When a person's value is great enough, those reaping the benefits care far less about certain truths.
Just as Yubi expected, the higher-ups, led by the Third Kazekage, still intended to verify his self-created Ninjutsu.
However, his current project of 'reforming' the Sunagakure Hospital did not draw any scrutiny from them.
To them, it seemed that because Yubi was a genius, any incredible thing he did... was acceptable.
Because... the entire Village was benefiting from his abilities.
Inside the Kazekage's office building, the higher-ups held a routine meeting, primarily discussing the conflict with Konoha.
"Iwagakure and Hidden Mist... they really want to see us and Konoha fight until both sides are crippled. They haven't stopped their little schemes against our Land of Wind," someone in the room spoke up.
"But compared to us, the one under more pressure... is definitely Konoha."
Ebizo chimed in.
The other four great Ninja Villages, besides Konoha, all wanted to see a reshaping of the Ninja World's landscape... hoping for the day that Konoha, which had always'stood alone at the top' of the Ninja World, would fall into ruin.
"But to be fair, the level of the Village's hospital has improved greatly, helping us quickly heal many Ninja... or alleviating their conditions, allowing them to return to the battlefield. This has largely solved the Village's manpower shortage. Honestly, if it weren't for Yubi... given the current situation, our struggle with Konoha probably wouldn't last much longer." Chiyo's wrinkled face broke into a smile. "It's not just the medical staff's abilities... it's also those unique medical tools and equipment. Even I was amazed... I really don't know how that little guy thought of them."
"He's a genius... they are always incredible."
A high-ranking official also curled his lips into a smile.
Yubi's appearance gave the higher-ups hope.
For a long time, the entire Ninja World... Konoha had been the cradle that produced geniuses.
But now... their Sunagakure seemed to be showing signs of this as well... "After Yubi's teaching and training, the hospital reform project is on the right track and will only get better... As long as Yubi is here, I believe that in the future, our Sunagakure's Medical Ninja and medical standards will likely be in a league of their own among the Five Great Ninja Villages."
Chiyo said.
As a Medical Ninja herself, her words naturally carried a lot of weight and authority.
Chiyo knew all too well how difficult it was for a Village to train a Medical Ninja... even in Konoha, the total number of Medical Ninja wouldn't be very high.
And once a Ninja World War covering the entire world breaks out, the injuries and illnesses of the Village's Ninja will explode exponentially. In such a situation, relying on a limited number of Medical Ninja to solve everything... is extremely difficult.
But Yubi could train elite medical personnel who weren't Medical Ninja—ordinary people who could serve even if they had no Chakra and couldn't become Ninja.
Moreover, these ordinary medical personnel inherited advanced medical concepts and treatment plans from Yubi, along with many unique medical devices and tools... In time, with just a few years of cultivation in this area, the medical resources Sunagakure possesses will be very substantial.
This not only reduces the loss of the Village's combat power... but also provides a powerful logistical output for a world-class Ninja World War.
It gave Sunagakure the confidence to challenge other Villages on the battlefield.
Everyone present was a seasoned veteran and understood what Chiyo meant by this.
"I have already had subordinates compile Yubi's medical knowledge and some notes to start classes at the Ninja Academy... to train relevant talent. This way, the new generation of the Village can serve better... even if they can't become an excellent Ninja, they can join the Medical Department. In the future, our Sunagakure will have more and more Medical Ninja, becoming a mainstay on the battlefield," Chiyo continued.
"It's finally our turn... haha."
Someone laughed.
From the way he spoke, he had clearly been envious of Konoha for a long time.
"I heard Yubi has been spontaneously treating people in the Village lately?"
"Yes... over at the hospital, there's nothing more he needs to do for the time being... Yubi has deep feelings for our Village. That little guy is kind-hearted and very sensible," Chiyo said.
"It seems Yubi wasn't joking when he said his medical talent was above that of a Puppeteer."
The Third Kazekage stared at her. "Where do you think his limit actually is?"
Hearing this, Chiyo narrowed her eyes and remained silent.
Among those present, she was, after all, the only top-tier Medical Ninja... capable of seeing a glimpse of the truth within Yubi.
"Even I am half a student of his now... I can only say he was born with an extraordinary perception and analytical ability for medicine. The abilities he has shown so far are likely not the full extent of his medical level... It's just that due to the current poor conditions of the hospital and the limited abilities of the staff, he can only achieve this much in the short term. If he taught too much, the people in the Medical Department wouldn't be able to absorb it, and the hospital wouldn't be able to meet some of his requirements... so for now, he's just developing it to this level," Chiyo replied after some consideration.
While others couldn't see the depth of Yubi's skills, it wasn't a problem for Chiyo.
"Ah?"
Someone at the table was startled.
This still isn't the full extent of that kid's skills?
"Do you think my words just now were a joke? You and I both know how cruel and dark a Ninja World War is... to have the ability to support the Village so it doesn't sink into the mire during a war of this scale, the abilities he has shown so far are far from enough. Moreover, the Medical Department needs time to grow and keep up with his pace... to achieve the vision I mentioned, it will take at least four or five years, and the Village will have to make a large investment in this area."
Chiyo said softly.
"..."
As soon as they heard the word 'investment,' everyone fell silent.
They knew very well what the Village's current situation was.
Where was there any spare funding?
The environment of their Land of Wind was, overall, among the worst of the Five Great Nations... resources were scarce, and simple trade and commercial economy were not good either.
To put it bluntly, they had no channels for creating wealth.
Otherwise, they wouldn't have taken advantage of this Ninja World War to challenge Konoha and set their sights on the Land of Fire's territory.
"How is the front line in the Land of Fire?"
The atmosphere was a bit heavy for a moment, so the Third Kazekage changed the subject.
"Thanks to the help of the Medical Department, in recent months, the manpower our Village has sent to the front line has been steadily increasing. The overall combat performance is good... those people from Konoha haven't gained any advantage over us."
"That's good."
The Third Kazekage nodded, interlacing his fingers. "Konoha is also currently attacked from both sides... the Village's situation is not optimistic. Even if they are stronger than us, they won't be for much longer... in this Great War, it remains to be seen who can endure until the end."
The Third's words had a sense of finality to them.
The implication was to fight Konoha to the bitter end.
In a war fought to this point, whoever flinches first is equivalent to showing weakness... telling the outside world that their Village is failing.
Setting aside how many grudges and blood feuds have been formed between the two sides by now... for the higher-ups, it wasn't just about acting on impulse. For one, after paying such a heavy price, they would be somewhat unwilling to walk away with nothing.
Secondly... as one of the Five Great Ninja Villages, if Sunagakure were to retreat first... it wouldn't just be an issue with Konoha.
Losing face was one thing, but it might invite other forces to kick them while they were down.
After all, one should pick the soft persimmons to squeeze.
For the other great Ninja Villages, even if they couldn't completely dismantle Sunagakure, making the Land of Wind collapse... that would definitely be a guaranteed profitable deal.
Especially... Iwagakure of the Land of Earth.
Big fish eat small fish. The Ninja World... is a real-life version of the food chain.