Chapter 52

"Elder Ebizo, I understand that we cannot rely entirely on Kazekage-sama, but his actions have been too much.

Why should the position of Kazekage be open to those heirs of big merchants and nobles in Sunagakure Shinōbi Academy? They might get confused," Pakura expressed her annoyance and frustration.

Hitoshi and Ebizo exchanged glances and couldn't help but smile at Pakura's frustration. They knew she had good intentions but didn't fully grasp the essence of Sunagakure.

"They still need training," Hitoshi sighed inwardly. He changed his expression and scolded, "Their ability to become Kazekage lies in their status as heirs of merchant nobles. That's a skill in itself, a great one."

Pakura trembled upon hearing Hitoshi's scolding, instantly calming down. There was one thing Hitoshi didn't mention, and that was the presence of referees like the Sunagakure Elder's Group and the previous generation Kazekage during the Kazekage selection process. Becoming Kazekage wasn't solely determined by status; one's abilities mattered too. If someone had the same abilities, who was to say they wouldn't be better suited for the role?

Hitoshi knew very well that for the children of nobles and merchants to become Kazekage, it would take at least fifty years, spanning two generations. During these years, someone had to work in the Elder's Group and many ordinary Shinōbi had to provide support. Otherwise, these children would be mere anomalies among the merchant and noble families.

"Okay, Pakura, you can go back to work now. If you have any further questions, consult your old fogeys. I need to discuss other matters with Elder Ebizo," Hitoshi dismissed Pakura with a wave of his hand.

"Humph," Pakura snorted coldly and left, displaying her dissatisfaction.

"Tsk tsk, Kazekage-sama, it seems like you'll remain single for life," Ebizo mocked, teasing Hitoshi about his future family conflicts.

Hitoshi gave Ebizo a quick glance and thought, "Old man, you claim I'll be single for life, but you've been single for life. Who knows if you'll continue being single until the end?"

"Alright, Elder Ebizo, let's move on to other matters. I assume you've come here for a reason other than spectating," Hitoshi changed the topic, not wanting to dwell on annoying matters any longer.

Ebizo maintained a serious expression and said with a heavy tone, "We have an influx of disaster victims, a large number of them seeking refuge in Kaze no Kuni and Sunagakure."

Disaster victims were the byproduct of natural and man-made calamities, and no one was willing to take them in.

"Why are these victims coming to us? Shouldn't they go to Hi no Kuni? I recall that Hi no Kuni and Konoha don't typically welcome them," Hitoshi raised an eyebrow, expressing his suspicion.

Hitoshi believed that the victims entering Kaze no Kuni would perish in the desert before finding a place to settle.

"Isn't there still remnants of war? We've constructed rivers and canals, started multiple projects, and many Shinōbi are patrolling the desert. Thanks to Wood Release Shinōbi, Iwagakure and Kumogakure have temporarily set aside their hatred and jointly attacked Konoha. Konoha is already in danger, fighting on two fronts. If it weren't for Kirigakure's sneak attack on Iwagakure, Sarutobi Hiruzen would have had to personally take command on the battlefield. The mortality rate has significantly decreased. Furthermore, in Shinōbi World, we're the only ones left," Ebizo explained bitterly.

If nobody had leaked the news, Ebizo would twist his head off and kick the ball. Someone undoubtedly wanted to use the victims to create trouble. The proud boasts about Sunagakure had likely spread to the outside world.

After listening to Ebizo's explanation, Hitoshi instantly understood. Indeed, the mortality rate was too high in Kaze no Kuni's desert. Without decades of experience or guides, death was only a matter of time for the victims. It was clear that someone had recognized this fact and was attempting to use the victims for their own gain. This was an open plot, and their Sunagakure would likely be the next target. If not, the hard-earned reputation of Sunagakure in the outside world would be ruined.

"This is ruthless. I don't know whose plan it is, but it's targeting our vital points," Hitoshi clenched his teeth, expressing his anger.

Shinōbi World was full of talented individuals who dared to use everything at their disposal. They would even use themselves as pawns and demonstrate their swordsmanship with ease. There was rarely anything positive or exciting in this world.

"Kazekage-sama, let's discuss what we should do. Yasuke is overseeing the situation, and for now, there are no major issues. But over time, things will inevitably go wrong. Additionally, the construction of river channels can only accommodate a portion of the victims' population. We're managing for now, but it won't be sustainable in the long run," Ebizo quickly offered a pragmatic perspective to console Hitoshi.

Now wasn't the time to be angry, and they didn't have the resources to investigate thoroughly. They could only endure silently. When they had the opportunity, they would conduct a roll call.

"What should we do? What should we do? Work isn't the problem; we're willing to provide assistance. The real issue is their state of mind," Hitoshi, being somewhat compassionate, recognized that the victims were not to blame. Providing them with jobs would make them deeply grateful, as they were currently being helped. However, if they were left to their own devices, they might cause riots. The solution needed to address both their mental and physical needs.

Ebizo's eyes lit up when he suddenly saw a particular book on Hitoshi's desk. He realized it held the solution they were seeking.

"Let's do this, Elder Ebizo. Take this book about Kazekage and modify it to reflect Sunagakure's ideology. Find someone to explain Sunagakure's laws and regulations to the victims daily. It would be best to provide them with a handbook. The workload shouldn't be too light, and if anyone causes trouble, deal with them fiercely. Don't be afraid," Hitoshi proposed, confident in his idea.

The book Hitoshi referred to was the one containing the confused thoughts and speeches of Kazekage-sama. Ebizo also saw the potential in this solution. He knew the power of the hypnosis imparted to the young Shinōbi of Sunagakure Academy. If used properly, they could create a group of self-propelled individuals who would spread Sunagakure's reputation throughout Shinōbi World effortlessly.

It was a perfect solution. As for dealing with troublemakers, they could copy the handbook a hundred times as punishment. If anyone remained defiant, they would copy it a hundred times more. Sunagakure would provide the necessary materials.

In case of large-scale riots, the Sunagakure Shinōbi Legion, led by Yasuke, would be able to handle the situation.