"The Akatsuki is an organization that strives for peace."
"Since its founding, it has been dedicated to the noble cause of maintaining world peace, upholding the banner of peace, development, cooperation, and shared victory, and steadfastly safeguarding world peace while promoting common development."
"At the same time, it advocates the virtue of benevolence, a heart of love, a mind of universal compassion, and the breadth of great love. It strives to create a new era of peace, harmony, and prosperity for the shinobi world, working together to build a peaceful and bright future."
Uzumaki Jun glanced helplessly at Sarutobi Hiruzen, who was nodding along as he listened. He had been talking for so long, yet no one had brought him a cup of tea. Licking his dry lips, he continued, "The goal of the Akatsuki is to bring true peace to this chaotic shinobi world and achieve harmony between ordinary people and shinobi!"
The service in Konoha really isn't up to par!
"And Uzushiogakure, as a friend of Konoha, has always adhered to the ideals of the First Hokage. We are also a righteous force committed to maintaining world peace and stability."
Sarutobi Hiruzen stared at Uzumaki Jun in astonishment, amazed at how much he had managed to boast in one breath. He sighed and said, "I never imagined there was an organization in the shinobi world so devoted to peace!"
"If the First Hokage knew, he would surely be overjoyed."
"Exactly. Uzushiogakure, like the Akatsuki, is so great," Uzumaki Jun said solemnly. "Stay true to the original intent, and the end will follow."
Meanwhile—
Sarutobi Hiruzen completely ignored Uzumaki Jun's words and said regretfully, "So your airship was purchased from the Akatsuki?"
Sigh, I thought this was our ally's technology. It seems Konoha really will have to spend money to buy it now.
"Yes," Uzumaki Jun replied, narrowing his eyes slightly with a smile. "The current system in Uzushiogakure is based on the Akatsuki's vision of a harmonious society. That's why Uzushiogakure has a cooperative relationship with the Akatsuki, and this airship is the result of years of research and development by the Akatsuki, consuming vast amounts of manpower and resources."
"A harmonious society?" Sarutobi Hiruzen murmured, recalling how Uzushiogakure had restructured its government, abandoning the First Hokage's great policy of "One Nation, One Village." They elevated the status of civilians while lowering that of shinobi and abolished the mission-based system of shinobi villages.
"Uzushiogakure must be doing very well now," Sarutobi Hiruzen remarked with a sigh. "In such an environment, the lives of civilians must be very happy."
"That's what Uzushiogakure thought at first too," Uzumaki Jun said with a bitter smile, shaking his head helplessly. "But this world is ultimately a shinobi's world."
So, stop eyeing Uzushiogakure. It's not as great as you think!
"Without the income from shinobi missions, Uzushiogakure's finances are strained. Coupled with the elevated treatment of civilians, the country's budget…" Uzumaki Jun sighed and looked at Konoha. "Ah, that's why Uzushiogakure had to charge for this support mission. Otherwise, the country might have…"
Hearing this, Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded in satisfaction. It seemed the First Hokage's policies were indeed correct. Shinobi only have value when they do shinobi work. Without missions…
Heh.
Uzushiogakure is doomed!
Just like the perpetually impoverished Sunagakure, which relied on mission income to sustain the village but still had to beg the Land of Wind's daimyo for funds, earning the daimyo's disdain. Meanwhile, Konoha—
The top-ranked shinobi village in mission acceptance and completion rates—didn't need financial support from the Land of Fire. In fact, it even contributed significantly to the Land of Fire's revenue, earning the daimyo's favor.
So, Uzushiogakure will eventually revert to the old ways.
"Don't be troubled," Sarutobi Hiruzen said with a smile. "The civilians will remember Uzushiogakure's kindness."
But—
This world is ultimately a shinobi's world!
Now, Sarutobi Hiruzen finally relaxed. Even if Uzushiogakure had produced a God of Shinobi, without a shinobi village system, it posed no threat to Konoha's position as the dominant power in the shinobi world.
"In that case, how much does one airship cost?" Sarutobi Hiruzen took a puff of his pipe and asked. "Konoha would like to purchase a few."
Business is here!
Uzumaki Jun narrowed his eyes and smiled. "One airship costs one billion ryo. Uzushiogakure only bought one from the Akatsuki. The rest were borrowed." He lowered his head slightly, adopting a regretful tone. "They're just too expensive. I heard the production process is extremely complicated. Back then, Uzushiogakure even asked if they could sell the manufacturing method, but they refused."
"One billion?" Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned. That price was indeed steep. With the war ongoing, Konoha needed vast sums for shinobi compensation, mission rewards, equipment, and supplies.
"Can't it be cheaper?" Sarutobi Hiruzen clasped his hands together and asked. "If Konoha buys five at once, is there a discount?"
Five!
A gleam flashed in Uzumaki Jun's eyes. Konoha really was rich!
Five would be five billion ryo!
The arms business really was profitable!
It seemed the plan to sell airships to other villages needed to be accelerated. He'd have Uzushiogakure prepare to manufacture low-spec airships as soon as he returned, ensuring simultaneous delivery to all five great shinobi villages. That way…
Their power would remain balanced.
"No discount," Uzumaki Jun said regretfully. "Uzushiogakure tried bargaining back then, but the Akatsuki refused. They said the production cost was just too high."
"In that case…" Sarutobi Hiruzen pondered. Konoha's current available funds were only about five billion ryo. Spending it all wouldn't immediately destabilize the village, but if unexpected expenses arose, finances might become tight. That would be troublesome. So…
"Then Konoha will purchase three airships," Sarutobi Hiruzen said, taking a drag from his pipe. "I hope they can be delivered as soon as possible."
Better to be cautious. This way, Konoha could react to any unexpected developments. Once Konoha obtained the airships, they could…
Sarutobi Hiruzen's gaze sharpened. "Send a big gift to Iwagakure!"
"..."
Not five?
Uzumaki Jun sighed inwardly but nodded expressionlessly. "I'll inform the Akatsuki."
With the business discussion concluded, the next step was…
Digging a pit—ahem—dealing with the matter between Konoha and the Akatsuki.
"That Uchiha Shin is Konoha's…" Uzumaki Jun frowned. "No matter what, his Mangekyō Sharingan caused significant losses to the Akatsuki. Pain won't let him go. If Konoha refuses to hand him over, then…"
"The matter of the Mangekyō…" Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed, setting down his pipe. "So far, Konoha hasn't found any leads about him. But…"
Knock knock!
Before Sarutobi Hiruzen could finish, the door to the Hokage's office was knocked open.
"Lord Danzō has arrived."