Chapter 251: Kazekage Ninja- - 40: Lend? Why Not Lend!
"Lend? Why not lend! Not only should we lend money to Kumogakure, but I say, let’s go ahead and provide them with some ninja tools and medical supplies too. They’re going to war, aren’t they? Let’s make sure they have a good time doing it."
Jing Hang declared decisively, holding the telegram in his hand.
"Though the loan amount isn’t small, it’s hardly a significant burden on the village’s finances as they stand now. The only question is whether the old men and women on the hearing committee will understand," Rasa commented.
"What’s so hard to understand about this?" Jing Hang replied. "Konoha has been stirring up trouble everywhere lately. If Kumogakure wants to teach them a lesson but lacks the funds to do so, why wouldn’t we lend a hand? Who knows, it might not be long before Sunagakure has to join the fight too."
Jing Hang’s words left Rasa silent. It was obvious: the ninja world was already showing the early signs of chaos. Iwagakure, Kumogakure, Konoha, and even Sunagakure had all engaged in localized skirmishes. The scent of war was beginning to permeate the air, and full-scale conflict was only a matter of time.
"Boss, you don’t know this, but now that life has gotten better, after years of peace, some people in the village have started developing an aversion to war. They’re calling it isolationism..."
"Bullshit."
Jing Hang scoffed. "A ninja village playing at isolationism? Do they even know what they’re talking about? Is this the time for such nonsense? Sunagakure isn’t Kirigakure; we don’t have the conditions for isolationism. Besides, the Third Shinobi World War is looming. This is practically the last chance for ninja villages to establish their ’international standing.’ If we don’t seize this opportunity now, there won’t be another one."
Still, while Jing Hang was determined to make a move, he knew it couldn’t be reckless. The key was to enter the war at the right time to maximize benefits and minimize losses.
"Don’t listen to their nonsense. A few good meals, and they’ve forgotten where the salt comes from, where the vinegar gets its tang. They’ve completely lost the blood and spirit of our desert people," Jing Hang said impatiently.
"What about the hearing committee? Are we still holding it?" Rasa asked.
"Of course, but I won’t be attending. You’ll go," Jing Hang replied, pointing at Rasa.