Chapter 97

Akai was not a fool; he was highly intelligent. He had transformed a small stronghold into a thriving small city. However, this development wasn't as simple as it seemed. Developing a temporary stronghold into a self-sustaining town required careful planning and hard work.

After Rakai's prompt, Akai gazed at the workers planting trees and creating forests. He appeared disillusioned, and Rakai nodded in understanding. Akai had realized the reason behind Hitoshi's orders.

"Although we have developed rapidly, we still cannot meet the employment needs of Sunagakure and Kaze no Kuni," Rakai whispered to himself as he gazed at the sky.

Rakai wondered how many people in Sunagakure and Kaze no Kuni relied on tree planting for their livelihoods. He speculated that even in the cities of Sunagakure and Daimyo, approximately 30% of the population depended on this work.

It was a grim reality. Even in the most developed areas, a significant portion of the population relied on a single job. And in other places, such as newly established towns that absorbed refugees from the war period, at least half of the people relied on tree planting.

Once Senju Nawaki completed the greening project in Kaze no Kuni, half of the population would lose their jobs. The recently greened land would be off-limits for cultivation, as ordered by Hitoshi and the Kaze no Kuni Daimyo. However, Senju Nawaki was not capable of directly transforming the land like Senju Hashirama. It would take time for the soil to undergo the necessary changes, and even Ninjutsu and secret techniques couldn't expedite the process currently.

"It's a frightening but harsh reality. Kazekage-sama is a good person," Akai said, his eyes flashing with a decision. He muttered a word, turned, and left.

...

"I heard that Kazekage-sama drove away Nawaki Lord because he feared that completing the greening project would cause half of the population to lose their jobs."

"I heard the same. But don't we have large factories where we can find work?"

"No, I asked around, and many factories are no longer hiring workers."

"Oh no, my cousin works in a chemical plant. If they stop hiring, he'll be unemployed. He has a large family to support, including children."

"Yes, it's true. Thank Kazekage-sama for his foresight," the conversation went.

Reputation distortion is a matter of seconds, and its recovery is just as quick. The source of the message was unknown. It claimed that completing the greening project in Kaze no Kuni would result in people losing their jobs and the ability to grow food. Fear of returning to the days of sand scarcity gripped the people.

People fear the unknown, and at the same time, they value frugality over extravagance. Having enjoyed full meals, no one wanted to go hungry.

...

In a secret base in Kaze no Kuni, a scar-faced individual destroyed daily necessities and altered the organization's financial records. The scene was chaotic.

"Continue spreading rumors that the greening project is complete and that reclaimed land will be available for farming. Promise them a life as landlords," a voice in the depths of the base instructed fiercely.

"Yes, leader," a younger member responded hurriedly, eager to leave as if fearing some unseen monster behind them.

...

One day, Rakai finished work and passed by a small teahouse. He decided to go in for tea and overheard rumors that he shouldn't have heard.

"Everyone, have you heard? After the greening project is complete, not only will you not lose your jobs, but you'll also gain a lot of land and become landlords."

"That's impossible. Look at me. I've planted several acres of trees, and I'm still not a landlord."

"How can that be? Nawaki Lord completed the greening project, which resulted in a lot of available land and job losses. How will we survive without farming? It seems Kazekage is envious of Nawaki Lord's talents."

Others in the teahouse heard the conversation and believed it to be true. They thought that if this were the case, Kazekage-sama should distribute the land among this group of "heirs." These refugees, who had once rented land from nobles, were thrilled at the prospect of owning their own plots.

The rumors successfully targeted the vulnerability of this group and fueled their anger.

Rakai frowned deeply as he listened to the lies and slanders. Something felt off, and he believed that Hitoshi, the Village Kage, must know a solution to this problem. If he did, then he had no excuse for not addressing it. The consequences of using this method would be irreversible and catastrophic.

With a furrowed brow, Rakai headed toward Akai. He needed to consult with someone in his field to address his doubts.

In the teahouse, a middle-aged man with a scar on the corner of his eye reveled in his achievement, looking triumphantly at the excited crowd.

"Haha, I have made a significant contribution. I'll definitely get my share when I return. I'm so happy," the man said, unaware that a small sand snake in a dark corner observed his every move.

The snake's inverted triangular eyes fixated on him, ready to report any suspicious activity. However, it lacked the strength to engage in violence.

In the Kazekage building, Pakura reviewed news from across the country about the reversal of rumors. She was determined to uncover the troublemaker responsible for inciting such chaos.

"Don't let me find out who you are. I'll make sure you regret it," Pakura muttered through gritted teeth.

Her sinister expression, usually concealed, now became visible. She was the first secretary of Sunagakure, known for her competence, decisiveness, and charm. But now, she appeared like an avenging spirit. And she wasn't alone; the administrative officials in the Kazekage building shared the same determination.

They understood that making significant contributions to solving a problem would be more beneficial than repeatedly attempting to do so.