Chapter 27: Chapter 27
"This past half month has surpassed my experiences in the past half of my life," Chiyo commented emotionally as she walked to the window and observed the bustling activity and emerging greenery in the distance.
Hitoshi reassured her, saying, "Don't worry, what we are currently witnessing is just a false sense of prosperity. The real prosperity will arrive in about half a month."
He spoke with confidence, knowing that it would take some time for those who wished to settle in Sunagakure to arrive. The journey could take as little as 20 days for the fastest travelers and even several months for the slowest ones. However, with the assistance of Suna Shinōbi, even the slow ones would arrive more quickly, and the fast ones would arrive even faster.
After careful calculations, Hitoshi predicted that within a month, the major merchants would arrive in Suna Shinōbi Village. Their arrival would mark the beginning of true prosperity, with more goods to come in subsequent waves.
In anticipation of this, Hitoshi had ordered the construction of a large warehouse using Earth Release techniques. The plan was to charge storage fees once the merchants arrived.
"I will wait for half a month then. When the time comes, the people of Uzumaki Clan will also arrive," Chiyo nodded, accepting Hitoshi's explanation without questioning.
As an Elder of Sunagakure, publicly questioning the decisions of the Kazekage would be a grave mistake.
"Uzumaki Clan chose our Medical-Ninjutsu as their admission ticket, and they have provided a portion of the mountain's top money," Hitoshi mentioned, as if recalling the information. He then retrieved a scroll and tossed it to Chiyo near the window.
"Medical-Ninjutsu? Are they interested in it?" Chiyo questioned skeptically as she examined the scroll carefully.
"Yes, Senju Hashirama and Uzumaki Mito both studied it. Otherwise, do you think Tsunade, one of the Sannin and renowned throughout the Shinōbi World, acquired her foundation in Medical-Ninjutsu?" Hitoshi replied with a sneer.
In a short period of time, the Sannin had found their own paths. They engaged in battles with Iwa Shinōbi and Kumo Shinōbi, and their fame spread throughout the Shinōbi World. Similarly, Konoha's White Fang had also established his own reputation.
"So that's how it is. Their research direction is different from ours. Uzumaki Clan focuses on Ninjutsu Medical, while we, like Princess Tsunade, delve into Pharmacy," Hitoshi explained as Chiyo finished reading the scroll. The scroll contained records of Uzumaki Clan's research on Medical-Ninjutsu.
In Chiyo's eyes, although the research was still rough, it laid a foundation for establishing a sect. With careful consideration and gradual supplementation, it would eventually become a complete system.
"Aren't you afraid?" Hitoshi asked, his smile expressing his curiosity as he wanted to hear Chiyo's explanation.
"Fear? There's nothing to be afraid of. First, our research directions are different. And if they can surpass us in a short time, it just demonstrates their ability," Chiyo responded, shaking her head with an indifferent expression.
Although she felt a sense of crisis, it wasn't enough to scare her. She had been a renowned figure in Sunagakure during the famous World War I, and she wouldn't easily succumb to fear.
"Your ambition is worthy of praise, Elder Chiyo," Hitoshi commented, acknowledging Chiyo's determination.
If Chiyo were to be envious at this moment and try to suppress the potential crisis, Hitoshi would willingly step aside and provide a platform for Uzumaki Clan. Rather than eliminating the threat, he believed it was better to strengthen oneself. Hitoshi, who was familiar with the original work of the Hokage, was well aware of the dangers of internal strife. Once such conflicts start, they seldom end well.
The more conflicts and power struggles within a Ninja Village, the weaker the village's overall influence becomes. The constant worry about others seizing power further weakens the village, creating a cycle of decline.
For more insights, one should pay attention to Konoha Shinōbi Village. If it weren't for the presence of Tsunade as the Sannin, supported by Jiraiya, and the existence of Naruto and Sasuke, it is questionable whether Konoha could have persisted until the Fourth Shinōbi World War.
In Hitoshi's view, Suna Shinōbi Village can tolerate many things, but it cannot tolerate internal strife. Internal conflicts must be nipped in the bud. Healthy competition can contribute to the village's development, but prolonged infighting will only lead to the extinction of the Ninja Village.
Amused by Hitoshi's surprise, Chiyo couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"I'm old now, it's your generation's time. I won't fight for useless things. It's better to spend my time with my grandson, Sasori," Chiyo remarked with a smile.
Impressed by Chiyo's wisdom, Hitoshi couldn't help but praise her.
After Chiyo left, reflecting on their conversation, Hitoshi felt like a sycophant, constantly nodding his head in agreement to please his superior. Realizing that it was time to finish work, Hitoshi packed up and decided to take a break. There were no pressing matters related to the village's development, and he felt quite tired.
Deciding to unwind, Hitoshi thought to himself, "Ah, it's been a while since I last visited the young sister. I'll go see her and spend some time together today."
Counting the days on his fingers, Hitoshi resolved to visit the young sister in need of condolences.
Deciding to take action, Hitoshi swiftly left using the Body Flicker technique.
"Kazekage-sama, there are a few more matters here that require your attention," Pakura said as she entered the office. Looking at the empty space outside the office window, a sense of frustration washed over her. Within a few seconds, anger turned to helplessness, and finally, resignation. Pakura took a moment to compose herself, tidied up the office, placed a few documents on the desk, closed the door, and left for the day.
Observing Pakura leaving, other staff members in the Kazekage building shook their heads and could only envy her. Being the Kazekage's secretary is a demanding position. You have to be present whenever the Kazekage summons you. While it has its perks, it also means your workday extends until the Kazekage's work is finished. If given a choice, most people would reject the role of the secretary. It's a job that seems almost inhuman.
As Hitoshi made his way towards offering condolences to the young sister in need, he also took the opportunity to observe the changes taking place in Sunagakure. Walking past the shops on the streets, he noticed the clan symbols and the occasional commoner and Shinōbi-run establishments. It stirred a sense of unrest within him.
"Things are still imbalanced. The limited natural resources are constraining the progress of too many people. In the next phase, we need to address this issue and adjust the over-reliance on natural resources," Hitoshi pondered as he walked.
Establishing a solid foundation is crucial. Without it, progress would be slow and potentially disastrous. Economic development must avoid deformity, and if necessary, strong measures will need to be taken to address significant challenges.
"Consider the options and plan accordingly," Hitoshi muttered, feeling a sense of concern.
Sunagakure's resources are indeed limited. In the desert environment, there aren't many natural resources available for exploitation.
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