In the spring of Konoha Year 27, Team One took a full two months just to cross the River Country and reach the border of the Land of Wind.
"The environment here in the Land of Wind is truly desolate. Everywhere is just desert. How do these people even survive?"
Nawaki, being his usual self, began questioning how the people of this country lived as he looked upon the endless yellow landscape. Having grown up in the comfort and privilege of the Senju household, such sights stirred great discomfort within him.
"Desert's not so bad. It may not be comfortable, but at least it's survivable."
Shen replied, gazing across the endless desert, overcome with a wave of nostalgia. In his past life, he had seen footage of survival conditions in Africa.
Compared to that land once plundered by invaders, this place was practically heaven. At least here, people didn't have to constantly worry about food shortages, and with basic education, survival wasn't much of an issue.
"You've never seen the suffering caused by ignorance and famine," Nawaki immediately retorted. "Can't you think about anything besides survival? There's more to life than just surviving, you know!"
Shen looked at him with disdain—the kind of look one would give someone considered utterly foolish. "Not every nation in the shinobi world is as prosperous as the Land of Fire. Let me ask you something—what must people in these countries do if they want to live better lives?"
"I-I mean, they just need—" Nawaki stammered for quite a while without making sense.
"That's why I knew from day one that you're hopelessly naïve. You're only fit for living in a peaceful world. Keep clinging to those childish ideals, and someday on the battlefield, they'll get you killed."
"!!!" x2
The other two members of Team One were stunned by Shen's calm yet brutal honesty.
Nayou was frightened by what sounded like a curse.
Orochimaru, on the other hand, was surprised at how maturely Shen spoke—like an adult.
Of course, Nawaki refused to accept what was said. "Then tell us, what should these countries do? Pray that the Sage of Six Paths comes to help them?"
"Hahaha!"
Shen couldn't hold back his laughter when he heard those two questions.
His laughter died down, and his expression grew serious once more. "Even the Sage of Six Paths can't save them forever. How many times can even he bail them out? There's only one way for them to live better lives."
At this point, he grew solemn. "That way is conquest—plunder fertile lands, seize their food supplies and resources. If anyone dares resist, kill them all. That's why humans start wars in the first place!"
"Incredible…" x2
Both Nayou and Nawaki were stunned into taking sharp breaths.
Only Orochimaru remained silent, his gaze distant, lost in thought.
"That's the true reason peace has always been impossible in the shinobi world. As long as society remains driven purely by material needs, war will always break out inevitably. And that's exactly why the transportation devices I invent can serve as excellent tools for trade!"
Shen was introducing the methods of achieving peace that he could think of.
"Trade? What do you mean by trade, Shen?" Orochimaru asked immediately with obvious curiosity.
"Trade means exchanging goods between countries. For example, if the Land of Wind lacks fresh food supplies, the Land of Fire can sell or exchange them for equivalent goods. Each region has its unique resources, and with modern transportation emerging, this rapid trading method will restrict countries from launching wars. After all, when no country faces a survival crisis, there's no reason for plundering others. Even if some warmongers exist, they still have to consider their own country's transportation caravans. This is a form of balance."
"But what if someone ignores all this and starts a war anyway?"
"Hahaha, I told you you're too naive!"
Nawaki's question was drowned out by Shen's laughter. Of course, both Orochimaru and Nayou already knew the answer in their hearts.
But our naive friend honestly raised his doubt: "That's exactly why I don't know! If I knew, would I even need to ask you?"
"In that case, other countries would gang up on them and attack. After all, such a war would affect their normal trade interests," Orochimaru answered in his deep, magnetic voice.
"Can it really end wars that simply?" Nawaki remained uncertain.
"Impossible." x3
The three answered in unison.
"You all knew this? Then why didn't you object to him?"
Shen stared at Nawaki with a look of complete disbelief. "Because everyone knows this is only temporary peace. It's extremely difficult for people to trust each other. All countries are guessing whether the other side wants to start a war and are always prepared accordingly. Under these circumstances, just a single spark could ignite a full-scale war."
"Then why did you bring up the idea of trade?"
"Because that's currently the best solution I can think of—even if it's just brief peace!"
Unable to hold back anymore, Shen practically spit as he yelled at Nawaki, his aura almost matching poor [Clan Leader] Kazushi's legendary fury.
Nawaki immediately looked hurt. "Heyyy, why're ya yellin' at me?!"
With his temples bulging, Shen felt like dropping to his knees in exasperation facing this idiot. The other's pitiful, helpless look actually made his skin crawl.
"Cough, anyway... So, Shen, you're not here just for a mission then? I remember you mentioned something about a large vehicle that runs on tracks—you called it a train, right?"
"That's right, Uncle Snake. Laying down tracks on land would require a lot of detours, but in the desert, we could just lay—"
(Author's interjection: Just don't question why it's called a train.)
Interrupted by Orochimaru, Shen started explaining the true purpose of his visit. And once these two science fanatics started talking shop, things got intense real quick.
"Testing in the Land of Wind? Leaving aside the Daimyo's opinion of this country, Sunagakure won't just let us Leaf shinobi conduct experiments here freely, will they?"
"Snake Uncle, think on a grander scale—it's for the future of the entire shinobi world! Even if those idiots in the Land of Wind are morons, they must know the benefits involved. If they still fail to see the potential profits contained here, they might as well just die already!"
"Shen, you're right. Daimyos are all just people obsessed with indulgence. Believe me, if you tell the Daimyo of the Land of Wind about this, Sunagakure will force you to hand over the production method."
Shen was genuinely stunned by what Orochimaru had said: "What? Snake Uncle, are you telling me those people are genuinely that stupid? How have they even survived until now?"
"How? Through us ninjas, of course."
Our cheeky Snake Uncle stuck his tongue out before continuing, "That's exactly why every war is fought between ninja and ninja. They're just people enjoying the fruits of our victories."
"Then why don't the ninjas replace them?"
"You want ninjas to govern a country full of ordinary people? The citizens would be scared out of their wits every single night."
Now Shen finally understood why ninjas kept those people around who resembled the World Nobles drawn by Master Oda in the neighboring series. These Daimyos were nothing more than scapegoats to bear the blame for wars.
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
Want to read the subsequent content in advance?
Please follow my Patreon:patreon/Tansnovel
Tans Novel - The Fastest-Updating Naruto Fanfiction Account
Read 100+ chapters in advance, with at least 3 new chapters updated every day! More free chapters! 20+ Naruto fanfictions!
Just three steps:
1. Download and open the "Patreon" app
2. Search for "Tans Novel"
3. Click on the collection and enjoy to your heart's content
<><><><><><><><>