Chapter 63: Beside My Bed, Sleep If You Want (Part 2)
Over time, the ninjas of Amegakure began to feel increasingly dissatisfied. When they compared their earnings to those of their counterparts from Sunagakure, the disparity was glaring—one group's income was like the heavens, while the other's was like the earth.
Why was this? The issue stemmed from the outdated income system for ninjas. During the first "Village Representative Conference" hosted by Jinghang, the topic of ninja income was thoroughly discussed, and it was concluded that reforms were necessary.
Traditionally, a ninja's primary source of income came from completing missions commissioned through their village, with a portion of the earnings going back to the village. This system wasn't much different from a food delivery gig—unstable income, limited security, and a negative impact on the village's defensive capabilities. Moreover, it often led to resource imbalances, as clients naturally favored ninjas with better reputations, leaving others with fewer opportunities.
Jinghang implemented sweeping reforms to address these issues. After all, with the industrialization brought by the Hourglass Corporation and the development of the Moon Lake New District, the village's finances were no longer reliant on the meager earnings from mission commissions. Taking advantage of the ongoing tactical reforms (shifting from three-man squads to four-man squads), Jinghang overhauled the income system, gradually moving towards a quasi-military structure for ninjas.
Thanks to the relentless efforts of Ebizō, Maki, and others, Sunagakure now boasted a registered ninja force of over 12,000—surpassing the peak numbers under the Second Kazekage, Shamon. This reform was a monumental shift.
Key Reforms in Sunagakure
Formation of a Standing Military Force: Nearly 2,000 new combat units were established, comprising over 8,000 ninjas under semi-militarized management. These ninjas focused on daily training to improve tactical and combat skills, with salaries provided by the village treasury at wartime standards.
Creation of a Rotating Instructor Corps: Over 100 elite jōnin (exceptionally skilled fighters) were organized into a corps of rotating instructors. During peacetime, they provided training to combat units; in wartime, they served as mid-level commanders, each overseeing approximately ten combat units.
Task Diversification and Rotation: The standing military adopted a rotation system. An additional 4,000 ninjas were assigned to other duties, such as fortress garrisoning, caravan escorting, and traditional mission commissions. While large-scale commissions remained a priority, smaller tasks were not neglected either.
Improved Commission Rates: Ninjas retained nearly all their mission earnings, with only a small 10% tax deducted for the village. This was a stark contrast to the previous system, where villages took a much larger cut.
These policies not only significantly increased individual ninja incomes but also strengthened the village's military capabilities. The reforms were widely supported by both the ninjas and the village leadership.