"What reason?"
"Economic interests."
A sly glint flashed through Shikamaru's eyes.
"The Land of Whirlpools has a very special geographical position."
"If we can establish a free trade zone there…"
"Every nation stands to benefit."
"A free trade zone?"
Advisor Tsuchida's eyes immediately lit up.
As a politician—
He instantly understood the value behind the idea.
"Exactly."
Shikamaru continued explaining.
"A special region with no tariffs."
"No trade barriers."
"Merchants from every nation would be able to trade freely there."
"The economic returns alone would be enough to satisfy everyone."
"But managing an area like that would require a massive amount of manpower and resources."
Sakura raised the obvious concern.
"And that's exactly where shinobi become useful."
Shikamaru replied.
"We move quickly."
"Our communication efficiency is high."
"We're better suited than anyone for handling complex administrative work like this."
Naruto scratched his head.
"This sounds pretty complicated."
"Can it really work?"
"How will we know unless we try?"
Shikamaru patted his shoulder.
"And even if it fails…"
"That's fine too."
"At least we tried."
"Fine."
Naruto nodded.
"Then let's give it a shot."
"But if I screw the whole thing up, don't blame me!"
Advisor Tsuchida glanced at the time.
Then stood.
"We'll end today's discussion here."
"I need to return and report the situation to the Daimyō."
"At the same time, I'll contact representatives from the other nations."
He looked around at everyone.
"Three days from now…"
"We meet again."
"At that time, we'll discuss the specific implementation details."
With that—
He hurriedly left with the samurai.
It was obvious that today's experience had left a deep impression on him.
The office was left with only Konoha shinobi.
"I'm exhausted…"
Naruto dropped straight onto the floor.
"Politics really is way too troublesome."
"I still prefer solving things with my fists."
"If you do that…"
Tsunade looked down at him.
"You'll never solve the real problems."
"Naruto."
"You need to learn how to think with your brain."
"I know, Granny Tsunade."
Naruto pouted.
"But Sasuke looked really cool just now."
"That Kamui was awesome."
Sasuke gave him a flat look.
"Idiot."
"Eh?"
"Why are you insulting me?!"
"Because you're being stupid again."
Sasuke walked toward the door.
"I'm going home."
"Call me if something comes up."
"Sasuke."
Tsunade stopped him.
"Thank you."
Sasuke paused.
"For what?"
"For agreeing to stay."
Tsunade's expression was completely serious.
"I know that wasn't easy for you."
Sasuke remained silent for a moment.
Then nodded.
"Just don't make me regret it."
…
Three days later—
The Hokage's office became crowded once again.
This time—
It wasn't just Konoha shinobi.
Representatives from the other four nations had arrived as well.
The Land of Lightning sent Darui.
The Land of Wind sent Kankurō.
The Land of Earth sent Kitsuchi.
And the Land of Water sent Ao.
"Looks like everyone actually came."
Kakashi glanced around the packed meeting room.
"Seems this project really caught the attention of every nation."
"Of course."
Darui spoke lazily.
"Lord Raikage is pretty interested in this free trade zone."
"Kumogakure's specialty weapons could use a bigger market anyway."
"Same goes for Sunagakure's puppetry."
Kankurō nodded in agreement.
"If we can establish workshops in the Land of Whirlpools…"
"It would help our technology develop too."
Clearly—
Shikamaru's strategy had worked.
Economic interests really were the best tool for persuasion.
"Then let's discuss the actual implementation."
Shikamaru unrolled a detailed map.
"The ruins of the Land of Whirlpools aren't particularly large."
"But their geographical location is extremely important."
"They connect the Land of Fire and the Land of Water."
"It's a natural trade route."
"But that entire area is currently ruins."
Ao frowned.
"Rebuilding it would require enormous funding and manpower."
"That's exactly the point of cooperation."
Tsunade replied.
"Every nation contributes."
"Every nation helps build it."
"And every nation benefits."
"What about the exact funding ratio?"
Kitsuchi asked.
"Based on the economic strength of each nation."
Shikamaru pulled out another document.
"The Land of Fire contributes forty percent."
"The other four nations contribute fifteen percent each."
"Why does the Land of Fire have to contribute the most?"
Darui looked somewhat dissatisfied.
"Because geographically…"
Advisor Tsuchida explained.
"The Land of Whirlpools falls within the Land of Fire's sphere of influence."
"And since Konoha will shoulder most of the administrative responsibility…"
"It's only natural that the Land of Fire bears a larger share of the cost."
"Administrative responsibility?"
Ao's gaze sharpened.
"And who supervises the administrators?"
"What happens if Konoha abuses its authority?"
The atmosphere immediately grew more tense.
After all—
Trust between the nations was still far from solid.
"That's easy."
Naruto suddenly spoke.
"We create an oversight committee."
"Every nation sends representatives."
"What exactly would this oversight committee be allowed to control?"
Kankurō asked immediately.
"All major decisions must pass by committee vote."
Shikamaru answered.
"And we'll publish regular financial reports."
"That guarantees transparency."
"That sounds reasonable."
Kitsuchi nodded.
"But I still have one concern."
"What happens if this project fails?"
"Wouldn't all the money we invested just disappear?"
"The risk of failure is real."
Tsunade admitted.
"But we can proceed in stages."
"The first stage only covers basic infrastructure."
"The initial investment will be relatively limited."
"If the results are good…"
"Then we expand into the second phase."
"How long would the first phase take?"
Ao asked.
"Three months."
Naruto answered.
"In three months…"
"We'll have a preliminary trade center."
"Three months?"
Darui whistled.
"That's pretty fast."
"That's shinobi efficiency for you."
Sakura said proudly.
"Earth Release can level the terrain quickly."
"Water Release can establish water-supply systems."
"Wood Release can provide construction materials."
"Wood Release?"
Kitsuchi's eyes lit up.
"The First Hokage's Wood Release?"
"Someone can still use it?"
"Captain Yamato can use a little."
Kakashi replied.
"He's nowhere near the First Hokage's level."
"But building houses won't be a problem."
The meeting continued.
One issue after another was discussed and resolved.
Construction standards.
Legal provisions.
Tax policies.
Security guarantees.
Every detail required careful consideration.
"Wait."
Sasuke suddenly spoke.
The room fell quiet.
"You've overlooked something."
"What?"
Everyone turned toward him.
"If the Land of Whirlpools is successfully rebuilt…"
"And becomes a prosperous trade center…"
"What happens to the surviving people of the original Land of Whirlpools?"
Sasuke's expression was serious.
"They are the true owners of that land."
Everyone froze.
They genuinely had not considered the issue from that perspective.
"There are still survivors from the Land of Whirlpools?"
Ao looked puzzled.
"I thought they had all…"
"They weren't all killed."
Naruto's voice became heavier.
"I've met descendants of the Land of Whirlpools scattered across different regions."
"They've been waiting for a chance…"
"To return to their homeland."
Read 50 chapters ahead on P@treon -> [email protected]/SorenSwiftTL (replace @ with a)