"Look, this is the city I built for you!"
Jinghang, standing atop the highest spire of the Yuxi Peninsula's tallest building—the "Crystal Palace Casino," struck a commanding pose. One hand rested on his waist while the other pointed toward the city below, exuding an aura of absolute dominance.
Beside him, Tsunade was visibly moved. She threw herself into Jinghang's embrace, her demeanor tender and affectionate like a bird nestled close to its mate.
A man who could build an entire city for the woman he loves—what woman wouldn't be utterly captivated by such devotion? Gazing at the sprawling metropolis beneath her feet, Tsunade's heart overflowed with love.
The city layout of Yuxi Peninsula was truly unique within the ninja world. Unlike the cramped, low-rise, and earthy atmosphere typical of ninja villages, Yuxi Peninsula immediately presented a stark contrast. Wide roads, towering skyscrapers, and meticulously organized architecture emanated a modern and luxurious vibe. Anyone stepping into the city would instantly feel its grandeur and opulence.
The city was divided into five distinct zones: the Gambling District, Food Street, Kabukicho, Hotel Zone, and Residential Area. At its core was the Gambling District, radiating outward. Viewed from above, the city resembled a four-petaled sunflower.
At the heart of the Gambling District stood the iconic "Crystal Palace" casino, constructed from five crystal skyscrapers of different colors—a signature masterpiece of the Wu Zhong Clan. The buildings were colored green, red, yellow, brown, and blue, each adorned with signs reading "Wind Hall," "Fire Hall," "Lightning Hall," "Earth Hall," and "Water Hall," symbolizing the Five Great Nations. Supporting these towers was a copper coin-shaped rooftop, giving the impression of a giant hand reaching out to grasp a coin in the sky.
In one word—extravagance.
Take, for instance, the entrance to the casino: a 500-meter-long crystal corridor designed to mimic an ocean world. Inside, coral reefs and seaweed were meticulously arranged, accompanied by swimming sea creatures like turtles, rays, starfish, and sharks. Walking through the corridor felt like stepping into an underwater paradise.
The interior decor of the casino was equally magnificent, with lavish embellishments of gold and crystal. Each hall was themed after the style of a different nation, but elevated to a level of luxury beyond imagination. If it could be gilded, it was gilded; if it could be made of crystal, it was crystal.
Food Street was a haven for culinary enthusiasts, featuring delicacies from various regions. Visitors could savor dishes like Konoha's Ichiraku Ramen, BBQ-Q's grilled meats, Sunagakure's spicy hotpot, Xilai Shun's lamb hotpot, and Kirigakure's sushi and sashimi.
Kabukicho, on the other hand, was a paradise for entertainment seekers. Lined with countless izakayas and host clubs, it boasted a collection of over 500 renowned "princesses" from various nations, handpicked by Kōhei Hirai at great expense. Whether you preferred petite beauties, mature women, or those with a commanding presence, Kabukicho had it all. At its center stood a massive theater, hosting concerts and stage performances by various artistic troupes under the Sands Entertainment Group, ensuring a lively atmosphere.
Although the city was newly established, it had already attracted the attention of aristocrats and wealthy merchants from neighboring countries. Many visitors, overwhelmed by the grandeur, felt like naive country bumpkins discovering a whole new world of excitement and novelty.
Who had ever seen such a spectacle? It was as if all the world's pleasures were gathered in one place—truly exhilarating! "Ah, what have I been doing with my life until now?" they thought. "Alright, let's indulge to our heart's content!"
The foodies flocked to Food Street, the gamblers headed to the Crystal Palace, and the pleasure-seekers naturally gravitated toward Kabukicho.
Initially, Jinghang had planned to bring in the village's "Golden Years" travel group to boost Yuxi Peninsula's popularity. But to his surprise, Kōhei Hirai had already laid the groundwork. When Jinghang arrived with several hundred people, Hirai merely snorted dismissively. "Young man, don't underestimate me. Do you know that the current daily visitor count has already reached 250,000 and is growing exponentially? By the time the Five Nations Summit rolls around, we won't just hit a million—800,000 is a conservative estimate. Here, I'll cover the food and lodging for your group!"
Jinghang was left speechless. "Damn, the ninja world doesn't even have that many people! If word spreads further, won't this place be packed to the brim?"
Hirai chuckled. "Do you know what the most profitable venture in Yuxi Peninsula is right now?"
"Gambling?"
"Wrong!"
"It's the real estate in the Residential Area!"
A large number of dignitaries and nobles had already purchased houses and estates there, including the daimyōs of the Five Great Nations. The thousands of homes and courtyards originally built in the area had already sold out, with even the surrounding land quickly being snapped up. "Let me put it this way: just from selling these properties, we've nearly recouped our initial investment!"
"Damn! I totally overlooked that!"
Real estate—this was the ultimate golden goose!
Jinghang, licking his lips, approached Hirai with a cheeky grin. "Brother, is there any land left? I'd like to privately..."
"Hmph! Still the same old habit—always underestimating people. Do you think I'd shortchange you? Here, take this!"
With that, Hirai slapped a key and a land deed onto the table in front of Jinghang.
"This is the best plot in the Residential Area. I've even built a small courtyard for you. It's quiet and conveniently located—a little gift for your wife!"
What was true extravagance? This was true extravagance! Upon meeting Tsunade for the first time, Hirai gifted her a courtyard. Truly, the demeanor of a tycoon was unparalleled.
After touring Yuxi Peninsula, Jinghang returned to "his home" with Tsunade, Ye Cang, and Hidan, only to be utterly stunned.
"You call this a 'small courtyard'?"
This was a full-blown mansion! His villa in Sunagakure paled in comparison—it was like a budget hotel room compared to this!
As he stood in awe, the main door creaked open. Eight maids in uniform lined up on either side, with a butler-like man standing in the center.
"Welcome home!" they chorused, bowing in unison.
"Damn!"
If he'd known it would be like this, he wouldn't have brought Tsunade along.
"Sir, allow me to carry your luggage," the butler offered eagerly, taking Jinghang's suitcase.
"Wait a minute—you're Gao Jin, aren't you? Weren't you assigned to the Intelligence Department? Why are you here acting as a butler?"
Blood Pool Gao Jin, now a promising talent, had recently been promoted to jōnin after months of rigorous training in the regular army. Skilled in both Sharingan and his clan's unique Red Eye ability, he had been appointed Deputy Section Chief of the Intelligence Department's Search Division by Rasa.
"Butler?" Gao Jin looked confused, then glanced at his attire and chuckled awkwardly. "Ah, it's just this outfit causing the misunderstanding. Please come inside, sir, and I'll explain everything."
Jinghang, suspecting nothing, led the group inside.
While the others explored the mansion and unpacked, Jinghang and Gao Jin sat down in the reception room for a detailed conversation.
"Sir, you have no idea—Yuxi Peninsula is a goldmine for intelligence. Information from all corners can be gathered here. I've been specifically assigned by Shadow Sa to station here for better operations. I had just finished meeting with a contact in the Fire Hall when I heard you were here, so I rushed over without changing clothes..."
"Wait—you mean all kinds of intelligence can be gathered here?"
Jinghang's eyes lit up. He hadn't anticipated this unexpected windfall.
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