Filled with excitement, Kamizuki Hikari stepped into Kazahana Koyuki's private chambers.
And then...
He froze.
'This is so different from what I imagined!'
Silently complaining in his mind, he saw that Koyuki had already changed out of her extravagant queenly attire and was now wearing comfortable, casual homewear. A small incense table stood before her, wisps of tea fragrance curling in the air.
The scene was undeniably elegant, but it was far from what Hikari had envisioned.
"Kamizuki-san, please have a seat!"
Koyuki warmly invited him.
Keeping a straight face, Hikari gracefully took a seat across from her.
As he watched her skillfully handle the tea set, his heart remained utterly unmoved.
"So, Kamizuki-san, what do you think of the Land of Snow?"
"It's wonderful! The mountains are clear, the waters are beautiful, birds sing, and flowers bloom. Being located in the far west, it's also away from the notice of most shinobi. With proper development, this place could become one of the most splendid countries in the world. Under your leadership, Princess Koyuki, I'm sure that within ten years, the Land of Snow will rise to greatness and become the most remarkable nation in the world!"
After this string of flattery, Hikari watched as Koyuki's face turned from pink to pitch black.
Her crystal-clear eyes now burned with palpable resentment, as if she were about to punch him.
"Uh... let me explain—no, wait, let me clarify."
"Clarify? Fine. Go ahead. I'm listening!" Koyuki sneered. Did this guy really think she was an idiot?
Clear mountains and beautiful waters? Birds singing and flowers blooming? The Land of Snow was a frozen wasteland in the far west—so remote and barren that even the great nations like the Land of Fire wouldn't bother conquering it.
The essence of war was plundering wealth.
The only reason the Land of Snow had avoided conflict was because it was too poor and too far away. No sane person would willingly come here.
And yet, Kamizuki Hikari had the audacity to spout such nonsense right to her face? Unforgivable!
"...On second thought, maybe I shouldn't explain."
Seeing Koyuki's expression, Hikari realized that no amount of explanation would help. It was better to stay silent.
"Fine. If you won't talk, then I will!"
Koyuki pointed out the window, where an endless expanse of white stretched as far as the eye could see—nothing but snow.
"Originally, I had no attachment to this country. I was afraid of Kazahana Dotō, and on top of that, this place is just too desolate. As a famous actress, I lived a life of luxury—good food, fine drinks. Why would I ever want to suffer in a place like this? But..."
She paused, her tone shifting.
"...When I actually came back and saw the suffering of the people here, I realized I couldn't just stand by and do nothing!"
"Kamizuki-san, I need your help!"
Her delicate, jade-like hands clasped around Hikari's, her starry eyes filled with desperate hope.
"Look, it's not that I don't want to help..." Hikari tried to pull his hand back, but Koyuki's grip was surprisingly strong.
(Author's Note: You're just a horndog. With your strength, ten Koyukis couldn't hold you down if you didn't want them to.)
(Hikari: Bastard, you know too much. Shinra Tensei!)
"I'm just an ordinary Konoha chūnin. I really don't have that kind of influence. Not even our Hokage could help a whole country. You might not know this, but our Hokage is drowning in debt right now!"
(Tsunade: ...There's always someone slandering me behind my back. I am upright and honest, never afraid of defamation! Achoo! Who's badmouthing me? Is it creditor number 18? It's just a tiny bit of money—does he have to make a fuss?)
Koyuki ignored Hikari's excuses. In her eyes, reluctance simply meant the offer wasn't enticing enough.
"For this country, I'm willing to give everything!"
"Really?" Hikari perked up, his gaze sweeping over her.
Koyuki immediately took a step back, arms crossed protectively over her chest as she glared at him.
"Don't even think about that! Even if you're handsome and exactly my type, I'm not that kind of woman!"
"Relax, I'm not that kind of man either!" Hikari shot back before explaining, "If you want to make the Land of Snow prosperous, there are ways. First, you need something unique. Ever since I arrived, all I've seen is ice and snow—nothing else. Why would anyone come here for fun?"
Take that pervy sage, for example. Every year, he'd visit the Land of Hot Water. Why? Because their hot springs were famous—and perfect for his "research".
Seeing Koyuki's blank expression, Hikari elaborated.
"Do you think the people of the Land of Snow alone can improve their living conditions and happiness with the resources they have?"
Koyuki thought for a moment, then shook her head.
She had reviewed Dotō's records. Though she hated to admit it, the man had been talented and ambitious—traits that often went hand-in-hand with brilliance.
During his rule, he had explored every possible way to make money. In the end, aside from selling the country's mineral resources, there had been no other significant income.
Under such circumstances, how could the Land of Snow ever prosper?
"So, you need to establish a pillar industry for the Land of Snow. Tourism, for example, requires both a good natural environment and a welcoming culture. That's your best bet for development."
Tourism.
Koyuki knew the concept—she had even experienced it herself.
But when she thought of tourism, she imagined visiting the Land of Fire's capital or soaking in the Land of Hot Water's springs—places meant for enjoyment. Who would come to a freezing wasteland like this?
When she voiced this doubt, Hikari smirked.
Just think of the travel enthusiasts from his past life—people who would journey to the Arctic or Antarctic just for the experience. For the wealthy, travel was a necessity.
In this world, nobles had little to do besides eating, drinking, watching shinobi fights, and harassing pretty girls. With such limited entertainment, people's spiritual needs were severely lacking.
"That's where you're wrong. Ever heard of marketing?"
"Create hype!"
To make people see the Land of Snow's appeal, the first step was promotion.
"But we don't have that kind of money!" Koyuki sighed. Finances were her biggest headache.
She might just be the most miserable queen in existence.
"That's even easier. You're not just the queen—you're also a famous actress! Just film a blockbuster movie showcasing the Land of Snow's scenery. Once it's out, people will come. Besides that, hire some writers to pen travelogues about the Land of Snow—its geography, its culture, its beautiful women. Sooner or later, some idiots—ahem—some enthusiasts will show up!"
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