Let's set aside Tairo Aotu's espionage training at the Sunagakure Intelligence Division for now and turn our attention to the situation in Sunagakure after the war.
Since the founding of Sunagakure by the First Kazekage, Reto, this victory marked the village's first major success in external warfare—a triumphant expedition into foreign lands that forced a powerful enemy into submission. The political significance of this achievement was immeasurable, serving as a morale booster for the entire village. It was nothing short of a shot in the arm for the people, invigorating the spirit of Sunagakure.
When the triumphant Sunagakure expeditionary forces returned home, they were greeted with a hero's welcome. Villagers lined the streets, offering food and drinks, singing and dancing in celebration. The enthusiasm was genuine, and the scale of the festivities was unprecedented.
The Third Kazekage, Jinghang, enjoyed unparalleled prestige in the aftermath. Standing before the sea of cheering villagers, Jinghang delivered an impassioned speech:
"This victory is thanks to the sacrifices of our army and the unwavering support of our people. Together, we have triumphed in this war. The wicked have been punished, and the fallen can now rest in peace. This hard-won victory belongs not just to us but to all of you! From this day forth, Sunagakure will no longer be a village that others can trample upon at will!"
He continued, "We are entering a new era of peace in the ninja world. I hope everyone will channel their boundless enthusiasm into the development and construction of our village. Let us build a brighter future together and welcome the good life that awaits us!"
The fiery speech reignited the crowd's fervor, and the thunderous cheers and applause echoed like crashing waves.
From that day on, the morale and spirit of Sunagakure's villagers underwent a dramatic transformation. People walked with their heads held high, exuding confidence. Smiles became commonplace, and everyone seemed to approach their work with renewed vigor. The village was brimming with vitality and optimism.
Even the usually indifferent Daimyō of the Land of Wind sent an envoy to congratulate Jinghang on his victory, along with a personally inscribed banner that read "Glory Across Foreign Lands." Of course, that was the extent of his contribution.
Jinghang expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the Daimyō's encouragement, instructing Ministers Mizunagare and Ebizō to host the envoy with the utmost hospitality. However, as soon as the envoy left, Jinghang tossed the banner into a corner of the archives.
"Damn it, still so stingy. Not a single ryō for military funding. We win the war, and all I get is some scribbled words? Who do you think you are, Wang Xizhi? Just wait—there'll come a day when even you, you miserly rooster, will have to cough up!"
As Jinghang fumed over the Daimyō's parsimony, another special guest arrived: Hirata Kōzaburō, the wealthiest man in the Land of Wind.
Jinghang's attitude toward Kōzaburō was entirely different. He arranged a grand welcome ceremony and hosted a spectacular cultural performance featuring a troupe of kunoichi entertainers. Afterward, Jinghang personally accompanied Kōzaburō to a private banquet at his own establishment, Xilai Shun, where they enjoyed a hotpot feast together.
Why such high regard for a mere merchant? Because Kōzaburō was reliable—he brought capital to the table. Real money, straight into the coffers. Ever since their partnership was solidified in Dragonfly Castle, Kōzaburō's integrity and efficiency had left Jinghang thoroughly impressed.
Within a week of their agreement, Kōzaburō had personally traveled to Sunagakure to sign the contract for the Yuexi Peninsula development project. Less than a month later, 20 billion ryō had been deposited into the village treasury. In under a year, the construction of Yuexi Peninsula was already well underway. According to the Ministry of Construction's estimates, at this pace, the project would be nearly complete within ten months.
During the war with Iwagakure, Kōzaburō had also rallied the Land of Wind's Chamber of Commerce to raise 5 billion ryō in military funding and a substantial amount of supplies for Sunagakure's forces. With such resourcefulness and generosity, it was no wonder he had become so successful.
The tender, juicy lamb, the fragrant broth, the exquisite dipping sauces, and the billowing steam from the hotpot created an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie, bringing the two men closer together.
"The first toast is to celebrate your victory, Kazekage-sama. You've brought glory to the Land of Wind," Kōzaburō said, raising his cup with a broad smile.
"Haha, cheers!" Jinghang replied, his face glowing with satisfaction as he downed his drink in one go.
"And the second toast—"
"Hold on, hold on," Jinghang interrupted, raising a hand to stop Kōzaburō. He chuckled and said, "Old brother, we're practically kindred spirits. Let's skip the formalities and get straight to business. After that, we can drink to our hearts' content. How does that sound?"
As the saying goes, merchants never rise early without a profit motive. Especially someone like Kōzaburō, a seasoned tycoon, who wouldn't travel all this way just to celebrate a victory. His donations of funds and supplies were clearly a form of wartime investment. Now that the war was over and won, it was time to reap the rewards.
There was no need to guess—he was undoubtedly eyeing Iwagakure's mineral resources. That rich, oily piece of meat was simply irresistible.
"Good! You're straightforward, as always, my dear brother!" Kōzaburō said, finishing his drink in one gulp, his face flushed with a hint of excitement.
"Then I'll be blunt. With your victory over Iwagakure, you've secured five years of mining rights to their resources. Why not entrust this business to me? I'll handle the mining, and you can sit back and relax. I only ask for a modest share—30%."
"Why just 30%?" Jinghang responded with a sly smile.
Kōzaburō was momentarily stunned.
"Why not split it 50-50?" Jinghang suggested, his smile widening.
Kōzaburō's jaw dropped in disbelief. He knew Jinghang's reputation as someone who never let others take advantage of him. Why was he suddenly being so generous?
Based on his calculations, the five-year mining rights could yield a profit of 50 to 60 billion ryō with aggressive extraction methods. The Iwagakure negotiators had been too naive, basing their estimates on standard mining practices. They had no idea that this would be a one-time, exploitative operation—extract as much as possible and leave the aftermath for others to deal with.
"Old brother, don't overthink it. These years of war have been hard on everyone. We need to spread some wealth around to keep morale high. If we don't invest in our people, how can we lead them in the future?
"Besides, this small business is perfect for the younger generation to handle. Let's see what they're capable of. We, as their elders, should focus on the bigger picture!"
If not for certain anatomical limitations, Jinghang's audacity might have sent him soaring into the skies. A 50-60 billion ryō deal was a "small business"? What could possibly qualify as a "big business"?
But as Kōzaburō listened to what Jinghang said next, his jaw nearly hit the floor. It turned out there really was such a thing as a "big business."
"Old brother, you rose from a humble shop assistant to become the wealthiest man in the Land of Wind—a true legend of the business world. I have a few questions for you. Would you be willing to share your wisdom?" Jinghang asked, personally refilling Kōzaburō's cup.
"Ask away. I'll answer to the best of my ability," Kōzaburō replied.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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