Naruto: Rebuilding the Hidden Sand Village

Winter had fully set in, and Sunagakure's weather had grown harsher by the day.

The days remained warm under the desert sun, but evenings plunged into cold, with nights turning frigid.

So lately, aside from those on duty, people were staying indoors after dark. Most villagers huddled in their homes to stay warm. Thanks to ample wartime food reserves, there was no need to hunt for supplies—giving the shinobi a much-needed breather. By spring, Sunagakure would be ready to take missions again.

As winter deepened, daytime temperatures would become more bearable—the best weather of the year in the desert, except for chilly nights.

After the war, due to Rasa's special request and a staff shortage at the refinery, the Kazekage chose not to reopen mission assignments immediately. He wanted the village to rest and recover—and to take some responsibility when population numbers were low.

And after the war, Sunagakure's shinobi were not yet ready for active deployment. Eventually everyone agreed; with the refinery's income sustaining everyday life, there was no urgency to send the shinobi out.

With the falling temperatures, Elder Ebizō had also paused work on the new medical building to retreat into the rear mountains and focus on desert-reclamation research.

Whenever Rasa thought of a desert-management method, he handed it off to Ebizō to explore. He had even suggested that Ebizō apply to open a Environmental Management and Protection Institute—bringing in more experts to accelerate progress. More minds meant faster results.

But Ebizō declined. He believed there was no need to involve too many people right now. After all, Sunagakure already had a desert remediation office—barely functional, but still there. With a bit of reorganization, it would suffice for the time being. No need to waste extra resources.

That so-called "desert management department" had been little more than decoration since the Third Kazekage took office—environmental efforts were far too costly then, and basic village upkeep ate most resources. No one had bothered with it much... until now.

It was unexpected that Ebizō would bring it up now. He truly was a Sunagakure elder who had lived through the First, Second, and Third Great Ninja Wars. He remembered everything so clearly.

Lately, Ebizō had specifically instructed that no one disturb him unless it was absolutely necessary. He was preparing to enter seclusion in the back mountains to meditate on the grand principles of desert management.

After all, if nothing went wrong, Pakura's main force was scheduled to return to the village today.

And not long ago, for the sake of Sunagakure's future, Ebizō had repeatedly pushed him—the ever-righteous and benevolent Kazekage—to sacrifice his comrades. Pakura, who had been on the front lines, had likely heard by now. She probably wished she could kill the very elder she once respected most—Advisor Ebizō.

To avoid any unnecessary tragedy—like a civil conflict breaking out during peacetime—Rasa permitted Ebizō to retreat into seclusion.

Since then, only Kana and Kabuto had permission to visit the mountain retreat—not even the Kazekage himself.

Regarding Advisor Chiyo's decision to teach Kabuto the secret White Puppet Technique, Rasa said nothing. From Kana's words, Advisor Chiyo thought very highly of Kabuto, believing his talent was no less than her former genius grandson—Sasori. Though his background was unknown, she believed he could become a pillar of the Sand.

Rasa agreed: Kabuto, who had co‑led the devious plan that nearly sparked the Fourth Shinobi World War, was no ordinary kid.

Now, Kabuto had learned puppet technique—but Rasa hoped he would also study sage arts, given his potential. However, he was still young and inexperienced—and Rasa feared he might fall under Ōrochimaru's influence, the infamous "multi-level pyramid scheme head" of the shinobi world.

Even university students in Rasa's past life had been tricked into terrible acts. A ten‑year‑old falling into that trap would be disastrous.

Too much danger.

Standing at the Sunagakure gates, Rasa squinted out at the dimly lit road ahead, murmuring, "They should be close by now…"

Minutes later, he spotted a small dark dot approaching in the distance.

A faint smile crept across his lips.

"Finally, they're back?"

"Finally, they're back?"

Pakura stood at the head of the returning squad, looking exhausted—no trace of her earlier battlefield poise. She let out a relieved sigh at the sight of the village ahead.

Kirigakure hadn't declared defeat or resumed the offensive—they merely slipped away quietly.

But Sunagakure had remained at the front lines in case of an ambush or a sudden counterattack—only returning once Konoha's victory was sure and news broke that Kirigakure had been crippled by the Tailed Beast, unable to continue aggressive operations.

Pakura stretched as she stepped into Sunagakure grounds, her presence commanding. She snarled in good humor, "When we get back… I'm going to take the longest, hottest bath with water that won't run out—even if Kazekage tries to stop me!"

At that moment, one of the returning shinobi called out, "Hey—someone at the gate is waving at us!"

"Probably just a guard…"

"No, there are a lot of people!"

"Woah… there really are a lot of them."

"Could it be… a welcome‑home celebration?"

"We're shinobi—we don't need parades!"

"Right? Just check in and go—but why all the fuss?"

As soon as he spoke, someone else piped up—

"That guy with the green hat… is that Kazekage?"

"Kazekage himself came to greet us?!"

The returning squad trailed off, stunned.

Rasa watched them all return, heart heavy with emotion. Many were bandaged, some limping—and a few being carried out unconscious.

The war at the front… it hadn't been easy, not like Kikyo Pass Battle.

"Let's finish the formalities, then head in to rest."

"No worries," Pakura replied, rolling her eyes. "Seeing you here pumped everyone up."

She looked at Rasa in his white Kazekage coat and hat, and nodded appreciatively—

"That outfit suits you."

Rasa laughed and shrugged. "Since I just cashed in from the refinery, and knew you guys were close, I decided to wait right here. Want it? I have a spare set I can give you."

Pakura shook her head with a smile. "Nah, don't let people think I'm hitting on the Kazekage!"

Then her eyes fell on the small silver-haired child standing quietly beside Rasa.

Her surprise was instant.

"This… this… Is this your child?! He's already this big?!"

PS: Read Advance Chapters at https://www.patreon.com/c/ReadJin