"Let's build another school next to the Ninja Academy—one dedicated to training administrative officials. Given the current state of the Federation, there will be a growing demand for administrative personnel over the next five to fifteen years. We should compile the necessary content into textbooks and begin large-scale recruitment and training."
Hyuga Mirai proposed this idea. Though it was his first time suggesting it, it was met with widespread approval.
It was precisely what the Federation needed. Without a continuous supply of trained officials, a sudden illness or emergency could paralyze entire regions.
With the seventy people backed by the Uzumaki Trade Association, plus the personnel currently in training, they could barely manage to take over the Land of the Wind. Many low-level workers didn't need replacing—if they could remain loyal even with kunai at their throats, then the Federation's ninja would simply demand they fulfill their bushido duty.
The Land of the Wind was much better off than the Federation. Around eighty percent of the Federation's territory was desert, rich in resources but sparsely habitable. Even with heavy investment from the Kaikou Trade Association, it would take years to see results.
In contrast, the Land of the Wind had many oases and arable lands. Taking over the area would rapidly boost the Federation's population and strength. The stubborn former nobles could be sent to work in the mines, instantly providing thousands of laborers. This would save costs and free up civilians for agricultural development.
Aside from suggesting the school, Hyuga Mirai barely spoke during the meeting.
But the others seemed to have awakened a kind of capitalist ambition—their suggestions even made Mirai raise an eyebrow.
Perhaps it was all the resentment built up under the Land of the Wind's nobles. Even Rasa, a village leader, had once been forced to dig in the mines. With that kind of humiliation, it wasn't surprising the former Sand leaders held a grudge.
The meeting's primary focus was on the invasion of the Land of the Wind and post-conquest governance. The offensive would be handled by the Federal Security Force under Uchiha Tekka. The opposing forces consisted only of hired ninjas and samurai—not enough to warrant a full-scale ninja war.
It was Uchiha Tekka's first major mission in the Federation. Though the higher-ups spoke casually about it, he felt an immense pressure. The Uchiha had to deliver flawlessly—no mistakes. He'd even bring Uchiha Mikoto if needed, relying on overwhelming force to intimidate the enemy.
The Federation truly welcomed the Uchiha, and the clan had to rise to the occasion.
After the meeting, Hyuga Mirai randomly decided to visit the puppet department where Sasori worked. The Puppet Division now occupied a newly constructed ten-story building. While not tall by Mirai's standards, it was impressive compared to other Federation buildings.
The original Sunagakure lacked deep roots; few powerful ninja clans had joined during its founding. Its wind-style specialty was simply due to the lack of other techniques.
As a result, puppet arts had become their major focus. By the time of the Third and Fourth Kazekage, over half the ninja population were puppet masters.
The guard at the entrance questioned Hyuga Mirai and then radioed up for permission before letting him in.
Inside were numerous puppet masters, many modifying their puppets. Mirai only glanced around before heading to the top floor where Sasori was compiling a tactical manual for the next-generation puppet mechs, looking rather unhappy.
"Sasori, writing a textbook?"
"You can see that. I never imagined I'd be back in this village doing such boring work." Though his tone was calm, his words were full of complaint, directed squarely at Mirai.
"Haha... Good thing I dropped by. Why don't you let Unit 18 help with the writing?"
Ignoring his grumbling, Mirai cheerfully offered a way to save effort.
Sasori paused, then asked, "Unit 18 can write manuals?"
"You really underestimate her. In fact, she handles all my technical computations, and even Orochimaru uses her for experiment calculations. Just upload your battle footage—she'll analyze your combat patterns and create content from it."
And that was just part of what Unit 18 could do. Once the electronic era arrived, she could manage nearly everything across the Federation.
Sasori slapped his forehead and ran a hand through his red hair. "Why am I always the last to know this?"
"I thought you already knew. After all, Orochimaru..."
"Enough. I get it. If that's all, get out—I've got work to do." The mention of Orochimaru irked him. Within the organization, he could accept being second to Tsunade, but he refused to lose to that snake.
In the ideological clash between mechanical and biological immortality, Sasori never believed Orochimaru's grotesque bodily alterations were superior. If not for Hyuga Mirai's advice, he would've turned his entire body into metal already.
But after witnessing the power of the Rinnegan, he saw the limitations of current ninja-world machinery. Until those flaws were solved, he wouldn't remodel himself—true eternal art must be flawless.
Hyuga Mirai didn't stay long before Sasori kicked him out. But seeing Sasori hard at work was enough. Once the new puppet mech manuals were done, they could be fully implemented throughout the Federation.
Pakura was diligent, but the leftover forces from Sunagakure were too weak. Without Shukaku's help, the Federation would've stood no chance against Konoha. Once Pakura returned from this failed campaign, she would definitely support the new puppet mech initiative.
A village leader returning in defeat—without military reform, they wouldn't hold onto the Federation's vast territories for long.
On his way back, Mirai received a message from Unit 18:
"Sir, Tsunade is looking for you."
"Tsunade? What's up now?" He glanced around and replied, "Wait till I get back."
There were still some civilians and other ninja around—chatting through the nano-display wouldn't be appropriate.
Upon returning home, he was surprised to see someone still at his desk.
"Kushina? Why are you still here?"
"I don't know where to go. If I go to the training field, that idiot Naruto will just piss me off again." Kushina was slumped over the table. The earlier awkward moment had passed, and she had mostly forgotten about her slip of the tongue.
"You're the deputy head of the Sealing and Barrier Division. It's time to take some responsibility."
Kushina shook her head vigorously, her red hair flying. "I haven't seen the official appointment letter. Until then, this might be my last chance to rest—don't push me."
Mirai considered it and thought she had a point. "Fair enough. Do as you like."
Kushina blinked in surprise. "You actually plan to squeeze every drop of my time in the future?"
He didn't answer, but he was already planning on it. Few people under him were skilled in sealing techniques—aside from himself, only Ayaka Uzumaki and Kushina. If Ayaka refused, he'd have no choice but to rely on Kushina.
Sunagakure's sealing and barrier arts were the weakest among the Five Great Ninja Villages. Kushina, being familiar with all of Konoha's techniques, wouldn't find it difficult to build a new system in Sunagakure—it would just cost her a lot of effort.
Mirai then connected with Tsunade.
She appeared freshly finished from training, slightly out of breath, body glistening with sweat.
"What is it, Tsunade?"
She steadied her breathing and said, "I'm heading to the battlefield in the Land of the Rain. If that brat Nagato tries to wipe out Konoha's forces, I'll face him and end this war."
Mirai blinked. "Nagato's made a move?"
Tsunade shook her head. "No clue. But Kabuto suggested I go early to prepare in case Amegakure launches a surprise attack. What do you think?"
"Then go—but be careful. You know Nagato's condition. Even with Wood Release, you might not be a match for the Rinnegan."
Nagato's real body was on another level from the Six Paths of Pain. Even if Tsunade awakened Wood Release, as long as Nagato burned his life force to control the Gedo Statue, she'd still be outmatched.
Her Wood Release didn't yet rival Senju Hashirama's and probably couldn't restrain the Gedo Statue.
Tsunade suddenly grew serious. "Caution probably won't help much. After all, I'm the Hokage now." Then she smiled slyly and added, "But a good leader wouldn't let their best subordinates get hurt, right?"
"Only if that subordinate doesn't cause trouble for their leader."
Mirai replied flatly, but then recalled the Gedo Statue's research potential. If he could get his hands on part of it during the war, it'd be a huge win.
"I'll come—whether I show myself or not will depend on the situation."
(End of Chapter)