Living in the World of Naruto, Marrying Tsunade

Arata had already mastered the Root of the Heart Curse Seal, a jutsu capable of controlling people's minds. In his plans, the Land of Craftsmen was territory he would inevitably bring under his control. Sooner or later, it would become part of the Land of Fire.

Of course, this plan had not yet been put into motion. No one else could possibly know about it. Still, Sunagakure's concerns were understandable—the Land of Craftsmen was undeniably a vital strategic asset.

Even Saro's usually cold expression softened slightly at this moment. Despite his composure, he was still only fifteen or sixteen; facing such a great achievement, it was hard not to feel excited.

From childhood, his father had taught him to strive toward becoming Kazekage. With this single contribution, Saro had already accumulated enormous prestige toward that goal.

The Land of Wind's greatest weakness—its lack of iron—had been alleviated by him. In the eyes of the village, he would now be seen as a priceless asset.

No one objected to Shamon's decision, but another issue arose:

Who should be sent as envoy to the Land of Craftsmen?

Although Sunagakure had long traded with them, they had never formally dispatched an emissary before. The craftsmen there were famously eccentric and difficult to deal with.

In the past, when purchasing ninja tools, most high-ranking officials avoided going in person. The artisans were proud, ill-tempered, and treated even one of the Five Great Nations—the Land of Wind—with little respect.

Because of this, the room fell silent. Everyone exchanged glances, yet no one volunteered.

At that moment, Ebizō—who had spoken little until now—finally said:

"In that case, leave the Land of Craftsmen to me. I have some old ties with Yoshida Eiichi. I should be able to help secure their alliance."

The moment he spoke, everyone's eyes lit up.

Ebizō rarely showed his strength, but his status within the Land of Wind was extremely high. Few knew his true power, yet the older generation remembered well—when he was young, he had been famous for his fiery temper and formidable ability.

Mastering both Wind and Earth Style, along with a chakra blade, he had once built a formidable reputation across the shinobi world.

Legend said that his sword had been crafted in Yoshida Eiichi's youth. With that connection, Ebizō truly was the best candidate.

If Yoshida had once gifted him a blade, helping an old friend now wouldn't be impossible.

Moreover, Ebizō's swordsmanship was exceptional. Combined with Wind Style to enhance cutting power, he was more than capable of protecting himself even if danger arose during the mission.

Of course, if he happened to encounter Arata, none of that would matter—no one below the peak level could survive even a single kick.

Still, Arata should currently be on his way to the Land of Rain. The chances of meeting him were negligible, so that factor was ignored.

Without considering Arata, a swordsman of mid-Kage level strength was clearly the ideal envoy.

Shamon looked surprised that Ebizō had volunteered. After all, the man had long withdrawn from active combat. Even his participation in this war had only been because his nephew had been killed by Arata—he had joined solely to support his sister's desire for revenge.

Few knew the reason for Ebizō's withdrawn nature, but as Kazekage, Shamon understood well.

In his youth, Ebizō had been bold and dazzling, his swordsmanship nearly peerless. Later, he married, and his temperament softened. The two shared a deeply loving relationship.

But tragedy struck during a war against Konoha—his wife was slain by the Second Hokage's Flying Thunder God Slash.

From that moment on, Ebizō held an unending grudge against Tobirama Senju.

Yet fate never gave him the chance for revenge. Before he could face Tobirama himself, the Second Hokage died during the First Great Ninja War at the hands of the Gold and Silver Brothers.

Since then, Ebizō had grown silent and withdrawn, unable to let go of his grief.

Shamon trusted his strength completely.

There were even rumors that Ebizō had once defeated Mifune, leader of the samurai of the Land of Iron, after a full day of sword combat. Considering the mastery of swordsmanship among the samurai, that victory alone spoke volumes.

Even Shamon himself had no confidence in defeating Ebizō easily.

After all, this was a shinobi who had stood alongside the founders of the Land of Wind—second only to the First Kazekage in strength.

After a moment's thought, Shamon nodded.

"Very well. The Land of Craftsmen is yours."

Chiyo glanced at her younger brother, gratitude filling her heart.

He had rarely acted in recent years. For him to step forward now—for the sake of her son—was already more than she could ask. Especially after learning that Arata had reached the level of a peak super-Kage, most people would have fled.

Only family would still stand beside her in such times.

She said:

"Brat, be careful out there. I've heard Yoshida Eiichi forged a powerful Thunder Blade. If he turns hostile, even you might not be his match."

Her words sounded harsh, but the concern behind them was obvious.

Ebizō understood her meaning well.

He, too, was wary of Yoshida Eiichi.

That old craftsman might possess unparalleled skill—but he had never been known as a particularly honorable man.