Sunagakure — inside the council chamber.
Unlike Konoha's face-to-face meeting hall, the Sand Village held their discussions around a vast circular table.
This time, most of the senior shinobi of Sunagakure had already taken their seats. Only two chairs remained empty: those belonging to Baki, and to the Kazekage himself.
Not long ago, it had been announced that Baki was slain by two of Konoha's most infamous missing-nin — Uchiha Itachi and Uchiha Kenya. Word spread quickly after that: Kenya himself had been killed by the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa.
As Rasa had anticipated, the news stirred both grief and fury among Sunagakure's shinobi. Yet beneath that anger lay a grudging admiration for the rogue who dared challenge Konoha and still forced their Kazekage to act personally.
Baki had been to Sunagakure what Kakashi was to Konoha — a pillar of strength and guidance. If Kakashi had fallen in Konoha, the grief would have been immeasurable. So too was Baki's loss.
The doors opened. Rasa entered calmly and took his seat at the head of the table. His tone was steady and indifferent as he spoke:
"Everyone is here? …It is unfortunate that Baki has departed forever."
An elder woman leaned forward, her voice sharp:
"And how does the Kazekage intend to handle this matter? Konoha failed to control their renegade ninja, resulting in the death of one of our own. They cannot escape responsibility."
"Of course," Rasa replied without hesitation. "I have already sent a personal letter with Anbu to Konoha. Sarutobi Hiruzen will respond quickly. When the time comes, I will ensure we gain the greatest possible benefit from this tragedy — just as the Fourth Raikage did five years ago."
At his words, the council was reminded of the infamous Hyūga Incident five years prior — a dark stain forever branded onto Konoha's history.
Another elder cleared his throat.
"If the Kazekage has already seen to that, then we can rest assured. However, another pressing issue remains — the matter of succession. Who will take Baki's place?"
Baki had been no ordinary shinobi. As Rasa's right hand and Minister of Shinobi Affairs, his position was second only to the Kazekage himself. Now that he was gone, the question of inheritance loomed heavily.
Many of the elite jōnin sitting around the table were already harboring ambitions, their eyes fixed on the vacant seat.
Among them was Pakura of the Scorch Release — one of Sunagakure's most respected kunoichi. Though she had little interest in power, even she was curious who Rasa would choose. After all, besides Rasa himself, there were few in the village who could stand above her.
"Regarding this matter…" Rasa's voice trailed off. He looked toward the door and spoke firmly:
"Come in."
The door creaked open. A shinobi stepped inside clad in the armor of Sunagakure's Anbu. Unlike Konoha's animal masks or the grim ghost masks worn by other Sand Anbu, this one wore a plain white mask and carried a single sword at his side.
Rasa introduced him without delay:
"This is a confidant who has served me in secret for many years, code-named Aizen. Now that Baki has fallen, I believe he is the most suitable successor."
The council chamber rippled with unease. Frowns appeared one after another.
"Aizen?"
No one had heard of such a man.
An elite jōnin rose, his expression doubtful.
"Kazekage-sama, I have served Sunagakure for many years, yet I have never once heard this name."
"That," Rasa explained calmly, "is because his service was in the shadows. He has contributed greatly to the growth and security of our village, no less than Konoha's Shimura Danzō."
Another elder shook his head.
"Even so, placing an unknown figure in such a vital position… it will be hard to convince the rest of the village."
"That's right, Kazekage-sama," others joined in.
"Baki's post cannot simply be handed to a nameless man."
"Please reconsider!"
The protests grew louder. For many, this seemed like nothing more than favoritism — letting a hidden subordinate take one of the highest seats of power.
Rasa only smiled faintly.
"In that case, let him prove himself in front of the village."
His golden eyes swept the chamber before settling on Pakura.
"Among those present, there are few who can compare to Pakura. Therefore… she will face Aizen. Should she win, the position of Minister shall be hers."
The murmurs stilled. This was fair. Pakura's achievements and skill were undeniable — if she claimed the title through victory, few would object.
Pakura's gaze sharpened. She studied the masked shinobi for a moment before replying coldly:
"If it is the Kazekage's will, I shall comply."
Not long after, Sunagakure was buzzing with excitement. Word of the duel spread quickly.
Not only shinobi but also villagers gathered at the public training grounds on the mountain behind the village to witness the event.
Temari, who had just turned twelve and recently graduated from the Academy, tugged on her younger brother's sleeve.
"Kankurō, what's going on?"
"You didn't hear?" Kankurō replied, adjusting the puppet strapped to his back. "Lady Pakura is going to fight some guy for Baki's position. The winner takes the seat. Everyone's curious, so they're heading to watch."
He was already eager to rush to the training ground when Temari grabbed his arm.
"Wait! Take Gaara with you."
Kankurō froze, then frowned in disgust.
"Are you serious? You want me to drag along that monster—"
"He's still our brother," Temari snapped, glaring.