Land of Wind, Sunagakure
Endless stretches of yellow sand covered the land as far as the eye could see. Nestled within this endless sea and dist, Sunagakure resided in this harsh environment.
Aside from the sand everywhere, there were barely any other colors to be found near Suna. The village was enclosed by steep sandstone formations, with a terrain rising from low to high that provided ample security as well as facilitating the channeling of underground water sources.
Capitalizing on these natural geographical advantages, strong defenses enveloped the village's exterior. Suna ninjas on guard duty atop the heights had a commanding view of the surroundings below. Only the main gate had a narrow passage cutting through.
Unless attacked from the air, it would be difficult for hostile forces to catch Suna off-guard without permission to go through that passage. The dangerous desert terrain alone would daunt invaders.
Leveraging such a favorable location, Suna had survived comfortably amidst the sands for decades. Dotting the barren landscape, spherical sandstone buildings marked Suna's skyline, from residences to administrative structures conforming to this architectural style with its relatively smooth facade, suited to withstand the abrasive environment.
At this time within the Kazekage building's conference room, Suna's council headed by the Fourth Kazekage Rasa convened their monthly major meeting.
Twelve chairs encircle the vast stone round table positioned at the center. Additionally, the meeting room features potted cactus plants, creating a tranquil and minimalist environment.
This ambiance was directly connected to the geographical setting of the Land of Wind. The majority of the country consistes of a resource-barren desert with scarcity of plant life. As a consequence, wooden furnishings remained a luxury for Suna.
Moreover, arable land suitable for cultivating herbs within the village was scarce. Despite having top-notch medical technology, Suna faced challenges in expanding its medical capabilities due to this fundamental limitation.
Accepting these constraints, Rasa, the current Kazekage, knew of Suna's harsh environment. In numerous instances, a significant portion of the funds allocated to Suna by the Land of Daimyo was directed towards military development.
This included endeavors such as technology research, the expansion of ninja ranks, and the development of advanced ninja equipment to ensure sufficient combat strength during wartime.
The twelve seats in the room were occupied. Aside from Rasa, the remaining eleven individuals consist of elders or influential Jonin who hold pivotal managerial roles within the village.
"...That concludes the projected training and development plans for our next generation ninjas over the coming years. I hope everyone can cooperate fully moving forward," Rasa summarized the proposed nurturing of Suna's youths and appealed for the elders' efforts.
"Kazekage-sama, you have our full support. Our village has consistently produced outstanding youths these past few years thanks to your leadership," An elder remarked smilingly.
The other elders all nodded in agreement. Rasa's gold dust had solved many problems for Suna, quite aside from combat ability.
By utilizing Rasa's power to mine alluvial gold, Sunagakure had recovered from its weakened state after the third ninja war and was currently even stronger than during that war.
"Without the joint efforts of everyone, i wouldn't be able to achieve it. Encouraging one another, let's strive ahead together," Rasa responded with a smile.
As the country with the most scarce resources among the Five Great Nations, the Land of Wind's territory was mostly desert wasteland. Food and water security were persistent problems they were, heavily reliant on imports.
Grain was sourced mainly from smaller neighboring nations like the Bears, Land of Honey, and Land of Birds while the ever-rainy Land of Rain supplied critical water. Just in case, storage spaces within Suna also kept large stockpiles of food and water for emergencies.
"Let's end the village affairs discussion for now. As for the agenda of our next meeting, it concerns the Ghost Country and necessitates thorough discussion and resolution with everyone." Rasa stated, looking a bit awkward.
"The Land of Demons? Are they coming for the debt again? How troublesome,"
The Suna elders muttered upon hearing Rasa mention that country.
Since the third ninja war, the Land of Demons had enjoyed explosive economic success that attracted attention from all five great nations. Countless prominent businessmen flocked to Oni City for commercial pursuits, transforming it into the most prosperous metropolis in the ninja world. According to professional statistics, the tax revenue of the Land of Demons in the past three years was nearly on par with that of the preeminent Land of Fire. Its economic prowess ranks among the best in the ninja world.
The well-established medical, entertainment, shipbuilding, and machinery industries contributed to the influx of businessmen.
As a result, the Purple Rose Merchant Association had ascended to become the foremost merchant association in the ninja world. In terms of standing in the business realm, Its prestige even exceeded the Land of Fire's, solidifying its status as a truly affluent nation.
By all accounts, this country should have little connection to Sunagakure.
The crux of the matter lay in the third ninja world war. Due to the Suna's constrained budget, diplomats from the Land of Windsl at that time negotiated with the merchant association in the Land of Demons. The aim was to secure a guarantee forl Suna, seeking a huge amount of loan from them.
At that time, the Purple rose merchant association had just ventured into the loan business. Faced with an important client like the Sunagakure, and with officials from the Land of Wind providing assurance, they readily granted a large sum for military expenses in Suna's war effort.
Suna committed to repaying the loan within the specified timeframe. Calculating the time, over two years ago was the deadline for them to settle the loan. However, due to diplomatic interventions, the Association was approached to extend the timeline.
Bringing it up now indicated that the grace period from over two years ago has also lapsed.
The Suna elders in the meeting room, much like Rasa, appeared somewhat uneasy.
The reason was straightforward. The loan amount was large. Over the past few years, Suba had already allocated a significant portion of the approved funds to enhance their military capabilities. They now faced the challenge of repaying the loan.
Recognizing the elders' discomfort, Rasa cleared his throat and added, "Just this morning, diplomats from the Land of Demons arrived. They hope Suna to could repay the loan as soon as possible to prevent any breach of trust and to avoid hindering potential future loans."
"They don't lack development funds, can't they wait for a while longer?" One elder asked resignedly.
The Purple Rose Merchant Association wasn't a private business in the Land of Demons, it is officially owned by the country. The real power behind the association is a government official. It's said to be inextricably linked with the military, essentially representing the official financial department of the country.
The Merchant Association is still named Purple Rose Merchant Association because it was originally private and later merged into the government system of the country.
"You can't say that. We should have repaid the loan over two years ago. The showed goodwill by repeatedly postponing on Suna's behalf. It's best to show trustworthiness. I think we should reduce military expenditure, pay the debt in full, and return it to the association as soon as possible to maintain trust." Another elder advised, shaking his head.
"But how will we progress village growth then? The Daimyo's annual military budget allotment is fixed. It's not that we're unwilling to pay it back, but we truly lack the capacity currently," a argued.
"Funds can be redirected from elsewhere right?"
"The village requires financing to develop," came the immediate retort. The majority of elders seemed to concur with this stance.
While Sand was responsible for this scenario, the original loan amount from the association had simply been excessive at that time. Repaying it now could hamstring Suna's development plans for years ahead, rendering the village uncompetitive for that period.
Such an outcome was unacceptable
The era of peace was one of the few important transitional periods to accelerate the development of military power. It's necessary to have a racing spirit and make full preparations for the next ninja war. Repaying the loan would make Suna lose to other villages in the race, which was unacceptable.
"Kazekage-sama, what are your thoughts on this?"
After debating, the discussion revolved around whether or not to repay the loan, but ultimately the decision lied with Kazekage himself.
Rasa looked around the meeting room and said to the Sunagakure elders, "I believe our village alone cannot decide on this. As we all know, Sunagakure is a military institution under the Land of Wind. Even if we borrow money from other countries, it is reasonable to request it from the Daimyō's mansion. After all, when the loan was originally taken, it was guaranteed by an official next to the Daimyō."
"So Kazekage-sama means..."
The Sunagakure elders present understood Rasa's intentions immediately.
"Kazekage-sama is right. Since the Daimyō sent officials as guarantors at the time, the loan repayment should be left to the Daimyō. We have no right to interfere in such matters."
"That's right. The Daimyō manages the Land of Wind, so it is inappropriate for them to come asking us to repay."
The direction changed immediately, as everyone realized this was the best approach.
In any case, Sunagakure could not afford to spend this money, otherwise development would halt over the next few years, widening the gap with Konoha and other powerful villages.
"Since the elders agree, I will respond to the Land of Demons diplomats in this manner." Rasa breathed a sigh of relief.
In fact, he had already negotiated with the Wind Daimyō beforehand and his resolution was approved. As long as both parties kept shirking repayment responsibilities to extend the deadline indefinitely, it would be fine.
With the Land kf Wind's military strength, the small nation Land of Demons would not dare make military threats. As for economic threats, Suna troops could be sent to intimidate them, resolving the issue satisfactorily.
In Rasa's view, the incident was over. He didn't believe the Land of Demons would still dare to persist in this matter, daring to provoke both the Kazekage and the Wind Daimyō.
If not for its neutral status, Rasa would not have bothered negotiating with them all. Without strong military might, their business empire was a house of cards.
It wasn't that he feared the neutral country. History had examples of neutral nations entering wars. The Land of Demons was just a little special case.
For the Land of Wind, oppressing neutral countries militarily was not about capability, but intention.
Ultimately, the Land of Demons still had the mindset of a traditional weak nation. In this ninja world, might makes right. Ninja power was the only eternal theme.
....
In his office, Shiraishi casually glanced through the diplomat's report while making tea, finally showing a smile on his face.
"As expected, Sunagakure plans to do this."
There was no need to interpret further. He had anticipated this since Suna postponed repayment over two years ago. Based on their past conduct in Amegakure, this was unsurprising.
"What should be done next, Shiraishi-sama?"
The man before Shiraishi asked. His face was plain, his nails cracked and skin rough, he looked like a farmer. But he was the military intelligence captain, codenamed Dark Bull, a trusted subordinate.
"The prerequisites for bordering the Land of Wind are almost complete. Next, we just need to guide things towards the direction that would be beneficial for the Land of Demons."
"That is..." Dark Bull narrowed his eyes.
"Yes, as you think, it's time to close the net on the Land of Bears. I'll leave the order to you."
"Understood."
Dqrk Bull nodded. His task mission assisting the Land of Demons ninjas in their plan to subsume the Land of Bears. For years the Land of Demons had secretly infiltrated the Land of Bears, replacing many officials, not to mention lower organizations - their foothold was substantial. The reason for acting now was to prevent flaws that could hinder the entire plan. But it seemed there was no longer any need to be so covert.
"Then, Shiraishi-sama, I will take my leave first."
"Go."
Shiraishi nodded and watched Dark Bull leave.
After Dark Bull left, Shiraishi took out a new document and began scanning through it.
Not long after, the door rang again, and a man walked in from outside, wearing a black coat and carrying a heavy black leather box. He gave off a mysterious and taciturn image.
On his chest was also a golden circular nameplate made of pure gold, which had a rose pattern. The nameplate represented the identity of a debt collector, specifically the highest level the gold medal debt collector.
"Kakuzu-san, it's been a while, nothing has changed," Shiraishi put down the documents in hand and smiled at the gold medal debt collector.
"Likewise." Kakuzu's gaze fixed on Shiraishi's face.
In his eyes, over the past few years, Shiraishi's appearance had basically remained unchanged. He was clearly in his thirties but still looked to be in his twenties, just like the two women beside him who maintained their beautiful youth.
Considering he was a medical ninja and formerly Tsunade's student, this was unsurprising. Ninjutsu in this world spanned extensively with varied types, including those that maintained youth and prolonged life.
Himself was a prime example, as long as there were enough hearts to replenish, he can live forever and witness history's vicissitudes for a long time.
"Actually, Kakuzu-san as gold medal debt collector, the reason you're here is because i have a matter to discuss," Shiraishi straightened his face and got down to business.
"I don't think it's an easy matter if you're personally asking me."
When Shiraishi had come to him suddenly, Kakuzu knew he was being asked to do something, and it definitely would not be simple.
"This is a bill from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, please take a look."
Shiraishi picked up and handed over a document. Kakuzu quickly glanced over it.
"So that's the case. Sunagakure has exceeded the deadline and failed to repay theie loan on time. You want me to collect this debt? However, this should be beyond what I as a debt collector can manage."
Kakuzu cut straight to the point. Even having become the only gold medal debt collector thanks to his extraordinary abilities over the past few years, he was unqualified to intervene in such high-level matters between countries that required formal diplomatic negotiations.
"But now Kazekage of Sunagakure and the Wind Daimyō are shirking responsibility, without anyone willing to give a clear answer. This is giving our diplomats a headache. Itis conceivable they have no sincerity to pay back the money they're owing."
"So you mean..."
Kakuzu narrowed his eyes, his voice a little lower. He already knew the Land of Demons would not let this go. Business boomed on the surface, but more terrifying than business was the military organization lurking in the shadows that never revealed itself. People's understanding of the Land of Demons was merely the tip of the iceberg.
When the entire iceberg underwater fully emerged, it would surely shock the entire ninja world.
"Since they're playing hot potato with responsibility, we can only use our own means to collect this debt. After all, isn't it only natural to repay what is owed?"
At this point, Shiraishi casually propped his chin up with hands on the table, and asked Kakuzu with a smile.
"Hehe... That's right, repaying debt is indeed only natural. I just didn't expect you to have set sights on subjugating the Land of Wind militarily so early. Your ambitions are quite big,"
Kakuzu also smiled, but it was less malicious than appreciating the interesting situation. He didn't know of the military's plans since he wasn't interested in anything but debt collection. He could only make guesses fitting the Land of Demons' best interests based on the information available. Yet he hadn't expected their first target among the Five Great Nations to be one at such a high level.
"Then, I'll entrust you with collecting the Land of Wind's debt."
"I understand. Collecting from an entire country, this is truly an unprecedented challenge. One I will accomplish."
Kakuzu nodded and accepted Shiraishi's request. Perhaps next he would see some very interesting things. The era of the Five Great Nations dominating the ninja world was likely ending for good. But what did that have to do with him? He was just a debt collector.
Debt collection was his job. Whether the debtor was an individual, organization, or country. All were equal before debt collectors. None could match a debt collector's obsession with money.
...
Sunny Morning
The daimyo of the Land of Wind awoke and was dressed in his usual manner with the assistance of a maidservant. Suddenly, the maidservant let out a faint cry, as if she had seen something incredible.
"What's the matter?" The Daimyo irritably. He had a bloated and wrinkled face that displayed his old age. He was displeased with the maidservant's behavior.
"This..."
The maidservant held up a scrap of clean, white paper picked up from beside the daimyo's bed. The reverse side of the paper was stained red, with crimson characters clearly written upon it.
"What is that? Did you place it there?"
The daimyo asked with narrowed eyes. He didn't remember any such paper being present beside his bed the previous night.
"No, I just discovered it now," The maidservant replied tremblingly.
"Read what is written on it,"
"Yes,"
The maidservant said with a nod. She unfolded the paper, upon which the words "Repay the money" were roughly painted in bright red characters.
'Repay the money?' The daimyo frowned. Those three words reminded him of something extremely unpleasant.
Moreover, who had planted this paper? The daimyo wondered with suspicion. He took the paper from the maidservant's hands, crumpled it into a ball, threw it to the floor, and strode quickly from the room.
Walking outside, the daimyo was alarmed to see two ninja guards collapsed unconscious outside his door.
In the courtyard, complementing colors of red and white met his eyes.
White papers stained with crimson characters were everywhere - on the walls, pillars, edge of the pond, even the ground. All bore the same message - "Repay the money".
The daimyo's swollen face trembled with rage at the sight. Those three damning words felt like daggers stabbing his eyes.
Who would dare to be so audacious? Who would risk such reckless actions under his very roof? Were they seeking death?
Remembering the incapacitated guards at his door and the unresponsive ninja supposedly hidden throughout the compound for his protection, a look of fear crept over the daimyo's countenance.
If someone capable of neutralizing his guards without making a sound wanted him dead, then wouldn't he...
The daimyo shuddered as panic rose within his heart.
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