The ceiling was unusually white.
The hospital beds in Sunagakure… also felt a little too hard.
Lying there, thinking back to last night's race, Jiraiya couldn't help but suck in a sharp breath as he gently rubbed the spot around his ribs.
After all these years… Tsunade had sent him to the hospital again.
He let out a nostalgic sigh.
"Man… that really brings back memories."
"???"
Lying in the adjacent bed, his temporary roommate Kakashi blinked in confusion and looked over at Jiraiya.
What… is going on with Lord Jiraiya?
He's holding his side with this strange, fond look on his face.
Nostalgic for what?
For getting his ribs smashed?
Kakashi's expression shifted subtly with concern.
Did Tsunade-sama knock him silly this time?
"Hahaha! Really though, thanks to you, Kakashi," Jiraiya suddenly burst into hearty laughter, "You actually came early and reserved a bed. Even saved one for me. That's the kind of foresight I expect from ANBU's genius!"
"…Haha."
What does being an ANBU genius have to do with reserving hospital beds…?
Kakashi rolled his eyes and gave a dry chuckle. Then, brows furrowing slightly, he asked, "What about Tsunade-sama…?"
"It's fine, it's fine! Second place isn't bad either," Jiraiya waved it off like it was no big deal. "50 million still a decent prize. She just needed to vent, and now that's done."
Well, okay…
Now that he thought about it, it still kinda hurt.
Especially since it was his own money that got burned.
Even though he knew before the race began that Tsunade was unlikely to win, he never expected that his own loud shouting would cause her to miss the timing on unleashing the Byakugō Technique—costing her the championship.
"I thought the Star Gazaing Platform was supposed to bring happiness…"
He sighed with genuine regret.
"Why hasn't Tsunade come to visit me yet?"
At the very least she should show up with some fruit, sit by his bed with a soft expression, ask gently how he's doing, maybe even apologize for hitting him so hard… and then maybe pamper him a little, dote on him like a real patient deserves.
His face slowly twisted into a pervy grin.
"That'd be perfect…"
"…"
Watching Jiraiya chuckle to himself for no reason, Kakashi fell silent again.
Lord Jiraiya's really not right in the head right now. Maybe I should ask Tsunade-sama to check on him later…
At that moment—
Creak~
The door to the hospital room opened.
A silver-haired young man wearing glasses walked in, his face warm with a gentle smile.
"Looks like everyone's recovering well~"
...
Konoha Year 52, September 2nd.
The first-ever Ninja World 4WD Grand Prix had officially come to an end.
The winners of the Children's and General Adult categories were both from Konoha.
But the champion of the Ninja Division—was a competitor from Sunagakure.
That woman who had stunned the entire arena the moment she appeared.
Sadly, no one had seen her since the day after the finals. Not even at the awards ceremony—where a mysterious, fully-covered individual had shown up to accept the prize in her place, their gender completely obscured.
While many fans were disappointed they didn't get to see their "goddess" again, it didn't last long. The crowds quickly got swept up in Sunagakure's festive atmosphere.
The race was over, yes—
But the celebration had only just begun.
Especially after the Star God supposedly manifested over Star Gazaing Platform that night, the location became a hotspot. Countless people flocked there hoping to catch a glimpse and receive good fortune.
Unfortunately…
While some lucky souls did see something, many arrived too late and missed their chance at seeing the mysterious "Star God."
But all the excitement brought in massive profits for Sunagakure.
Most of the visitors were big spenders anyway. Whether it was gourmet food, children's toys, or so-called "Lucky Stones," the locals had one motto:
Buy, buy, buy!
Even the two symbolic trees within the village—once overlooked—became popular tourist spots. Some visitors even tossed coins at their base, making prayers or wishes.
Rasa, the Fourth Kazekage, let out a satisfied sigh as he skimmed through post-race administrative reports. Looking up at the tan, more muscular Yashamaru standing before him, he said:
"The patrols at the factory—I'm counting on you. If you need help, go ask Jōnin Kōsuna."
Ever since Yashamaru and Baki started their business venture together, he'd barely been seen in the village, holed up in the outpost factories most of the time.
It really did seem that starting a company wasn't easy.
He'd matured a lot. Compared to the pale, delicate Yashamaru from before—his skin had darkened from the sun, his body had filled out, and he'd grown taller. Gone was that youthful look, replaced with the build of a full-fledged adult.
A true buff Yashamaru.
"You'll need to shoulder more work for now. I don't have much choice—we're severely short on capable shinobi in Sunagakure."
Especially ones that met the current qualifications.
Even that Jōnin who'd been helping Ebizō with tree planting and latrine duty had been temporarily pulled back into service.
Thankfully, they still had their thousands of White Zetsu clones, keeping the village running without falling into chaos.
The White Zetsus were surprisingly effective… especially for surveillance.
"I understand, Lord Kazekage," Yashamaru replied with a calm smile. He still addressed Rasa formally while on duty. "I've already given instructions at the factory. And the Gold Panner Gift Packs sold quite well recently. Baki was thrilled. Though…"
He sighed with regret and shook his head.
"Profits from the Land of Fire have taken a nosedive over the past few months. Baki was really upset about it."
"Well, someone ran out of money. Not likely to recover anytime soon."
"???"
"It's nothing." Rasa chuckled softly, then smiled. "Tell Baki—if he wants to make real money, he'd better hurry. The tourists won't stay forever."
"Got it! I'll get back to work then."
"Go on. And when you have time, visit your sister more often. She's been complaining lately that you haven't stopped by in ages."
"Hehe… I've just been busy~"
"Come on, we all live in the same village. Don't tell me you're too busy to even drop by for five minutes?"
Watching Yashamaru awkwardly exit, Rasa sighed and shook his head.
His gaze dropped to a separate report on his desk.
"Talking glass sculptures and Lucky Stones… sales weren't half bad, huh?"
That was unexpected.
"And the racecourse Tsunade smashed on purpose… I'll have someone talk to Jiraiya about damages later."
He figured it was best to let the man rest for now.
He chuckled and flipped to the next document, then paused.
"Cloud and Stone want to establish trade agreements with us?"
Finally.
It was about time.
...
Meanwhile.
Deep beneath Sunagakure.
"Should we tell Tobi about this…?" A White Zetsu clone looked at his companions. "Seems like a bunch of ninja are planning to jump him…"
They'd already gathered data on his workplace, residence, even his commute schedule.
"From multiple villages, too."
"We just got word from the original body's spores—don't interfere," another White Zetsu raised a hand. "Even Black Zetsu agrees."
"So… we're not warning him?"
The speaker sounded hesitant.
"Nope. We say nothing."
All the other clones nodded in unison, fully complying with orders from above.