Chapter 177: Kumo Tries to Be Konoha—Mabui’s Choice!

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"We, the people of Kumogakure, are lost in a spiritual desert, lacking connection. We must proceed cautiously."

The man in glasses turned to the man in the suit. "What do you suggest?"

"First, a feasibility study, an implementation plan, a candidate assessment, a background check, a timeline, a detailed procedure, an audit report, a traceability matrix, a contingency plan, and an investigation report. Only then can we proceed with the rescue."

"I see enlightening."

Were these people insane? Had they read [Iki] and [The Forest Reader] too many times?

Mabui, unable to bear it any longer, channeled her chakra, scaled the utility pole, and freed the trapped Shinobi.

Ignoring the calls of the men in suits, she left.

She felt no sense of triumph, only a growing dread for Kumogakure's future.

Unconditional aid to smaller villages, broken relationships, extortionate tipping, disregard for public safety, pointless bureaucracy…

Her village was—unraveling.

[Iki] and [The Forest Reader]—like invasive weeds, their influence spreading, their—toxicity festering.

What was—happening?

She'd read those magazines. They were filled with stories of kindness, of civility—why were they being—twisted, misinterpreted?

Kumogakure was behind Konoha, yes. But progress took time, not grand gestures.

It was like Kumogakure's productive forces were strong, but the elite, having embraced the wrong ideology, made impossible demands, wishing for instant progress, leading to disaster. These—influencers had become—parasites.

...

Mabui had to—fix this.

Iki and The Forest Reader—they showed the path, not the destination.

She entered the Raikage Tower meeting room.

"The Military Police report a surge in violent incidents at local businesses. Villagers and tourists complain about—forced tipping. They're demanding action."

An elder spoke up. "Times are tough. Businesses are struggling. This tipping, it helps them reduce costs, and increase profits. It's just a small fee for the customers."

"I agree. This is between the businesses and their customers. The Raikage Tower shouldn't interfere. Otherwise, we'll be the target."

"Release the detained waiters. They were just trying to make a living."

"And perhaps we can increase taxes on businesses. After all, their costs are lower now. Higher profits, higher taxes. It's fair."

"We shouldn't be shortsighted. We need to think long-term. Tipping is still developing. Eventually, those who use intimidation will realize it's counterproductive. They'll learn customer service. Our village will become more civilized. People will be kinder."

Several elders nodded, praising the wisdom of the tipping system. It would be as effective as the Co-Prosperity Sphere! A dual approach, addressing both material and spiritual needs.

Mabui's hand, on the doorknob, went limp.

This wasn't necessarily wrong.

But it was risky.

Like taking Konoha's ideas and combining them with their own unique system. A recipe for disaster.

They were always—emulating Konoha, failing every time.

'Just—end it all,' she thought, defeated.

If she could, she'd establish a new course at the Academy—"Konoha Studies."

She'd teach them about the importance of—inner strength, of reading, of—not just training their muscles.

The discussion continued.

"The Statistics Bureau reports a twenty-two percent drop in marriages."

"That's normal. We're at war with Konoha. Our Shinobi are—prioritizing the village."

A seemed unconcerned.

But statistics could be misleading. A drop in one area often meant—a corresponding increase elsewhere.

"But divorce rates are also up."

"That's good! More marriages, more children! And if they divorce, they'll remarry, have more children."

"But marriage rates aren't up."

"What about birth rates?"

"Also down."

"Everything's down? Then the Statistics Bureau is incompetent. We'll—restructure it."

The elders didn't seem to care about the village's demographics. As long as they didn't interfere, things would sort themselves out.

Mabui's hand slipped from the doorknob. She felt defeated.

Her friends' boyfriends hadn't gone to war, yet they'd still—broken up.

"A war hero's medal, is that really enough?" she murmured. "Omoi and the others, they didn't even mention their boyfriends'—military service."

The Shinobi World was changing, leaving her behind.

She was just a secretary. How could she change the Raikage's mind?

She turned and left.

Perhaps she should move to Konoha, and join Samui.

Work was one thing, life—was another.

She worked hard as the Raikage's secretary, but... living here was becoming unbearable.

A five percent discount on milk tea, but a ten percent tip for the waiters?

It was insulting!

"There's been an—incident at Training Ground 2. A retired Shinobi was assaulted by a kunoichi. She slapped him ten times and then occupied the training ground. How should we... handle this?"

"The retired Shinobi, what's his rank?"

"Chunin. Former."

"And the kunoichi? From the Eguchi clan?"

"Then arrest her. Fine her a thousand ryō. Show some respect for our Veterans."

Normally, such a minor incident wouldn't even reach the Raikage Tower. The elders would have handled it.

But A's newfound authority, it couldn't be challenged.

"And—one more thing…"

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