Torifu nodded. "You both arrived quickly. I do have a project I want to assign to you, and it's a very important one. Personally, I am very optimistic about this project."
The two were puzzled. "A project? What project?"
Torifu didn't keep them guessing and went straight to the point. "I imagine you Big Brothers have heard about the Aquaculture Industry in the Land of Rain."
At this, Hiruzen and Danzo felt a surge of excitement! Who hadn't heard about the recently popular Aquaculture Industry? Konoha was coordinating with three other ninja villages to jointly develop the Land of Rain. This wasn't just boosting economic development; it was also strengthening the alliance between the three countries.
"Of course. All the clans in Konoha are discussing it right now."
Torifu smiled faintly. "Then this is easy to talk about. I discussed the development of the Land of Rain with the Tsuchikage and others, so this matter naturally falls to Konoha."
"However, the costs for the development will be paid for by Sunagakure and Iwagakure; this is their investment."
"But the Land of Rain is vast, and I don't have the energy to monitor it constantly, so I need to hand this task over to people I trust."
Hiruzen and Danzo were momentarily stunned. They couldn't possibly misunderstand Torifu's intention. He was planning to put them in charge of the Land of Rain development.
"Does Hokage-sama truly trust us this much?"
"Naturally. We've been running missions together since we were children. After so many years of friendship, who else would I trust if not you two?"
Hiruzen and Danzo knew that if they obtained the authority over the Land of Rain development, the profits they could gain would be several times the total assets of both their clans combined! This extraordinary fortune, if presented to anyone else, would tempt them to use every means possible to keep it for themselves. Yet, Torifu was handing it over to them so casually. This made both Hiruzen and Danzo so moved they didn't know what to say.
"In addition to that, I also plan to hand over all subsequent maintenance in the Land of Rain to you. You can establish a Land of Rain Management Department specifically for this purpose, making it easier for you to recruit personnel."
"Y-yes... yes." Hiruzen and Danzo still hadn't fully recovered from the shock of this immense wealth. They agreed to everything Torifu said. But once they fully processed it, another wave of dizziness hit them.
"Hokage-sama, we will definitely not let you down!"
This was an opportunity that could allow both their clans to rapidly ascend, and they had to seize it.
The two clan heads then exchanged a glance, and Hiruzen spoke up. "Hokage-sama, if such enormous profits are only reaped by our two clans, it would be somewhat unfair to the other clans." He continued, "To ensure the stability of Konoha and harmony among the clans, I think it would be better to let other clans participate as well."
There was wisdom in Hiruzen's words, and Torifu nodded. "In that case, let the other clans participate as well, and put them in charge of subsidiary work. During the work period, your two clans will retain the highest command authority."
"Yes, Hokage-sama!"
With that, the two men withdrew. The detailed development proposal had already been sent to the Kazekage and the Tsuchikage. As soon as they called to approve it, the work could begin.
Hiruzen and Danzo didn't waste any time. They immediately started organizing things and recruiting manpower. The Land of Rain Management Department was established, and the heads of the various clans were contacted. This development would undoubtedly bring immense wealth to the clans throughout Konoha. The Sarutobi Clan and the Shimura Clan would benefit the most.
However, Torifu wasn't worried about how they would act once they grew stronger, because no matter how inflated their clans became, they could never escape Torifu's control. Moreover, even if they gained huge profits from the Land of Rain development, it would still be less than a fraction of the Kumotsuru Clan's assets. The Kumotsuru Clan had been selling electrical appliances and establishing base stations across the Ninja World for years. The wealth they had accumulated was far beyond their imagination, so Torifu simply didn't care about this small profit. Giving it to the clans could help boost Konoha's overall strength.
After receiving the summons from Danzo and Hiruzen, the clan heads of Konoha all made their way to the Sarutobi Clan compound. Of course, the Uchiha Clan and the Senju Clan would not be going. Like the Kumotsuru Clan, they didn't care for this profit. Descended from the Sage of Six Paths era, how could their family wealth not be plentiful? Plus, with every ninja in their clans being elite, their two clans' assets were already incredibly abundant. They had more than they could ever spend.
When the other clan heads learned that Hokage-sama had given the authority for the Land of Rain development to the Sarutobi and Shimura clans, their eyes went red! What did this mean? Were they summoned here just for a show of boasting?
But the very next sentence immediately stunned the clan heads.
"What! Our respective clans can also participate!"
The room instantly erupted in noise. The clan heads, who had been slightly angered just moments before, immediately broke into delighted smiles!
"Everyone calm down. This was all ordered by Hokage-sama. All clans can participate, but the command authority rests with our two clans. Does anyone have an objection?"
How could anyone dare to object? The Hokage-sama's arrangement was the most correct. It didn't matter who held the command authority, as long as they could get a piece of the pie. Seeing the clan heads' reactions, Danzo smiled faintly. "This is all by Hokage-sama's command. Everyone needs to remember this well. This is a great opportunity to expand your clans." He warned, "I hope everyone takes full advantage of it and doesn't shirk your duties when you are in a position of responsibility."
The clan heads were all experienced veterans and naturally understood this logic. Their families hadn't reached their current status through deception or trickery but through hard work, bit by bit.
"Don't worry, Danzo. None of us are fools. We won't delay Hokage-sama's important business."
Following this, the clan heads chatted for a while longer. After about an hour, the meeting finally concluded. Every clan head who left the Sarutobi Clan compound had a smile on their face. Villagers who didn't know what was happening might have thought something joyous had occurred in the Sarutobi Clan, and the clan heads were there to offer their congratulations.
Torifu watched it all silently from the office window. If he wanted to, he could immediately hear what the clan heads were discussing. But he didn't, precisely because he trusted Danzo and Hiruzen, and he also trusted the clan heads of Konoha.
"The Land of Rain development is a big deal. I hope they don't disappoint me, otherwise cleaning up the mess would be a real hassle."
Anka spoke up from the side. "Hokage-sama, you needn't worry. I will meticulously review the development proposal again to ensure everything is foolproof."