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The reign of the Fourth Kazekage Rasa began under the shadow of war, and efficiency became the supreme rule. To quickly boost morale—which had plummeted due to the Third Kazekage's disappearance and Kumogakure's sneak attack—and to reward shinobi who had performed outstandingly in the recent defense of the village, a batch of promotion orders was quickly approved and issued.
On this day, Sayo and a group of Genin from his generation were summoned to the plaza in front of the Kazekage Building. The sun scorched the sandy ground, and the air was filled with a mix of anticipation and solemnity. An Anbu Jōnin directly under the Kazekage stood at the front, expressionlessly unfurling a scroll to read the merits of the promoted aloud.
"...Genin Xu, during the Southeast Defense Battle, successfully worked with allies to contain one enemy Chūnin, displaying bravery—awarded one commendation."
"...Genin Lucado, during the search mission on the border of the Land of Rivers, utilized Earth Release for effective defense, protecting his teammates—awarded one commendation."
As each name was read, the Genin called could not hide their excitement. Sayo stood quietly in the crowd, his mood relatively calm. He didn't have much obsession with the title itself; he cared more about the resource permissions and the freer mission choices it would bring, which would finally allow him to implement the "Mirage" plan.
Finally, the voice of the Anbu Jōnin sounded again, calling his name.
"...Genin Sayo, during multiple border skirmishes, efficiently completed reconnaissance, trap deployment, and tactical support using self-made puppets; during the Southeast Defense Battle, he independently wounded two Kumogakure Chūnin, effectively supporting the flank defense. Overall assessment: Outstanding merit, hereby promoted to Chūnin!"
As the voice faded, many envious and admiring gazes were cast his way. Sayo's performance, especially his elusive puppets and precise tactical coordination, had long spread among his peers.
"Sayo! That's great!" Xu, standing beside him, couldn't help but cheer quietly.
After the ceremony, Sayo was about to leave when he was stopped by a member of the Puppet Squad: "Chūnin Sayo, Elder Chiyo requests your presence."
Arriving at Elder Chiyo's residence, the elderly woman was sitting at a desk with several complex puppet parts, looking distracted. Seeing Sayo enter, she looked up, a trace of complex emotion on her face.
"Elder Chiyo." Sayo bowed respectfully.
"You've been promoted to Chūnin. Congratulations, Sayo." Her tone was steady, but Sayo could sense the turmoil beneath the surface. He knew the elderly woman was seeing another person through him—her missing grandson, Sasori.
Chiyo looked at Sayo, a child who had inherited some of her and Sasori's techniques. But her joy was overshadowed. Linking Sasori's disappearance with the Third Kazekage's vanishing, a chilling suspicion was coiling around Chiyo's heart. The nearly perfect cleanup of the scene—something only an elite puppeteer could achieve—pointed toward the possibility she least wanted to believe.
"Promotion to Chūnin signifies greater responsibility," Chiyo said, her tone becoming serious again. "The war is not over. Use your talent well, and do not stray down the wrong path."
These words were both encouragement and a profound warning.
"Yes, I understand." Sayo nodded solemnly.
Returning home, his father Sharyu had already prepared a celebratory meal. He looked at his son in the Chūnin vest, his eyes moist. "Good boy! You've grown up! If your mother could see this... she would be proud."
That night, Sayo sat alone at his workbench. Beside his Chūnin certificate lay the design blueprint for the "Mirage."
The promotion was a new starting point. It brought recognition, but more importantly, it gave him the authority to requisition higher-grade materials—like high-purity chakra-conductive ores and rare magnetic minerals.
He touched the streamlined outline on the blueprint, his gaze resolute. The shadow of war remained thick, and future challenges would only increase. He needed to turn the concept in his mind into reality.
"Mirage..." he murmured softly. "Next, it is time for you to truly be born."
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