Chapter 35: Fire Nation
The lifeblood of a nation depends on many factors—its economy, education, military strength, production capabilities, technological development, and more. These elements form the foundation of a country's structure, but above all, the economy is the most crucial.
Only when each of these sectors is stable, efficient, and supported by strong economic backing can a country operate smoothly. And only those with true leadership capabilities can guide the nation forward without triggering civil unrest or rebellion.
Here, leadership doesn't refer to military power, but rather to governance—wisdom, vision, and the ability to manage society through culture and ideology.
However, all of this applies to the Fire Nation itself—not Konoha.
In the modern ninja world, the systems of governance in various nations have become increasingly complex. Take the Fire Nation and Konoha, for example. While Konoha is officially recognized as the military force of the Fire Nation, in reality, it operates like an independent nation within a nation—complete with its own power structure and operational system.
Konoha's foundation is built on strength and merit through battle achievements—an approach that contrasts with the Fire Nation's civilian governance model.
In simpler terms:
The Fire Nation is ruled by the daimyo and nobles. They manage the civilian population, overseeing development in production, education, commerce, and technology. These leaders focus on ideology, governance, strategy, and culture.
Konoha, on the other hand, is led by the Hokage, elders, and advisors. They manage the shinobi—those with extraordinary abilities—and ensure that their powers do not bring harm to ordinary citizens.
Supported financially and politically by the daimyo and noble houses, Konoha develops as the country's military shield, defending against foreign threats. One governs externally; the other protects internally. One is civilian; the other, military.
This balance of power was established by the First Hokage in cooperation with the daimyo of the time, laying the groundwork for a peaceful and productive alliance between Konoha and the Fire Nation.
Other countries in the ninja world have since followed suit, developing similar systems.
As such, daimyo and noble houses are not mere puppets controlled by shinobi. While they lack chakra or combat ability, they possess something just as important—wisdom. They hold sway over the hearts and minds of the common people—those without ninja talent—and consolidate this influence into a political force akin to a flowing river.
"Isn't this basically a democratic system, built by scholars and maintained by warriors?"
The journey from Konoha to Fire Nation was smooth and uneventful. Ryosuke and his companions arrived without any trouble.
As he took in the busy streets, teeming with people coming and going, Ryosuke couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and curiosity. The things he saw along the way—beyond the scope of the Hyuga clan's intelligence network—opened his eyes.
The current state of the Fire Nation could be summed up in four words: peace and prosperity.
The daimyo and noble class, though proud of their education and intellect, treaded carefully. With shinobi keeping a watchful eye on them, they dared not go against public sentiment. Serving the people, advancing national interests, and contributing to national strength were the prices they paid for maintaining power and privilege.
And because of this, less than ten years after the Third Great Ninja War, the Fire Nation had completely stabilized under their leadership and achieved remarkable progress.
"How ironic," Ryosuke muttered to himself, hands casually tucked behind his back. "Konoha, a village of powerful shinobi, is rotting from within. Meanwhile, the Fire Nation, governed by ordinary people, is thriving in peace."
He looked far older in thought than his young appearance suggested.
The trio walked at a relaxed pace, admiring the grandeur of the largest city in the ninja world.
Eventually, they arrived at Fire Capital's gate and stopped.
As the capital city of the Fire Nation, Fire Capital was vast—divided into two sections: the outer city and the inner city. While they had just arrived, they were still within the outer city limits.
Access to the inner city required specific credentials—such as identity, status, or purpose.
"We are shinobi from the Hyuga clan," Souji said, stepping forward before the guards could speak. His Byakugan activated with a gentle hum, its distinct pattern enough to confirm his identity.
"A Hyuga-sama?" The gate captain immediately straightened up, bowing with respect. "Please, go right in."
No further verification was needed. The Byakugan alone was proof enough.
Ryosuke said nothing. He gave the soldier a polite nod, offered a small greeting, and led his companions into the city.
The contrast between the outer and inner city was immediate and striking.
With checkpoints and security measures in place, street vendors had all but vanished. Only the wealthiest merchant families were allowed to do business here—and they operated exclusively through established storefronts, not roadside stalls.
When Ryosuke stood at the edge of the main street and observed the view, only two words came to mind: neat and disciplined.
There were no crowds, no hawkers calling out prices. The streets weren't lively in the usual sense—but neither were they lifeless. Instead, they had a quiet dignity.
Government officials, nobles, Konoha shinobi hired as private guards, and servants of elite scholars moved calmly along the streets. Carriages rolled by with silent efficiency.
It was serene. Refined.
Just as Ryosuke was about to suggest exploring the inner city to familiarize themselves with the layout, a carriage pulled up nearby.
A refined middle-aged man in an elegant kimono stepped out and addressed them without hesitation.
"You must be Hyuga shinobi, correct?"
Given the distinctive appearance of the Hyuga clan, it wasn't hard to guess their identity.
Souji stepped forward once more, blocking Ryosuke protectively. "Who are you?"
"I am Nagahirano, a retainer of the daimyo," the man said with a slight bow. His tone was respectful, yet calm. "My lord has been expecting the three of you."
As he spoke, his eyes drifted subtly past Souji—landing on Ryosuke with a flicker of curiosity.
Large clans like the Hyuga had to support the financial needs of many. While missions were the primary source of income, most clans had business ventures across the Fire Nation to supplement their funding.
The Ino-Shika-Cho trio, the Uchiha, and even the Aburame clans all had side enterprises.
The Hyuga clan's economic lifeline, however, came largely from their long-standing connections with the nobility of the Fire Nation.
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