The Cloud Village envoy looked at the alliance treaty and still felt he had gotten a good deal. After all, at this point in time, Konoha was overwhelmingly powerful, with enough resources to look down on the other four nations.
Establishing ties with Konoha would bring enormous benefits to the Cloud Village. After exchanging pleasantries with Uchiha Ryun and Hiruzen Sarutobi, he left with a smile.
Hiruzen Sarutobi turned to Uchiha Ryun and said, "Ryun, it seems we've struck it rich? The Rain Village's 300 million ryo, the Sand Village's 100 million ryo, the yaks and jade from the Lightning-Earth War worth over 200 million, and now this alliance treaty with the Land of Lightning—another 200 million ryo!"
Hiruzen swallowed hard. The income from this single war was nearly 800 million ryo, driving him almost mad with excitement.
800 million ryo—equivalent to ten years of Konoha's revenue plus the Daimyo's support! Never underestimate the value of war reparations.
Uchiha Ryun nodded. "That's correct. And this doesn't even include the mission transfers from the Rain and Sand Villages. This time, the minimum profit is one billion ryo."
Damn, was war this profitable? Hiruzen laughed, grinning like a child. He had never seen so much money in his life!
It wasn't just Hiruzen who was acting this way. Any Kage would react the same when faced with such a massive sum. As the saying goes, money isn't everything, but without it, nothing gets done.
With this money, Konoha's military budget, living standards, and research capabilities could all be significantly improved.
"Ryun, you're simply amazing. In these recent wars, our losses have been negligible, yet we've gained such enormous rewards. You deserve the greatest credit!" Hiruzen's voice was sincere.
Uchiha Ryun smiled modestly. "It was only under your guidance and the joint efforts of all the village's shinobi that we achieved such results. I merely played a small role in guiding things. It's nothing much."
Hiruzen grew even more pleased with him and muttered, "I wish you were my son."
Uchiha Ryun blinked. "Hokage-sama, what did you say?"
Hiruzen snapped out of it and shook his head. "Nothing. Ryun, how should we spend this money?" He believed Uchiha Ryun would provide the right advice.
Uchiha Ryun thought for a moment before speaking. "Here are my humble suggestions. First, increase the compensation for the families of fallen shinobi. Dedicate one hundred million ryo to ensure their wives and children can live comfortably. We must not let our heroes bleed and weep."
"Next, focus on economic development and encourage entrepreneurship. Allocate two hundred million ryo to provide villagers with opportunities to start businesses and create jobs for ordinary citizens. Money only has value when it circulates. Hoarding it won't make it grow, but putting it into motion will multiply it."
"Then, set aside two hundred million ryo to purchase war supplies—kunai, senbon, shuriken, ninja swords, and other strategic equipment. We must ensure our shinobi are well-equipped for future battles."
"Finally, invest five hundred million ryo in scientific research. Technology is the primary driver of productivity. Through research, we can enhance weapons, improve civilian livelihoods, and strengthen the people's physical condition, among other things."
After finishing, Uchiha Ryun took a sip of water. Hiruzen was stunned. 'Wait, you've already allocated the entire one billion? Just like that?'
"Um… isn't the research budget a bit too much, Ryun?" Hiruzen asked, feeling a pang of reluctance.
Uchiha Ryun shook his head. "Respected Hokage-sama, not at all. When it comes to research, no amount of money is too much. The key is whether we can achieve results. If we do, we'll recover the costs within a year at most, and from then on, it'll be pure profit."
"Please don't let limited vision hold back our progress in research!" Uchiha Ryun appealed earnestly.
Hiruzen's heart stirred. 'If we can recover the costs within a year and then start profiting, then this investment isn't a loss at all.'
"But does Konoha have the talent to lead such research?" As he spoke, a memory flashed in Hiruzen's mind.
"Old man, I want to study cell regeneration. Maybe we can achieve limb regeneration. Can you allocate some funds for me?" Orochimaru's voice had been full of excitement.
Back then, Hiruzen wasn't Hokage and didn't have much money, so he refused. He still remembered Orochimaru's disappointment.
"Are you talking about Orochimaru?" Hiruzen's eyes lit up. His disciple had always been full of unconventional ideas.
Uchiha Ryun nodded. "In terms of research knowledge and investigative spirit, no one is more suited for this work than Orochimaru-sama."
"Think about it. If Konoha masters limb regeneration technology, it would be a huge leap in medical and scientific fields. Every year, many shinobi are disabled in missions, right? If we perfect this technology, Konoha shinobi could keep fighting as long as they aren't dead!" Uchiha Ryun's eyes burned with passion.
"Or imagine communication devices that cover the entire ninja world, allowing instant transmission of orders or conversations with loved ones. How convenient would that be?"
"Even something as simple as lighters—right now, we use expensive fuel-based ones. But what if we invent a gas-powered lighter that's windproof? Wouldn't that be a huge convenience for smokers?" Uchiha Ryun smirked at Hiruzen.
Hiruzen coughed twice. "Alright, Ryun, I'm sold on this project. I'll write you a fund allocation order right now. Please handle the implementation."
With that, Hiruzen began drafting the financial arrangements while Uchiha Ryun waited patiently.
Meanwhile, Tsunade gazed at Uchiha Ryun with stars in her eyes. If his proposals were implemented, Konoha's future would undoubtedly be bright and prosperous.
Her future husband was simply too capable!
After finishing the order, Hiruzen added, "Ryun, I'm entrusting this to you because I trust you. But you understand, right?"
"Of course. Hokage-sama's dedication to the village and its people is truly admirable," Uchiha Ryun replied with a smile.
Hiruzen nodded. "One more thing—make sure Orochimaru prioritizes the new lighter design. Fuel lighters are too expensive!"
Uchiha Ryun nodded. "No problem!" Then Hiruzen waved his hand, signaling for him to go handle the matter.
"Oh, right, sensei, please accept these invitations. I hope you and the elders will attend." Tsunade handed Hiruzen four invitations.
The current Konoha F4 (Hiruzen, Danzō, Koharu, Homura) were still reliable, fully devoted to the village, and well-regarded, so Tsunade had invited them as well.
Hiruzen opened the invitation and froze. "Uchiha Ryun and Tsunade's wedding will be held next February."
"Wait, you moved this fast? You've already whisked away my disciple?" Hiruzen laughed in exasperation.
Uchiha Ryun scratched his head and grinned foolishly.
Hiruzen nodded. "Alright, the elders and I will attend. Congratulations to you both. May you find happiness together."
"Thank you, Hokage-sama (sensei)." The two bowed before leaving hand in hand. Hiruzen smiled, lit his cigarette, and took a deep breath.