Time had entered the end of December.
The weather was bitterly cold, with thick snowflakes like goose feathers blanketing half the Ninja World.
Even half the territory of the [Land of Fire] was covered in heavy snowfall.
And the [Land of Rice Fields], located north of the [Land of Fire], had long been buried under snow.
Everything was wrapped in silver and white.
In such freezing weather, aside from the relatively warm [Land of Wind],
all other great nations, small countries, and ninja villages had become quiet in unison.
Or rather, they had temporarily gone into hibernation.
Each was secretly plotting and preparing for its own plans, building momentum behind the scenes...
Meanwhile, the cold weather had made Shimoku somewhat slothful.
Ever since Konan returned several days ago,
and after successfully accommodating all the Rain Hidden Village technical personnel she had brought along,
Shimoku had begun living like a complete couch potato.
All day long, he basically curled up inside the heated rooms,
happily writing new scripts and designing new styles of intimate apparel...
He wouldn't leave his house easily unless it was for hot spring soaks or massages.
What's the point of going out when it's freezing out there?
Although he could use chakra to keep himself warm without trouble; wouldn't it still be more comfortable staying indoors?
Had the food gone bland?
Was the hot spring soak uncomfortable?
Or maybe the maids weren't as entertaining anymore?
Nonou, Konan, Kurenai Yuhi, Kurotsuchi, Madam Huīyī, Shinyu, Ryuzetsu, and others...
So many beauties gathered together—petite and curvaceous figures, diverse in style, stunning beyond words.
After all, appreciating beauty itself is also a way to relax, isn't it?
Rumor has it that it might even extend your lifespan?
In short, there were already more than enough beauties around to keep him entertained at home. Why would Shimoku bother going outdoors to pick more?
Of course,
among these past few days of rest,
he hadn't neglected the village's important affairs.
Firstly:
With the New Year approaching, the second phase of the village's reconstruction plan had gradually begun.
That is, the [Five-Year Plan] was now entering its second year. With the joining of numerous Rain Hidden Village technical experts, the [Homura Hidden Village] officially embarked upon a path toward light industry development.
Personally designed, reviewed, and approved by Shimoku,
the initiative permitted the establishment of modern industries including "durable consumer goods," "fast-moving consumer goods," "arts, sports, and leisure products," "light industrial machinery equipment," and "basic ninja-Ware."
These included home appliance manufacturing, furniture production, hardware products, lighting appliances, food processing, papermaking, daily chemical products, stationery and sports goods, as well as light industrial machinery, among others...
A total of five major sectors involving dozens of industries were being built, upgraded, and transformed—an unprecedented feat throughout the Ninja World!
It was practically charging ahead full steam without a single worry in the world.
Thanks largely to the Rain Hidden Village's wealth of technology and guidance,
even reckless leaps forward wouldn't have sufficed to achieve such ambitious dreams otherwise.
Once all of the above-mentioned industries are successfully established, the Homura Hidden Village would leapfrog decades of accumulation possessed by other ninja villages, reaching foundational levels comparable to those of the Five Great Hidden Villages.
Finally obtaining true qualifications to compete for supremacy across the land!
Secondly:
The brand-new Ninja Academy had already been completed and had begun accepting students.
After the New Year, the first batch of eligible children would begin attending school to train in ninjutsu.
Originally Shimoku had intended to personally serve as the first principal, but considering his age and that being a principal was too troublesome...
He instead chose a venerable elder from the Uchiha clan to serve as principal, with Fugaku overseeing student affairs.
Of course, Itachi's [Tsukuyomi Card Bug Plan] had not been abandoned either—it continued steadily and systematically.
Finally:
The great movie production plan officially began shooting.
Three days ago, Orochimaru had finished modifying the Sharingan Camera, which was now officially put into use for filming.
You had to admit—the actors, directors, and photographers from the Fuji Performing Troupe really knew their stuff.
Though initially startled by the new camera and various genjutsu effects, they eventually adapted quickly, throwing themselves wholeheartedly into the filming process.
At this pace, it was estimated that they'd finish within two or three months.
This once again proved how much easier it was to hire an experienced troupe to make the film than trying to handle everything himself.
If handled by outsiders without experience,
Even a whole year might not guarantee success...
Meanwhile, this novel endeavor also attracted considerable curiosity from many clan members.
During their free time, many enthusiastically came to watch the filming process.
Some even eagerly requested roles, competing to play minor parts.
As for Shimoku himself,
Impersonating Lord Madara through Transformation Jutsu and causing mischief on set was immensely entertaining.
Of course, any scenes involving black stockings or similar preferences were left to "Kurenai Yuhi, the special effects master," to simulate;
There was absolutely no way he'd wear black thigh-high socks himself.
Not even once!
It was a slippery slope—either zero times or countless times!
He was still young and couldn't risk developing *wrong tendencies*!
...
All things considered,
The village was now on the right track.
It could steadily develop forward with minimal concern from Shimoku.
Of course, the primary factor ensuring steady village development remained maintaining sufficient military deterrence!
And Shimoku himself was precisely that strongest deterrent force of all.
Therefore, at this stage, if he wished to continue improving his strength,
Only three paths existed.
First: Intensify training to better master and develop existing abilities, striving to discover innovative tactical combinations.
Second: Continue accumulating coins to exchange for new abilities through the system, breaking past the Six Paths threshold.
Third: Collect known resources throughout the ninja world, obtaining stronger treasures or power via information advantages.
However,
None of these paths were easy.
After all, at his current level, he already stood atop the Kage peak—he could even unleash Six Paths-level power.
Climbing any higher would be tough at every step!
Although he still had over ten thousand coins saved up,
Shimoku really coveted the [God Tree Fruit] Type I in the System Store, priced at a full 100,000 coins per piece.
From this point forward, unless absolutely necessary—
Shimoku also didn't plan to waste money anymore.
He intended to save up 100,000 coins as soon as possible, obtain a special fruit, and finally reach the peak of the Six Paths Level once and for all!
By then, no matter what schemes Hashirama and Lord Madara, Isshiki or Black Zetsu might plot...
He'd be able to crush everything with sheer force!
Wouldn't that be great?
Granted, the goal of 100,000 coins seemed somewhat distant.
But it wasn't entirely out of reach either.
After all, the current situation in the Homuragakure Hidden Village was much better than before.
Multiple revenue streams had already been established—
The high profits from the Sea Trade Company,
the mineral trade with the Land of Iron,
the meat product trade with Kumogakure,
the gradually developing new clothing trade,
and the continuous explosive tag sales...
The monthly net profit alone was considerable,
no longer requiring reckless "playing Robin Hood" across other ninja villages.
Plus, the one hundred million in aid funds being converted in the Land of Fire,
and the 65 million coins Mist owed in installments...
Once these outstanding accounts were collected,
he should be very close to accumulating 100,000 coins.
Therefore, Shimoku didn't feel the urge to go hunting for wealth right now.
After all, the current situation in the Ninja World was strange,
with a fragile balance.
If he stirred things up again,
the Fourth Great Ninja War could kick off at any moment.
Such a large-scale conflict at this moment wouldn't benefit his village's development.
Better to secretly accumulate power first!
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