Chapter 159

"Good morning, Kazekage-sama."

"Hello."

"Kazekage-sama, you're up early."

"Good morning, Mr. Fukuda."

With spring in full bloom, Sunagakure transformed into a verdant oasis in the desert. Walking through the villa area of Sunagakure's high-ranking officials, Hitoshi exchanged greetings with numerous individuals along the way. Whether they were out walking their dogs or strolling with their children, it was evident that the Shinōbi World war had not affected their daily routines.

"Ah, it's you, Kazekage-sama."

Passing by a small building, Hitoshi heard a voice filled with laughter. Looking up, he spotted Kakuzu sitting on the balcony, engrossed in reading the newspaper.

"It's been a while, Mr. Kakuzu. How have you been?" Hitoshi greeted him with a smile.

Kakuzu, who had trained several batches of top Shinōbi students from Sunagakure, had developed a rather gruff demeanor.

"It's been rough. With one Shinōbi World battle after another, business is suffering. I have to worry about those youngsters," Kakuzu grumbled in an unfriendly tone.

Despite his words, Hitoshi knew that he had developed some affection for the students he had trained over the years. Every New Year and holiday, Kakuzu would receive gifts from them. Although he wouldn't openly admit it, he couldn't deny the bond they shared.

"Indeed, business is tough. But at least there's still some to be done, unlike other countries where business has completely dried up," Hitoshi responded with a satisfied smile. He gestured towards a small pavilion nearby, inviting Kakuzu to join him.

Seeing Hitoshi's gesture, Kakuzu swiftly used Body Flicker to reach the pavilion, where the two settled down. Hitoshi took out a tea set, and they began sipping tea and chatting amidst the morning dew and sunlight.

"You mentioned Takigakure," Kakuzu said, his expression turning sour.

"That's right," Hitoshi nodded, affirming Kakuzu's observation.

"I've read about it in the newspaper, but I still can't believe it. A country falling like that..." Kakuzu sighed heavily. Despite its flaws, Takigakure was his hometown, and he still held onto the Takigakure headband.

"The next Shinōbi World will be full of unpredictable situations. Any influence or organization that lacks sufficient strength will become a target," Hitoshi remarked passionately.

He found it hard to believe that the Five Great Hidden Villages, once their true faces were revealed, could be so ruthless. Three days ago, before his return, he received the Sunagakure break-up plan from the Ebizo leader and Sunagakure Elder's Group through a secret communication channel. After reading it, Hitoshi realized that weak nations had no diplomacy.

"Hmph, they act like rogues," Kakuzu snorted in dissatisfaction, remembering his past mission to assassinate Senju Hashirama. He knew firsthand that the Five Great Countries were like big bullies, preying on smaller nations.

"Even rogues need strength to play their game. Those lacking strength will use words to pursue peace, while those with strength will employ struggle," Hitoshi shook his head, expressing his disappointment. History had shown that the weak needed diplomacy to seek peace, while the powerful achieved peace through strength. Strategies, rhetoric, and invincible styles were all useless unless one possessed the strength of a god. Hitoshi recalled the orphans he encountered at the beginning of his journey; they only conversed when he lacked power. If he had the power, they would have been slain, and then they could talk.

Kakuzu stared at Hitoshi speechlessly. He found Hitoshi incredibly adept at conversation and not one to hold back his thoughts.

"You, I always believed that Sunagakure was a place that cherished peace. But now, you've disappointed me," Kakuzu expressed his growing discontent, almost saying, "Hitoshi, you've let me down."

"Peace, do you think you can achieve it by inviting others with words? Don't be absurd. Peace requires strength. If Hanzo had blocked Konoha's attack, then Ame no Kuni could have achieved peace. But since Takigakure didn't block it, they aren't qualified to speak of peace," Hitoshi replied disdainfully, deeply hurting Kakuzu with his words.

Kakuzu felt as though his heart had been cut by a blade, even if it were just words. After countless encounters, he had to admit that Hitoshi was right. If Hitoshi had relied on mere words, Kakuzu would never have pledged allegiance or come to Sunagakure.

In the silence that followed, Kakuzu began reflecting on his past.

"You're right. Strength is everything. Everything requires strength. Senju Hashirama had strength; he was a god in the Shinōbi World. Uchiha Madara had strength; he was willing to abandon his clan. Without strength, we are nothing," Kakuzu said bitterly, sipping his tea and savoring its bitterness. It was a bitter reality that no one could escape.

"Believe me, the Shinōbi World will only improve. Regardless of how the Five Great Countries behave like rogues, they won't suffer too much. At the very least, it's better than before," Hitoshi reassured Kakuzu, understanding the despair in his eyes. After all, Kakuzu was his mentor from Sunagakure's high ranks, and he needed comforting. Moreover, he had to continue training high-level students.

"Really? But what about the lives of the people in the Five Great Countries?" Kakuzu mustered some hope as he asked.

"Certainly, the interests of Taki no Kuni are divided among the major Shinōbi Clans in Konoha. They consider it their territory and won't allow others to take advantage," Hitoshi explained, aware of how Konoha's Shinōbi Clans governed. They would provide benefits to the Shinōbi Clans, ensuring they didn't face unnecessary hardships. In fact, this was how it had been since Konoha's inception. The commoners who became vassals of the Shinōbi Clans were willing to follow them because they knew that the Shinōbi Clans wouldn't mistreat them and would provide a means of survival.

"But aren't they still being exploited? Has their quality of life improved?" Kakuzu asked, dissatisfied with Hitoshi's response. He felt deceived by Hitoshi's words.

"It's different. Take Nara Clan, for example. They are establishing a medicinal ingredient base in Taki no Kuni. They will employ manpower to cultivate it, involving a large number of people," Hitoshi provided an example.

"What you mean is that Konoha values not only the population of Taki no Kuni but also its natural resources. Various natural resources," Kakuzu realized, surprised by this revelation.

"Exactly, population is also considered a type of natural resource. In the end, it's a competition between the two," Hitoshi chuckled, feeling a hint of helplessness in the situation.