As the prospective father enviously listed the benefits available to citizens of the Land of Waves one by one, Kakashi and the others immediately widened their eyes, with Naruto and a few others even dropping their jaws in disbelief.
Free medical care, free compulsory education, various economic subsidies...
How much money would that cost!
"The most important thing is, only by having citizenship can one purchase a house here and qualify to open a trading company. Otherwise, you can only rent a house and work for others all your life!"
"Over this past year, I've also saved quite a bit of money, which is enough either to buy a house or rent a smaller stall."
"But it's this issue of citizenship that keeps us envious and forces us to continue living in rented houses, fearing we might be evicted by the landlord one day and unable to start a business like others, only able to work for someone else."
"What's the use of saving so much money by being frugal? In the end, it can only be used to improve the quality of life for our family, to give them a better life."
"Now that my child will be born in a few months, if his mother and I could get citizenship, he would automatically become a citizen upon birth, enjoying all the benefits."
"Ah, how can I not envy that?"
While saying this, the guy even took out a box of expensive cigars. After Kakashi gestured, he reluctantly put it away and with a very frustrated expression, lit one for himself.
His demeanor was ridiculously mocking!
But he himself was unaware, because he was genuinely envious.
Kakashi seriously doubted this guy was putting on an act, but had no proof; he was nearly choked by those words just moments ago.
"This country's Daimyo treats its people too well, doesn't it? But why create such distinctions?"
Upon hearing this, the other looked at Kakashi as if he was looking at a fool, then realizing that they were first-timers here, he explained:
"This country doesn't have a Daimyo, only a theoretical king, something like a mascot. The real responsibility for building the country and providing these benefits lies with our council."
"As for why this 'immigration policy' was introduced, it's said to protect the rights of the original inhabitants. After all, in recent years, newcomers like you have been increasing. If everyone was treated equally from the start, the original inhabitants would certainly be dissatisfied, and the newcomers would not treasure what they could easily obtain."
"There might be other deeper considerations, but that's beyond what someone like me can discern."
"In any case, after introducing this 'immigration policy', almost every newcomer abides by the law, eagerly participating in any public welfare activities."
"Since the quota for immigrants is limited each year, it takes various factors into account, such as the length of residence, criminal record, participation in public service activities, charitable donations, and contributions to the country...all recorded in our files."
"The better your performance, the greater your chances of obtaining immigrant status!"
"It's a pity, I should have participated in the last street cleaning activity. And I donated too little to the charity fund last time, only half of all my assets; I should have donated everything, like the guy next door did."
In the end, this guy was upset because he donated too little and missed one public service activity!
Even more infuriating was that his expression was not feigned, but completely sincere.
"Why don't you consider leaving this country and settling down somewhere else? According to what you've said, you've made a lot of money in just one year, right?"
Kakashi suppressed the urge to beat the guy up and asked with a straight face.
Meanwhile, he wondered if the council was indeed abusing its power to restrict everyone's freedom, preventing them from leaving.
However, the other's reply once again surprised Kakashi...
"Leave? Why would I leave?"
The other was very surprised and looked at Kakashi as if he was looking at a fool, about to burst out at any moment.
"Right now, there are so many people trying to work in the Land of Waves. Although I haven't obtained citizenship yet, I'm already living in 'paradise.' As long as I don't slack off, I can live well without worrying about my livelihood. In another year or two, I should be able to obtain immigrant status."
"At that time, I will live an even happier and better life, why would I leave?"
"Besides, even if I left, where could I go? No other country has as good an environment as this place, and here I don't have to worry about safety issues, and making money is easy. If it were you, would you leave voluntarily?"
Kakashi was momentarily at a loss for words, indeed finding no reason to leave this 'paradise.'
Moreover, this place, being an island nation that relies on ships for travel, as long as the council remains unyielding, it won't face disturbances from the outside world.
But why is the information he had gathered so different from what Dazna had described?
Although the council indeed has overwhelming control over the Land of Waves.
It's not like what Dazna said, about oppressing the citizens, restricting personal freedom, holding the power of life and death, ruthlessly eliminating dissenters...
If the council really were a group of villains, then why is everything he sees and hears the complete opposite?
Is it because he has been deceived, not seeing the true nature of things, or is Dazna simply lying?
After parting ways with the oblivious faker, they directly went to a deserted place.
Then Kakashi suddenly stopped, turned around, and said with utmost seriousness, "I think we need to have an open and honest talk, don't you think, Mr. Dazna?"
Naruto and the others also looked towards Dazna with suspicious expressions.
Although they had anticipated such a situation, Dazna still sighed and with a complex expression nodded, "Alright, I will tell you everything as it is."
Kakashi then eased his expression and went straight to the point, "Is what that person said true?"
Dazna's expression changed for a moment, but he eventually conceded, "It's all true."