Kazekage Ninja-Chapter 40: Lend? Why Not Lend!

"Lend? Why not lend! Not only should we lend money to Kumogakure, but I say, let's go ahead and provide them with some ninja tools and medical supplies too. They're going to war, aren't they? Let's make sure they have a good time doing it."

Jing Hang declared decisively, holding the telegram in his hand.

"Though the loan amount isn't small, it's hardly a significant burden on the village's finances as they stand now. The only question is whether the old men and women on the hearing committee will understand," Rasa commented.

"What's so hard to understand about this?" Jing Hang replied. "Konoha has been stirring up trouble everywhere lately. If Kumogakure wants to teach them a lesson but lacks the funds to do so, why wouldn't we lend a hand? Who knows, it might not be long before Sunagakure has to join the fight too."

Jing Hang's words left Rasa silent. It was obvious: the ninja world was already showing the early signs of chaos. Iwagakure, Kumogakure, Konoha, and even Sunagakure had all engaged in localized skirmishes. The scent of war was beginning to permeate the air, and full-scale conflict was only a matter of time.

"Boss, you don't know this, but now that life has gotten better, after years of peace, some people in the village have started developing an aversion to war. They're calling it isolationism…"

"Bullshit."

Jing Hang scoffed. "A ninja village playing at isolationism? Do they even know what they're talking about? Is this the time for such nonsense? Sunagakure isn't Kirigakure; we don't have the conditions for isolationism. Besides, the Third Shinobi World War is looming. This is practically the last chance for ninja villages to establish their 'international standing.' If we don't seize this opportunity now, there won't be another one."

Still, while Jing Hang was determined to make a move, he knew it couldn't be reckless. The key was to enter the war at the right time to maximize benefits and minimize losses.

"Don't listen to their nonsense. A few good meals, and they've forgotten where the salt comes from, where the vinegar gets its tang. They've completely lost the blood and spirit of our desert people," Jing Hang said impatiently.

"What about the hearing committee? Are we still holding it?" Rasa asked.

"Of course, but I won't be attending. You'll go," Jing Hang replied, pointing at Rasa.

According to Sunagakure's laws, the Kazekage's deputy indeed had the authority to preside over such hearings.

"As for the proposal, don't call it a war loan. Be flexible—label it as an aid loan. Didn't Kumogakure recently suffer a disaster? This fits perfectly," Jing Hang instructed.

"Isn't that just covering their eyes while pinching their noses? They'll see through it, and the proposal likely won't pass," Rasa said skeptically.

"That doesn't matter. Even if it doesn't pass, it's fine," Jing Hang said with a sly smile.

Seeing Rasa's confusion, Jing Hang continued, "You just need to present the loan agreement. If they agree, great. If not… heh."

Jing Hang's cold smile sent a chill down Rasa's spine. "Boss, what are you planning?"

"I'll declare Sunagakure under wartime status, suspend the hearing committee's authority, and place all military and civil affairs under the jurisdiction of the General Staff."

Rasa let out a sigh of relief. "I thought you were planning a purge."

"But we need a reason to declare wartime status, don't we?" Rasa asked.

"A reason? Isn't it obvious? In just one year, we've had Iwagakure and Amegakure inciting coups and nearly a thousand armed attackers assault the Abyss Prison. Raising Sunagakure's defense level and entering wartime status is perfectly justified," Jing Hang explained.

Rasa thought it over. Legally speaking, Jing Hang wasn't wrong. Wartime status was a special state that required decisive leadership. Otherwise, the hearing committee would devolve into a cacophony of voices, each with their own ideas. Who would they listen to? War wasn't like building a road or a house; mistakes couldn't simply be torn down and redone. Lives were at stake.

"Our main forces are currently scattered across various garrisons, which dilutes our strength. Here's what we'll do: have the General Staff draw up a plan to consolidate five to six regiments from each division into a rapid response force of ten thousand soldiers. Station them in Sunagakure. That way, no matter which enemy comes from where, I'll have the means to crush them."

This was clearly a move to clench Sunagakure's fist, preparing for a decisive blow.

"Should we mobilize the reserves as well?" Rasa asked.

"Of course. Also, suspend all external missions for the Twelve Earthly Branches. Have them remain in the village on standby. Additionally, inform Yamashita Tetsu to activate all Heavenly Stems operatives. We must secure the upper hand in intelligence warfare."

"No problem. I'll relay the orders immediately," Rasa nodded.

"Also, notify the logistics department, the equipment department, the Hourglass Group, and the Silver Sands Pharmaceutical Group to start stockpiling food, ninja tools, and medical supplies. We need enough to sustain the standing army for at least three years."

"Three years? Boss, do you think this war will last that long?" Rasa asked, surprised.

"It's hard to say. Let's prepare for three years, just in case."

Jing Hang wasn't sure how long the war would last. According to the original manga, the Third Shinobi World War dragged on intermittently for five years. Better to be overprepared than caught off guard.

"Boss, do you really think we might go to war with Konoha this time?" Rasa asked hesitantly.

Jing Hang was silent for a moment before replying, "It's very likely. If they draw their blades, we can't just stand there and let them cut us down."

"But… what about your wife? She's from Konoha, after all…" Rasa hesitated.

Jing Hang frowned. "What can I do? Between home and country, which is more important? As Kazekage, I can only make one choice."

"Jing Hang! How could you be so heartless, forcing me to make this kind of choice? Ever since I married you, I've never done anything to betray Sunagakure!" Tsunade's voice trembled with emotion.

Caught between her "maiden family" and her "marital home," Tsunade was indeed in a difficult position. Her emotions were running high.

Jing Hang sighed. "I don't have a choice either. The decision isn't even in my hands right now. Think about it—over these years, how have I treated Konoha? You've seen it yourself. I've given plenty, both openly and covertly. During the First World Ninja Tournament, I brought Konoha along to make money. When Konoha needed diluted combat potions, I provided them. I've done right by Konoha. But now, it's Konoha stirring up trouble in the ninja world, not me."

Jing Hang could only say this to Tsunade. If Yamashita Tetsu or Danzo heard it, they'd probably laugh their heads off. Jing Hang had dug more than a few pits for Konoha.

"Does it really have to come to the point where our two villages clash?" Tsunade asked, her brows furrowed.

"You've been on the battlefield; you know what war is like. This isn't up to me. I'm not forcing you to choose sides; I'm just giving you a heads-up. I can only promise you one thing: Sunagakure will never strike the first blow. But if Konoha attacks, I will retaliate without hesitation."

This statement was intriguing. Given that the border between Sunagakure and Konoha was all desert, the strategic significance of striking first was minimal.

Tsunade fell into deep thought. Jing Hang didn't press her, instead retreating to his study alone.

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