Chapter 3: Talent Acquisition Plan
Hearing Sayan's words, the others no longer had any objections. After all, the Kazekage himself had spoken up about solving the funding issue.
Once the biggest problem was settled, having further objections would just be looking for trouble. Besides, everyone would benefit from these constructions. What, you don't want to live a good life? Do you naturally enjoy suffering?
Soon, the first large-scale meeting after Sayan's succession ended successfully. Everyone left the venue except for Chiyo and Ebizo.
Sayan sat in the head seat, took a sip of water from his cup, and continued.
"What I discussed earlier concerned the development of people's livelihoods. Now, I've asked the two elders to stay because I want to talk about Sunagakure's Shinobi training program. What do you think of Sunagakure's current strength?"
Chiyo and Ebizo looked at each other, unsure of what Sayan was planning, so neither of them spoke. Seeing that the two elders remained silent, Sayan spoke bluntly.
"In Konohagakure, the younger generation has the Sandaime Hokage's three disciples and Sakumo Hatake, all of whom possess Kage-level potential. Among the older generation, Hiruzen Sarutobi, Danzo Shimura, and Torifu Akimichi all possess Kage-level strength. Furthermore, there are the secret technique clans, the Ino–Shika–Chō trio combined can resist a Kage-level powerhouse, and the Uchiha Clan leader can also resist one. The rest, like the Inuzuka, Hyuga, and Aburame, all have the strength of Quasi-Kage or Elite Jōnin."
"So, Elders, how do you think Sunagakure's strength compares?"
Hearing Sayan's words, Chiyo and Ebizo fell silent. How was it? How could it be? Initially, they thought their Village was already quite powerful, but after hearing Sayan's summary, was there even a comparison?
"Then, what does Kazekage-sama intend to do?"
Chiyo was the first to lose her patience and ask.
"Chiyo-baasama, don't be in such a hurry. Look at this first."
Sayan spoke unhurriedly, then slowly pulled a stack of documents from a drawer. On it was written 'Talent Acquisition Plan'. [Laktozlu: The protagonist uses the corporate term "Talent Acquisition" as a euphemism for kidnapping skilled individuals and stealing Kekkei Genkai from other villages.]
Talent Acquisition!
This was the core plan for Sunagakure. The previous plans could only improve the Village's comprehensive capabilities, but the lack of high-end combat power was a reality that was difficult to change.
One must know that although Sunagakure was one of the Five Great Shinobi Villages, before the appearance of Jiton (Magnet Release), it was a famously 'Three-No' Village: no Kekkei Genkai, no secret techniques, and no resources. [Laktozlu: "Three-No" is a reference to a Chinese slang term (Sanwu) describing products or places that lack basic essentials or guarantees.]
Now, relying on Nidaime Kazekage Shamon, they created the Jiton Kekkei Genkai, and relying on Monzaemon, they created the Kugutsu (Puppet) Secret Technique.
But after that, there was nothing! At most, Pakura of the Shakuton (Scorch Release) emerged during the Third Great Ninja War.
Therefore, based on Sunagakure's actual situation, Sayan proposed this Talent Acquisition Plan. The core content of the plan was... stealing people!
Steal Kekkei Genkai! Steal geniuses! Steal land! Steal water! Conversely, anything Sunagakure didn't have, they could steal!
Of course, this move was learned from Kumogakure, another member of the Five Great Nations. One had to realize that although their Sunagakure was a bit poor, a bit dilapidated, and liked to backstab Konoha, setting those factors aside, they still had the responsibility and credibility of a Great Shinobi Village.
After all, they couldn't afford to lack responsibility and credibility. They were already located in the desert, and missions were already hard to come by. If they lacked reputation and credibility, then even fewer people would come to post missions.
But for the sake of the Village, this talent acquisition had to proceed.
Look at Kumogakure. They stole Kekkei Genkai and Ninjutsu, turning from a group of barbarians into a force that could suppress Konoha after the Third War.
What did they rely on? They relied on being shameless. Konoha's Kyūbi (Nine-Tails) Jinchūriki? Steal! Konoha's Hinata Hyuga? Steal! Even when caught, they'd make false accusations, and then nothing would happen to them.
With such a blatant example right in front of him, why wouldn't he copy it? Sayan even suspected that the Jiton Shinobi who appeared in Kumogakure were stolen from Sunagakure.
If it weren't for the two 'cheaters' who eventually appeared in Konoha, the strongest Hidden Village would likely have been Kumogakure. [Laktozlu: "Cheaters" refers to Naruto and Sasuke (or potentially Guy with the 8 Gates), whom the protagonist considers unfair "hacks" due to their reincarnation powers and plot armor.]
After reading the entire plan, Chiyo and Ebizo felt their heads throbbing. Once again, they had the illusion that they might have chosen the wrong Kage.
Although Sunagakure was a bit poor and the environment was harsh, the people were very honest. Shamon-sama was also meticulous in his work. How did those two factors combine to produce such a thing? This was simply black-hearted beyond measure.
Chiyo even suspected that if this plan were exposed, the Land of Rain, the Land of Fire, and the Land of Earth would immediately stop their war and attack the Land of Wind together.
Look at what was written: 'Plan to Hollow Out the Land of Rain', 'Plan to Steal from the Kamizuru Clan of the Land of Earth', 'Plan to Rescue the Refugees of Uzushiogakure', and even a 'Plan to Transfer the Entire Uchiha Clan'!
Wait, Kazekage-sama, are you really that brave?
"Kazekage-sama, isn't this plan a bit..."
Chiyo really couldn't find the words to describe it. Seeing the constipated expressions on the two elders' faces, Sayan knew the content had scared them.
"Rest assured, Elders, the plan needs to be prepared in advance. I can feel that wars will only become more intense each time. This time we can retreat calmly, but when we have nowhere left to retreat, we must have the ability to arm-wrestle with anyone."
"Therefore, we must become strong, and become strong without reservation!"
After saying this, Sayan clapped his hands together: Jiton: Gold Brick Technique (Magnet Release: Gold Brick). [Laktozlu: An original, somewhat comical technique invented by the protagonist to flaunt his wealth and resources.]
One by one, gold bricks appeared on the conference room table. A rough estimate put their value at about two hundred million Ryō.
"Elders, I plan to head to the front lines. I'll leave the remaining construction work to you."
Sayan then used a Shunshin no Jutsu (Body Flicker Technique) to leave immediately, not giving Chiyo or the others a chance to speak.
"Sister, what do we do now?"
Ebizo only came to his senses after Sayan had left and hurriedly asked Chiyo.
"What do we do? What do we do? How should I know what to do? Hurry up and destroy this thing. Don't let a fourth person know about this."
After saying that, she used Katon: Destruction of Evidence Technique to destroy the document. [Laktozlu: A fake Jutsu name humorously used by the author to emphasize Chiyo's desperate need to hide the incriminating evidence.]
"No, sister, shouldn't we stop Kazekage-sama? If this is discovered..."
Ebizo saw Chiyo burn the document and stop there, so he spoke up urgently.
"Stop him? Will you go, or will I? Have you forgotten that burst of Chakra from before? Who has the ability to stop him?"
"Besides, Kazekage-sama is right. Sunagakure's foundation is too shallow; we have nothing. If we lose a single war, we won't have another chance, just like now. If Kazekage-sama hadn't held out against the pressure, we might have had to withdraw from this war as the losing side."
"So we might as well take a gamble. If we lose, it's the same outcome anyway. At worst, we'll just have Kazekage-sama dig up more Gold Dust."
"Besides, we won't necessarily lose. Kazekage-sama's strength is quite formidable, and he's only nineteen. As long as we can keep this hidden for a few years and let his strength grow further, he might reach the heights of those two. By then, we won't be afraid even if things are exposed."
"Alright, you go take charge of the school expansion. I will handle the construction of the hospital and the training of Medical-nin. I'm very busy and have no time to chat with you here."
After saying that, Chiyo was the first to stand up and walk toward the door.
"Sigh~, let's hope so."
Ebizo sighed and then stood up to leave as well.