NARUTO: SECOND GOD OF SHINOBI

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Two more days passed, and news swept across the entire Elemental Nations.

The war between Suna and Iwa had ended, along with the Mizukage's attack.

Meanwhile, Iwa and Kumo had chosen new Kage for their villages.

Soon, word about the new Kage spread worldwide, and more and more people began discussing the prowess of each Kage.

A new ranking of the Five Kage emerged on someone whim, based on their recent battles and accomplishments.

The first rank was given to Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, who single-handedly swept through the three-village assault, defeating and capturing three Kage-level shinobi and sealing three Tailed Beasts.

The second rank was awarded to the Kazekage, based on war status reports circulated throughout the ninja world, detailing his battle against Uchiha Kagami and Akimichi Torifu.

The third rank went to the Fourth Tsuchikage, who managed to fight the Kazekage to a draw.

Despite his formidable strength, he was placed one rank lower out of seniority.

The fourth rank was given to Mizukage Bashra Yuki, who single-handedly defeated and captured ten elite Jōnin-level ninja.

The fifth rank was held by the new Raikage, Tenzen Kumokami, who had yet to prove himself in battle, though the transition of power in Kumo had already taken place.

The four villages underwent rigorous transformations.

The first message was sent to the Daimyō of Iwa, Kumo, and Kiri, but the Daimyō were displeased as the new Kage had disregarded their importance by not appearing before them to seek approval.

However, after receiving reports about what had happened to other Daimyō, they fell silent, keeping their grievances to themselves and waiting for an opportunity to retaliate when the Kage eventually sought financial support.

Meanwhile, the four villages gathered intelligence from their spies in Konoha, learning of the rigorous development plans for ninja training and other strategic discussions.

This prompted a Jōnin meeting in each village, where the Kage resolutely pushed for adopting Konoha's tactics.

However, the Jōnin were divided on the matter due to concerns about the costs such reforms would entail.

Despite this, the Kage ignored their objections and enforced the changes.

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Inside the meeting room of Sunagakure, the Kazekage sat at the head of the table and spoke with authority.

"We must implement these plans. If we follow Konoha's trajectory, they will soon have more than 30,000 ninja. What will you do then? Will you fight against 10,000 ninja all by yourself?"

Chiyo hesitated before responding, "But Kazekage-sama, if we push this reform, we won't be able to sustain the cost for long."

The Kazekage's gaze sharpened. "Who said money is necessary? Make chakra cultivation free throughout the village. Let everyone cultivate chakra on their own.

Select the most outstanding civilians who show potential and admit them into the Suna Ninja Academy.

Expel slackers from the academy—if they can't even become Genin earnestly, then what are they studying for?

"As for training grounds, there is no need for concern.

In the entire Elemental Nations, only the Land of Stone has land comparable to ours.

If we don't utilize our lands, then what are we doing?"

Most of the Jōnin nodded in agreement, though one of them raised a concern.

"But Kazekage-sama, chakra cultivation is strictly controlled by the village.

If we allow this, won't more and more rogue ninja emerge? We might lose our control."

The Kazekage smirked. "You're right about that. But didn't Konoha do the same?

And look at their situation—more than ten S-rank ninja, a 20,000-strong ninja force, and an elite cultivation system that ensures no slackers waste resources.

Their strength grows continuously while they strictly control access to ninjutsu, ensuring that even if someone possesses chakra, they remain under Konoha's authority.

"Sarutobi Hiruzen is more cunning than you think. Do you believe he didn't foresee this possibility when he implemented his plan?"

Ebizo nodded. "Yes, Kazekage-sama is absolutely right."

The Kazekage continued, "Additionally, enforce a rule that only those certified by Sunagakure may learn and use ninjutsu.

If anyone is caught practicing without approval, their chakra pathways will be crippled, and they will be declared criminals."

The Jōnin expressed their approval, as this plan ensured firm control.

Anyone wishing to cultivate chakra would be compelled to become a Suna ninja one way or another, directly boosting Suna's military strength.

The Kazekage then shifted the discussion. "It seems the Daimyō is angry because the other three Kage didn't grace his doorstep for approval upon their appointments."

Ebizo nodded. "Yes, Kazekage-sama. Daimyō of wind nation also sent a message to Suna, urging us to pressure Iwa. Meanwhile, the Fire Country's Daimyō appears to be agitated as well."

The Kazekage scoffed. "It doesn't matter. They were trash to begin with.

When Hashirama came along, he elevated their status through the roof, treating them like masters while acting as their obedient subordinates. The other villages followed suit."

Chiyo frowned, sensing the brewing controversy from that statement.

"Kazekage-sama, we must still procure funding from the Daimyō. We should do as he says."

The Kazekage spoke, "We don't need to do that. Didn't you see how Hiruzen Sarutobi broke the status quo when he sent another ninja after being appointed as Hokage?

He seems to have seen through the tactics and taken Konoha's power into account, knowing that it surpasses almost all five villages combined.

We must also adopt such tactics, or do you want to remain suppressed by Konoha for eternity?"

The gathered Jōnin exchanged glances before responding in unison, "No, Kazekage-sama, we do not want that!"

The Kazekage continued, "Very well. Over the past two days, while practicing my jutsu, I stumbled upon a significant secret."

With a wave of his hand, sand materialized, but instead of his usual iron sand, it shimmered in a golden hue. The Jōnin gasped in astonishment.

"Using my Magnet Release Kekkei Genkai, I can extract gold from the vast deserts of Suna.

After investigating the gold mines around our village, I discovered immense deposit—so enormous that, if utilized properly, we could become the wealthiest of the Five Great Nations."

A heavy silence filled the room before an explosion of murmurs erupted.

The Jōnin, momentarily stunned, gasped in sheer terror and excitement at the implications of his revelation.

The Kazekage raised a hand to quiet them. "Do not be too quick to celebrate.

The extraction process is arduous, and only my Magnet Release can detect the veins of gold, as they are buried deep within the desert—far beyond the reach of even Iwa's skilled miners."

The Jōnin gradually absorbed the weight of his words. Chiyo stepped forward and asked, "Kazekage-sama, what do you propose we do?"

"This is where all of you come in," the Kazekage said, his tone firm.

"The mines lie within the Wind Country, meaning the Daimyō technically has the right to oversee and profit from their extraction.

If we allow him to take control, we will only receive a small share of the wealth while he hoards the rest along with doing the labour.

However, if we take matters into our own hands—just as the other three villages have done—we can build a foundation of true independence, side lining Daimyo status.

Fire Nation has been doing the same for nearly sixteen years, why can't we?"

The weight of his words settled upon the Jōnin, and soon, understanding dawned in their eyes. One by one, they nodded in agreement.

"If we want to be strong, we must think like the strong," the Kazekage declared.

A chorus of affirmations followed, and the Jōnin swore their loyalty. "Kazekage-sama, we swear an oath never to betray the village. We stand behind you at all times!"

The Kazekage smiled, satisfied with their response. "Very good. This is what I expected from you.

However, for security reasons, we must ensure that this information remains absolutely confidential."

He raised a hand, and a scroll appeared in his grasp. "I will use a sealing jutsu to lock this knowledge within your minds.

This way, no one—not even under torture—can extract this secret from you."

Some Jōnin shifted uncomfortably at the prospect, while others nodded solemnly.

Chiyo and Ebizō exchanged glances before stepping forward. "Discretion is necessary. We must comply," Chiyo stated firmly.

One by one, the Jōnin approached as the Kazekage performed the sealing technique.

A faint glow enveloped each of them, and upon completion, a triangular seal appeared on their foreheads, hidden beneath their forehead protectors.

Once the process was finished, the Kazekage addressed them again.

"This seal ensures that you cannot reveal any sensitive information about Sunagakure.

It is both a safeguard and a testament to your loyalty. I am grateful to have Jōnin of your caliber under my command."

His expression brightened slightly as he continued, "From this moment onward, Sunagakure will enter an era of unprecedented growth.

We will surpass our previous limitations countless times over. And I promise you this—when the time comes, each of you will be rewarded with a share of the gold we mine."

The Jōnin smiled and nodded. "We are grateful for your leadership, Kazekage-sama!"

With the meeting concluded, the Kazekage assigned specific tasks to several Jōnin before departing.

Later that day, he arrived at the underground prison where Shukaku, the One-Tailed Beast, was being held along with its Jinchūriki host.

As he walked through the dimly lit corridors, he made a subtle hand gesture.

From the shadows, a masked ANBU operative emerged.

The Kazekage handed him a small scroll. "These individuals are to be captured and brought here.

Their deaths must be staged to appear as casualties in battle against Iwa-nin. There is no need for spies at this time."

The masked shinobi bowed. "Understood, Kazekage-sama."

With that, he vanished into the darkness, carrying out the Kazekage's silent decree.

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