Uchiha Su had a clear vision. The Hidden Mist Village was at a pivotal moment in its development, and the first step was modernizing its infrastructure. Electricity, television, refrigeration, air conditioning, radio—all of these were fundamental technologies that would improve the lives of villagers, increase productivity, and elevate the Village's standing in the Ninja World.
He began by seeking out the person in charge of television production. Initially, his plan had been to locate the person responsible for installing utility poles and laying power lines. However, after consulting with Elder Genji, he learned that the television production supervisor was also in charge of managing the Village's electrical infrastructure. It was perfect—a single point of contact for multiple technological initiatives.
"Can you build air conditioners and refrigerators?" Uchiha Su asked as he entered the modest workshop.
The man behind the workbench looked up, adjusting his glasses. He was middle-aged, with a bald head and an earnest face that conveyed curiosity and cautious hope.
"Air conditioners? Refrigerators? What are those?"
"I see," Uchiha Su said, nodding thoughtfully. "An air conditioner can make a room cool in summer and warm in winter. For the Land of Water, where winters are harsh, heating is just as important as cooling. As for a refrigerator, it preserves food for longer periods, keeping it fresh and safe for consumption."
He didn't fully understand the technology himself, so he drew sketches to illustrate their function. Lines, boxes, and arrows filled the paper, conveying the general idea of airflow, cooling units, and insulation.
Hattori Tarō, the television supervisor, studied the drawings carefully. Slowly, comprehension dawned. "I think I understand… technically, these shouldn't pose insurmountable problems," he said. "It will be a challenge, but it's achievable."
Uchiha Su's eyes lit up. "Good. Additionally, I want to develop long-range radio devices. Each person should be able to communicate over distances. Think of it as personal communication that works like a mobile antenna. Can this be done?"
Hattori Tarō nodded. "Yes, that is possible. The principle is similar to antennas for television signals. However… researching and developing all three of these systems will require substantial funding. Preliminary estimates suggest at least ten million ryo in capital."
Television production in the Hidden Mist Village had always been a modest operation. Hattori had barely been able to maintain his workshop through high prices for televisions. Ten million ryo was an astronomical sum by his standards, and his hesitation was evident.
Uchiha Su smiled reassuringly. "That's fine. Nami will deliver the funds. From now on, your workshop belongs to the Village. Of course, you will receive dividends and a generous year-end bonus every year. But more importantly, once you develop air conditioners, refrigerators, and radio equipment, I will personally award you a medal of honor. Your rank and social status will be elevated to Jonin-level. You will be able to attend meetings and influence decision-making in the Village."
Hattori Tarō blinked, almost disbelieving. "My work… will be recognized?"
"Yes," Uchiha Su said firmly. "Where did you work before returning here?"
"I worked in the capitals of the Land of Fire and the Land of Water for several years. Eventually, I returned to the Village, as it is my birthplace," Hattori replied, pride and nostalgia mingling in his voice.
Uchiha Su's grin widened. "Excellent. If you can contact your colleagues in the Land of Fire and the Land of Water, invite them to the Hidden Mist. I will ensure they are well-compensated. Their expertise will be crucial for this project."
Hattori nodded enthusiastically. "I can do that. Many of them are poorly treated in their current posts. Once I write to them, I am confident they will come."
"Then I leave it to you. If you encounter any difficulties, report them to me. I will find solutions," Uchiha Su said. With that, he sent Hattori off to begin recruiting talent.
Next, Uchiha Su hurried toward the territory of the Minazuki Clan, one of the Village's traditional powers.
"Ms. Minazuki, long time no see!" he greeted, bowing slightly.
Minazuki Mirei looked at him warily, her eyes narrowing. "I don't know what you are doing here."
In her mind, every time Uchiha Su visited, something disruptive followed—censuses, conscriptions, or demands for resources. She did not expect benevolence.
"You misunderstand me," Uchiha Su said. "My visit today is a benefit for your clan as well as the Village."
"A benefit?" Mirei sneered, skepticism lacing her words. "I don't see what good can come from your actions for a Ninja Clan."
Uchiha Su ignored her sarcasm. "If I recall correctly, your clan possesses the Ice Release Kekkei Genkai, correct?"
Mirei nodded cautiously.
"Excellent," Uchiha Su continued. "Our Land of Water relies on the sea, with abundant fishery resources. We can harvest pearls, engage in fishing, develop offshore aquaculture, and harvest salt and seaweed. Seaweed can prevent goiter—a condition many suffer from. The potential here is enormous."
He gestured broadly. "We can establish seafood processing factories, including canned fish. Your clan's Ice Release can facilitate cold chain logistics, keeping food from spoiling. We can distribute products across the Ninja World efficiently. This industry is practically untapped, and competition is minimal."
Mirei's head throbbed from his enthusiasm. "So… what exactly do you want the Minazuki Clan to do?"
"Cold chain logistics," Uchiha Su said firmly. "Freeze and preserve food so it doesn't spoil. Then, sell it across the Ninja World. Profits will be substantial."
He paused, gauging her reaction. "Your clan will receive 30% of the profits."
"Thirty percent?" Mirei frowned. "That's too low. Do you take the remaining seventy?"
"No," Uchiha Su said, waving his hand. "Seventy percent remains with the Village. They must cover investment costs, salaries, and infrastructure. The distribution is fair."
Mirei hesitated, then finally nodded. "Since you came personally, I am willing to try it."
"Excellent. This is a fruitful cooperation. The profits will satisfy your clan," Uchiha Su said with a confident smile.
He didn't waste time. Next, he visited the Hōzuki Clan, known for their hydration techniques.
"Can't help but turn into a stubborn fish, swimming alone to the end along the ocean current…" Uchiha Su muttered humorously as he approached.
Persuading Hōzuki Gengetsu proved far easier than dealing with Minazuki Mirei. The Hōzuki were natural masters of water and had no objections to entering cold chain logistics. Once Uchiha Su offered them 30% of profits, they quickly agreed, and the contract was sealed.
Uchiha Su left the meeting with a triumphant grin. The Hidden Mist Village was on the brink of transformation. Electricity, refrigeration, cold storage, and seafood processing would soon change the Village's economy and standard of living. Ordinary ninja and civilians alike would benefit. The sea, long a source of sustenance, would now become a driver of industry, innovation, and wealth.
Walking along the shoreline, Uchiha Su imagined fleets of fishing boats, refrigerated storage facilities, and bustling processing plants. Each clan had a role. Minazuki with Ice Release could maintain freezing temperatures for transport. Hōzuki with water mastery could control logistics and cooling processes. Hattori Tarō and his recruited engineers would build the technological infrastructure that tied it all together.
Even the civilians would benefit. No longer would they struggle to preserve food or be at the mercy of seasonal scarcity. Their standard of living would rise, and the Village would grow stronger from the bottom up.
"This is only the beginning," Uchiha Su whispered to himself. "The Hidden Mist will rise not by brute strength alone but through ingenuity, industry, and cooperation. The sea provides life, but it will also provide wealth, innovation, and prosperity. Those who follow me will live better lives—and together, we will reshape the world of ninjas."
The ocean breeze carried his words across the shoreline, rustling the masts of fishing vessels and scattering seagulls into the sky. His vision, once confined to strategy and battle, now encompassed commerce, technology, and the welfare of every citizen.
Uchiha Su's path was clear. By leveraging the sea, modern technology, and the unique abilities of the Village's clans, Hidden Mist would no longer be a minor player in the Ninja World. It would become a force of wealth, innovation, and influence. Every step, from air conditioners to seafood processing, from radio communications to cold chain logistics, was a building block toward a self-sufficient, thriving Village.
And at the center of it all stood Uchiha Su, guiding the Hidden Mist Village not just with strategy and skill, but with vision, determination, and the promise of a better life for all.
Advance Chapters avilable on patreon (Obito_uchiha)