Kazekage Ninja: The Rise of the Hidden Sand

"Militarization of the ninja forces, nationalization of the villages, democratization of politics, commercialization of the economy, legalization of society, and technological advancement in agriculture—these have been the pillars of my policy as Kazekage for nearly a decade. The results speak for themselves. In just ten years, Sunagakure has cast off its old reputation for poverty and backwardness, and has become one of the wealthiest ninja villages in the entire shinobi world. Everyone has a job, everyone has food on the table, and every child gets an education. Life is only getting better. Nagato, you spent time in Sunagakure—you know I’m not exaggerating."

Jinghang smiled as he spoke, radiating the calm authority of a seasoned leader.

Nagato nodded. To be honest, he didn’t fully understand everything Jinghang was saying, but it all sounded reasonable. He’d seen Sunagakure’s prosperity with his own eyes, so he replied,

"Lord Kazekage speaks the truth. In fact, before he died, Yahiko told me to pay close attention to Sunagakure’s policies."

That’s what I wanted to hear, Jinghang thought. Why else would I go to such lengths to keep you around? It’s not like Sunagakure desperately needs a handful of extra hands.

"But there are always those who can’t stand new things. They stubbornly cling to their so-called way of life and will stop at nothing—no matter how ruthless or underhanded—to destroy anything that threatens it, even if it’s just a spark. That’s exactly what’s behind Konoha’s attack this time."

With a single deft move, Jinghang shifted the blame for the war onto class conflict.

At the mention of Konoha, the Akatsuki members’ faces twisted with hatred. They immediately started cursing, their anger boiling over.

"When I was in Sunagakure, I actually had a long talk with your leader, Yahiko. I truly admired that young man. His dream was to build a nation without oppression, without war, without hunger. But to be honest, he was lost. He had the goal, but he didn’t know how to get there. And just when he seemed close to finding a path, Konoha invaded."

Of course, this was total nonsense—there never was any long conversation. Sure, Jinghang had treated Yahiko and Nagato to a meal, and chatted privately with Yahiko afterwards, but it was mostly about Nagato staying in Sunagakure to look after the Great Buddha. Details didn’t matter now; plausibility was enough.

"So after all that, you just want us to be your cannon fodder for Sunagakure? You talk like you’re so much nobler than Konoha."

Kazama Xu shot back, her tone icy. She still held a grudge against Jinghang.