028 Reborn as the Third Kazekage

"Everyone, please look here! This is the desert highway I've designed!" Arashi controlled the iron sand, shaping it into a three-dimensional holographic projection that morphed dynamically with the movement of his fingers. Cross-sections, longitudinal views, top-down perspectives, and underside views provided an intuitive representation for the audience.

"Of course, this is just my preliminary concept. The highway would be 50 meters wide, 5 meters high, with supporting columns half a meter thick. The curved roof would be 20 centimeters thick. These are rough estimates for now, and once the project is underway, experiments and recalculations will be necessary."

The holographic iron sand projection transformed into the likeness of a subway tunnel. Hokuto, Karuke, and others observed attentively, their faces filled with curiosity as they awaited Arashi to finish before asking questions.

"The main material for this project will be sourced from the Crystal Release techniques. Kentarō-san, could you provide some samples for everyone to see?"

In no time, everyone held a palm-sized piece of purple crystal.

"This crystal is incredibly strong. Neither sharp blades nor explosive tags can damage it. My idea is to first conduct experiments to verify feasibility. Once successful, we'll launch the project! The first step is to construct a 400-kilometer desert highway to connect Sunagakure and Lake Tsuki. If this highway succeeds, we can expand the network to connect the entire Land of Wind."

Arashi made a sweeping gesture, and the iron sand hologram morphed into a map of the Land of Wind. A single black line linked Sunagakure to Lake Tsuki, branching into multiple lines that connected the entire region.

"I have a question. The sand in the desert is highly fluid, so the foundation would naturally be unstable. Even though your crystal tunnel is heavy, wouldn't it still shift and sink over time? And wouldn't the tunnel eventually get buried by the sand?" A member of the construction corps raised his hand and asked.

"Good question." Arashi nodded. "The desert landscape in the Land of Wind slopes from west to east. The stretch from Lake Tsuki to Sunagakure lies in the eastern region, where the average sand depth is 150 meters. If we drill 150 meters down, we'll hit solid bedrock. My plan is to install massive concrete pillars every 200 meters that reach the bedrock. This way, although the crystal tunnel may seem to rest on sand, it's actually supported by these concrete pillars. It won't drift or sink. Even if it gets temporarily buried by a sandstorm, there's no need to worry. For sand to crush the crystal tunnel, it would need to be at least 800 meters thick, and I've never seen an 800-meter-high sand dune in the desert. Besides, if a sandstorm ever does bury the tunnel, Karuke can just wave her fan a few times to clear it up."

The crowd erupted in laughter.

"Lord Kazekage, what if construction is obstructed by sand dunes or quicksand?" another member asked.

"I'll explain," Arashi said, sitting down as Pakura poured him a glass of water. "The construction corps needs to form a dedicated highway construction department. Karuke, you'll take charge for now. Assemble a team from the construction corps, recruiting Wind Release and Earth Release users. If you need more personnel, submit a report, and I'll transfer people from Sunagakure. For example, if you encounter sand dunes during construction, a team of Wind Release users can easily clear them. And remember, the highway isn't something we build and forget. Regular maintenance will be a significant undertaking. All participants in this project must have their wages, benefits, and logistics guaranteed. I'll allocate funds accordingly. To start, I'll release 50 million ryō, with more to follow if needed. The priority is completing the road. If you need resources, just ask."

Arashi proceeded to answer additional questions from the advisors, addressing their concerns in detail. His comprehensive responses left the group impressed. The idea of connecting Lake Tsuki to Sunagakure filled everyone with excitement.

At this moment, Kentarō hesitantly raised his hand.

"Kentarō-san, please speak."

"I… If I go to build roads, what will happen to my fields?"

"Hahaha!" Laughter erupted from the crowd.

Arashi smiled faintly, understanding Kentarō's concern. "It seems you're reluctant to part with those few dozen acres of land. Don't worry. Since Sunagakure granted you the land, we won't take it back. That said, we'll need your family's help for this project. You can lease out your land if you're too busy to tend it. By the way, how many able-bodied adults in your family can use Crystal Release? Exclude the kids, they need to stay in school."

"Six."

"Good. Bring them all. They'll join the construction team and receive jōnin-level pay. Kentarō-san, you'll be appointed deputy commander of the road construction team."

"Wha—? I… I'm an official now?" Kentarō stammered, stunned.

"Hahaha!" The crowd burst into laughter again.

...

Currently, the Lake Tsuki base has a population nearing 500,000. Housing and food supplies have been arranged, with a ninja academy and technical schools already operational. Medical teams are also in the works. Additionally, we've identified many talented ninja and clans with kekkei genkai among the immigrants," Hokuto reported while dining with Arashi in the official residence cafeteria.

"Oh? Tell me more about that." Arashi's interest was piqued. These findings could directly enhance the village's strength.

"There are many, including the Kamizuru clan, skilled in controlling bees; the Yuki clan, masters of Ice Release; the Ban clan, proficient in Boil Release; the Outou clan, specializing in Light Release; and the Akamine clan, known for their crimson eyes…"

"You've done well, but it's not enough," Arashi said with satisfaction. These efforts would enrich Sunagakure's foundation. Though Arashi's strategies had pulled the village out of the Second War's quagmire, Sunagakure had suffered heavy losses during the conflict. Many powerful ninja clans had been wiped out, leaving gaps in leadership. It was why young elites like Rasa, Hokuto, and Karuke had risen to high ranks—there was no one else.

"We need to retain these people and give them a sense of belonging. If they faced discrimination in their original villages, ensure they don't face it here. If they were marginalized, treat them with respect here. Where other villages have wars, we'll have peace. Where others have famine, we'll offer abundance. Only then will they stay, sweat for Lake Tsuki, and even bleed for it. This is grassroots work, and it's your responsibility to carry it out. Understood?"

"Yes!" Hokuto and Karuke responded with deep admiration.

"Additionally, I've decided to upgrade the Lake Tsuki base to the Lake Tsuki New District. Hokuto, you'll serve as Director of Immigration while also taking on the role of Chief Administrator of the Lake Tsuki New District. Karuke, you'll remain Commander of the Construction Corps and take on the position of Deputy Administrator."

The cafeteria erupted into thunderous applause.