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Chapter 718: Changing Times
Chapter 718: Changing Times
Rain Country, Six Paths City.
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"Who would have thought that just a few years ago, this place was nothing but a barren land with a few dilapidated villages?"
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In the beginning, compared to Rain Village, Six Paths City was merely a small, remote village in the countryside.
Within just a few years, the prosperity of Six Paths City had surpassed that of Rain Village, even eclipsing the country's capital, shifting the economic center of Rain Country from the central region to the east.
"It's all thanks to Son Ryouka-sama," the Rain Shadow Jounin sincerely acknowledged.
Most Rain Village ninjas didn't dwell on the development comparison between Six Paths City and Rain Village, as many of them now held dual identities as Shinshu ninjas.
Shinshu ninjas could work in Rain Village, and those from Rain Village who joined Shinshu could also operate in Six Paths City.
In the eyes of many, Rain Village and Shinshu had essentially merged, forming a unified ninja force, even though it wasn't officially announced.
There had been internal proposals within Shinshu to directly incorporate Rain Village, but they were vetoed by Son Ryouka.
"Indeed," the other Rain Shadow Jounins nodded in agreement.
Even before taking control of Rain Village, Son Ryouka had already gained a group of supporters there for various reasons. After assuming leadership, the number of his supporters and their fervor were no less, if not more, than that of Hanzo.
The vast majority of Rain ninjas viewed Son Ryouka as the true savior of Rain Country, believing that only he could lead the country towards prosperity.
With this premise, it was natural that there would be no conflict arising from Six Paths City's greater prosperity than Rain Village. The Rain ninjas would only feel that their savior was indeed extraordinary.
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He had initially thought that the best possible result would be for Shinshu to defeat Rain Village, leaving it weakened, and then recruiting ninjas who embraced Shinshu's ideology.
Unexpectedly, Son Ryouka had almost effortlessly taken over the entire Rain Village.
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In the end, Scorpion didn't leave Shinshu. Due to his outstanding contribution in inventing puppet prostheses, he was specially promoted to the head of the Chakra Technology Bureau.
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However, working in the Bird Country branch to fight for peace would be more in line with his personal aspirations.
"There were quite a few gains, but it's not something I can explain in a short time," Choumon replied after some thought.
The things he had gained from his work in Bird Country were difficult to summarize briefly, and with the meeting about to start, he didn't elaborate further.
He was curious about Choumon's experiences in Bird Country and his thoughts on them.
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The group continued towards the headquarters.
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Along the way, they encountered several Shinshu elders who were also heading to the meeting, and they exchanged greetings.
Today was the annual Shinshu conference, where they would summarize the past year's work and plan for the upcoming year. Essentially, all important Shinshu ninjas were required to attend.
"Teacher Son Ryouka!"
As the Shinshu ninjas entered the conference room and saw the white-robed man sitting in the headseat, they instinctively straightened their backs and chests, wanting to present their best selves.
Yu Sheng Mu Yue smiled and nodded in response.
"Over the past year, with the war's end, the economy of the entire ninja world has been steadily improving. Our Ministry of Finance has implemented a series of effective measures, resulting in significant fiscal revenue growth.
Firstly, due to technological breakthroughs, the sale of ninja tools has become the primary source of fiscal revenue. Both the feudal lords and the major ninja villages are willing to pay high prices for our jutsu scrolls. Our prostheses are also highly sought after in the ninja world, bringing in substantial income..."
Kakudo stood up first to deliver the report as the Minister of Finance.
"Regarding expenditures, the Ministry of Finance has consistently adhered to a people-centered development approach, precisely allocating limited financial resources to key areas related to people's livelihood, social development, and public safety. We have increased investment in areas such as healthcare, education, and other aspects of people's livelihood..."
Yu Sheng Mu Yue listened attentively and nodded.
Perhaps due to his sensitivity to money, Kakudo, as the Minister of Finance, indeed managed the finances effectively, implementing Yu Sheng Mu Yue's ideas.
In the eyes of the five great ninja villages, Shinshu was seen as ambitious, with all its actions aimed at expanding its influence and strengthening its military power.
In reality, Shinshu's financial expenditures on the military were not significant. Instead, they focused on construction, people's livelihood, education, and healthcare.
Yu Sheng Mu Yue's reasons for this arrangement were straightforward. He never intended to rely on Shinshu's ninjas for warfare.
Even if Shinshu spent all its money on the military, it would be impossible to elevate its strength to the level of the five great ninja villages within a short period.
The Stone Hidden Village's fear of the Shinshu was not directed at the organization itself, but rather at the formidable abilities of Son Ryouka. Despite limited military funding, the Shinshu had achieved significant technological advancements, enhancing their military might considerably.
Apart from the headquarters in the Rain Country, the Shinshu's Bird Country branch also had ninjas reporting in, including Old Purple and Chojiro. However, their work focused on different areas.
"In the past year, the Bird Country branch of the Shinshu has recruited ninety new ninjas who embrace our ideology. The public's approval of the Shinshu has increased..."
"In terms of security, the eastern and central regions of the Bird Country have been cleared of chaotic ninja organizations and rogue ninjas..."
After everyone finished their reports, it was time to discuss the plans for the new year.
"We must prioritize the development of chakra technology," said Moon Sage, emphasizing, "Even if there are no immediate results, we cannot abandon our research."
"Not only should we develop military technology, but also civilian technology. Of course, the most crucial aspect is to increase productivity."
The Shinshu had always prioritized the well-being of the people, and Moon Sage was confident that this would not be forgotten.
However, due to the ninja backgrounds of Kakudo and his team, scientific development was often overlooked, especially in civilian applications.
This was not a fault of Kakudo's team, but rather a common mindset among all ninjas in the ninja world.
After the disbandment of the Shinshu, the focus of ninjas gradually shifted to conflicts and warfare.
Currently, there were no production-oriented jutsu in the ninja world. Whether it was ancient techniques passed down or modern innovations, all jutsu were developed solely for combat.
The Shinshu ninjas nodded in agreement, although some of them didn't fully understand Son Ryouka's intentions. Deep down, they all acknowledged his wisdom.
If asked why, the answer was simple—Son Ryouka's ideas must have a solid basis.
Apart from technology, Moon Sage generally allowed the Shinshu ninjas to act freely, only stepping in to fill any gaps.
As the meeting drew to a close, Moon Sage spoke up again:
"I believe it's time to put the River Country branch on the agenda."
Thanks to the efforts of Kakudo, Old Purple, and Chojiro, the Bird Country branch of the Shinshu was now fully established and no longer required headquarters' support. It could independently maintain order in the Bird Country.
Moon Sage felt it was time to take the next step.
"Isn't it a bit early?" Kakudo asked after some thought. "Although the River Country doesn't have a ninja village, their ninja forces are not weak. The Leaf Village, Stone Hidden Village, and Sand Hidden Village will likely not stand idly by as we grow stronger."
While the major ninja villages remained inactive, the Shinshu could handle the ninja organizations and clans in the River Country. However, Kakudo believed that the ninja villages would eventually intervene.
In a best-case scenario, they might secretly hinder the Shinshu's progress and secretly fund the River Country's ninja forces.
In a worst-case scenario, they might openly oppose the Shinshu's actions, using their ninja forces to stop them.
Kakudo believed that the Shinshu still had untapped potential and needed more time to develop, ensuring they wouldn't become a burden to Son Ryouka in the event of a war.
"It does feel a bit rushed."
"I don't think so. The work in the Bird Country is almost done."
"Our goal is world peace. How can we let the fear of the major ninja villages stop us from acting?"
The High Council Chamber erupted in debate, with most ninjas supporting Son Ryouka, but a portion also siding with Kakudo.
Knock knock.
Moon Sage tapped the table with his fingers, and the room instantly fell silent.
"Just do as you see fit. The major ninja villages won't stand in our way," Moon Sage said with a faint smile.
If the major ninja villages felt threatened by the Shinshu's actions and decided to take action, Moon Sage would show them what a true threat looked like.
When he had only a few hundred thousand chakra, the Shinshu had to act discreetly. Now, with over four million chakra, why should he still worry about the opinions of the major ninja villages?
"In that case, it's time to put the River Country branch on the agenda," Kakudo instantly understood Son Ryouka's intentions.
The atmosphere in the High Council Chamber shifted immediately, and no one voiced any further opposition to establishing a branch in the River Country.
"You're going to stand against the major ninja villages alone? What other tricks do you have up your sleeve, Son Ryouka?" Kakudo asked curiously.
Even if Son Ryouka and Kakudo claimed he was the reincarnation of the Six Paths Sage, Kakudo would believe it.
Son Ryouka had once said that he might make mistakes, so it was important to question and oppose him when necessary.
However, Son Ryouka had never made a mistake, even in controversial decisions. Time had always proven his correctness.
With such extraordinary wisdom and unparalleled strength, it wasn't far-fetched to believe he was the reincarnation of the Six Paths Sage.
"Calling him a reincarnation is an understatement. He is the Six Paths Sage of this era," Kakudo thought to himself.
Perhaps Son Ryouka's contributions didn't match those of the ancient Six Paths Sage, but in the hearts of the Shinshu ninjas, he was the Six Paths Sage of their time.
Even if the true Six Paths Sage from history were to return, the Shinshu ninjas would still follow Son Ryouka, not the so-called Six Paths Sage.
"Additionally, I plan to host another large-scale Martial Arts Tournament in the Six Paths City. This time, there will be no age restrictions or any other limitations. All strong ninjas in the ninja world are welcome to participate." Moon Sage continued.
"Will you be competing?" Kakudo asked.
"No, I won't be competing. If the First is interested, he can challenge me, and I'll accept," Moon Sage replied with a shake of his head.
This tournament was primarily an opportunity for his disciples to boost their records and show the old ninjas that the times had changed.
Kakudo thought about it and felt it made sense. Otherwise, if the news of Son Ryouka's participation spread, many ninjas might be too intimidated to participate.
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"For the River Country branch, I want the three of you to take charge," Moon Sage said.
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When the establishment of the River Country branch was confirmed during the meeting, they had already decided to apply for the mission, but they never expected Son Ryouka to entrust them with such an important task.
The three of them looked at each other and smiled.
Once again, they could work together for world peace.
(End of Chapter)
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