Chapter 122 - 17: A Spring Story
In that year of Sunagakure, it was spring. A young man drew a circle on the southern coast of the Land of Wind, and like a myth, cities rose one after another, gathering mountains of gold like miracles. The world surged with the tides of spring, and the journey ahead unfurled with mighty sails.
Time is like a wild donkey; once it starts running, it never stops. A year passed in the blink of an eye. Ever since Kōzaburō Hirai and Jinghang plotted their grand scheme to seize the nation in the private room of the "West Lai Shun" hotpot restaurant, Hirai had devoted almost all his energy to the construction of Yuexi Peninsula. According to Hirai's own words, "This is the one thing I'm betting the rest of my life on! How could I not give it my all?"
The funds from Hirai's industries were fully channeled into the development of Yuexi Peninsula. With the full support of Sunagakure's construction department and the unwavering protection of Sunagakure's ninja, a brand-new city rose like bamboo shoots after the rain, completed two months ahead of schedule!
Why wouldn't it be? With ample funding, a full workforce, and everyone's enthusiasm through the roof, how could the progress not be fast?
Upon receiving the news of Yuexi Peninsula's construction completion, Jinghang was thrilled. This was the first city he had truly developed under his leadership. He immediately convened a hearing to announce that, in preparation for the upcoming Five Kage Summit, he decided to personally inspect the venue at Yuexi Peninsula. He also invited the top 100 shareholders of the Golden Sands Entertainment Group to join him on a tour, with all expenses covered by the village's treasury, including accommodations and travel for their families.
Such blatant public-funded tourism and feasting were unheard of in the traditionally frugal and austere Sunagakure. Naturally, the proposal passed swiftly and unanimously. Everyone rushed out to call their relatives and pack their bags.
Jinghang, too, was taking the opportunity to "mix public and private affairs," giving himself a long-overdue vacation to spend quality time with Tsunade. Village governance during this period was entrusted to Rasa. Each department had a minister and at least two deputy ministers, so a month or two without Jinghang wouldn't cause any major issues.
By the way, Rasa had been promoted again. Jinghang created a special position just for him—Shadow Assistant, responsible only to Jinghang himself, with authority second only to the Kazekage. The vacant position of Intelligence Minister was filled by Toru Yamashita, a top agent who had been undercover in Kirigakure for ten years.
When Rasa learned he would be acting Kazekage for nearly a month, he showed no excitement. His already bitter expression grew even more sour. Although Rasa looked older, he was actually four years younger than Jinghang. Since Jinghang became Kazekage, Rasa had taken on increasingly heavy responsibilities—from managing the Sand Timer Group to leading the Intelligence Department, and now this Shadow Assistant role. The burden was turning him into an old man before his time.