Naruto: Uchiha is not Raikage!

Sharingan Genjutsu!
Kiyoshi's eye power, surpassing even the Rinnegan, is something that a ninja like Yashamaru could not possibly withstand.

Yashamaru was instantly struck by the illusion, lost consciousness, and fell into the illusion.

"Yashamaru!"

Karura exclaimed in surprise.

"Don't worry, he's fine."

Qingsi smiled.

The table was now a mess of dishes and glasses, the air thick with the lingering smells of alcohol and food. The lighting seemed to have become dim and indistinct.

Kiyoshi slowly walked to the window, turned his back to her, and looked out at the dark night sky of Sunagakure.

He didn't turn around immediately when he heard her footsteps.

Silence surged in like a tide, drowning out all other sounds, leaving only the faint snoring of Rasa and the pounding of Karura's own heart.

"Take them back to rest."

Kiyoshi waved his hand.

Some things are not for children to come into contact with.

Galuro's eyes widened; he had already understood something.

"Come with me, Kankuro, Gaara."

Karura first took Temari's hand, then called out to Gaara and Kankuro.

"Is Father already asleep?"

Kankuro asked.

His stomach was full, and he felt sleepy.

"Yes, you should also go to bed early and get up early, you're still growing."

Galuro opened his mouth.

"Where is Uncle Yashamaru?"

Gaara pointed at Yashamaru, who stood there with vacant eyes.

He's going to work now.

The person who answered was not Karura, but Kiyoshi.

Then, Yashamaru heard Kiyoshi's voice and walked out step by step.

Click.

The front door opened, and Yashamaru changed his shoes and left.

Karura stared at the scene.

Such disruptive tactics...

Karura always felt that Kiyoshi could also manipulate her with an illusion.

This conclusion sent chills down her spine.

Fortunately, Kiyoshi didn't seem to like using such deceptive methods and had never used them on her.

Galuro felt a little relieved.

"Alright, everyone, go back to your rooms."

Galuro's pretty face turned serious.

Seeing that his mother was about to get angry, Gaara obediently went to his room.

"Wait a minute."

After Kankuro and Temari entered the room, Kiyoshi called Gaara down.

"It should be only Gaara who awakened the Sharingan, Kankuro didn't."

Qingsi smiled slightly.

He could clearly perceive the temperature of Gaara's chakra.

"you……"

Karura initially wanted to ask Kiyoshi how he knew, but the next moment, she realized she had asked a foolish question.

Kiyoshi is a member of the Uchiha clan, so how could he not know the characteristics of awakened Sharingan?

"That's right, he awakened the Sharingan."

Karura placed her hands on Gaara's shoulders, her heart filled with sorrow.

"What a pity. Even if it's the 'Magnetic' Release that awakens, it'll be difficult to weather the storms that follow."

Qingsi spoke lightly.

"What do you mean?"

Karura frowned.

What kind of turmoil is Kiyoshi referring to?
Even if there is any controversy, shouldn't it be the controversy surrounding this child awakening the Sharingan?
According to Kiyoshi, what major event is about to happen in Sunagakure?
Karura was filled with speculation.

She waited for Kiyoshi to say what he would say next.

"I'm afraid you don't know, but the hero of Sunagakure has returned."

"The heroes of Sunagakure?"

Galuro muttered.

The only person worthy of the title of hero is... Ye Cang from the past.

But Yecang has been dead for a long time. What can a dead person do?
Are you thinking that Yekura is dead?

Kiyoshi continued to gaze at the night view outside the window.

The village of Sunagakure at night is illuminated by neon lights.

After all, this is one of the most prosperous places in the Land of Wind, so these basic facilities are certainly not lacking.

"But what if I told you that Yekura isn't dead?"

Kiyoshi paused for a moment, then recounted the matter.

His voice was so calm and even, yet it was like a pebble thrown into a still lake, breaking the suffocating silence.

"!"

Gallo's heart skipped a beat, and his unease reached its peak.

The return of a hero is not always a good thing.

In traditional storytelling, this also signifies that the villains who betray heroes will be brought to justice.

As for the villain who betrayed the hero, Gallo already knew who it was.

She had heard some things about the plans of the Sunagakure leadership and Rasa.

She immediately thought about what kind of situation Luo Sha would face.

Little Gaara couldn't understand Karura and Kiyoshi's conversation.

He was wondering who Yekura was.

How did we get to this topic when we were talking about the Sharingan?

"Yakura didn't die..."

Karura shuddered and instinctively clenched her fists.

"Yes."

Kiyoshi slowly turned around.

The moment he turned around, his gentle and refined facade seemed to melt away.

Instead, there is an undisguised, scorching scrutiny.

From top to bottom, the flow is slow and oppressive, as if reaffirming a lost and recovered collectible.

Gallo stood rooted to the spot by that gaze, his hands and feet turning ice-cold.

She watched him approach step by step, his boots making a soft sound on the floor, each step feeling like it was stepping on her heartbeat.

Kiyoshi stopped a step away from her, a distance that far exceeded the bounds of safe social interaction.

However, Kiyoshi's gaze suddenly shifted from Karura's face and landed on the bewildered Gaara.

He slowly reached out his hand, not toward Karura, but gently placed it on Gaara's black hair, the gesture even described as...gentle.

"Extraordinary talent, not only did he inherit the Sharingan, but it seems he also possesses something else..."

Kiyoshi's fingertips lingered on Gaara's hair, as if sensing something, and his tone became meaningful.

"Work hard, Gaara. Maybe you can even compete with your reincarnated brothers."

Kiyoshi was referring to Naruto and Sasuke, who, although both were Kiyoshi's sons, had their chakra influenced by Indra and Ashura.

As they grow up, this influence will expand.

Kiyoshi was pondering whether or not to strip away this chakra.
But Naruto and Sasuke would lose the opportunity to become top-tier fighters.

Karura suddenly pulled Gaara even tighter behind her, her voice trembling uncontrollably:
"Gaara, be a good boy and go back to your room!"

Gaara looked up at his mother's unusually pale face, then at Kiyoshi's inscrutable expression. Although puzzled, he obediently nodded and walked towards his room, glancing back every few steps.

Gallo forced himself to keep his back straight until the child's figure disappeared at the end of the corridor.

She raised her tear-filled, pleading eyes to look at the unfathomable man before her, and said:

"Kiyoshi... I beg you... to spare Rasa... don't tell Yekura about that... and don't make it public..."

She knew how futile her plea was, but she had no other choice.

If Rasa, the Kazekage of Sunagakure, is exposed for betraying his comrades, he will be utterly disgraced, and may even...

Kiyoshi watched her quietly, watching the tears rolling down her cheeks and her lips trembling with fear.

Instead of answering directly, he took another half step forward, almost touching Gallo's body.

He raised his hand, his cool fingertips gently wiping away the tear stains on her cheek.

Only when Kiyoshi's fingertips left her cheek did Karura dare to truly breathe.

His chest was heaving violently, as if he had just struggled out of drowning.

But the air inside seemed even more stifling than the desert dust outside.

"Yakura is back."

Kiyoshi spoke again, his tone casual, yet it struck her eardrums like a heavy hammer.

"Heroes always have to be settled... What do you say, Gallo?"

Galuro was startled.

Her eyes dimmed instantly, her lips pressed tightly together, and her fingertips gripped the kimono sash.

She knew that Kiyoshi was telling the truth.

Luo Sha... has no chance of escaping.

"I can persuade Yekura not to kill Rasa and let him atone for his sins in other ways, but what are you willing to give in return?"

Karura's lips trembled, and after a long while, she finally spoke:
"I... can only give you what I can give..."

Gallo lowered his head, his long eyelashes casting a shadow beneath his eyes.

The night wind outside blew in through the cracks, carrying sand and grit as it brushed against the paper door, making a "rustling" sound.

She finally raised her head, her eyes red-rimmed, her breathing rapid.

"I'm willing to give everything."

She had no way out.

Galuro actually understood.

Some things can be negotiated, while others cannot.

Rasa is shaking the very foundation of a ninja village, and someone has to be pushed out as a sacrifice. Those high-ranking officials of Sunagakure who are involved in this matter will be the first to shirk responsibility.

For a fleeting moment, she felt a sense of relief.

Fortunately, Kiyoshi did not immediately demand an explanation from her, but instead offered her a possibility of "exchange".

This humiliating sense of relief made her almost unable to look at herself.

Kiyoshi looked at her, a slight smile playing on his lips.

He reached out and gently stroked a stray strand of brownish-yellow hair that had fallen at her temple.

“Very good, Garuda.”

Kiyoshi smiled.

"Then I want you to offer... your loyalty."

Kiyoshi cut his index finger, and blood swirled around the wound.

“My blood carries the power of my curse mark. Once you swallow it, you will be under my control.”

Kiyoshi gestured for Karura to open her mouth.

The only drawback of being afflicted by the curse is that you will develop a tattoo-like pattern.

For example, a black three-comma will appear with the characters "Seijiro" written in the middle.

Galuro opened his mouth and swallowed it.

She felt as if she had swallowed a drop of magma, and her whole body was being roasted.

After a while, the noise subsided.

"Then, that's the second thing."

The priest began to form hand seals.

The wind tonight has reached Sunagakure.

……

The next day.

Karura was clearing the dishes off the table all by herself.

Kiyoshi has already left.

It was as if nothing had happened.

Only Karura had some cursed markings on her body.

Suddenly, soft footsteps echoed down the corridor.

"Why did you only tidy up this morning?"

Luo Sha yawned and asked in confusion.

"I was too busy last night."

"Yeah."

Luo Sha remained noncommittal.

He only remembered that he had drunk too much alcohol, and then Yashamaru escorted him upstairs.

In the end, it should be Yashamaru who escorts Kiyoshi back.

Karura's expression was slightly unnatural, but she managed to hide it well.

"By the way, I've discovered that Gaara has great potential."

Rasa spoke up. Gaara is a genius in every way, so there's something Rasa intends to tell Karura in advance.

"So when you get old, if anything unexpected happens, I want Gaara to become the Jinchūriki of the One-Tailed Beast."

Luo Sha spoke.

This can be considered taking precautions.

Karura gazed at Rasa, who now seemed somewhat unfamiliar.

Because of Rasa, she was cursed by Kiyoshi, who could kill her with a single thought.

Rasa actually plans to make her child a Jinchuriki of a Tailed Beast?

Once Gaara becomes a Jinchūriki, he will face the cold stares of everyone.

Jinchūriki have historically been a group that is not respected.

Even Gallo himself would reduce the frequency of going out to avoid causing unnecessary trouble.

"Gaara is still such an innocent child."

"I know, but I am also the Wind Shadow. Besides, it's not now. It's just in case."

Luo Sha spoke up.

He betrayed Yekura in order to bring peace to Sunagakure.

The purpose of making Gaara a Jinchūriki at any time was to ensure that Sunagakure always had access to weapons of war.

Peace cannot last forever; it will inevitably erupt sooner or later.

They need to prepare as soon as possible.

Karura remained silent for a long time without speaking.

Luo Sha ate breakfast casually and headed outside.

Under his persuasion, Kiyoshi reluctantly decided to stay a few more days.

Luo Sha was taken aback; he was just being polite.

However, it doesn't matter if Kiyoshi stays here, since he won't spend much money anyway.

"Then enjoy yourself in Sunagakure."

Rasa subtly signaled to the Sunagakure ANBU hiding in the shadows, instructing them to keep a close watch on the Konoha ninja.

"I think I will."

Seiji smiled.

His assessment was that it was very smooth.

……

In a secluded basement in Sunagakure, a flickering fire illuminated the low stone walls, and the air was filled with the scent of sand and old wood.

Ye Cang sat on the stone platform, his back ramrod straight, his whole demeanor exuding a cool and dignified aura.

Her gaze swept over the group of people in front of her, people who had fought alongside her on the battlefield, or whose lives she had saved, or who had been protected by her.

"Lord Ye Cang..."

A Jonin with a bandage wrapped around his forehead spoke in a low voice, his eyes flashing with hesitation and awe.
"We never expected you to be alive. Lord Kazekage, you have truly disappointed us..."

Ye Cang did not answer immediately, but instead raised her hand to refill his wine, her slender fingers steady and calm.

After a moment, she said softly:
“I know that many of you are dissatisfied with the current situation in Sunagakure.”

Her voice wasn't loud, but it sent a jolt through everyone.

“Luo Sha became Kazekage through scheming and sacrifice, not through true strength, as you all know.”

As Ye Cang spoke, a cold glint flashed in his eyes, but he quickly concealed it and regained his usual composure.

"If Luo Sha can betray me, he can betray every one of you as well."

The basement was silent, with only the soft crackling of the flames.

Yes, even "heroes" can be thrown out as sacrifices, let alone them?
Ye Cang slowly stood up, looked around at everyone, and continued:

"If you are in trouble, I will definitely not stand idly by. Similarly, if one day Sunagakure truly needs to stand up for you, I hope you will remember the promise you made today."

She didn't shout slogans or incite passion.

"Lord Ye Cang..."

Some people couldn't help but murmur softly, their eyes reddening.

A young Chunin was the first to kneel down, his voice choked with emotion:
"If you hadn't saved me on the front lines back then, I would have died long ago from the enemy ninjas' kunai. If you just say the word, I'm willing to follow you even if it means betraying Rasa!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the group looked at each other, their expressions deeply moved, and finally knelt down one after another.

Masaki stood to the side, his expression a mixture of complexity and worry.

She looked at these people, each with a burning gaze, as if they regarded Yecang as a faith.

However, this matter also carries significant risks.

Ye Cang lowered her eyes and looked at the people in front of her, a warm feeling welling up in her heart.

She smiled gently, a smile less burdened by the suppressed hatred she usually displayed, and more genuine as she spoke:
"Okay, I will remember your kindness."

In the firelight, her profile was beautiful and aloof, yet like a banner, it burned quietly in people's hearts.

In order to create a god and enhance the cohesion of Sunagakure, Rasa transformed Pakura into a figure similar to Kiyoshi's previous life as a celebrity.

This leads to the consequence that they are easily interfered with by Yekura.

Moreover, Ye Cang also has the moral high ground, so he has the advantage of favorable timing, location, and popular support.

"However, the operation still needs careful planning. There must be some confidants loyal to Luo Sha, and we need to carefully investigate them."

Yecang did not rashly lead his men to find Luosha.

That would only result in a bloody battle between the two sides, and might even lead to internal strife and division within Sunagakure.

This is not the result that Yekura wanted.

Those villagers are innocent.

The grievances have their perpetrators, and the debts have their debtors. Ye Cang only wants everyone involved in the betrayal to pay the price.

……

The next day.

While undercurrents were swirling in Sunagakure, Kiyoshi was much more relaxed.

Luo Sha arranged a large residence for him, which included a courtyard.

Kiyoshi ignored the Sand Village's secret agents who were secretly monitoring the area and calmly began developing the "Dust" technique.

Even if someone tries to steal the technique, they will never be able to learn it.

Otherwise, we could form a "Dust Release" legion of ninjas.

In battle, a single sweep can kill most of the enemy.

hum...

The pale white barrier in Kiyoshi's hands continued to condense, eventually becoming square.

At a certain moment, Kiyoshi released a pale white barrier in his hand toward the large tree in front of him.

The barrier cut through the tree trunk like a hot knife through butter, creating a square notch.

A crimson Sharingan appeared in Kiyoshi's eyes.

"Has it been atomized...?"

Kiyoshi observed the microscopic details.

In this way, he successfully performed the "Dust Release: Particle Style" technique.

From then on, Kiyoshi became the third person in the ninja world to master the "Dust" Release.

The first two are the Second Tsuchikage Mu and the Third Tsuchikage Onoki.

"You have mastered the entry: [Dust Escape (Purple)]".

[Entry: Dust Escape (Purple)]

[Requirement: Fuse "Wind" Release chakra with "Earth" Release chakra and "Fire" Release chakra.]

【Progress: (Completed).】

【Effect:
Your speed with the "Dust" Release ninjutsu will increase by 100% from its original level.

Your resistance to "Dust" Release ninjutsu will increase by 100%.

The power of your "Dust" Release ninjutsu will increase by 100% from its original level.

【Note: You can continue to advance later. 】

"We will suspend development of bloodline-related matters and focus on researching dragon veins."

Kiyoshi raised his hand and glanced at the mark on his palm.

"Itachi ran away again?"

Ten minutes later, Kurenai walked up to Kiyoshi.

"Yes, he wants to see more about the differences between Sunagakure and Konoha."

Kiyoshi said.

Now only Kurenai Yuhi is with him.

Kakashi and Might Guy were sent away by Kiyoshi to other places.

He wanted to inspect the Sand Village, which was about to become his possession.

Once Yekura successfully seizes power in a few days and becomes the Fifth Kazekage, Kiyoshi will have indirectly gained control of Sunagakure.

"When I first arrived, it felt a bit novel, but after looking around for a while, I still feel more comfortable in Konoha."

Kurenai Yuhi gave her own evaluation.

"Konoha is the most prosperous place in the Land of Fire, so it's normal that Sunagakure's environment can't compare."

Kiyoshi spoke slowly, taking Kurenai's hand in his.

With Mikoto absent, Kiyoshi became a bit more unrestrained.

Kurenai's face flushed slightly as she felt the warmth emanating from Kiyoshi's large hand.

"When will we be back?"

Yuhi Kurenai asked.

"In a few more days."

Kiyoshi planned to return after things had settled down.

"So...when should we get married?"

Kurenai asked.

She was still a very innocent girl.

After offering her precious possessions to Kiyoshi, all she could think about was getting married.

"Well, no need to rush. Hong, you're still in the rising phase of your career. I plan to make you the head of a department in the Dark Division."

Kiyoshi used delaying tactics when it came to getting married.

If Mikoto heard that Kurenai Yuhi was marrying him, Kiyoshi had no doubt that Mikoto would immediately activate her Susanoo and go berserk.

This requires a gradual and subtle change in their thinking, so that things will fall into place naturally.

For example, the teaching method changed from one-on-one to one-on-two, and then to one-on-three.

Once everyone is lying together, wouldn't getting married be a natural thing to do?

The fact that this is being presented so bluntly is bound to cause some trouble.

Although this is somewhat... scumbag behavior.

Kiyoshi himself understood this.

However, he hasn't settled down yet.

The top priority right now is to strengthen our forces in order to deal with the Otsutsuki clan.

Kiyoshi still hasn't found any trace of Isshiki Otsutsuki.

All I can say is that they're really good at hiding their tracks.

No wonder neither Black Zetsu nor the Sage of Six Paths had ever discovered any trace of Isshiki Otsutsuki.

This guy won't even show his face.

"Ok."

Kurenai thought about it and realized that it was indeed too early to talk about these things now.

"Want to go out for a walk?"

Kurenai raised her red eyes and looked at Kiyoshi.

"can."

Qingsi nodded.

……

Meanwhile, on the other side.

Gaara and Itachi, wielding kunai, deflected the incoming shuriken.

"I never imagined you had such strength."

Gaara looked at Itachi, who was not much older than himself, and felt curious.

Since birth, no one his age has been able to rival him.

"You're pretty good too."

Itachi spoke.

He didn't know why, but when he looked at Gaara, he felt like he was looking at Sasuke.

It gave him a feeling of... a younger brother?

This feeling came on very strangely, and Itachi himself couldn't explain why.

"Gaara, stop causing trouble everywhere."

Karura came over and took the kunai from Gaara's hand.

"Yes, mother."

Gaara nodded.

"Hmm... Itachi, right? Has Kiyoshi ever talked to you about Gaara?"

Karura turned to look at Itachi.

A woman's intuition told her that Itachi was likely Kiyoshi's child.

That is, Gaara's brother.

"No."

Itachi was completely baffled by the woman's question.

"Yeah."

Karura's eyes flickered slightly. (End of Chapter)