"Militarization of the ninja forces, nationalization of the villages, democratization of politics, commercialization of the economy, legalization of society, and technological advancement in agriculture—these have been the pillars of my policy as Kazekage for nearly a decade. The results speak for themselves. In just ten years, Sunagakure has cast off its old reputation for poverty and backwardness, and has become one of the wealthiest ninja villages in the entire shinobi world. Everyone has a job, everyone has food on the table, and every child gets an education. Life is only getting better. Nagato, you spent time in Sunagakure—you know I’m not exaggerating."
Jinghang smiled as he spoke, radiating the calm authority of a seasoned leader.
Nagato nodded. To be honest, he didn’t fully understand everything Jinghang was saying, but it all sounded reasonable. He’d seen Sunagakure’s prosperity with his own eyes, so he replied,
"Lord Kazekage speaks the truth. In fact, before he died, Yahiko told me to pay close attention to Sunagakure’s policies."
That’s what I wanted to hear, Jinghang thought. Why else would I go to such lengths to keep you around? It’s not like Sunagakure desperately needs a handful of extra hands.
"But there are always those who can’t stand new things. They stubbornly cling to their so-called way of life and will stop at nothing—no matter how ruthless or underhanded—to destroy anything that threatens it, even if it’s just a spark. That’s exactly what’s behind Konoha’s attack this time."
With a single deft move, Jinghang shifted the blame for the war onto class conflict.
At the mention of Konoha, the Akatsuki members’ faces twisted with hatred. They immediately started cursing, their anger boiling over.
"When I was in Sunagakure, I actually had a long talk with your leader, Yahiko. I truly admired that young man. His dream was to build a nation without oppression, without war, without hunger. But to be honest, he was lost. He had the goal, but he didn’t know how to get there. And just when he seemed close to finding a path, Konoha invaded."
Of course, this was total nonsense—there never was any long conversation. Sure, Jinghang had treated Yahiko and Nagato to a meal, and chatted privately with Yahiko afterwards, but it was mostly about Nagato staying in Sunagakure to look after the Great Buddha. Details didn’t matter now; plausibility was enough.
"So after all that, you just want us to be your cannon fodder for Sunagakure? You talk like you’re so much nobler than Konoha."
Kazama Xu shot back, her tone icy. She still held a grudge against Jinghang.
"That’s not it at all. I didn’t come here to make you sacrifice yourselves for me. Honestly, with your ragtag group barely enough to form a squad, it’s hardly worth my time to show up in person."
"Then why are you here?"
Aotu Tailuo chimed in at just the right moment.
"I just can’t stand to see the seed of an ideal snuffed out so cruelly. That would be a real tragedy."
"Think back—since I became Kazekage, has Sunagakure ever launched a war of aggression against anyone?"
Of course not. We were too poor to even try.
Kazama Xu was about to retort when—
"That incident with Iwagakure happened because you came to our village first and started killing. I only retaliated."
Jinghang shot back immediately, leaving Kazama Xu speechless.
"I did all this to show the entire shinobi world that you don’t have to plunder to live well. But if anyone tries to oppress or enslave us, I’ll strike back—without hesitation!"
Jinghang’s voice rose with conviction.
"Konoha’s war is a naked act of aggression! A shameless war of plunder! It’s the old guard trying to wipe out the new! Amegakure has already fallen, Sunagakure is next, and after that, the entire shinobi continent. I refuse to accept such enslavement—do you?"
The Akatsuki members erupted, their revolutionary passion ignited. Everyone here had followed Yahiko in pursuit of a better world—they couldn’t stomach the word "enslavement."
"I believe that all forces resisting tyranny and invasion should unite—form an alliance, and crush every aggressor who tries to seize others’ land and wealth!"
As he spoke, Jinghang extended his hand to Nagato.
"For ideals! For freedom!"
Nagato hesitated for a moment, then grasped Jinghang’s hand in a firm shake.
There we go! Finally nailed it.
Jinghang let out a silent sigh of relief.
For three whole days, Jinghang relentlessly poured his philosophy into the minds of these battered survivors. It wasn’t easy—he’d forcibly twisted Yahiko’s so-called ideals together with his own, but at last, he managed to "brainwash" Nagato.
Of course, this was only possible because of all the groundwork he’d laid in Sunagakure. What are ideals? Imagination made real. Sunagakure was the proof. And how do you reach that ideal? Drive out the invaders first—then talk about dreams. Everything made sense, everything flowed naturally.
Next, Jinghang gave the Akatsuki remnants clear instructions for guerrilla operations behind enemy lines. That’s right—instructions. The surviving Akatsuki members had all but accepted Jinghang as their new "leader."
At this point, all-out war between Sunagakure and Konoha hadn’t yet broken out. For now, Akatsuki’s main goal was survival. Danzo was busy consolidating power in Amegakure, but it was only a matter of time before he turned his attention to wiping out the remaining Akatsuki.
To prepare for this, Jinghang promised Akatsuki unconditional support—ninja tools, medicine, funds—all could be funneled through logistics routes in the Land of Stone.
Meanwhile, Akatsuki should leverage its deep roots among the people of Amegakure: grow their network, gather intel, build strength, and wait for the perfect moment to strike back.
And this wasn’t just hot air—Jinghang had already coordinated with the Land of Stone before coming. The supply routes were real.
"Alright, that settles things here. Take this—Aotu Tailuo, you used to be a regimental commander in the standing army, so you know how to use this, right?"
Jinghang produced a box containing a standard Sunagakure military radio.
"Of course," Aotu Tailuo nodded.
"From now on, we’ll stay in touch by radio."
"Could you stay for Yahiko’s funeral before you leave?"
"Funeral? You’re planning to bury him?"
Jinghang replied, eyebrow raised.
Nagato and the others exchanged confused glances—what else would they do?
Jinghang shook his head.
"Some people are alive, but they’re already dead. Some people are dead, but they live forever. Someone like Yahiko shouldn’t just die."
Nagato looked perplexed.
"Come here, let me show you how to bring Yahiko back to life."
Jinghang smiled, beckoning to Nagato.
The story isn’t over...
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