The opening of educational resources in Ninja Village is solely for nurturing Ninja, and the scope of benefits is limited to Ninja Village only.
In contrast, Hakushi's opening of educational resources invests into the entire Land of Demons, from cities to towns, and from towns to even more remote villages, not singling out any specific area for special treatment.
"I intend to consolidate the Land of Demons' military to form a unified military department. I wonder what Lord Mire thinks about this?"
Hakushi looked up and met Mire's gaze through the silken curtain.
"A unified military?"
Mire seemed a bit puzzled by this statement.
"Yes."
"If I didn't misunderstand, Mr. Hakushi is referring to integrating soldiers composed of ordinary people and Ninja into a whole, is that correct?"
"Precisely. What does Lord Mire think?"
Hakushi nodded, indicating that this was exactly what he meant.
"Can you elaborate on the reason for doing this?"
Mire pondered, not offering a reply.
"I suppose Lord Mire is quite familiar with the one country, one village system of the Five Great Nations."
"I've looked into it."
The one country, one village system of the Five Great Nations has a profound impact.
In the past Warring States Era, Ninja existed as mercenary groups in the form of families, and ordinary soldiers also joined the large nations' campaigns.
At that time, Ninja did not belong to any particular country; they often traveled across the countries in the Ninja Realm in search of suitable employers for money.
After the establishment of the one country, one village system, Ninja Villages were formed, and Ninja gained national affiliations.
But even so, Ninja and ordinary soldiers are still independently existing entities; neither Daimyo nor the Five Kage have united these two forces.
After all, with the establishment of Ninja Villages, ordinary soldiers became mere gatekeepers, not participating in warfare.
The wars of Ninja Villages have become the main theme of the current era.
"Nowadays, Ninja Villages appear to be part of the country's system, but there remains inherently a 'class' gap between Ninja and ordinary people. The system seems to make Ninja Villages and countries form a whole, yet the development of Ninja Villages is still constrained by the financial assistance of Daimyo and the nobility. Meanwhile, when Daimyo and nobility attempt to meddle in Ninja Village development, they face resistance from Ninja Villages themselves to prevent power from falling into the hands of Daimyo and nobility. In essence, it is still the 'employment' model, albeit with a more humane and stable 'long-term contract' compared to the Warring States Era."
Hearing Hakushi say this, Mire nodded slightly, also reflecting.
While Hakushi's words were somewhat cryptic, Mire could grasp the general meaning.
In simple terms, Ninja Villages and countries are still not a true whole; they are forced to unite due to interests and survival issues.
If one day this 'interest' is severed, the one country, one village system would cease to exist.
For instance, if the economy of one major country among the Five Great Nations completely collapses, with Ninjas in Ninja Villages not engaged in production and unable to sustain their lives, they would likely make new choices to find a better 'employer.'
This is what Hakushi refers to as a 'long-term contract.'
It is merely a contract, not an ultimate belonging.
Because this force is both heavily utilized and feared by Daimyo, in many cases, restricting the development of Ninja Villages economically to gain some leverage to influence the Five Kage's thoughts.
After all, Ninja are flesh and blood and require food, medicine, money, and housing to meet both material and spiritual needs.
And these are precisely what Daimyo and the nobility can provide.
Ninja Villages exist within national systems but are also feared and repelled by esteemed classes such as Daimyo and nobility.
Conversely, Ninja Villages are concerned that Daimyo might use their resources to entice personnel within Ninja Villages, causing power to be divided among Daimyo.
Ninja Villages are feared by Daimyo and nobility.
Ninja Villages simultaneously fear Daimyo and nobility interfering in their internal development.
"And so, Mr. Hakushi intends to integrate the Land of Demons' military power?"
"A complete military power is the best safeguard for national economic and political stability."
"Mr. Hakushi's ideas are indeed unique... Hmm, it seems there are no issues. I will instruct my men to cooperate."
Mire replied decisively, indicating that Hakushi could proceed.
Hakushi was slightly taken aback.
"Lord Mire, is there no issue with agreeing so hastily?"
This did not quite align with Hakushi's expectations.
He still had many things left unsaid, and Mire's quick agreement disrupted his pace.
At the very least, there should be some reservation to prevent him from seizing control of the country.
"No problem, the Witch's Spiritual Vision can see many things invisible to ordinary people, such as the good and evil in human hearts."
"... Are you referring to the kind of appearance like being stripped naked?"
Hakushi made what he considered a rather vivid metaphor.
"Mr. Hakushi, please do not say such things in a sacred Shrine."
"Ah, apologies, it was a slip of the tongue."
Hakushi apologized.
"No worries. Besides this matter, Mr. Hakushi, is there anything else you wish to ask?"
Mire indicated that she had not taken offense.
"Nothing urgent, just a personal curiosity. I heard that Lord Mire has always resided mainly in the Shrine and seldom leaves. Do you not feel bored staying here?"
Hakushi diverted the topic to unrelated matters.
"Feeling bored would indeed happen, but casually going out is rather troublesome."