians, giving them the strongest reason why they should take this position. The Senju clan leader secured the role with the approval of most of the other clans present.
The power of the Hokage had been greatly reduced in this timeline, thanks to Uzumaki Mito, who no longer trusted Tobirama's students, especially after they had left Mikoto to die with Tobirama.
She was the one who pushed the new Senju clan leader to raise this issue during the meeting.
In the original timeline, she had allowed the Sarutobi, Shimura, Utatane, and Mitokado clans to grow stronger, knowing that without the backing of the clans, it wouldn't be easy for the Hokage to rule the village.
But the main reason was Kurama. His chakra could resonate well with others, allowing him to sense ill intentions, indirectly giving Mito the same ability.
In this timeline, she needed to act with her brain, not her emotions, which is why the outcome is so different.
Author Notes: Now is 30 April and next month I plan for my original novel and also new novel of fanfiction because this story is almost going to ending.
If you wanted to read 30 advanced chapter and unreleased chapter of new novel you can go to my patreon.
For free reader, I will try to write it fast and release it on 15 may or on 20 may.
-patreon.com/zorojurown