Animals and plants don't need someone to teach them how to eat and drink.
People don't either.
What they need is a solid system and a stable environment.
A place to seek justice when wronged.
Fair pay for honest work.
The freedom to walk their own path without fear.
They don't need a ruler acting like a father—they need a leader who clears the way.
When Mufasa arrived in Sunagakure, he never planned to play the role of a benevolent guardian for the people of the Land of Wind. He had come to tear down the feudal system that had chained the country for centuries and build something new in its place.
He knew the people would struggle at first, lost in the unfamiliar. But humans are adaptable. They just need direction.
And Mufasa would provide it.
The transition to a joint province system was the best course of action for Sunagakure at this stage. The village was growing, both militarily and economically, and now was not the time to scatter their already limited ninja forces across the vast desert. Concentration was key.
Mufasa was already stretched thin overseeing the village's technological and military advancements. If every minor dispute across the country required his intervention, he'd be worked to the bone.
Even with all the chakra in the world, he couldn't fight stupidity.
So Sunagakure would remain the industrial and military core of the Land of Wind. The forty-six towns would govern themselves, freed from the rule of feudal lords, with Mufasa as the arbiter and protector. With oppression lifted, productivity would surge, the economy would thrive, and prosperity would follow.
More wealth for the people.
More power for Sunagakure.
A true win-win situation.
Leading isn't about ruling with an iron fist.
It's about clearing the path and letting the people walk it.
Mufasa had no delusions of sitting on a golden throne, demanding fealty and hearing empty praises. That was the old way. He was here to be a guide—to propose strategies, provide the tools, and set the direction.
Even in Sunagakure, he worked like everyone else. No luxuries. No excess. Just results.
Sunagakure would play the same role for the Land of Wind—
A guide. A shield.
And the rest? That was up to them.
Daichi, one of the town elders, cleared his throat hesitantly. "My lord, if the forty-six towns are on equal footing, how will Sunagakure's military budget be handled? Will it be divided among all of them?"
Mufasa smirked. "Heh. You looking for a way to skim off the top?"
Daichi's face paled, and he dropped to his knees. "I wouldn't dare!"
Mufasa waved a dismissive hand. "The military tax is gone. Sunagakure won't take a single ryo from you."
He had no illusions about how the system worked. If they collected one coin in taxes, these so-called officials would squeeze ten more from the people beneath them. And when the people suffered, who would they blame?
Sunagakure.
Mufasa wouldn't let his village take that hit.
Sunagakure's economy was strong enough to sustain itself through trade. Why tarnish its reputation for pocket change?
"If anyone tries to exploit people under my name," he added, his voice sharp, "tell them to get their affairs in order. Because they won't be breathing for long."
Daichi swallowed hard and bowed his head. "Understood, my lord."
Mufasa eyed the man for a moment before continuing. "Now, about the town leadership. We're not rushing elections yet—the people wouldn't even know where to start. But I want four candidates selected from each town."
Daichi perked up at the opportunity. "Understood! I will ensure the best candidates are chosen."
Mufasa's gaze darkened. "Not so fast. The final list comes to me for approval. If you try to stack the deck with your own people, don't bother running—I'll find you first. And if any leader fails their town, the one who vouched for them will pay the price."
Daichi stiffened, his earlier excitement replaced with cold fear. "I-I understand, my lord."
Mufasa leaned back, satisfied. "Good. I trust you'll make the right choices."
With that settled, Mufasa turned his attention to the real task ahead—rebuilding the Land of Wind's foundation.
"There are two things every town must do," he said.
Daichi straightened, ready to commit them to memory. "Yes, my lord."
"First, the roads. Every town is responsible for repairing and connecting their routes to the others. No more dirt paths—paved roads. If you need guidance, I'll send my people. But get it done."
Daichi nodded vigorously. "Yes, my lord!"
"Second, education. Every town must allocate at least fifteen percent of its budget to schools."
Mufasa's tone turned razor-sharp. "I don't care if you officials have to skip meals. Education comes first. Do you understand?"
Daichi bowed low, voice firm. "Understood! It will be done!"
Mufasa watched him for a long moment before smirking. "See? That wasn't so hard. Now, let's get to work."
Although much time has passed, the Land of Wind remains under the control of the feudal lords.
But change is inevitable.
With the rise of education, people are becoming more knowledgeable.
More and more are learning to read and write.
And when enough people gain awareness, the tides of change will swell.
Eventually, those tides will become an unstoppable tsunami, washing away the remnants of the old world.
By then, it won't matter whether Daichi and the others are willing to adapt or not.
They will have no choice but to follow the current.
That which is outdated and corrupt will always be replaced by something better.
Daichi oversaw the cleanup of the Kazekage's office.
Mufasa led the ninja forces inside, reclaiming the stronghold.
Meanwhile, Sasuke led a team to restore order, eliminating bandits who had taken advantage of the chaos.
Daichi also dealt with the remnants of a powerful clan that had long exploited the people.
At the same time, he worked swiftly to select four candidates from each town for leadership roles.
Mufasa, using intelligence gathered by the Sand ninja, carefully screened them before approving the final forty-six leaders in accordance with the new "Land of Wind Provincial Leadership Act."
In Sabakuto Town, standing before his own statue, Mufasa watched as they signed crucial reforms: the "Land of Wind Trade Agreement," the "Unified Military Act," the "Education Reform Act," and the "Infrastructure Development Plan."
"Everyone, today marks the beginning of a new era."
"Some of you seek wealth—this era will bring you greater opportunities to earn it."
"Some of you crave power—this era offers you more influence than you ever had under the old system."
"But if any of you cling to the past, trying to drag us backward, then you will either be removed by force or voted out by the very people you wish to rule."
"So I suggest you run forward with everything you have."
The forty-six leaders spoke in unison.
"Understood, Lord Kazekage!"
Mufasa smirked. "Good. Now, let's see what you're capable of."
The Sand ninja would monitor every major city, ensuring compliance.
"That concludes this meeting. Carry out your duties well."
With that, Mufasa returned to the village, leaving behind a transformed political landscape.
Upon his return, Mufasa brought with him the confiscated fortunes of corrupt merchants. The villagers welcomed him with cheers.
Standing on the balcony of the Kazekage's tower, he addressed the crowd below.
"From today onward, no one in this village will have to worry about food supplies again."
"The Land of Wind will serve as our agricultural foundation."
"Eat freely, for I officially abolish the food rationing system!"
The crowd erupted into thunderous applause.
"To mark this victory, a grand feast will be held tonight! Celebrate well!"
The cheers shook the village.
That evening, the celebration was in full swing, and Mufasa was surprised to find fresh seafood on his plate.
He raised a brow. "Where did this come from?"
Kankuro grinned. "Kazekage-sama, we've started farming fish in the desert."
Mufasa blinked. "Fish? In the desert?"
Kankuro explained, "We discovered an underground river with an abundant water source. We've redirected some of it for controlled fish farming. In time, production will expand, and seafood will become common in the Land of Wind."
Mufasa burst into laughter. "Incredible. You give people the right resources, and they create miracles."
He lifted his drink. "To your ingenuity!"
The banquet lasted late into the night, but by morning, it was time to return to work.
Mufasa's focus shifted to dealing with two captives: Roshi, the former Jinchuriki of the Four-Tails, and Kakuzu, the immortal bounty hunter.
At Orochimaru's hidden base, the snake-like shinobi stood before Kakuzu, studying him like a fascinating specimen.
Mufasa approached.
"Orochimaru, how is the research coming along?"
Orochimaru smirked. "That depends, Kazekage-sama. What exactly do you want me to study?"
Mufasa stepped in front of Kakuzu, staring into his eerie green eyes.
"His body harbors something interesting."
Kakuzu, bound to a pillar, let out a dry chuckle. "Are you planning to pay me for allowing myself to be studied?"
"If not, don't expect me to cooperate."
Mufasa smirked. "I'll pay. One million ryo."
Kakuzu's eyes glinted with greed. "Fine. What do you want to examine?"
Mufasa crossed his arms. "Your Earth Grudge Fear technique. I want some of your threads."
At this, Kakuzu scoffed. "Heh. Do you think you can replicate it? This forbidden jutsu is a lost art known only to me."
Mufasa's smirk deepened. "That's where you're wrong. You think of it as just a technique, but it's far more than that."
Both Kakuzu and Orochimaru narrowed their eyes, intrigued.
"This ability of yours has untapped potential."
Mufasa placed a hefty bag of ryo in front of him. "Now, let's start with a few samples."
Kakuzu chuckled darkly. "Hmph. If I take your money and you kill me afterward, then I'd have been played for a fool."
Mufasa shook his head. "You misunderstand me, Kakuzu. I'm a man of my word."
"As the Kazekage, my reputation is priceless."
"If you pay the right fines, I will let you go."
Kakuzu narrowed his eyes. "How much?"
Mufasa's expression remained steady. "Ten million."
Kakuzu pondered for a moment.
"Fine. Study me ten times, and we have a deal."'
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Word count: 1733
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