Chapter 1260: Contact_3

It’s just that recently there have been too many things to deal with, and only today did I have the time to meet the talent recommended by Kado.

The Jonin from the Land of Demons nodded to Kaiza, then silently withdrew from the study, gently closing the door behind.

“You must be Miss Ichihime. I’ve heard about you from Mr. Tazuna. Nice to meet you, I’m Kaiza, a fisherman from another place, so I guess I’m sort of half a person from the Land of Waves.”

Kaiza walked to the front of Ichihime’s desk neither humble nor arrogant, and gave a slight bow to Ichihime.

In the Land of Waves, Ichihime’s reputation is mixed.

Some people think she is benevolent, a blessing to the lowly workers of the Land of Waves. Her arrival indeed brought new changes to the lower-class workers, even if not much, their lives were somewhat improved.

But some believe she came to the Land of Waves to control it, in order to achieve some sinister purpose.

“I’ve heard about you. That day when the sea dam had an accident, your actions were brave. Ordinary people wouldn’t dare jump into such torrents, even ninjas would be risking their lives.”

Ichihime’s impression of Kaiza is of a man with a strong sense of responsibility and courage beyond the ordinary.

“Because I often fish, I’m quite good in the water.”

Kaiza scratched his head.

“Indeed, you carry a strong fishy smell, I can smell it even here.”

Ichihime smiled slightly.

“Uh… sorry.”

Kaiza, hearing Ichihime say this, also realized he indeed had a strong fishy odor, and his smile became a bit constrained.

“It’s okay. I’ve always admired people who don’t pray for heaven’s favor, but provide for themselves. It’s, in my view, one of humanity’s greatest spirits. It’s rare for such a person with a strong self-personality to emerge from the bottom level.”

Ichihime did not spare her praise.

Even though she knows the Industrial and Civil Cooperative has a good response among the people of the Land of Waves, there are those who become lazy because of too many favors. This, Ichihime knows well.

These people are used to submitting to their fate, every blessing from heaven is a favor, engraved into their bones it seems.

But Kaiza is different. He doesn’t become complacent because of some favors but helps others with his abilities without expecting anything in return, maintaining the original intentions of his heart.

Such a person, even if not a ninja, is worth Ichihime’s respect.

Upright and generous, like a heroic character in fairy tales.

Though such heroes generally do not end well.

Because they easily incur the oppression of the powerful, becoming sacrifices of resistance for justice, paying the price of their lives.

“Is that so? Seems like Miss Ichihime has investigated me.”

Kaiza thought for a moment and understood something.

“It’s not just you. I’ve had everyone who joins the Industrial and Civil Cooperative watched. It’s just that among them, your performance stands out the most. This was Kado’s judgment; he’s the one who recommended you to me.”

Ichihime spoke truthfully, not intending to deceive Kaiza on this matter.

After all, with so many people and so much information, even if she tried her hardest, she couldn’t handle it all by herself.

Unless she used the Shadow Clone Jutsu, but that would easily lead to exhaustion, even passing out from fatigue.

Delegating appropriate authority to the lower levels can make things more efficient. If all tasks are piled onto one person, even a god might die at the desk from exhaustion, and efficiency would deteriorate.

As long as there wasn’t any misconduct, Ichihime wouldn’t interfere with some borderline practices of her subordinates, turning a blind eye.

For example, Kado likes to use his position to secretly make some extra money. As long as he doesn’t make foolish decisions on major issues, Ichihime allowed him to continue.

“Then Miss Ichihime came to find me…”

Kaiza felt a surge in his heart.

Indeed, as he guessed, the Industrial and Civil Cooperative founded by the Shion Flower Merchants Association in the Land of Demons is far from an ordinary organization. It is not just about bestowing small favors but serves some purpose.

Or perhaps… Kaiza couldn’t help but touch the book at his waist.

— “On the Importance of Liberation of Thought to Individual and Ninja Realm’s Productivity Development.”

Promoting the ideas within this book may very well be the true aim of the Industrial and Civil Cooperative. Those favors are just a front to confuse others.

Why?

This question immediately arose in Kaiza’s mind.

Seeing Kaiza’s expression change, Ichihime was quite surprised, and with a smile said, “Seems you already know a bit, truly remarkable. It looks like Kado didn’t see you wrong; you are indeed different from others who receive favors. They only see the visible favors but forget the core essence within. But then, you can’t blame them; having enough to eat is also very important.”

For those Cooperative members who ignored the book’s existence, Ichihime didn’t condemn them.

One could even say that’s the pursuit of most people, aligned with reality.

If everyone could think independently like Kaiza and explore the true meaning behind things, then the Ninja Realm wouldn’t be in such chaos.

People like Kaiza are ultimately in the minority.

Leading the majority with the thoughts of the few, gathering the strength of the majority together.