God-Tier Kazekage: Building the Ultimate Hidden Sand Village

In the afternoon, within the roundtable room reserved for high-level meetings in Sunagakure.

On the right side of the room stood three tall statues of the Kazekage, serving as decorations. Compared to the Hokage Rock in Konohagakure, they seemed rather modest.

Perhaps comparing the former Kazekage to the First Hokage would be akin to a firefly competing with the brilliance of the moon, inviting ridicule.

Around the roundtable were nine chairs, with the Third Kazekage seated at the head. To his right were Sōmi and Rasa, while to his left were Granny Chiyo and Ebizō.

As for the other four seats, they were occupied by Elder Takahashi, the head of the Genpei clan, and their most trusted subordinates.

Baki and several other Sunagakure ninja stood solemnly around the room, fulfilling their duties as guards.

Elder Takahashi, around fifty years old, had brown hair that hadn't yet faded, making him appear more youthful. His gaze was unabashedly fixed on Sōmi.

His trusted aide was an elderly man with white hair and beard, hunched over even while seated, appearing much older.

The Genpei clan head's presence here was primarily due to their direct blood relation to the daimyō.

A stack of documents had already been prepared in front of the Kazekage, who casually picked one up and laid it on the table.

"Elder Takahashi, the number of Chūnin and Jōnin promotions from the Takahashi clan seems excessive this time, doesn't it?"

"And can these achievements withstand scrutiny?"

"This Takahashi Shigeo, who supposedly killed five Chūnin from Konohagakure and two Jōnin from Kirigakure, is set to become a Jōnin at thirteen. Can you introduce this prodigy to me?"

The Kazekage's voice grew increasingly stern, nearly slamming his palm on the table.

Elder Takahashi's expression remained unchanged.

"So what?"

"Your disciple is attending the high-level meeting, isn't he?" He pointed at Sōmi.

"Indeed, Kazekage..."

"When did children start attending high-level meetings? Are we showing that our village lacks personnel?"

The Genpei clan head's voice was gentle, his face adorned with a merchant's smiling expression, yet his words showed no regard for Sōmi's dignity.

Sōmi remained silent, his demeanor akin to a monk in meditation, eyes closed and unmoving.

"I am fully aware of Sōmi's achievements. If you have doubts, feel free to check his records!" The Kazekage frowned slightly, casting a glance at the Genpei clan head.

"And aren't the achievements of those on the list clearly documented as well?" The Genpei clan head did not shy away from the Kazekage's gaze.

"If there's controversy over the promotion list, let's put it on hold and proceed after verification."

A voice full of vigor rang out, and the Genpei clan head glanced at Ebizō, letting out a soft snort but refraining from further argument.

"News from the daimyō suggests that the leaders of the other four nations are considering peace talks, and the daimyō has hinted at reducing the village's military budget..."

Before the Kazekage could finish, the Genpei clan head interjected.

"The daimyō is the ruler of the nation. If he wishes to reduce military spending, we naturally have no reason to defy him!" The Genpei clan head finished, staring directly at the Kazekage.

"You..." The Kazekage's eyes flashed with anger. If not for the direct connection between the Genpei clan head and the daimyō, he wouldn't tolerate repeated challenges to his authority.

Sōmi remained silent, as he saw no need to discuss such matters.

Arguing over interests at the negotiation table was a tactic used by politicians and merchants, while they were a group of extraordinary ninja.

Before the establishment of ninja villages, the daimyō was the ruler, using national funds to train warriors (later ninja) to defend or invade other countries.

However, with Hashirama's establishment of the one-country-one-village system, actual control shifted to the village leaders.

Through missions and resource management, villages achieved economic independence, and the most powerful military forces were under the control of the Kage.

Thus, the daimyō, lacking economic and military support, became merely a traditional 'political mascot,' though no one dared to challenge this status openly.

This was evident when Danzo, victorious in the 'Great Bridge Battle,' dared to threaten the Fire Country daimyō to become the 'Sixth Hokage.'

Other nations' daimyō rarely interfered with village affairs, but Sunagakure's daimyō not only openly reduced military spending but also mysteriously delegated village missions to Konohagakure.

This led to a dire economic situation where Sunagakure relied on Rasa's development of jutsu and gold sand for trade, resulting in only Temari and her siblings among the younger generation of ninja.

From this perspective, the daimyō of the Land of Wind appeared more 'idealistic' compared to other puppet daimyō.

However, the current situation was different. With the Third Kazekage present, Sunagakure's strength hadn't diminished to a deplorable state, as control over the Land of Birds and the Land of Rivers remained firmly in the Kazekage's hands.

"If only Sunagakure reduces military spending while the other four nations develop, what happens when the disparity grows and we can't resist their invasion?"

Ebizō spoke again, posing a question to the Genpei clan head.

"Other nations will also reduce military spending. The daimyō will send representatives to discuss with the other four leaders and sign peace agreements, so there's no need to worry about invasions."

The Genpei clan head seemed well-prepared for this answer.

"Economic development varies among nations. If reducing military spending doesn't equalize military power, what's the point? Even if we reduce the same amount as Konohagakure, can it change the imbalance?"

"If peace agreements were effective, the ninja world would have been harmonious since the First Kazekage attended the Five Kage Summit!"

Ebizō opened his eyes, his gaze piercing the Genpei clan head.

"This..." The Genpei clan head was momentarily speechless.

"Peace agreements can be discussed and signed, but military spending should not be reduced—in fact, it should be increased!"

"Only then can our nation's strength approach that of the other four, as strength is the fundamental guarantee of peace and development!"

"Please convey our village's stance to the daimyō." Ebizō firmly rebuffed the Genpei clan head.

Granny Chiyo also exuded a formidable aura, casting a sharp glance at him.

They had already discussed with the Third Kazekage before the meeting and aligned their stance.

~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~

Weekly Stable Updates with 30+ Chapters Always Available. High-Quality and Consistent Translations Are the Channel's Top Priority.

Current Books:

Naruto: Deidara's Struggle

God-Tier Kazekage: Building the Ultimate Hidden Sand Village 

Naruto: The Ōtsutsuki Bloodline Development Manual

One Piece:The True Codex

One Piece: Rising to Fleet Admiral Through a Coup

👉patreon.com/GoldenLong