"The person in charge of the hospital?"
Two days later, the Kazekage summoned Yubi to his office.
He issued his appointment.
This also meant that Yubi, from a minor Ninja in the Village, had stepped into the ranks of power, getting a promotion.
The Kazekage's intention was for Yubi to become the hospital director, which was tantamount to taking over the entire Medical System of the Village.
He was a high-ranking official of the Medical Department.
Although Chiyo was managing the Medical Department, the Village also understood that new people would eventually have to take up the mantle.
No one was more suitable than Yubi.
"This is the result of my discussions with others. You will serve for a period, and then... when the time is right, you will take over the entire Medical Department," the Third Kazekage said to Yubi with a smile. This was almost an explicit statement that Yubi would replace Chiyo.
Rapid Ascension!
It was just to silence some people's 'gossip' and not promote him too quickly.
Whether it was reforming the hospital System and improving medical standards, or Yubi's performance as a Medical Ninja on the battlefield, significantly improving the medical efficiency of the entire large troop, even though he was still young, there wouldn't be too many doubts about him becoming the head of the Medical Department.
His ability was absolutely sufficient; even if there were murmurs, they would only be about his age.
For example, some suggested letting Chiyo manage the Medical Department for a few more years... and then let Yubi take over after he came of age.
But making Yubi the leader of the Medical Department was Chiyo's first recommendation in the meeting... The old woman stated directly that, not to mention Ninjutsu, but in terms of medical skill alone, Yubi had far surpassed her, and she thought it was fine for Yubi to take over the Medical Department.
Since Chiyo had spoken, others... naturally didn't say much.
Moreover, Yubi's military achievements were also outstanding, especially recently when he single-handedly drove away Yagura Karatachi of the Hidden Mist... which made the Village proud again. For years, Sunagakure had been incessantly bothered by the Hidden Mist, and it was Yubi who, relying on his personal ability, temporarily brought it to a halt.
Becoming the boss of the Medical Department, at least in terms of 'reputation,' Yubi could be said to have soared, becoming one of the most core high-ranking officials with great power in Sunagakure.
But reputation is reputation, and these are just illusions... having a say at the table is what matters most.
Making a twelve-year-old boy a core backbone of the Village, to outsiders, could be called breaking a precedent... but outsiders didn't understand Yubi's 'value'.
The Ninja World has never had such a thing as a precedent.
"It's no problem for me to manage the hospital... however, I personally have a small idea."
Yubi pretended to ponder for a moment.
He keenly noticed that the Third Kazekage's attitude towards him had changed slightly.
It wasn't enthusiasm... but rather, he felt relieved about him.
If he hadn't perfectly passed the 'assessment' and defeated Yagura... even if his performance on the battlefield was still impressive, he probably wouldn't have received this reward.
He might even have been cut off from the opportunity to enter the Village's power structure for a short time.
"Speak."
The Kazekage nodded.
"I want to join the Council of Advisors and become an Economic Advisor..." Yubi said.
As soon as he said this, even the Kazekage's expression froze.
"Hahahaha... I know this request might seem a bit abrupt to you, Lord Kazekage, but I personally have some thoughts on the Village's economy, and I'm very interested in this area. I also want to contribute to the Village."
Yubi scratched his head, speaking humbly.
"Yubi... I'm very pleased that you have this intention, but becoming an Advisor is not as simple as you think. You also need to have a rich reserve of professional knowledge. You need to be familiar with the economic situations of various countries, including the prices of daily goods, and even understand which country has a good harvest and which is suffering from famine at present... how the external environment and some events of the entire Ninja World will affect our Village... these are all things you need to understand."
The Kazekage said calmly.
To put it bluntly, they, as Ninja, were not good at these things.
Sunagakure's role in the Land of Wind was military and strategic.
And an Economic Advisor dealt with state affairs, which were related to politics.
Honestly... even he, the Kazekage, wasn't very good at it, only knowing a little bit. More often... he relied on the Council of Advisors to provide advice.
Moreover, most members of the Council of Advisors... were more accountable to the Daimyo.
It was slightly detached from the Village's power characteristics.
"Currently, there aren't many external disputes in the Village, and the hospital's workload isn't very heavy, so I should have some time to rest. I'm still young... I believe I should help the Village as much as possible and not limit my talents to one area. I understand what you mean, Lord Kazekage; you want me to be in charge of the hospital to continue improving the Village's medical standards and conditions, just like two years ago. Of course, most importantly... it's to cultivate more Medical Ninja for the Village."
"Don't worry, even if you let me join the Council of Advisors, I can guarantee to complete the mission... if not, you can let me learn first."
Yubi firmly made a 'military pledge'.
He knew that now that he was trusted by the higher-ups, he could ask for some privileges and make small requests.
The Kazekage stared at him.
Given the Third Kazekage's tough demeanor, it would have been impossible for Yubi to 'push his luck'. His orders had to be absolutely obeyed, with no room for negotiation.
But again... Yubi's 'assessment' was too perfect, putting all the higher-ups at ease.
Moreover, this little guy's loyalty to the Village and his sense of'self-sacrifice' even touched the iron-hearted Third Kazekage.
"I want to do everything I can for the Village, just like you, Third... Give me a chance."
Seeing the room grow quiet, Yubi added another sentence.
"This kid... is even smarter than Arai said..."
The Kazekage thought to himself.
Yubi was able to instantly analyze that the Village's true intention in letting him take over the Medical Department was not simply to be responsible for hospital affairs.
More Medical Ninja... that's what the Village wanted.
"With your intelligence, you should have noticed already... the Village's economic situation is very bad, and even mission rewards have dropped significantly. The situation in our Land of Wind is very complex and special... For a long time, not only for our Sunagakure, but revitalizing the economy of the entire Land of Wind has been a major challenge, with no progress. Including me, the Kazekage, none of us have a solution for this. What can a junior like you do?" the Kazekage said.
If Yubi could truly improve the economy of the Land of Wind.
Then wouldn't the Daimyo's Manor, and their own Sunagakure higher-ups... all become a joke?
A group of people combined, still not as good as a little brat?
"Let me try, what if I really can do it..."
Yubi said with a seemingly foolish smile.
He had the feeling of a newborn calf not fearing a tiger, unaware of how difficult life was.
"You can look at the data first..."
However, this kind of pure-hearted dreamer still made the Third Kazekage relent.
He believed that once Yubi hit a wall, he would most likely become more sensible.
Reality would teach him a lesson.
"Thank you, Lord Kazekage!"
It worked!
Yubi's heart settled.