Iwagakure Village, Tsuchikage Office
The morning light gilded the huge floor-to-ceiling windows. Chi Chen stood in front of the window, overlooking the Iwagakure Village that was about to wake up in the morning mist.
His tall figure was outlined in his brand new ochre Genin uniform. In his hand, he held tightly the scroll carrying heavy expectations, "Stone Plan: A Five-Year Outline for Resource Development and Economic Strengthening in the Land of Earth."
Every word and sentence here has been repeatedly scrutinized and polished by him, Ohnoki and his think tank, striving for rigorous logic, detailed data and clear steps, so as to develop the national strength of the Land of Earth while minimizing the vigilance of the Daimyo Prefecture.
Of course, in this era, most people would not have thought that someone would have such a rebellious idea, and the think tank also believed that this was Ohnoki's attempt to seek a guarantee for himself and the Iwagakure Village.
In this era, the idea of daring to put the "country" above the "ninja village" or even the "daimyo" for long-term planning is itself shocking.
"How does it feel to shoulder this responsibility?" Ohnoki's vigorous voice sounded behind him.
Chi Chen turned around and said, "It's very heavy, but I'm also excited to think that I can make a real contribution!"
"Very good." A barely perceptible trace of relief flashed across Ōnoki's eyes. "This is the magnanimity of a Kage. You have thousands of Rock Ninjas behind you. Your decision will affect the entire Land of Earth!"
"Let's go, Chichen." Ohnoki was floating, and his wide Tsuchikage cloak fluttered in the wind.
There was no farewell, only a few jonin who assisted Ōnoki were there.
"The village is in your hands." Ohnoki said concisely.
"Yes! Lord Tsuchikage!" they answered in unison.
Chi Chen took one last look at the village, as if he could see the appearance of the villagers.
"Set off."
The group, which included Ohnoki and Akagami, along with several ANBU elites as guards, quickly left the Iwagakure Village and set out on the long road to the capital of the Land of Earth.
The journey was boring and long. After leaving the rocky highlands where the Hidden Rock Village was located and entering the heart of the Land of Earth, the terrain became relatively flat, but still barren. Chi Chen sat in the car, and through the window, he saw the truer background of this country.
Cracked fields, sparse crops, and ragged, skinny farmers working hard under the scorching sun.
The small towns we occasionally passed by seemed run-down and lifeless, completely different from the rough yet vibrant atmosphere of Iwagakure Village.
The refugees' ranks were like winding scars, branded on the dry earth. Their numb eyes turned towards the group with the Iwagakure forehead protector logo.
Chi Chen had witnessed these scenes a long time ago during the training arranged by Ohnoki. Anyone who has seen modern society would not turn a blind eye to this situation.
"See, Chen?" Ohnoki said beside Akachen, "This is what this world looks like. These are the people we have to protect. The Land of Earth and the Hidden Rock Village were built on them."
Chi Chen nodded silently, his fingers unconsciously stroking the rough wooden talisman around his neck. How could he endure darkness after seeing the light!
A few days later, the outline of Rock City, the capital of the Land of Earth, appeared on the horizon. In stark contrast to the desolate landscape along the way, Rock City, built against the mountain, with towering walls, was imposing and majestic. As we approached the capital, the roads became smoother and wider, and more people came. Caravans of well-dressed businessmen and arrogant nobles passed by in an endless stream.
As you enter Yancheng, the hustle and bustle is overwhelming. Magnificent buildings are lined up one after another, and exquisite shops display rare treasures from the five major countries. Nobles and servants in gorgeous clothes are everywhere.
However, under the shadow of those magnificent mansions, the beggars huddled in the corners and the poor women washing clothes beside the sewers silently tell the other side of this capital city - extreme prosperity and biting poverty, separated by only a wall.
Daming Mansion is located in the center, and its luxury far exceeds Chi Chen's imagination. There are huge jade stones, gold foil decorations everywhere, and the air is filled with the smell of various incense, which is so strong that it is almost suffocating.
There were also countless attendants wearing elaborate costumes and moving with meticulous precision, but their expressions were like those of puppets.
After a long wait and communication, Chi Chen finally followed Ohnoki to meet the daimyo.
The throne was high above, and the Daimyo of the Land of Earth sat in it. The Daimyo's face was perfectly maintained, with the grace of someone who had been in a high position for a long time.
Dozens of ministers and nobles in gorgeous clothes sat on both sides, their eyes all focused on Ohnoki and his group who walked in, or more precisely, on Chichen who was standing next to Ohnoki.
Surprise, curiosity, scrutiny, disdain, all sorts of emotions shone through those carefully painted faces. A six-year-old Genin, Ōnoki's apprentice, someone Ōnoki himself admitted possessed the aura of a Kage, had come with a plan to enable the Land of Earth to surpass the Land of Fire.
"Sir Ohnoki, you must have come all the way here, thank you for your hard work." The daimyo said, "Is this the hope of Iwagakure's future, Mr. Chichen, whom you mentioned in your letter?" His eyes fell on Chichen.
"Indeed, Your Excellency," Ōnoki replied. "Although Chichen is young, he is extremely talented and has unique insights into the future development of the Land of Earth and Iwagakure."
Chi Chen stepped forward, without any childish stage fright. "I am Chi Chen, the Iwagakure Genin, and I pay my respects to the Daimyo. I have come here today to present a proposal to you, Your Excellency."
The attendant respectfully took the heavy "Rock Plan" from Chi Chen and presented it to the imperial desk.
In fact, the daimyo was sent to the daimyo's mansion by Ōnoki as soon as the proposal was completed. When the daimyo heard that it was proposed by a child, his first reaction was that it was impossible.
This is definitely not something that can be accomplished at this age. The power of Ohnoki and the entire Iwagakure think tank must be behind it. But the daimyo also knows that the person who can come up with the prototype of this plan is not an ordinary talent. No wonder Ohnoki wants to build momentum for this guy.
In fact, this is true. How could he be in charge of the country for so many years without any brains?
"Akachen-kun," the daimyo put down the scroll and looked at the man whose future would surely shone throughout the ninja world. "This 'Stone Plan' is a grand vision with clear steps. However, its cost and implications are extraordinary. Especially the terraced fields and the national highway project, the manpower and resources required are enormous, and the expropriation of a large amount of land may affect the interests of many feudal lords. How can you ensure its feasibility?"
The daimyo's question went straight to the point and also represented the doubts of the vast majority of noble ministers in the palace.
This plan can indeed bring them some benefits, but that is in the future. For now, it is more of a loss.
If Ohnoki was not currently at the peak of his influence in the Land of Earth, and if Chichen, who proposed this plan, was not the designated future successor, they would definitely not be so easy to talk to.
Looking at the history of the ninja world, especially the history after the establishment of the ninja village, the relationship between the daimyo and the kage is really very complicated. But when the Iwagakure Village had not yet participated in the Second and Third World Wars, when the Iwagakure's will was made and it could bring benefits, they absolutely could not object. If they really made Ohnoki angry, he would use a Dust Release to shut you up.
This is a bloody lesson. Ohnoki is easier to talk to now, so you can't take advantage of him.
Ohnoki's expression remained unchanged, and he just watched Chichen perform.
Chi Chen raised his head and met Daimyo's gaze calmly without any fear. He was prepared for all this.
"Reporting to Your Excellency," Chi Chen's voice remained clear and steady beyond his years. "The core of the 'Rock Plan' is 'pilot first, results speak for themselves.'"
"The terraced field project will initially be piloted in the area near Iwagakure Village. It will be limited in scale, and funding can be provided by Iwagakure Village itself and through partial commercial tax subsidies. There's no immediate need for a massive capital injection. This is a demonstration project. If successful, it could transform the mountainous land into fertile soil, with yields far exceeding those of ordinary sloping land. This would serve as compelling evidence, and would naturally attract the feudal lord's active cooperation."
"The short-term effects of the Earth Country National Highway Plan are indeed slow, but in the long run it is a business that is sure to make money." Chi Chen's voice rose slightly.
"If we can build a complete national highway and dispatch ninjas to patrol it, at least safety will be guaranteed. More and more caravans will come, and the tax revenue will naturally increase. Then, trade will flourish, and we will gain more than we lose."
He paused, glanced at the noble ministers with different expressions, and continued:
"As for the funding source, the 'Rock Plan' doesn't require an immediate outpouring of all resources. For initial investment, we can try issuing 'land development bonds' as mentioned in the plan. Backed by the reputation of Iwagakure Village, we can raise funds from wealthy merchants and nobles within the country. At the same time, we will open up some designated mineral exploration and concessions to attract investment from caravans. After the road is completed, we will establish reasonable commercial tax checkpoints. The revenue generated can be used to repay the principal and interest of the bonds annually, and then support subsequent projects."
"There's also this plan to train civilians to learn technology and develop specialty industries..."
Chi Chen's explanation was clear and well-reasoned. During this process, some nobles interrupted from time to time. Many parts of this plan were ideas proposed by Chi Chen and could only be explained by Chi Chen.
After the explanation, the hall fell into silence. The noble ministers looked at each other, some frowned in thought, some had a gleam in their eyes, and some still looked disdainful, but it was undeniable that they were moved by what Chi Chen said.
After all, except for that road at the beginning, most of the projects were carried out near the Hidden Rock Village. I just gave up some land that could not be cultivated and paid more money to raise some ninjas. It was a sure profit no matter how I looked at it.
The Minister of Finance, an old man with white hair and beard, was the first to break the silence: "What Chichen-kun said about bonds and franchises is a very good idea, but wouldn't it be inappropriate to use the trust of the Iwagakure Village as a guarantee?"
Chi Chen certainly knew what he meant. He had agreed to it now, but what if a war broke out in the future and he was defeated? How would he repay him?
"The reputation of Iwagakure lies in the thousands of people who are willing to sacrifice for the village. If this plan fails, Iwagakure is willing to use the future profits of its mines to repay the debt first. Iwagakure is willing to take the lead in this endeavor!"
Ōnoki added in a deep voice at the right moment: "I guarantee in the name of the Tsuchikage that if this plan is to be implemented, everyone in the Iwagakure Village will do their utmost!"
The daimyo sat upright on the throne, tapping the armrests lightly with his fingers. The atmosphere in the hall was solemn, and all parties were weighing the pros and cons. Although they had to agree at this point, how much effort they would contribute and which nobles among them would contribute needed to be discussed in detail.
But Chi Chen doesn't need to worry about the things involved. This is the business of the daimyo and the nobles.
Finally, the daimyo slowly spoke, "Lord Chichen is a young talent with extraordinary vision. The 'Rock Plan' does have its merits. However, this matter is of great importance and requires long-term planning. The ministers must also assess the risks and calculate the costs. Lord Ōnoki and Lord Chichen may remain in the capital for the time being. I will discuss this with the other ministers and make a final decision."
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