Sakura Haruno Journal Entry 003
April 26th 1932

Honestly the entire lot of them are acting like children. First, let me clarify, I'm not angry at Naruto because Tazuna agreed it his ridiculous demand. I'm angry- annoyed because he made it at all. Yes, he meant it as a joke, but it really wasn't a very funny one, and it reflects a common pattern of never thinking before he acts. As a student of behavior psychology, I was merely applying some negative reinforcement, but Kakashi's merriment isn't helping anyone, nor is Tsunami leading him on.

And then Kakashi had the absolute nerve to compare the situation to early Kunoichi. Which shows he doesn't understand feminist theory at all. Kunoichi use sex as a weapon, controlling the power rather than allowing others to control them. They use it to help their country, but as their own choice, not because someone else promised them to someone. The promise of brides with no input from said bride is nothing like Kunoichi, (and input after the face does not count, as there was no guarantee of said input beforehand).

I decided to take a walk to the nearest village, just to get away from them all. I tried to convince Sasuke to come; frankly his brooding is simply not healthy. However after what I saw there I'm glad I didn't. I read the newspaper Naruto had, but it simply doesn't convey the real emotional scope. I'm glad grandfather's so adamantly against Gato, if he was supporting this…

The town was devastated, not from any war (The Great War never even reached wave) but from the economic collapse. I thought some of the towns we passed through back home were bad but this…. I felt self conscious, striding through in new clothes. Even if they were military, they felt like a luxury . I half debated finding some others to blend in, but pink hair isn't a common color in Wave, so there would be little point, and it would rob me of the protection these one provided. Seeing the number of people come up to me and the merchants begging for my business, was uncomfortable. I nearly had my wallet stolen twice, the first time I almost knifed the kid, thinking it was an attack.

Most of the merchants showed empty shelves, but the few I approached had a few things "in the back". The first time I felt rather angry, that sort of hording behavior was half of what caused the initial collapse in Fire to be so bad, with the bank runs. But after looking around and seeing all the instances of smashed glass, I suspect anything shown would have been robbed.

I was worried that the Fire money wouldn't be accepted, given the blockade. However, upon showing it to the first store owner he could barely contain his excitement. From what I understand the smugglers hold great value in Fire Nation money. It's disturbing, how much these people hold criminals in admiration. Two of the stores have "genuine Itachi and Kisame" merchandise. Mostly cloths and knickknacks they claimed were from the heists (fat chance) but still it was disturbing, the one I confronted about Itachi's massacre claimed that he was framed, given how nonviolent his other crimes are he couldn't have done it. That level of denial is disturbing. When the people hate their government so much the criminals and smugglers are the hero's…

I think what really hit it home was the movie stall, which is odd given all the other problems I saw, but this one really struck me. I had been searching for something for Ino, as a souvenir (and to remind her who got a C-rank first). I came across a stand selling Hanabi Shrine merchandise. Ordinarily, I would have passed it by, but Hinata had also made it to genin and I felt I should get something for her as well. The girl has enough trouble seeing herself as a genin without me snubbing her. I knew she really liked Hanabi's movies, then again who doesn't? Even Sasuke watches them, even if he will never admit it. But as I was saying Hinata really likes them, I think they speak to her, showing the bolder person she wishes she could be. When I showed the merchant my Fire dollars he got very excited, claiming he had the latest movi's film real. I was somewhat suspicious, but he seemed sincere and I knew a projector back in Konoha we could rent to watch it on, if I could get "Gentle Greetings" before it was officially shown I'd be the Queen of the genin. I could probably get Ino to agree I was the best, Naruto to be silent for a week, still hadn't decided what concession I would have wanted out of Sasuke. He walked back towards a small safe, asking me to turn around, since ninja rule #3 is never turn your back on the enemy, and ninja rule 4 is assume everyone is your enemy, I opted to go outside. When I gave back in he proudly presented the role of film. However, rather than it being "Gentle Greetings" it was "Tin roof angel". Which was released over a year ago. What was sad was that the merchant was sincere, for a country under blockage this was rare, treasured and very new. He had apparently gotten it from a man who saved it after Gato's men burned the theater.

I didn't buy it, Hinata already had the films and the Hyuuga had a private projector. Instead I purchased a small handmade doll. Handmade seems to be the only think in decent supply here. Thinking on the way back I'm so glad we have the president we do. Anyone in Fire who calls him a collectivist should be forced to come to Wave and see firsthand the devastation corporate greed unchecked can cause. Wave is the surest argument for the president I know.

OOOOOOO

Fire Bugle

All the news that's fit to print

April 24th, 1932

Situation in wave continues to deteriorate


By Yue Kaya

The situation in Wave continues to spiral out of control. With no direct contact from the naval base in over a week, the situation is reaching a boiling point. President Urashima has stated this "We have established radio contact with the naval base, and I wish to assure all families of the men that they are fine. They have not been attacked, as some fear monger's have claimed and the situation is under control."

However others are not so sure. According to Sachiko Haruno. "Sure they aren't attacking now, but anyone here remember how Fire's civil war began? Something about a besieged outpost? Gato's just playing for time, he knows our navy's been crippled by post war cutbacks and there's no land road. Once he starves out our naval base it'll be near impossible to dislodge him." When asked about the recent build up, Senator Haruno had this to say, "Our navy's still half the size it was during the war. Even with the buildup. And who's been purchasing the decommissioned ships? Gato and Wave. Nice little scam he's got there, we wouldn't sell that many to any one country, so he purchases them as a country and as a private man, for reuse as 'shipping vessels.'"

The president's own actions may support this view. With several transport ships being diverted and the 7th general army practicing training exercises at Haredon Point, which is the nearest land point between Fire and Wave. In an ominous message to Wave, President Urashima had this to say. "I am grateful to hear that the men in Fire's base are unharmed. However several have put in for shore leave in a week, and I have always hated to break my promises….


Gato and Tsunade connection? See page6E
Reports of Gato attempting to recruit missing nin? See page 5A

Written by clockworkchaos.