Nara Luming smiled and said, "First, build a trial zone. It will require approximately three billion. We can observe the results and then decide whether to proceed with expansion."
After Nara Luming said this, everyone felt even more reassured. As expected of a member of the Nara clan, his mind was sharp. Doing it this way meant that even if it failed, the impact wouldn't be too great.
If it succeeded, it would be a great achievement allowing for increased investment. If it lost money, they could stop the operation and cut their losses in time. The current three billion was a small amount compared to the 460 billion. They could advance to attack or retreat to defend.
Ryun nodded. He was not surprised. Nara Luming had a good business mind, but the people of his clan were all very steady.
"Approved. I will grant you a plot of land in a bustling area of the village to construct new buildings for the trial," Ryun stated.
Nara Luming, however, shook his head. "Hokage-sama, regarding the land, I already have an idea. That plot, right opposite the Hokage Building."
Ryun raised an eyebrow. Huh? This guy... interesting. The closest to the Hokage Building? Nara Luming indeed had a sharp eye.
The clan heads who had been opposed were stunned. Damn, where? Opposite the Hokage Building? Near the political center! Damn! Right at the Hokage's feet!
Their minds became active, and they looked at Nara Luming with fervent eyes!
Ryun nodded. "Since that is the case, I approve. However, you must pay three times the market price for that land. And this is only for this one time. In the future, build on the bustling streets."
Nara Luming smiled. "Thank you, Hokage-sama, for your support." He then stepped down. He knew Ryun was helping him. Although it was only this once, it was enough for him to build reputation and achieve great success!
When he returned to his seat, some clan heads approached him with smiles. "Well, Luming-sama, my voice was a bit loud earlier, my mistake. About the new houses..."
"The new houses will be sold uniformly after construction is completed. The price will be fair, just, and public," Nara Luming said with a smile.
That person nodded, then stepped back, looking pleased.
Next, it was Orochimaru's turn. He stepped onto the stage, bowed, and then spoke. "I presume everyone's quality of life has improved considerably recently. Mobile phones, refrigerators, color televisions, bicycles, and so on."
Everyone nodded, smiling. They all knew these were inventions created by Orochimaru. Although there were vague descriptions from Ryun, he was the one who could turn those vague ideas into reality, which was remarkable.
"Technology changes life. Technology is the primary productive force. What technology can provide is endless. Have any of you wondered why the medical instruments in Kumogakure are so precise?" Orochimaru scanned the audience.
Everyone looked at each other. Orochimaru's lips curved into a smile. "It is technology!"
"Their country invests heavily in technology, hence they possess the highest quality surgical instruments. So, I ask you, can Konoha not achieve this?"
"As the leader of the Five Great Shinobi Villages, can we not accomplish what Kumogakure can? No, we can! This is what I firmly believe!" Orochimaru's speech was highly infectious and persuasive.
It shocked and enthralled over 90 percent of the clans present. Yes! If those brutes in Kumogakure can make them, why can't we?
Izuna Uchiha watched Orochimaru with a grave expression. This guy's gestures and movements were powerful and compelling. His words were not idealistic but achievable.
He started by mentioning the improvement in quality of life, a hidden implication being, 'I achieved this,' giving everyone a favorable impression. Then he stirred their emotions regarding Kumogakure, stating the principle that Konoha is not inferior to others.
This move alone had won over nearly 70 to 80 percent of the people's support, laying a good foundation for his next objective!
"Remarkable. Konoha has such talent," Izuna Uchiha sighed. This action pulled back the excited Hashirama Senju, and even Madara Uchiha, who was lost in fantasies about the future.
They looked at Izuna Uchiha, somewhat confused. Tobirama Senju was not surprised; he knew exactly what his elder brother was like, and he had expected Madara to be captivated.
"Izuna is indeed Izuna, seeing the crux of the matter at a glance," Tobirama Senju said with a smile.
"This Orochimaru is a talented individual. He has ability, courage, and can incite people's emotions, using that emotion to lay the groundwork for his own goals," Tobirama Senju said calmly.
"He has the potential of a politician, and a very strong one at that. His body language and words are so powerful, so full of strength, making people yearn for it unconsciously," Izuna Uchiha said with a smile.
"Hmm. It's fortunate he is from Konoha, and fortunate he is a researcher. If he were a politician, I might have to be wary of him," Tobirama Senju said calmly.
Hashirama Senju snapped back to reality, scratched his head, and muttered that he didn't understand.
Madara Uchiha, however, nodded, looking at Orochimaru. This guy is really impressive!
Ryun watched this scene with a strange expression. This posture, these movements... damn, Bread Guy?
Thinking that he was engaged in scientific research and not art, Ryun felt relieved. Although he knew before coming to this world that Orochimaru had charisma, seeing it today, he realized his previous estimation was too conservative.
"Therefore, please believe me. I will engage in scientific research, allowing Konoha to lead the other four great nations. Let our Konoha villagers enjoy a higher quality of life. Let our Konoha become more prosperous and thriving. Let our Konoha people face people from other countries with their heads held high, proud and confident!" Orochimaru thrust out his right hand, his left fist clenched in front of his chest!
"We believe you, Orochimaru-sama!"
"Orochimaru-sama has already brought earth-shaking changes to our lives. The appearance of mobile phones allows us to contact our friends anytime. Passing messages is just a matter of a phone call, making things convenient beyond measure!"
"Orochimaru-sama, are you still accepting people for research?"
"Orochimaru-sama!"
Ryun tutted. He really is impressive! If he were a politician... Ryun imagined, if Orochimaru had become the Fourth Hokage in the original story, he might have been more suitable than the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi and the original Fourth Hokage Minato Namikaze!
"Hokage-sama!" Orochimaru turned and knelt on one knee. "Please allow Orochimaru to continue his scientific research, to burn out for Konoha, to illuminate everyone's wonderful future life! Where the leaves of Konoha dance, the fire will burn eternally!"
Ryun smiled. This was him stating his position: I will spend my life only in the research institute, I will not cause trouble, I only wish for Konoha's prosperity.
Ryun waved his hand, not in refusal, but to say no more words were needed. "Between you and me, no need for many words. Just state the amount directly."
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