20 Sunagakure Genin Corps Operation (2)

[Rasa - Level (?) Kazekage]

Just like Konoha, only the strong shinobi, the noble heirs from noble clans and geniuses met the Kazekage regularly. Genins from the Sunagakure Genin Corps, however, only seldomly met him in great occasions or during speeches. At this point, Gaara was still just an infant with his brother and sisters. And Rasa, as weak as he had been portrayed in the series, was still a kage-level powerhouse that only a handful of shinobi could rival at this point. Orochimaru might not beat him at this time, even if he would continue to progress thanks to his experiments and unfatigable thirst for knowledge.

In a way, Orochimaru was very similar to Kaito. Just like him, Kaito committed atrocities, and killed shinobi for the sake of growing stronger. The system was just an excuse for him to grow stronger. He viewed this as a game, but deep inside him, he knew that the shinobi profession was not compatible with a good samaritan morals. He would not be a hypocrite like others, and he had long since embraced this part of him. Orochimaru was portrayed as evil, but...was he wrong to wish for becoming stronger, in a cursed world filled with dangers? His only flaw was to go down a path that pit him against his home foundations. Once you lost your home, you would lose your way and eventually become...lost. 

Orochimaru could have been a hero, but he decided to become a missing nin, a criminal. That's where the difference between him and Orochimaru and him lied.

Kaito's goal was not just to grow as strong as possible, but also to make Sunagakure as strong as possible. He would make it so that nobody would be able to touch him, or his village. Kaito wished for Rasa to live and survive against Orochimaru. If he did, then the Akatsuki would not have had such an easy time attacking Gaara and steal Shukaku. They only managed to do so because Sunagakure lost an enormous part of their fighting forces against Konoha, including their fourth Kazekage.

Rasa was emitting an aura full of pride and strength. He truly was an amazing character, if you saw him in real life. Wearing the clothings of the Kazekage, his words resonated in the Genin Corps Headquarters: 

"Today, we stand united in the face of a significant challenge. Tanigakure's actions have threatened our village's security, and our response is both necessary and resolute. The Sunagakure Council has decided to strike Tanigakure's main outpost on the border of the Lands of Rivers and Wind.

This mission is not undertaken lightly, but it is vital for our collective safety and prosperity. By weakening Tanigakure's hold, we secure our future and bolster our economy. The Genin Corps, as a whole, play a crucial role in this mission. Your dedication and skills are what will make this operation a success.

We must embody our village's core values: loyalty, perseverance, and unwavering determination. Let us be guided by the strength of the desert winds. As you embark on this mission, remember that you represent Sunagakure's unwavering spirit in the face of adversity.

Go forth, Genin Corps, and may victory be with us all. Together, we shall prevail"

*CLAP*

Suddenly, everyone cheered. Somehow, Kaito and his team also joined. This speech motivated them greatly. 

Kaito knew that this was just a small step to make Sunagakure stronger and more prosperous, but...somehow, just making this small step made him hopeful for the future.