Chapter 283 : Progress??

Kazuhiko wasn't particularly concerned about whether a wandering clan would choose to settle in the Land of Red.

Though joining the nation or not was ultimately a choice for them, they had the option to apply for citizenship or simply register as temporary residents and leave later.

But Kazuhiko was confident that a family surviving by traveling and selling forecasts likely came from a difficult background, and settling down would be appealing. 

With Land of Red's open and inclusive atmosphere, where people could thrive based on their talents, he was sure they'd want to stay.

"If they see the Land of Red's welcoming nature and still choose to leave, then maybe there's something wrong with this place," Kazuhiko thought.

However, he didn't believe in personally persuading people to stay. For him, voluntary commitment was far more meaningful than pushing people into a decision. 

"Let them experience the Land of Red first, and let them decide on their own... If it doesn't work, we can always appeal to their emotions and logic," he mused.

Land of Red was buzzing with activity, and Kazuhiko had many responsibilities to manage. From integrating new citizens to expanding industries, his agenda was packed.

The nation's economy was in its early stages, with limited industries. Kazuhiko aimed to transform the Land of Red into a significant exporter. 

Currently, the nation's economy was sustained primarily by salt sales, but his vision extended far beyond that.

Besides salt, he wanted to develop other products to export overseas. While food was lucrative, it had a limited impact on long-term economic growth. 

What mattered most was to boost Land of Red's recognition globally, starting with something as simple as its culinary delights.

"If people hear about Land of Red's amazing food, they'll be curious and want to learn more," he thought. That initial interest could lead to broader acceptance of the nation.

Meanwhile, Kazuhiko knew it was crucial to maintain trade relationships with other countries. 

If Land of Red's citizens stopped consuming or if outside merchants ceased trading with them, the economic consequences would be significant.

However, this task had been entrusted to Kakuzu and Gatō, and based on recent reports, they were handling it quite well.

"It seems that we need to enrich more than just food, clothing, housing, and transportation," thought Kazuhiko. "The development of spiritual culture must also begin."

"We should encourage people to sing, dance, and perform acrobatics. They can even earn money through these activities."

"We can hand this over to the Ministry of Culture and Education. They could organize regular singing and dancing performances in the central square..."

When people have nothing to do, they tend to cause trouble. It's crucial to keep people engaged so they feel fulfilled when they go to work, and happy when they come home or take a vacation.

By enjoying life and finding beauty in everyday things through singing and dancing, people can become more enthusiastic and connected to their community.

Kazuhiko wrote these ideas down in a document, marked it for the Department of Culture and Education, and urged them to find talent and start promoting these cultural activities.

He dropped the document into a chute on the side for someone to process later.

Meanwhile, Yutai, a young refugee who had come to Land of Red with his uncle and other displaced people, was already registered and walking down the newly built road, taking in all the sights of Land of Red.

"Yutai, it's really nice here. Everyone seems to be doing well..." said his uncle, a man in his thirties, smiling as he patted the head of a six-year-old child who was walking beside him.

"It seems like we can make a good life here. Maybe we can earn enough to get you treated, and then you'll feel better."

"Yeah!" Yutai nodded, his eyes wide with curiosity as he took in the surroundings. But then his face fell, and he asked, "Do you really think I'll get better?"

"I've been sick for so long. Because of my weak body, I can't exercise like the other kids... I want to be stronger, but every attempt just seems to make things worse. I've spent so much money on treatment, but there's been no improvement, and my health is deteriorating."

He'd been feeling especially unwell these past few days, and if it weren't for Land of Red's help, he wasn't sure what would have happened.

Yutai looked up enviously at the children playing happily around him. He wished he could join them, run and play without a care in the world...

"It will be okay," said his uncle, squeezing Yutai's small hand reassuringly.

"I promised your father that I would take good care of you. There's no disease that can't be cured—we just need to find the right way to treat it!"

"Alright, we can do this! I've got to stay optimistic. Let's go!" Yutai grinned, his usual upbeat attitude shining through. He was a positive kid, always ready to see the bright side of things.

"Exactly! Keep that confidence up! Better days are ahead!" said the older man with enthusiasm. "Let's stay here in the Land of Red for a while. You can live here for free, so let's work hard, earn some cash, and find a way to help you out."

"Everything's gonna be fine. You'll be able to run around and play with the other kids soon enough!"

Hearing that, Yutai could already picture himself playing with his friends, running around without a care in the world. A joyful smile spread across his face.

Just then...

"It's snowing!" a kid playing nearby suddenly shouted, clearly surprised. "It's snowing? Wow, let's make a snowman!"

"Don't be stupid," said an older kid, lightly smacking him on the head. "There's barely any snow, and... yeah, it looks like it's already stopped."

"Aw, come on," the first kid replied, disappointed by the abrupt end to the flurry.

Meanwhile, Yutai and his uncle exchanged a knowing look, sharing the satisfaction of a little joke. It was a moment of lightheartedness, even if the snow didn't quite meet their expectations.