In these past few days.
Hiruzen and Kujō Gen, that is, the Fire Country's Daimyō, finalized the various detailed terms.
The two sides talked very pleasantly.
When imagining the establishment of Konoha's technological hegemony and the moment the sickle would be swung toward the great nations, Gen grew so excited that a thin sheen of sweat appeared on the tip of his nose…
Compared to sitting uselessly in the capital like an incompetent puppet, wasting his days.
Working together with Hiruzen to study how to establish an unparalleled achievement—that was a meaningful life…
Indeed, a person's dream will never end…
Sometimes, opportunity truly does fall from the sky!
Moreover, the two of them also became relatives by marriage.
Under Gen's earnest pleading and the combined offensive of a lavish dowry, Hiruzen agreed to betroth his eldest son Shinnosuke to his legitimate daughter Kujō Rei.
Interestingly, the moment Hiruzen nodded, Gen enthusiastically began discussing the name of their future grandchildren.
"Hiruzen-ani, since we became brothers and relatives by marriage because of the 'Sage Region Pills,' and opened our hearts to one another, how about naming our future descendants after this?"
"For a girl, let her be called Sarutobi Konohatan. For a boy, let him be called Sarutobi Konohamaru!"
Hiruzen was quite satisfied with this.
This Otōto of his had some brains—whether it was naming the grandchildren after Konoha, or advancing payment in advance, offering a grand dowry, and pushing for a marriage alliance through earnest requests…
All of it showed that he could serve as a very good spokesman.
After returning to the residence arranged by Gen, Danzō brought new intelligence: "Hiruzen, there's news from the Anbu. Our people have arranged to meet Kakuzu tomorrow, at the ancient pavilion southwest of the capital's outskirts."
"Good!" Hiruzen nodded in satisfaction. "Then we'll talk with him tomorrow."
Everything was progressing rather smoothly…
The matter with the Daimyō had been settled, and Kakuzu had also taken the bait.
"Hiruzen, how do you plan to use this money?" Only in these past days did Danzō gradually come to realize just how large a deal Hiruzen had struck…
Setting aside labor and material costs, the salaries of the production squads, and certain favors owed to the Three Sage Regions…
The actual funds Konoha had obtained amounted to just over three billion ryō.
"How do I plan to use it? Use it sparingly…"
Hiruzen said with a chuckle, "You don't think this money is a lot, do you?"
"Isn't it?" Danzō asked in confusion.
He had originally thought that what Hiruzen had told him before—that five years later Konoha would not lack money—had already been achieved ahead of schedule…
"By a rough calculation, it comes to less than three hundred thousand ryō per person on average."
Hiruzen raised a finger. "About one and a half B-rank missions…"
"This money is barely enough to establish a basic ninja welfare and security system."
"But what about the investment needed to expand production? The funds to purchase large quantities of materials and equipment for research, dedicated support for the Ninja Academy, upgrades and reinforcement of security around the village perimeter, and the necessary costs of bringing in new ninja clans…"
"Do you think our sensei's kinjutsu were figured out by him alone in a little dark room?"
Hiruzen said with a sigh, "Those were piled up with money too! Back then, the money from selling tailed beasts—probably half of it was burned on research by our sensei…"
"Still, he did burn out quite a few good things, though whether that 'good' is truly good is somewhat debatable."
Scientific research was a genuine money-devouring beast.
Big investment, long cycles, high risk, heavy consumption of materials…
If Hiruzen wanted to shorten the cycle, the investment would naturally increase as well.
Fortunately, Konoha had quite a lot of talent in this area.
Orochimaru, Hiruko, and Tsunade were all outstanding among them, and Tobirama was no exception.
Perhaps Uzumaki Mito could be added as well.
"Once the 'Sage Region Pills' project stabilizes in two to three years, it should be able to independently support the ideal ninja welfare and security system in my mind."
"Once the brand is established, the Sage Regions line of cosmetics can follow, and together with the profits from overseas export products, it can all be used for research."
Danzō was somewhat puzzled. "Cosmetics? Can that really be useful…"
"It can," Hiruzen said with a faint smile.
"A beautiful appearance, to nobles, is like a luxurious ceremonial escort when they go out—it's a symbol of status."
"As long as it works, the markup means nothing to them. They'll scramble for it—female ninja will too."
Hiruzen continued: "As for premium tobacco, it will be used for routine war preparedness and subsidies. If there's a surplus, we'll increase research investment, or use it to block the industrial development of the great nations."
"When the time comes, we can also launch a few co-branded editions—for example, a Wood Dragon brand that symbolizes the First Hokage…"
On this point, Danzō did not raise any rebuttal.
Hiruzen was an old smoker; in this area, he indeed understood.
"If you're interested, when the time comes, we can even make a couple themed around you and me…" Hiruzen joked. "We can see which one is more popular."
Danzō originally wanted to refuse—he prided himself on being the darkness of the shinobi world; how could he show his face in public?
But on second thought, how could Hiruzen possibly mean to harm him…
"Is this a way to subtly raise our fame?" Shimura Danzō said uncertainly.
"In a way, yes." Hiruzen nodded.
"There's also the issue of Konoha's population. In the last Shinobi World War, we suffered considerable losses—we need to find a way to bring the numbers back up…"
"Even small but refined industries require population growth to keep pace, while minimizing any reduction in combat personnel."
Danzō's expression gradually grew somewhat numb.
Hiruzen… just how far ahead are your eyes looking?
No, he had to keep up with Hiruzen's rhythm!
But when he imagined the picture of this plan coming to fruition, Danzō could not help but feel stirred.
Such a Konoha would certainly be very powerful.
"Hiruzen, that would truly be a scene worth looking forward to…" Danzō said with rare emotion.
"Let's take it step by step. Even the best products and plans need time to mature."
"After we return to the village, we'll first set up a basic framework. Once the funds start pouring in later, we'll refine it."
Hiruzen smiled. "Bring some cash with us."
"If we don't carry money, don't let him think we're asking for credit."
"And buy two sets of hats and ordinary clothing as well. Don't let Kakuzu get scared off from a distance at first glance."
Danzō nodded.
...
The next day.
Hiruzen looked at the clothes Danzō had purchased, his expression somewhat complicated.
A black robe with a plain base, interwoven with patterns of blazing red clouds.
The hat was wooden, with a beaded curtain hanging down.
Hiruzen's original intention had been something like a haori…
"What's that expression, Hiruzen?"
Danzō said irritably, "For a rendezvous, clothing should be based on black. The flame patterns represent Konoha, and the cloud motifs are favored by nobles…"
"Doesn't this fit the image of Fire Country nobles? I searched for a long time!"
Hiruzen nodded, draped the robe over his shoulders, and put on the hat.
"What you say does make sense…"
"But looking at the two of us dressed like this, rather than nobles, we look more like some kind of underground organization…"
Hiruzen pointed at the mirror in front of them.
In the mirror, under the contrast of those clothes, the two of them appeared mysterious and fierce.
"Then I'll go buy something else?" Danzō also began to realize the issue.
"Forget it. This works too." After thinking for a moment, Hiruzen smiled.
"At least it won't make us look connected to any of the Five Great Hidden Villages. That's enough. We even look like colleagues of Kakuzu."
Danzō nodded, a thought flashing through his mind.
Even a man like him felt like laughing a little…
He was looking forward to Kakuzu's expression.
Even as a living fossil of the shinobi world who had seen countless storms, he would probably find it difficult to see through them, wouldn't he?
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