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The argument within the Kazekages Office was like a tightly drawn bowstring; the atmosphere was so heavy it could almost drip. Sayo's discussion on peaceful development and opposition to immediate war was logically clear and far-sighted. Yet, to the Fourth Kazekage Rasa, every word felt like a needle stabbing his nerve, which was desperate for vengeance, and seemed like a direct challenge to his authority.
"Minister Shaye!" Rasa's voice suddenly rose, carrying an undeniable chill. He abruptly stood up, releasing his Kazekage pressure without reservation, causing the air in the office to solidify. "Are you saying my decision is wrong? Can Sunagakure's blood feud and humiliation be ignored because of those 'future plans' you value so much?"
His gaze, like a hawk's, locked onto Sayo, churning with offended fury and a hint of irritation—the frustration of having his hidden thoughts exposed, yet refusing to admit it. The stubbornness of this genius, whom he had personally promoted and placed great hope in, made him feel uncontrollably angry.
Sayo showed no fear. Meeting his gaze, his voice was steady yet exceptionally firm: "Kazekage-sama, I am not questioning your authority. I simply believe that dragging the Village into another unpredictable and costly war is not the optimal solution right now. We have a better choice—a path that can truly strengthen Sunagakure!"
"A better choice?!" Rasa interrupted sharply, his tone laced with sarcasm. "Konoha is internally weak right now; this is a heaven-sent opportunity! Once they recover, Sunagakure will never have a chance to rise! Your benevolence and hesitation will ruin the entire Village!"
"True strength comes from internal prosperity and stability, not from preying on others' weaknesses!" Sayo stood his ground, his eyes shining with the light of his ideals. "What we need is time, not another desperate gamble!"
"Enough!" Rasa slammed his palm onto the table; the solid wooden desk cracked into several fissures. He looked at Sayo's unyielding eyes, knowing that words could neither force the other to submit nor change his own mind. An urge to use absolute power to end the debate and re-establish his authority seized him. He recalled the unresolved desert duel from two years ago.
"Since our philosophies cannot align, and words are pale and powerless," Rasa's voice dropped, carrying a cold resolution, "then let us resolve this in the most direct way. In the world of Ninja, strength ultimately determines who holds the right to speak. Minister Shaye, let me see if the 'future' you insist upon has enough power to support it!"
He took a step forward, his presence overwhelming: "The unfinished contest from two years ago ends today! This time, it won't be a small-scale test. Let the entire Village see clearly whose path is worthy of leading Sunagakure's future! If you can defeat me, we will follow your proposal: suspend military action and focus entirely on development. If you lose..."
Rasa did not finish his sentence, but the unspoken implication was full of pressure. The loser would forfeit all right to argue.
Sayo was silent for a moment. He knew this was not a simple spar, but a public verdict concerning the Village's destiny. He raised his eyes, his gaze sharp as a blade.
"Very well." He answered cleanly and decisively. "I accept. Outside the Village. Let everyone witness it."
Rasa wanted to make it public, which suited him perfectly. He also wanted everyone to see that Sunagakure's power held another possibility besides destruction.
The news spread as if it had wings, instantly igniting the entire Hidden Sand Village.
The Kazekage-sama is going to have a public duel with Minister Shaye?!
This news spread faster than any mobilization order. Instantly, the entire Village was stirred; the streets emptied as everyone rushed out. Whether Ninja or civilian, all dropped their work and surged like a tide toward the Village's outer defensive walls and nearby sand dunes. People packed every available foothold, craning their necks in anticipation. The sound of discussion, gasps, and cheers merged into a massive wave of noise, and the air was thick with unprecedented excitement and tension.
This was far more than a simple match; it was a public clash of ideals, a pinnacle duel that would determine Sunagakure's next direction, a grand, highly anticipated ceremony!
The sun was scorching, and the yellow sand stretched far.
Under the focus of countless eyes, the Fourth Kazekage Rasa was the first to step into the designated, vast sand arena. He was still clad in the white Kazekage Robe symbolizing supreme power, his expression stern, his steps steady. An invisible aura surrounded him; fine Gold Dust automatically surfaced, swirling and dancing like a loyal guard, emitting a terrifying, immense Chakra and the absolute majesty of a Kage-level Powerhouse. He was in the prime of his life, determined to use an overwhelming victory to thoroughly consolidate his authority and dispel all "impractical" notions.
"Kazekage-sama! Certain victory!"
"Let that brat know his place!"
Cheers supporting Rasa rose one after another, clearly demonstrating traditional reverence and the worship of powerful military might.
Immediately afterward, Sayo's figure appeared in the field. He was still dressed in simple, dark clothes, his posture straight. There was no trace of panic on his young face, only a focus as calm as still water. His appearance also triggered a huge, mountain-shaking roar of sound.
"Sayo-sama! Go!"
"Let him see our strength!"
Young Ninja, researchers, and many villagers attracted by the new ideas placed their hopes on this genius Minister.
The two stood still in the center of the sand arena, facing each other from a distance. Rolling heat waves twisted and rose between them, seemingly foreshadowing the intense conflict about to erupt.
Rasa's gaze swept over the dense crowd of onlookers. His voice was loud and imbued with Chakra, clearly reaching every corner: "Sayo! Your ideas are too naive! Today, I will let the entire Village see what the power of a Kage truly is! Sunagakure's dignity can only be reclaimed through combat! Your fantasies are utterly fragile before absolute strength!"
He intended to crush Sayo's beliefs right in front of everyone.
Sayo took a deep breath, responding with a voice that was equally steady and powerful, reaching everyone's ears: "Kazekage-sama, the meaning of power lies in protection and creation, not in endless conquest and destruction. Today, I will prove to you and the entire Village that Sunagakure has a broader future!"
As his voice fell, the entire field went silent; everyone held their breath.
The battle was imminent!
Terrifying Chakra erupted like a storm from both their bodies. Golden Gold Dust and pitch-black iron sand began surging wildly around them. Powerful magnetic fields collided and compressed, causing the very dust in the air to tremble and hover!
A highly anticipated battle that would determine the future began fiercely on this scorching desert! All answers would be revealed in this earth-shaking duel!
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