Chapter 53

"Hurry up, let's move! We're fighting for our own sake!"

A loud, commanding voice echoed above the barren desert, urging people to pick up the pace.

Wiping the sweat off their foreheads, they glanced at the giant tree next to the desert, taking root and showcasing a smile.

The Kaze no Kuni war remains river channel project was implemented to preserve the vitality of these trees and transform the environment of Sunagakure and Kaze no Kuni. However, it came at a great cost.

The steward, a Shinōbi responsible for administrative tasks, hailed from Sunagakure and possessed more knowledge than most. The river canal project would utilize half of Sunagakure's tax revenue and a quarter of Kaze no Kuni's fiscal budget for 2021.

"We must work hard for the future," the steward emphasized, envisioning a future where Kaze no Kuni would be filled with lush greenery, an abundance of trees, and the joyful laughter of children playing in the woods.

The steward felt excitement surging through their veins, brimming with determination.

The steward had heard stories about the bleak state of Hi no Kuni's lands in the past, with desolation stretching as far as the eye could see. However, they possessed a secret: a technique capable of cultivating trees anywhere. This technique transformed the entirety of Hi no Kuni, which is why Shōdai Hokage had developed a fondness for the steward.

"Guan Shi, Guan Shi! The new refugees have started causing trouble again," someone urgently reported as they approached.

"Zong Kai, why are you so panicked? You're in a leadership position now, so you should remain calm. How can others have faith in you if you're not composed?" the manager scolded, dissatisfied with Zong Kai's behavior.

"Yes," Zong Kai took a deep breath and continued, "The new refugees are dissatisfied with their work and food. They are rallying others to protest."

"Protest? Hmph, a bunch of fools who abandoned their hometowns. What right do they have to cause trouble? Take me there," the manager sneered with disdain.

It was disgraceful. They treated the refugees like human beings, providing work and food. While the quality of the food may not have been the best, it was sufficient to fill their bellies. Though the wages were modest, it was enough to buy new clothes. Yet, despite these provisions, they dared to cause trouble. They seemed to be unaware of the consequences.

...

At a certain section of the river channel, a group of refugees in tattered clothes had gathered to voice their grievances. They believed it was unfair that they had to work harder while earning less money compared to the residents of Kaze no Kuni and Sunagakure. They saw it as discrimination and wanted to protest.

"Why are you shouting? Come and tell me. I am the manager here," the manager approached the group, accompanied by their entourage, and bellowed angrily.

Upon seeing the steward, the refugees fell silent, unsure of what to say. The steward smiled coldly, casting a glance at the opposing group of refugees, and spoke up, "Let's determine who the leader is. If there's an issue, come forward and discuss it with me."

The manager casually adjusted their Shinōbi headband and casually observed the opposing side, attempting to appear approachable.

When the refugees caught sight of the Shinōbi headband, they instinctively took a step back. They had left their hometowns due to the actions of Shinōbi. They had heard that Sunagakure was a safe haven, and now they were being led by a Shinōbi. Naturally, fear took hold.

Rakai, among the refugees, inwardly cursed at their lack of courage, finding them to be utterly useless. Despite the insults and curses, they still had a mission to accomplish. Rakai stepped forward and said, "You insult us, even though we are refugees. You cannot treat us this way. Shinōbi or not, you cannot push us around. We're prepared for whatever comes our way."

Rakai grew more impassioned with each word, fully immersing themselves in the role of a refugee, recalling the struggles they had endured.

What kind of life was that? Waking up at dawn to work, only stopping at dusk, attending ideological and political classes at night, all while having limited food. The wages they received for their labor were meager compared to the residents of Kaze no Kuni.

Rakai's impassioned speech momentarily stunned the steward. Damn, the troublemaker can really articulate their thoughts well, they thought.

"Go on, continue. I'm still waiting for my script. Don't worry," the steward encouraged Rakai, allowing them to proceed.

Initially, the other refugees were also energized, but upon hearing the steward's remark, their enthusiasm waned. Fighting against Shinōbi, risking their lives or returning to the life of a refugee as disaster victims? That was not a desirable option.

After Rakai finished yelling, they anxiously awaited a response. However, ten minutes later, Rakai looked up and saw Guan Shi, Zong Kai, and the steward wearing mocking expressions.

The steward tilted their head and motioned for Rakai to turn around. Rakai complied and witnessed a terrifying scene. The other troublemakers, who had stood just meters away, seemed to regard them as the source of a contagious disease.

"You're the leader. What's your name?" the manager sneered, a hint of malice present in their tone.

"My name is Rakai. No, Lord, please listen to me. I was coerced into this," Rakai pleaded.

"What you said earlier was sincere," the manager replied dismissively.

"It's impossible, Lord. You must be joking. I was merely playing around."

"It's fine. I understand everything. There's no need to say more."

With a glance at Rakai, the steward signaled Zong Kai, who immediately brought a few people forward and forcefully subdued Rakai.

Understanding everything, yet Rakai was left in the dark. It seemed they couldn't do anything.

The steward glanced disdainfully at Rakai, forming a seal with their hand.

"Earth Release: The Technique of a Podium!"

Before the shocked eyes of the refugees, a small podium measuring three meters in length and one meter in height emerged in front of the steward.

Guan Shi, Zong Kai, and a few others restrained Rakai and ascended the podium.

"Rakai, a refugee from Kaminari no Kuni, came to Kaze no Kuni from thousands of miles away in search of survival. We were glad and grateful, so we provided Rakai with a temporary ID card for Kaze no Kuni, hoping they would work hard and strive for a better life. However, Rakai is now inciting others to cause trouble and is violating the laws of Sunagakure. Therefore, we shall administer punishment: three months of confinement, copying the Sunagakure Constitution and Political Ideological Program a hundred times over."

Looking down at the quiet and cooperative refugees, the steward spoke with a serious tone, mingled with a mocking expression.

Rakai's expression turned to one of disbelief. They wanted to argue that they were not the one inciting trouble; they were merely a follower. Rakai finally understood the meaning behind their earlier statement.

This was a classic example. It all boiled down to whether one had assumed a leadership role.

Rakai wanted to cry, wanted to die.

Reflecting on yesterday's lesson, they remembered reading the thick Sunagakure ideological and political program. Copying it once was agonizing enough, but a hundred times?

Rakai's face turned pale as they contemplated the future that awaited them.

Witnessing the subdued and cooperative behavior of the refugees, the steward nodded in satisfaction, signaling Guan Shi to escort Rakai away.