"It's not that easy," Tsunade scoffed, making no effort to hide her skepticism.
Even her grandfather, Hashirama Senju, couldn't bring peace to the ninja world. How could could the snot nosed Shinho? Then again…
"Sensei, just wait and see," Shinho said with a grin, "Will you support me?"
"You're the Hokage. Do what you want," Tsunade replied, her tone softening as she looked at him.
Shinho raised an eyebrow in surprise.
You stole my line.
Normally, she'd say something like, "You'll regret this."
..
[Achievement Unlocked: 'Who's Still Being a Traditional Ninja in This Era?' Reward: Moving Perspective Cup Gu.]
[Moving Perspective Cup Gu: A Rank-Five Gu Worm pair capable of transferring resources instantaneously over any distance.]
..
Two lines of text suddenly appeared in Shinho's vision, making his eyes widen.
This reward is incredible!
The Moving Perspective Cup Gu, originally created by Thieving Heaven Demon Venerable, comprised two Gu: a gold-capped cup and a silver-capped chalice.
In essence, it functioned like a teleportation array.
For Konoha, it held significant strategic value—most notably for the trade arrangement with Sunagakure.
Whether it was water or gold, both could now be transported effortlessly using the Gu.
"You're smiling too much," Tsunade said, pinching his cheeks.
"I'm just happy to have your support," Shinho replied, snapping back to reality.
"Such a sweet talker," Tsunade muttered, turning to face him. She leaned in and kissed him.
Warmth spread through Shinho's chest as he felt the sincerity of her emotions.
What an amazing woman, he thought.
Tsunade suddenly stiffened.
Her heavy burden felt significantly lighter, almost unnervingly so.
She rolled her eyes and stepped back abruptly. Their lips parted.
"This is the Hokage's office!" Tsunade said, her face dark with exasperation.
Shinho regrettably clenched his fists, resisting the urge to point out that the Hokage's office added to the excitement.
"Fine, continue your work," Tsunade said, licking her pearly lips slightly, her tone softening, "I'll wait for you at home."
Shinho felt a surge of warmth in his chest.
Once Tsunade left, he picked up his pen again.
Adjusting the organizational structure wasn't enough, many departments required significant changes.
For instance, the Ninja Academy.
Not everyone was suited to be a ninja, so transforming it into a comprehensive school seemed ideal.
Of course, such changes couldn't happen overnight.
Shinho planned to draft his ideas and implement them gradually.
…
Time passed quickly.
Within a week, Shinho had completed a draft plan for Konoha's transformation, combining his knowledge from his previous life with the ninja world's.
Although there were areas that still needed refinement, he took comfort in one fact: this was the ninja world.
Strength ruled supreme.
Even if some reforms failed, his position wouldn't be jeopardized.
"Hokage-sama," Shizune said, entering the office, "The deal with Sunagakure has been finalized."
Shinho took the document she handed him and began reading.
A week ago, he had sent Shikaku to negotiate with Sunagakure.
The results were promising: Sunagakure agreed to purchase water at a 10% markup above market price, paying in gold.
"Well done," Shinho said with a satisfied nod.
It was a no-cost transaction that even netted them a premium.
A true win-win.
"Shizune, inform the village that starting today, the Market Development and Finance Departments will officially be established, and the salary system will be implemented," Shinho said, handing her a scroll.
Shizune's heart skipped a beat.
It's finally happening.
She wholeheartedly supported the salary system—after all, she was constantly strapped for cash.
"Am I in charge of the Finance Department?" Shizune asked, glancing at the scroll with surprise.
"It's about trust," Shinho said with a smile.
Managing money was critical, and he couldn't entrust it to just anyone.
Besides, the Hokage's secretary didn't have an overwhelming workload, so she could handle it.
"Understood!" Shizune said. She felt quite motivated.
She had to admit it, his trust in her had made her quite happy.
"Why is Market Development assigned to Guren?" Shizune asked, frowning slightly.
"I plan to establish a jewellery company focusing on gold and crystals," Shinho explained, "Guren is the perfect candidate with her Crystal Release."
The idea of a jewelry company had come to him because of Guren, making it a highly lucrative and low-risk venture.
It had to happen!
"But she's a ninja from Otogakure," Shizune's worry was evident in her face.
"As long as Orochimaru is under my control, she'll willingly work for us," Shinho replied nonchalantly, "And even if she wanted to resist, her strength is not match in Konoha."
Shizune hesitated but eventually nodded.
Guren was still in Otogakure, so the ANBU would need to bring her in.
"Hokage-sama," Shizune said, suddenly remembering, her tone turning serious, "We've received intel on the Akatsuki."
"Who've they captured?" Shinho asked, interested.
"The Four-Tails Jinchūriki, Roshi, and the Six-Tails Jinchūriki, Utakata."
Shinho raised an eyebrow.
Thinking back, this wasn't surprising.
Roshi had left Iwagakure due to conflicts with Onoki, while Utakata had defected from Kirigakure after believing his teacher wanted to kill him.
Both were isolated, making them easy targets.
"With two Jinchūriki captured and Gaara previously attacked, the Akatsuki's objectives are now clear to everyone," Shizune said, "The leader of Takigakure, Shibuki, has requested our assistance."
"Takigakure?" Shinho was surprised.
This diverged from the original story.
In the original timeline, Fu, the Seven-Tails Jinchūriki, was exposed during the Chūnin Exams hosted by Sunagakure.
This led to her capture and the subsequent extraction of her tailed beast by Kakuzu and Hidan, resulting in her death.
"Konoha and Takigakure have always been on good terms," Shizune explained, "The Akatsuki's actions have made them extremely anxious. Shibuki has issued an S-rank mission request to protect their Jinchūriki."
"Tell him to have their Jinchūriki bring Hero Water to Konoha, and we'll intercept them en route," Shinho said after some thought.
The Hero Water was a prized resource of Takigakure.
Drinking it temporarily multiplied one's chakra tenfold but at the cost of lifespan.
"I doubt he'll agree," Shizune said, shaking her head.
"Then tell him that Kakuzu has joined the Akatsuki," Shinho said with a shrug. "If he still refuses, that's on him."
Takigakure was naturally fortified and nearly impossible for outsiders to locate.
But Kakuzu was a native, and once a ninja of Takigakure.
"Understood," Shizune said, turning to leave.
…
Konoha had suddenly become lively.
For many ninja, the introduction of a salary system was incredibly enticing.
Without needing to risk their lives on dangerous missions, they could earn substantial paychecks just by working in the Hokage's administrative offices.
The lofty ideals of the ninja code sounded nice, but money was the real driving force for most.
Even many ninjas from traditional clans found the offer tempting.
After all, not everyone enjoyed the constant fighting and bloodshed.
The busiest person during this transition was undoubtedly Shizune.
Over the past two days, she had received an overwhelming number of resumes.
With the Market Development and Finance Departments newly established, they were in desperate need of staff.
She couldn't simply reassign people from other departments, so the best solution was open recruitment.
To be honest, Shizune had not anticipated the sheer power of the salary system in attracting applicants.
...
Hyūga Clan.
There was a knock at the door.
"Come in," Hiashi said, looking up to see Neji entering. He was somewhat surprised.
Neji had a good relationship with Hinata, but his attitude toward Hiashi had always been indifferent.
"Neji, do you need something?" Hiashi asked.
"Clan leader," Neji said with a slight bow, "several members of the branch family wish to work at the Hokage's offices."
Because of the Caged Bird seal, the branch family members were not accepted into ANBU or Root.
However, with Shinho as Hokage, this restriction had been lifted.
The only remaining obstacle was Hiashi's approval.
The branch family had approached Neji, hoping he could persuade Hiashi.
"You mean the Market Development Department? I've heard about it," Hiashi said, nodding, "If it's under the Hokage's orders, you have my permission."
In truth, Shinho had already discussed this matter with Hiashi.
Although Hiashi found the idea of ninjas working on jewellery production a bit absurd, he agreed out of respect for the Hokage.
Neji was slightly surprised.
That was easier than expected.
Whatever the reason, his goal was achieved.
Compared to the Hyūga Clan, the Uchiha Clan was far more proactive.
Without waiting for Shinho to make a formal request, they had already volunteered.
Among them was Uchiha Izumi, a young prodigy second only to Sasuke.
…
Hokage's Office.
"Hokage-sama," Guren greeted reluctantly.
After receiving Shizune's summons, she had come to Konoha, not for the Market Development Department, but to see Orochimaru.
"I called you here to appoint you as the deputy head of the Market Development Department," Shinho said.
Initially, he had planned for Guren to be the head, but with Uchiha Izumi's addition, he decided to switch their roles.
He naturally trusted Izumi more.
"I won't do it!" Guren said flatly, without a second thought.
"Do you want to embarrass Orochimaru?" Shinho asked with a polite and kind smile.
Guren's heart skipped a beat. She recalled Shinho's strength, and the display she had seen day. Suddenly, an inexplicable sense of fear welled up inside her.
She gritted her teeth and said, "I want to see Lord Orochimaru."
"You may," Shinho said calmly, "But as a condition, you must accept the position."
"Fine, I'll do it," Guren said reluctantly.
"Do your best," Shinho said with a smile, "You wouldn't want to disappoint Orochimaru, would you?"
Guren trembled slightly.
The last thing she wanted was to lose Orochimaru's favour.
"Yūgao-nee," Shinho called, "take her to see Orochimaru."
The door opened, and Yūgao Uzuki entered, but she wasn't alone. Kakashi had also come unannounced.
"Shinho," Kakashi said, stepping forward and handing over a scroll.
Shinho glanced at it and raised an eyebrow.
It was a mission request from Asama Sandayū to escort Koyuki Kazahana to the Land of Snow for a film shoot.
"You and Team Seven can handle it," Shinho said, quickly writing on another scroll and handing it to Kakashi. "Open this after you've completed the mission in the Land of Snow."
"Understood," Kakashi said, curious about Shinho's behaviour, but he refrained from asking any questions.
In truth, the scroll contained instructions to bring back the technology for trains, airships, and chakra armor.
Directly telling Kakashi would make it seem like Shinho had foreknowledge, which might raise questions.
Although, using the scroll brought about the same result, who knows, maybe it might even trigger some kind of achievement.
After Kakashi left, Shizune hurried over.
It was the response from Takigakure's leader, Shibuki.
They had agreed to send their Jinchūriki to Konoha for protection.
The reason was simple.
In addition to Kakuzu, the Akatsuki had also captured Han, the Five-Tails Jinchūriki.
Despite being under heavy protection in Iwagakure, Han had been taken by Pain's Six Paths.
After delivering the news, Shizune quickly left again, swamped with her ever-growing workload.
Shinho thought for a moment before deciding to visit Takigakure personally.
There was a good chance of encountering Kakuzu and Hidan.
As for who to bring along, he ultimately chose Yamato's Team Eight.
…
At Sunagakure's Gates.
Temari stood still, gazing out at the distant desert.
She was waiting for Konoha's ninjas to arrive, as today was the agreed date for their trade transaction.
"I wonder how Kankurō is doing in Konoha," Temari murmured with a sigh.
She, Gaara, and Kankurō had never been apart for so long.
A few minutes later, Temari's eyebrows furrowed as two tall kunoichi came into view.
She sized them up—they were attractive—but she didn't recognize them.
"I'm Uchiha Izumi," Izumi said, extending her hand, "This is Guren. We're here to handle the gold transaction."
An Uchiha?
Temari quickly shook her hand, not daring to be careless.
Though she hadn't heard of Izumi before, anyone entrusted by Shinho must be exceptional.
"Just the two of you?" Temari asked, surprised, "Without seeing the water supply, Sunagakure won't make any payments."
"I brought the Hokage's summoning beast," Izumi said with a faint smile, "Please take us to the reservoir."
"Follow me," Temari said, suppressing her doubts for now.
The three-headed to the northern part of Sunagakure, where a massive reservoir stood tall.
At its entrance stood Gaara himself.
It was worth noting that Gaara had personally constructed the reservoir.
"Gaara," Temari whispered, explaining the situation.
Gaara's expression remained stoic as he gazed at Izumi.
Izumi formed a series of hand seals gradually.
Poof!
With a poof, the River-Swallowing Toad appeared before them.
It opened its mouth, and torrents of water gushed out like an unstoppable flood, quickly filling the reservoir within five minutes.
Temari's eyes widened in shock.
What kind of summoning beast is this?
Gaara, on the other hand, felt a pang of regret.
I've been swindled.
Had he known Konoha possessed such a summoning creature, he would never have agreed to the price hike.
That gold had been painstakingly mined by his people.
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