"Every system is created by people, so like people, systems have a lifespan. As time passes, a system gradually becomes outdated and can't keep up with the needs of the era. That's why reform and renewal are necessary—otherwise, a system gets sick, grows old, and eventually dies, just like a person."
"What happens when a system dies?"
"Simple—new people create new systems. Right now, most of the major ninja villages are still running on the system the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama, set up decades ago. Think about it—Hashirama has been dead for years. How could those old systems not be aging too?"
"That makes sense, but the villages have been running on those systems until now and nothing major has gone wrong, right?"
"Nothing wrong? Are you blind? We've already had two Great Ninja Wars, and minor conflicts break out all the time. Just look at your own Amegakure—count how many wars you've fought since the Second Ninja War."
"Yeah, you're right. So, Lord Kazekage, what's actually wrong with the system the First Hokage built?"
"Plenty. For one, ninja have never produced anything themselves, yet the country's defense depends on the ninja village. Ninja live off missions, so while they're fulfilling their national defense duties, they also have to support themselves. The famous and capable jōnin do fine, but what about the average or weaker ninja? How do they survive?
And with this system, the imbalance only gets worse over time. The rich get richer, the poor get poorer. And once I have money, why would I risk my neck fighting anymore? That's why so many powerful jōnin rarely take missions now—their skills are rusting. Haven't you noticed? The top ninja from ten years ago hardly take on jobs anymore. It's a vicious cycle—ninja get weaker and weaker."
"Hmm, that does make sense."
"And that's just from the ninja's perspective. What about ordinary people? The land belongs to the daimyo, so I pay taxes every year. But when trouble comes—bandits, thieves—I have to pay the ninja for help. That's double exploitation. The crops from the land don't increase, so life only gets harder."
"Seems like a real problem. So how do you fix it?"
"Hasn't Sunagakure already done it?"
Jinghang pointed at the bustling crowds in the street. Nagato stared, trying to understand.
Jinghang smiled.
"Think about it. Sunagakure's geography is way worse than Amegakure's—perpetual drought, barren land. But you've been here for over three months. Have you seen a single beggar?"
Nagato thought hard.
"No, I haven't. So that means everyone in Sunagakure has enough to eat! Everyone can earn a living."
"Exactly. We achieved that goal seven years ago."
"So how did you do it?"
Nagato asked.
Jinghang laughed.
"That's not something I can explain in a sentence or two. You'll have to see it, think about it, and figure it out for yourself."
"But I probably won't be in Sunagakure much longer. Daibutsu is almost healed, and Yahiko wrote to me—something's happened in Amegakure, and he needs my help."
"Oh, that's fine. Come back and visit whenever you want—I'll always welcome you."
Jinghang said generously.
"Really? I can come any time?"
Nagato brightened.
"Of course. But let's be clear—come to study, not to try any bounty assassination tricks. If you do, I'll kill you myself."
Jinghang smiled kindly, like a grandfather, but Nagato knew better than to take those words as a joke.
This scene took place after Yahiko returned from his "screw-tightening" job, before Aotu Tailuo broke out of The Abyss, and while Akatsuki's backbone, Daibutsu, was still recovering from serious injuries in Sunagakure. Nagato was left behind by Yahiko to look after him. But Yahiko hadn't left a single coin for medical bills.
With no options, Nagato was about to return to The Abyss to work the sewing machines again, but Jinghang stopped him.
"Come on. You really think those few clothes you made, or those screws you tightened, are worth anything? Could they pay for even one leg of an arhat puppet? Honestly, I just wanted to use labor to reform your damned ninja mindset. Stop taking on any random mission!"
"Since you're staying for a few more months, and my secretary's on vacation, you can be my secretary for a while."
So, for the next three months, Nagato followed Jinghang everywhere, helping with all sorts of affairs. Jinghang seemed to enjoy chatting with the young man, constantly sharing his own ideas and perspectives.
Little by little, Nagato found himself opening a new door—seeing things he'd never seen, hearing stories he'd never heard, and thinking about problems he'd never considered before...
Yahiko had been right—there was a lot to learn from Sunagakure.
Unfortunately, before Nagato could share these thoughts with Yahiko, the clouds of war were already gathering over Amegakure.
Aotu Tailuo finished his patrol around the "secret camp" but didn't hurry back. Instead, he slipped into the dense forest.
He stopped by a large tree, unfastened his belt, crouched down, and carefully pulled a small box from a hollow in the trunk.
Inside was a compact military radio—minus the transmitter.
With practiced hands, Aotu Tailuo put on the headphones, clipped a wire to the metal buckle of his belt, and flipped a hidden switch—a tiny transmitter.
Tap, tap, tap. As Aotu Tailuo worked the device, reports on the recent battles in Amegakure turned into bursts of radio static, beaming out into the silent night.
Half an hour later, Sunagakure's Intelligence Chief, Yamashita Tetsu, knocked on the Kazekage's office door.
"Lord Kazekage, message from Aofeng."
"Is it from Amegakure?"
"Yes!"
Jinghang snatched the telegram and read it, word by word.
"Hmph! Konoha moves fast—and dirty!"
He slammed the telegram on his desk, face darkening.
"I wonder what excuse Konoha will use to attack us next," said Yamashita Tetsu.
"Excuse? Ha! Konoha's already pulled off the absurdity of declaring war after the fighting's over. They don't need an excuse to attack us!"
Jinghang sneered.
"True. Don't worry, I'll keep a close eye on Konoha. We won't get caught off guard like Amegakure."
"Good."
Jinghang nodded, then suddenly seemed to remember something. His face lit up with excitement.
"Yamashita Tetsu, look—this intelligence says Akatsuki's number two, Nagato, is gravely injured. Maybe paralyzed."
"So... what does that mean?"
"Heh, you don't realize what kind of monster Danzo has let loose. If... we play our cards right, maybe that power could be used for us. Heh, just the thought gets me excited."
Jinghang grinned like a fool, his words making little sense. Yamashita Tetsu had no idea what he meant.
"Rasa went to the Moon Lake New District. You handle village affairs for a few days."
Jinghang stood up, looking like he was about to use the Flying Thunder God Technique.
"Where are you going?"
"Amegakure."
"For what?"
"To intercept the prize!"
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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