"Eh? Isn't this normal? Other countries are the same," Jiraiya spread his hands, confused.
He wasn't wrong. The Daimyo capitals across this world all followed a similar layout, regardless of wealth.
"Three layers of walls," Kagerō said calmly. "The first surrounds the entire capital. The second encloses districts that are clean, orderly, and luxurious. And within the third lies the Daimyo's residence itself—grand and imposing."
"From these three walls alone, we can see that the outermost layer is mostly civilians and traveling merchants. The middle layer houses officials and wealthy elites. Look—we're the only ox cart here. Everyone else uses carriages."
"And at the very center, the Daimyo occupies the largest land, with the most magnificent buildings."
"These three walls clearly divide society into three circles."
"The outer city—civilians and ordinary merchants—the majority population."
"They possess very few resources."
"The inner city—those with power or wealth. Over time, they form their own social circles."
"And the innermost—belongs solely to the Daimyo."
"These three circles represent three distinct classes."
"A class refers to differences in social status, wealth, and position between groups. And here, those differences are made visibly clear by these walls."
"The closer you are to the center, the more resources and authority you possess. The further out you are, the less you have. The most obvious result of this is wealth disparity."
"And as that disparity grows, it inevitably leads to class struggle."
"Each class, based on its own interests, will attempt to readjust its relationship with other classes through economic, legal, ethical, military, and political means."
"Among these, military struggle and violent revolution are the final measures taken when class contradictions reach their highest level of intensification."
Jiraiya's head buzzed.
What was all this?
Why couldn't he understand?
Seeing his expression, Kagerō simplified it.
"Do you think the people in the outer city—or farmers—can negotiate with the Daimyo to change taxes?"
"Do you think they can use the law to protect their interests?"
"Do you think they're willing to be oppressed forever?"
Jiraiya shook his head repeatedly. Then suddenly, realization dawned.
"They haven't revolted yet… because class contradictions haven't reached that 'highly intensified' stage?"
Kagerō smiled.
"Exactly."
"Then… when does it reach that stage?" Jiraiya quickly asked.
At that moment—
As the two walked through an alley, three or four masked men suddenly appeared, blocking their path with blades in hand.
The two stared at each other, wide-eyed.
They were in the Daimyo's capital.
And yet—there was robbery?
"Hand over your valuables! And that ox cart outside—it's ours now!" one of them snarled.
"Jiraiya… is the capital's security really this bad?" Kagerō asked.
"Hurry up and give us the money! We want money! We haven't had a full meal in days! The inner city is great—there's everything there!"
Their eyes burned with desperate longing.
Jiraiya frowned. "You're all grown men. Why not earn money properly? Why resort to robbery?"
"Shut up! We work ourselves to death every day and still can't feed our families! We don't slack off, and still it's not enough! Do you expect us to just die?"
"My father died last month because we couldn't afford treatment! Why do you have money while I have none, even after working myself to exhaustion?!"
"Our land was taken away! How are we supposed to survive?!"
"It's all because of you rich people! You're all bloodsuckers!!!"
Their eyes were filled with hatred.
Senju Tobirama: "The Daimyo's capital looks prosperous… but there seem to be many hidden dangers."
Senju Hashirama: "Tobirama, remember what Mr. Kagerō said about classes? These people are being pushed to the brink."
Fourth Raikage: "Hahaha! Who would've thought that in the richest Land of Fire, you'd see robbery in broad daylight! This is hilarious!"
Onoki: "That something like this happens in the Daimyo's capital… unimaginable."
Mei Terumi: "Raikage, what's so funny? These people can barely survive. Can't you see that?"
Gaara: "I didn't expect life outside the villages to be this harsh… even worse than ours."
Within the hidden villages, no matter how poor conditions were, situations like this rarely occurred.
After all, ninja earned far more than civilians.
They were unquestionably a high-income group.
Konan looked at Nagato beside her.
"Nagato… this reminds me of our childhood. Do you think Mr. Kagerō could really become the leader of the Akatsuki… and change the entire world?"
"I don't know," Nagato said quietly. "But if I'm being honest… what he's doing now seems greater than what I've done."
He recalled Jiraiya's expectations of him back then, murmuring softly.
Robbing two powerful ninja in broad daylight—
Their luck was truly terrible.
Yet hearing their words, Jiraiya had no desire to fight.
He revealed his identity and casually used a Clone Jutsu.
The men panicked and fled immediately.
Watching their retreating figures, Kagerō said calmly:
"They belong to the oppressed class."
"Earlier, you asked me—what conditions would cause class contradictions to intensify…"