Chapter 22

Walking through the increasingly prosperous streets of Sunagakure with Pakura, Hitoshi's mood lifted. He couldn't help but feel grateful to the Kaze no Kuni Daimyo for granting them the authority to collect taxes.

The taxation system in Sunagakure was now in their own hands, becoming the main source of income for the village.

"Kazekage-sama, you seem to be quite content now. The entire village of Sunagakure has a different atmosphere. It's buzzing with activity and the scent of money," Pakura remarked, observing Hitoshi with a teasing grin.

Just a few days ago, after concluding their meeting, Hitoshi had issued an order that allowed unrestricted entry into Sunagakure, welcoming foreigners to settle down. Additionally, he abolished most taxes and replaced them with transaction fees.

Although Pakura may have been slightly annoyed by the delay in spreading this news, Hitoshi had personally dispatched emissaries to other countries to promote the changes day and night.

The results were already evident—countless people had flocked to Sunagakure.

"Hmph, little Pakura, don't you understand? The more people we have, the more money we can collect. And with more money, we can sell more land," Hitoshi responded coolly, dismissing Pakura's words.

Could he reveal to Pakura that all the land in Sunagakure belonged to the Shinōbi of Suna?

Could he divulge his plans to expand the village?

Could he confess that in his past life, he had even ended up as a house slave, forced to buy a house at an exorbitant price?

Certainly not. Some things were best kept secret for now.

"Hehe, how could I have imagined that our land alone would attract such a large influx of people," Pakura responded with even more disappointment. She turned around and activated her Byakugan once again.

Hitoshi shook his head, choosing not to comment on Pakura's words. He knew the reality behind their land's appeal.

There were five places in the Shinōbi World known for their peace, and one of them was the Five Great Ninja Villages. While this may not have been explicitly emphasized in the original work, the fact remained that these villages were rarely attacked over the past few decades. People in the Shinōbi World understood that each of the Great Ninja Villages possessed a Kage-level expert at all times. As dangerous as it could be, it was still far safer than most other places.

"Let's make a bet. If our Sunagakure houses and land sell for gold within one month, you'll be responsible for washing my clothes for a year," Hitoshi suddenly suggested as they walked.

Pakura was initially taken aback by the proposition, but quickly responded, "Ah, sure! Who's afraid of who? If I win, you'll wash my clothes for a year."

Without hesitation, they established the terms of their bet. The time limit was set at one month. If Hitoshi could successfully sell their land for gold within that timeframe, Pakura would be tasked with washing his clothes for a year. Conversely, if he failed, he would be the one doing the laundry.

Little did they know that their friendly wager would set in motion a series of events that would test their abilities and determination in the days to come.

In the bustling city of Kaze no Kuni, rumors about Sunagakure's new policies spread like wildfire.

"Have you heard? Sunagakure is allowing people to settle and do business as long as they pay taxes."

"Is it true? I hope the taxes won't be too high."

"No, my nephew works as a stable hand for a nobleman. He said that the nobleman he serves has already set aside money to move to Sunagakure."

"Maybe we should go and see for ourselves. I remember Sunagakure is hiring workers. After working there for a few years, I might have enough money saved up."

Similar conversations could be heard in Hi no Kuni, in the homes of prominent businessmen.

"Inoue, did you hear? Sunagakure is allowing businesses to operate there. As long as we pay the transaction tax, they provide protection as well."

"Yes, I'm aware. It's an attractive opportunity. I'm planning to establish trade with Sunagakure in the future."

"That's a smart move. It's a safe and secure place for business."

"Buying a house there might be expensive though."

"Yes, let's go and check it out together. I'll accompany you."

Similar discussions were happening in Tsuchi no Kuni, Kaminari no Kuni, Mizu no Kuni, and beyond.

Under Hitoshi's meticulous efforts and the work of the Shinōbi messengers, the dissemination of information was remarkably swift. These messengers, though expensive, proved to be the most effective in history.

Within a short period of time, Sunagakure's reputation as a welcoming and prosperous village spread far and wide. The influx of people and businesses seeking opportunities there was more than anyone had anticipated. The village's economy flourished, and the streets became filled with the bustling energy of commerce.

Hitoshi, watching from the sidelines, couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. His plans were coming together, and Sunagakure was undergoing a transformation that he had envisioned. The success of his bet with Pakura seemed within reach, and he couldn't wait to see the outcome.

Konoha Shinōbi Village, Sarutobi Hiruzen and his comrades gathered to discuss the troubling information before them.

"We need to carefully consider our options. Sunagakure is blatantly challenging us, showing off their military strength. They're basically saying that rape is futile, and if we dare to attack, they're ready for us," Sarutobi Hiruzen expressed his frustration.

Hitoshi had sent an order to Konoha and the traitors within the Great Ninja Villages, asking them to respond. Thanks to the household registration system he had previously implemented, Hitoshi could identify those who were traitors using the Detective Eye.

"This is a clear provocation. They want us to know that they're not afraid and are ready to defend themselves. It's a dangerous situation," Uchiha Kagami added solemnly.

Even with the powers of Byakugan and Sharingan, it was impossible to identify every infiltrator or spy. Hitoshi's approach had proven to be more comprehensive.

"We have our own household registration system, but it's not as effective as Suna Shinōbi Village's method of identifying Chakra. We need to find a way to address this," Utatane Koharu analyzed the situation with her expertise in internal affairs.

"We need to strategize and come up with a plan, but we don't necessarily need a large number of people to carry it out," Mitokado Homura suggested, shaking his head.

The team deliberated further, considering the risks and potential outcomes of the situation. They understood the gravity of the challenge posed by Sunagakure and knew that a well-calculated response was necessary.

Mitokado Homura reluctantly accepted the task assigned to him by Sarutobi Hiruzen. He knew that both Uchiha Kagami and Utatane Koharu had intentionally avoided taking on this responsibility, leaving him as the only viable option.

As he prepared for his journey to Sunagakure, Mitokado Homura couldn't help but feel a mix of frustration and determination. He realized that he needed to acquire some internal affairs skills to alleviate his reliance on others for such tasks in the future.

Arriving in Sunagakure, Mitokado Homura was greeted by Hitoshi, who provided him with a detailed report on the ongoing construction projects within the village.

"The three main projects we are currently focused on are the expansion of residential areas, the establishment of trade routes, and the construction of a training facility for Shinōbi," Hitoshi explained.

Mitokado Homura listened attentively, assessing the progress made and the potential impact these projects would have on Sunagakure's development.

"It seems that you have made significant strides in building a prosperous village," Mitokado Homura commented.

Hitoshi nodded with satisfaction. "Yes, we are working hard to create a safe and thriving environment for our people. Our goal is to attract more residents and establish Sunagakure as a prominent hub of trade and commerce."

As they continued their discussion, Mitokado Homura realized that despite the initial reservations he had about Sunagakure's methods, there was a clear determination and ambition driving their efforts. He started to see the potential benefits of this new approach and wondered how it could be applied to Konoha's own development.

"I must admit, your approach is unconventional, but it seems to be yielding positive results. I will report back to Sarutobi Hiruzen with my observations," Mitokado Homura said, impressed by the progress he had witnessed.

Hitoshi smiled warmly. "Thank you for taking the time to visit Sunagakure. We value the opportunity to exchange ideas and learn from one another. Together, we can create a brighter future for our respective villages."

With a newfound sense of optimism, Mitokado Homura returned to Konoha, ready to share his insights and explore new possibilities for the growth and prosperity of their village.

Hitoshi listened attentively to the report from the Sunagakure Elder regarding the progress of the three main projects. He was pleased to hear that the plans were advancing rapidly and achieving positive results.

"The transformation of Sunagakure into a green oasis in the desert is a crucial step towards creating a sustainable and livable environment for our people," Hitoshi remarked with satisfaction.

He understood the importance of planting trees and vegetation to combat the harsh desert conditions and provide shade and relief from the scorching sun. The sand fixation Ninjutsu developed in collaboration with Shamon and various Shinōbi Clans was proving to be effective in stabilizing the soil and facilitating the growth of greenery.

Hitoshi's attention then turned to the water diversion project with Ame no Kuni. He had recognized the potential of harnessing the untapped water resources from neighboring regions to support Sunagakure's growth. The progress made in diverting water and creating a swamp was an encouraging sign of success.

"We must ensure that the water diversion project continues to proceed smoothly. It is essential to secure a steady supply of water for our expanding agricultural and residential areas," Hitoshi emphasized.

The cultivation of cacti and other desert plants was another significant aspect of their plans. With the development of segmentation technology, Sunagakure had the capability to mass-produce these plants, enhancing the greenery and biodiversity of the desert ecosystem.

"We need to continue investing in research and development to optimize our cultivation methods and ensure the successful growth of desert plants. These plants not only contribute to our environmental goals but also hold potential economic value," Hitoshi stated, envisioning the possibilities.

As the meeting concluded, Hitoshi expressed his gratitude to the Elder for their diligent efforts in overseeing the projects. He recognized that the successful implementation of these plans relied on the collective commitment and cooperation of Sunagakure's residents and Shinōbi.

"Our journey towards transforming Sunagakure into a flourishing village has just begun. Let us continue to work together, embracing innovation and sustainability, as we pave the way for a brighter future," Hitoshi declared, inspiring everyone present with his vision.

With renewed determination, Sunagakure continued its journey of growth and development, driven by Hitoshi's unwavering leadership and the collective efforts of its people.