The Land of Wind, Sunagakure.
Sunagakure had once been surrounded by a ring of raised loess hills, but after several years of the Sand Removal Project, the hills outside the village had all been cleared away.
In their place were several broad roads, compacted with Earth Release and radiating outward across the Land of Wind.
The most noticeable change in the village was that its once-uniform sandy-yellow palette had begun to change. With the wind and sand no longer a nuisance and underground streams now connected, Sunagakure had abundant well water.
Green plants had begun sprouting in every corner of the village. Pink flowers now dotted the courtyards by the village gates and the rooftops.
Kazekage's Office.
"Souya, this idea of yours for a 'Department of Social Wealth Liquefaction'... Isn't it a little too..."
As soon as Souya finished speaking, Rasa, seated across from him, immediately voiced his doubts.
Earlier, a conflict between Rasa and the Third Kazekage had led to Rasa being banished to the mining district. He'd spent several years there as a gold miner, undergoing hard labor as punishment.
It wasn't until the war with Kirigakure broke out that Rasa was brought back.
Thanks to his outstanding performance in the war—and with the financial groups behind him now completely dealt with—the Third Kazekage had once again brought Rasa into Sunagakure's decision-making circle.
"What problem do you see?"
"The ultimate goal of this department is for all the people to share in the wealth produced by the Land of Wind."
"Of course, we can't achieve that right from the department's founding."
"Right now, our village controls all of the country's most important industries."
"But some wealthy merchants have still amassed astonishing fortunes through cross-border trade and military supplies."
"We're only imposing heavy taxes on them. What's the problem?"