"Kitazawa-sama!"
Muta ran up to him, visibly excited. In his hand, he held a glittering golden ore that shimmered under the light.
Kitazawa gave it a quick glance.
It wasn't pure gold—plenty of impurities were mixed in—but its potential was unmistakable.
"It's an ore deposit!" Muta grinned from ear to ear. "Gold, silver, and other minerals I can't even identify!"
"Good work," Kitazawa said with a nod of approval. "Mark the location and recall the Kikaichū."
Now that the deposit was located, there was no need to waste any more chakra maintaining the jutsu.
"Understood!"
Muta dashed off toward the bow of the ship to relay his orders.
Konan, who had been quietly observing, widened her eyes. "There's that much ore at the bottom of the sea?"
In the Shinobi World, ocean development had always been limited to fishing.
Ordinary people lacked the equipment to reach deep waters—and even among ninja, few could dive to the ocean floor.
More importantly, no one had considered that valuable minerals might be waiting down there. Even if they had… ninja weren't miners. Their purpose was to fight, not to dig.
Konan fell silent, her gaze thoughtful. She didn't know much about geology, but she certainly understood the worth of gold and silver.
With enough of it, one could amass an enormous fortune.
For a moment, the idea tempted her—until she remembered.
The Land of Rain has no sea.
Her mind drifted to that masked man—Uchiha Madara.
He'd been lurking in the Hidden Mist Village for years, achieving nothing of real substance. Not even profit.
Compared to him, Kitazawa seemed infinitely more capable.
That so-called "Madara" had wasted the Mist's potential completely.
Still, Konan couldn't entirely blame him.
Even she had never thought of exploiting the sea for ore.
She glanced at Kitazawa, curiosity flickering in her eyes.
But she said nothing.
He wasn't the type to share wealth, and she knew it.
If she wanted to benefit, she'd have to learn by watching—and maybe, eventually, find her own path to profit.
"Kitazawa-sama, all Kikaichū have been retrieved."
Muta returned, bowing slightly.
"Good."
Kitazawa released his jutsu, and the seawater surged back, closing the passage to the seabed as if it had never existed.
"Kitazawa-sama's Water Release… it truly is unrivaled in the ninja world," Muta said in awe.
Normally, an elite jonin specializing in water release could barely hold such a technique for few minutes.
Kitazawa had sustained it for half an hour—and he didn't even look winded.
His chakra reserves were monstrous.
"In a few days, I'll send an Earth Release squad," Kitazawa said, his tone casual. "They'll construct a tunnel down to the seabed. That'll make the mining process easier."
Muta's eyes brightened.
They'd long struggled with the logistics of seabed mining—the pressure, the water, the lack of access.
And with one sentence, Kitazawa had solved their biggest problem.
If they could establish a tunnel, extraction would become ten times more efficient.
It was such a simple idea—yet so few had thought of it.
Traditional ninja rarely applied their skills to engineering.
"Earth Release ninja can really be used like that…" Konan murmured to herself, her thoughts turning to Kakuzu.
Could he do the same? Are there mines in the Land of Rain he could exploit?
Then again, not every shinobi shared her adaptability.
Change had to start from the top—and Kitazawa had both the authority and the reputation to make it happen.
"Handle the rest," Kitazawa said. "I've got other matters to attend to."
Without another word, he leapt overboard.
A small boat shot out from his storage scroll and landed neatly on the water.
Kitazawa landed on it moments later, sailing away with effortless grace.
"Kitazawa-sama is always so decisive," Muta said with admiration.
"The same sharp style as Hokage-sama. Truly worthy of being her disciple."
"Yeah," another Aburame chimed in. "He just saved us at least two weeks of work."
Their murmurs of respect faded as Kitazawa's boat drifted into the distance.
He returned swiftly to the Land of Waves.
"Kitazawa."
Kurenai appeared to greet him. "We've already captured Gato."
Kitazawa raised an eyebrow. "Didn't I tell you to infiltrate first and gather intel? Why capture him now?"
"I know," she sighed. "Kiba accidentally triggered a trap. Things escalated."
Kitazawa exhaled softly, half amused. "Looks like he hasn't been paying attention in class lately. I'll assign him some extra homework when we're back."
Kurenai chuckled. "Good thing you weren't my teacher at the Academy. I'd never survive all that homework."
"I can still tutor you," Kitazawa replied smoothly as he walked toward the courtyard. "At night."
Kurenai froze for a second before realizing what he meant.
Her cheeks flushed pink as she followed him with a huff.
In the courtyard, Gato's guards were all tied up, sitting in a line.
Kitazawa swept his gaze across them—none of the faces looked familiar.
"Kitazawa-sensei!"
Ino, Kiba, and Tenten hurried over, their faces bright with accomplishment.
"You all did well," Kitazawa said with a nod. "Defeating that many rogue ninja and samurai while being outnumbered… not bad at all."
"They were just too weak!" Kiba said proudly, puffing out his chest.
Earlier, he'd been a bit flustered when surrounded—but once the battle started, he realized they weren't much of a challenge. Most had Genin-level strength, with a few mediocre Chunin among them.
"But you did fall into a trap," Kitazawa added lightly, a teasing smile on his lips. "When we return to Konoha, you'll report to Iruka and retake the trap-handling class."
Kiba froze, his triumphant grin vanishing. He glanced desperately at Ino and Tenten, but both looked away, pretending they couldn't help him.
"Where's Gato?" Kitazawa asked, steering the conversation back on track.
"He's in the living room," Ino replied quickly. Then, remembering something, she pulled a folder from her pouch. "Oh—and this is the employee list from his shipping company."
Kitazawa took the document and stepped into the room.
"You Konoha ninja! If you know what's good for you, you'll release me right now!"
Gato was tied to a chair but still had the arrogance to shout. "The Land of Water is backing me!"
Kitazawa didn't even look at him. He flipped through the document—pages filled with names and records. The company was indeed vast, employing over a hundred people.
"Crow."
An ANBU appeared silently at his side, wearing a crow-patterned mask.
Kitazawa hadn't come here with just Konan—an ANBU squad had accompanied him as well. They were here to secure Gato's shipping network.
This particular ANBU, codenamed Crow, was none other than the Uchiha Jōnin recently recruited into the organization.
"Control him."
Crow stepped forward, pressing a hand on Gato's shoulder.
"You bas—"
Before Gato could finish his insult, his voice faltered. His expression went blank. The scarlet glow of the Three-Tomoe Sharingan reflected in his dull eyes.
"From now on, you'll listen and obey," Kitazawa said evenly. "Relay my words through him."
He glanced at Gato, speaking slowly, "Your shipping company will undergo reforms starting today."
Originally, Kitazawa had planned to kill Gato and replace him with someone new—but that was unnecessary effort. Instead, he'd simply use Gato as a puppet, keeping his influence and network intact while redirecting the profits to Konoha.
Money was a tool—a powerful one.
Even shinobi couldn't deny its importance.
Although Kitazawa knew the Akatsuki's "Eye of the Moon Plan" would soon make such things irrelevant, his concern wasn't for temporary wealth—it was for Konoha's future.
He was the future Hokage, after all.
The richer the village, the stronger its foundation.
Not that Kitazawa cared for money himself.
This world respected power above all else. Wealth, fame, and influence followed strength naturally.
But until his strength reached its peak, he would still play by the world's rules.
"Let's start with three reforms," he said, voice calm but commanding.
First—end all smuggling operations.
Kitazawa might be pragmatic, but he had a line he wouldn't cross. There was no need for Konoha to profit through filth.
Second—establish processing plants in the Land of Waves.
Currently, mining across the shinobi world was crude. Most nations sold raw ore—gold, silver, iron—without refinement. Even the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, used Magnet Release to extract gold dust for direct sale.
By refining those materials into jewelry and other luxury goods, profits could multiply. With the right craftsmanship—and a few noble endorsements—they could even create a high-end brand.
Local workers from the Land of Waves would be hired, ensuring steady employment.
His plan wasn't unlike Gato's, but far more sustainable—and far less cruel.
After all, in the original timeline, Gato's greed and exploitation had destroyed the very people he relied on, ultimately leading to his downfall.
Kitazawa's final touch to the brand idea?
Recruiting Hyuga artisans.
With the precision of the Byakugan, they could craft intricate, flawless jewelry unlike anything else in the shinobi world.
When that happened, the Hyuga-designed brand would dominate markets across every land.
Third—restore normal maritime trade.
The Land of Waves was perfectly positioned between the Land of Fire and the Land of Water, with countless ports and islands nearby.
Now that Mei Terumī was the new Mizukage and seeking to reestablish trade with neighboring nations, it was the perfect time.
With Gato's network under control, Kitazawa could monopolize the sea routes, charging tolls and transportation fees.
Even that alone would bring Konoha immense profit.
When Kitazawa finished, Konan remained silent for a long moment.
Her amber eyes were thoughtful—almost glowing.
It was as if she were seeing the world through new eyes.
His ideas were revolutionary—turning economic influence into strategic power.
The concept of using commerce as a weapon was foreign to most ninja, but the more she thought about it, the more sense it made.
Unfortunately for Akatsuki, Kitazawa and Konoha had already taken the lead.
Between maritime control and a formal contract with the Hidden Mist, they had cornered the market.
Still, theory and execution were two very different things.
Konan knew better than anyone that grand ideas could fail miserably if mismanaged.
She decided to observe quietly for now. If this worked, she could learn from it.
If it failed, it would serve as a valuable lesson for Akatsuki.
"So amazing!" Ino said, eyes sparkling.
Tenten tilted her head. "Did you actually understand any of that?"
"Nope," Ino said cheerfully. "But it sounded amazing!"
Kiba, meanwhile, stood off to the side—still sulking about having to retake the trap course. He didn't hear a word of the conversation.
"Kitazawa, where did you learn all this?" Kurenai asked, half curious, half skeptical.
This kind of thinking—economic, strategic, visionary—wasn't something taught in the Academy.
"I didn't learn it," Kitazawa replied casually. "I just thought it through. Ninjas shouldn't be limited to missions alone."
Kurenai blinked, momentarily taken aback.
It was a perspective completely at odds with the traditional shinobi mindset she'd grown up with.
For a moment, she couldn't fully accept it.
But… it was Kitazawa.
And when it came to him—she'd follow, no matter how unconventional the path.
"Crow, your squad will stay behind," Kitazawa ordered after a moment of thought.
"On one hand, you'll supervise Gato. On the other, assist the underwater exploration team."
"Yes, Kitazawa-sama," Crow replied, voice low and steady.
The mission might have sounded unusual, but as an ANBU operative, he didn't question orders.
"Release all of Gato's bodyguards," Kitazawa added after a brief pause.
They had no real strength or value. Now that Gato was under Konoha's control, his hired thugs were unnecessary baggage.
"All the employees should be replaced as well," he continued, handing Crow a scroll. "They've spent years smuggling contraband. Putting them back into legitimate work would only invite chaos."
Crow accepted the list with a nod and disappeared into the courtyard to carry out the orders.
"It's getting late," Kitazawa said, turning to Kurenai, Ino, and the others. "We'll rest here tonight and head back to Konoha tomorrow."
"Mm."
The four nodded in agreement.
"Ino, you'll handle the mission report."
Kitazawa gave her a light pat on the head.
"Mission accomplished!" Ino said proudly, puffing out her chest.
Gato's estate was massive, with plenty of vacant rooms. Kitazawa and Kurenai each picked one, though they cleaned it thoroughly before settling in.
"Another easy mission," Kurenai said with a stretch, her figure catching the dim light.
"Completing the mission is just part of it," Kitazawa explained. "Transforming this shipping company is the real goal. If it succeeds, Konoha will have a steady new source of income."
"When you became part of Konoha's leadership, your thoughts really changed," Kurenai teased, sitting on the bed and slipping off her shoes. Her bare feet brushed the cool floor as she smiled. "So, is there anything you need me to do?"
Kitazawa chuckled softly. "Nothing for now. How about I teach you an advanced sealing technique instead?"
"My Compound Ninjutsu—Hurricane Vortex—still needs work," Kurenai admitted with a small frown.
"That technique needs both of us to practice," he said, stepping closer. "When I'm occupied, you can learn this instead. It's called the Self-Cursing Seal."
He reached out and pressed his palm lightly against her neck.
The seal spread in an instant—inky patterns crawling over her body like living chains.
Kurenai's eyes widened in shock as her muscles froze. She couldn't move. Couldn't even twitch a finger. The sensation was terrifying.
"Do you want to learn it?" Kitazawa asked with a faint smile as he released the seal.
"Yes!" Kurenai nodded quickly. Even knowing it would take her ages to master, she was eager. The technique's power spoke for itself.
The night passed in study and quiet instruction.
By dawn, Kitazawa was awake, rubbing his eyes as sunlight filtered through the curtains.
Kurenai was still asleep—worn out from training the night before.
He had time to spare. Their mission had gone smoothly, and he always budgeted three days for fieldwork: Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. It was only Sunday morning.
After changing into fresh clothes, Kitazawa stepped outside.
"Kitazawa-sensei!" Ino ran up, waving a scroll. "I finished the mission report!"
"That fast?" he asked, raising an eyebrow as he took it.
"Then I get extra credit, right?" she said with a grin, tilting her head and blinking up at him innocently.
"Extra credit isn't earned through cuteness," Kitazawa said dryly, unrolling the report. "Let's see how you actually wrote it."
Ino waited quietly. Though lively by nature, she knew where to draw the line. Smart girl.
"Not bad," Kitazawa said after reading. "Format's right, content's clear. You can have the extra credit."
"Thank you, Kitazawa-sensei!" Ino's face lit up with a smile.
"Come on, let's eat breakfast," he said, putting the scroll away and ruffling her hair.
"Mm!" she chirped, happily following him.
Kiba and Tenten were already waiting in the living room. Breakfast had been prepared on Gato's prior orders, and after eating, Kurenai joined them.
Once everyone was ready, they departed. By evening, they were back in Konoha.
Kitazawa, however, went straight next door—to report to Tsunade.
"Weren't you supposed to be taking students on a mission?" she asked, frowning. "How did that turn into taking over Gato's shipping company?"
"Because it benefits Konoha," Kitazawa replied calmly. "Not only will it generate profit, but it also gives us a way to monitor the Land of Water and the Hidden Mist Village."
Tsunade blinked, processing. Gato's routes connected multiple islands and ports—prime channels for gathering intelligence.
She wanted to protest but stopped herself. 'He's right… but he's also acting on his own again.'
After a moment of silence, she sighed. "Fine. Do as you see fit."
Ninja dabbling in commerce wasn't exactly by the book… but Konoha's finances were strained.
And if the operation helped track movements from the Land of Water, she could live with it.
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