Land of Wind, Sunagakure.
Originally, Sunagakure was surrounded by a ring of elevated yellow earth ridges, forming a natural barrier. However, after several years of implementing the Sand Promotion Plan, these earthen ridges outside the village had been entirely removed.
In their place, several wide, radial roads reinforced with Earth Release techniques now extended outward, spreading across the Land of Wind like veins.
The most noticeable change within the village, however, was the transformation of its once monotonous sandy-yellow tones. With sandstorms no longer a threat and underground streams now interconnected, Sunagakure had an abundant supply of well water.
Greenery began to sprout from every corner of the village. Trees and plants flourished, while pink flowers adorned courtyards and rooftops, bringing a vibrant life to the once barren landscape.
Kazekage's Office.
"Sōmi, isn't your idea of a 'Department of Social Wealth Liquefaction' a bit... excessive?"
Sitting across from Sōmi, Rasa immediately voiced his doubts after Sōmi concluded his presentation.
Previously, due to some conflicts with the Third Kazekage, Rasa had been reassigned to the mines, where he spent several years as a gold miner undergoing "reform through labor."
It wasn't until the war with Kirigakure broke out that Rasa was reinstated.
Thanks to his outstanding performance in the war and the fact that the financial backers supporting him had all been dealt with, the Third Kazekage once again brought Rasa back into Sunagakure's decision-making circle.
"What's the problem?"
"The ultimate goal of this department is to ensure that all resources produced in the Land of Wind belong to its people."
"Of course, this can't be achieved in the early stages of the department's establishment."
"Currently, the village controls the most critical industries in the country. However, some wealthy merchants have amassed staggering fortunes through cross-border trade and military supplies."
"All we're doing now is imposing heavy taxes on them. What's wrong with that?"
"Is private property sacred and inviolable?"
"Or perhaps, Senpai, are you worried that your wealth might be at risk of being 'violated' by the village?"
Sōmi retorted bluntly.
"You..."
Rasa seemed to have been struck in a sore spot. He opened his mouth, ready to argue.
But the Third Kazekage, seated on the main sofa, raised his hand to stop him. The Kazekage then spoke:
"Liquefying wealth..."
"This would undoubtedly be a great boon for the vast majority of impoverished citizens."
"After all, the ultimate goal of ensuring that the nation's collective wealth belongs to all its people—isn't that a noble vision?"
"The meaning of the word 'Kazekage' is not to protect the interests of a select few!"
"However, while the concept is commendable, the practical implementation will be incredibly challenging..."
"How to funnel the wealth concentrated at the top down to the common people, creating a harmonious and prosperous Land of Wind—this is no small feat."
A glimmer of admiration appeared in the Third Kazekage's eyes. As an orphan himself, he deeply understood the struggles of the lower classes.
Ebizō, meanwhile, leisurely poured himself a cup of Yunwu tea. This tea was a rare luxury, and the Kazekage's office held the largest supply in the entire village.
After taking a slow sip, Ebizō finally spoke:
"Sōmi, you truly live up to being the disciple of that master!"
"To think you could come up with such an idea..."
"This proposal is undoubtedly a great benefit to the nation and its people, but as the Kazekage said, the implementation and the balance of its execution are major challenges."
"We may need a lot of time to experiment and explore before finding a truly viable path."
"Moreover, the current ninja world is fraught with crises. We don't even have the stable environment needed to focus on reforms!"
It was a curious coincidence that, after the Third Kazekage and Sōmi had ousted the representatives of clans, financial groups, and daimyo proxies, the decision-makers left in Sunagakure included two orphans and one man without any direct descendants.
Rasa, on the other hand, had a large faction backing him, which explained why he reacted so strongly when Sōmi proposed targeting the wealthy elite.
"Elder, my intention is merely to propose a direction, establish a department, and then gradually explore the possibilities."
"War will end one day!"
Sōmi's tone toward Ebizō was respectful.
After all, Ebizō was a wise elder without personal agendas. Many policies required his careful scrutiny before they could be implemented.
This was something Sōmi was immensely grateful for. If he were surrounded by nothing but parasites, how could he ever hope to govern effectively?
No matter how many ideas Sōmi had, he couldn't implement them nationwide on his own.
Granny Chiyo, though not directly involved in decision-making, was highly pragmatic. She never hesitated when it came to matters concerning the village's interests.
For instance, she had previously taught several sessions of medical and puppetry training classes.
Most importantly, both elders possessed admirable integrity. Granny Chiyo's rare personal bias was limited to her grandson, Sasori, while Ebizō consistently approached issues from a national perspective—a rare quality in any policymaker.
In this regard, comparing Sunagakure's council of elders to Konoha's would make Danzo and his ilk seem like enemy spies in disguise.
"Lord Kazekage!"
"Please review this document and decide how to proceed!"
Suddenly, Baki, who had been reviewing documents at the desk, approached with a file.
He laid it out in front of the Kazekage.
After a quick glance, the Kazekage picked up a pen and swiftly wrote his approval.
When he was done, Baki returned to his desk to continue processing the documents. Beside him, at another desk, sat Yūra, a veteran hardened by the war.
Both of them had been trained under Ebizō's guidance and now served as "Kazekage Assistants." The Third Kazekage, adhering to the principle of "maximize utility," even delegated less critical files to them.
This was why the Third Kazekage could relax on the sofa, sipping tea, while Baki and Yūra buried themselves in paperwork, listening to the village's highest-level decisions.
Meanwhile, in the Land of Earth, Iwagakure, inside the Tsuchikage's office, which exuded a primitive artistic charm.
Ōnoki hovered in mid-air as he listened to his subordinates' report.
As the report concluded, his thick white eyebrows slowly furrowed upward.
"Am I hearing this right? Amegakure wants to collaborate with us on a joint Chūnin Exam?"
"What is the meaning of this?"
"Are they trying to showcase their potential to surpass the Five Great Nations?"
"Or is there some other scheme at play..."
Ōnoki murmured softly to himself.
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