Friday evening, Hokage Office.
Financial statements spread across the desk recorded Konoha's recent fiscal deficit.
Seven high-ranking officials sat around the conference table, their expressions somewhat grave.
Fugaku's voice was low and slightly despondent. "According to the latest data from the Ministry of Finance, Konoha's economic situation is very grim after the war. Recently, Konoha's housing prices have fallen by 52%, commercial street turnover has decreased by 48% year-on-year, and mission requests are only 42% of pre-war levels."
Shun's fingers lightly tapped the table. "Before the Third Great Ninja War, Konoha had 24,163 ninjas, but now that number is only 6,652. This means that our high-spending ninja population is now only 27.5% of what it was before the war."
The atmosphere in the conference room grew heavier, and everyone realized that Konoha's economic recession had become an unavoidable fact.
Just then, Shun suddenly stood up and said, "We need to make some changes. We need to organize a sensational event to re-attract the attention of nobles and wealthy merchants from various countries."
Hiashi narrowed his eyes slightly, seemingly pondering the deeper meaning of Shun's words. "What do you mean?"
Shun revealed a confident smile and said, "I suggest holding a match. Jiraiya, one of the three Sannin versus Shun, the Strongest of the New Generation. We can use this opportunity to reactivate Konoha's economic chain."
As soon as Shun's words fell, a murmur of whispers immediately arose, clearly piquing everyone's interest.
Shikaku reminded, "Minister Shun, Jiraiya's whereabouts are uncertain, it might be difficult to find him."
Shun smiled mysteriously. He had seen Jiraiya that afternoon, but their interaction had not been pleasant.
"Jiraiya has returned to the village, and I've discussed this with him, he has agreed."
Shikaku nodded and said, "Since Jiraiya has agreed, we can give it a try."
Fugaku tapped the table and said, "As for the location, we can choose the area below the Valley of the End. This allows us to control the crowd and utilize the natural terrain for protection."
Logistics Minister Kurama Unkai readily nodded. "Regarding the tickets for the match, as well as decorations and so on, the logistics department will fully support it."
Shun's lips curved into a mysterious smile. "Not long ago, the Sarutobi, Shimura, Utatane, and Mito clans, who were recruited by the Land of Fire Daimyo, were completely plundered. So the Land of Fire Daimyo is currently recruiting strong individuals everywhere. Now that there's an opportunity to witness a battle between true strong individuals, he certainly won't miss it."
After some mental calculations, Shikaku said, "Based on the ticket prices discussed earlier, plus surrounding dining and gambling revenue, the estimated single-day profit could reach 30 to 60 billion ryo. With this fund, Konoha's current economic pressure can be greatly alleviated."
Shun suddenly thought of something and said, "Since it's a match, there must be prize money. Based on ticket revenue, the winner gets 10%, and the loser gets 3%."
Upon hearing this, Yashiro frowned. "Shun, are you confident you can defeat Jiraiya?"
Shun remained calm and composed. "Sixty percent chance of winning, worst case is a draw."
...
The morning mist had not yet fully dispersed, but the Konoha bulletin board was already crowded with people.
The early spring sunlight shone on the huge poster, making the images of the two ninjas appear lifelike.
"Look! It's Jiraiya-sama!"
"Shun-sama is so handsome! I'm in love!"
On the left side of the poster, Jiraiya stood proudly atop Gamabunta's head, his white hair fluttering in the morning breeze, a characteristic bold smile on his face.
On the right, Shun, clad in a black high-collared uniform, his Three-Tomoe Sharingan conveying an undeniable majesty.
In the very center of the poster, in prominent gold lettering, was written:
[Legendary Showdown! Jiraiya, one of the three Sannin VS Shun, the Strongest New Star]
[Next Sunday at Valley of the End! Limited Seats on Sale Now!]
This news spread like wildfire throughout the Land of Fire and neighboring countries.
Some were confident in Jiraiya's strength, believing he would easily defeat Shun. Others acknowledged Shun's rise, thinking he might be able to defeat Jiraiya.
Outside the Konoha ticket office, the line stretched two streets long.
A merchant from the Land of Lightning wiped his sweat, counting the silver notes in his hand.
"Give me a 2 million ryo ticket for the wealthy merchant section. This is a great opportunity to please the Daimyo."
In a corner, several young ninjas huddled together, calculating, "The cheapest ticket in the wealthy merchant section is 1 million ryo but it allows 5 people to enter. If we find 5 people to chip in, it should be better than the regular section."
...
In a hot spring inn in Tanzaku Quarters, Jiraiya looked at the newly delivered brochure, on the cover of which he was striking an exaggerated pose.
He gritted his teeth and threw the brochure into the hot spring, the paper quickly became soaked.
"These bastards, do they really think of me as a performer? But if I win, I get 10% of the ticket revenue, that should be a few hundred million ryo. With that money, I can have a good time at the pleasure district for a long time. Beautiful women... hehe."
...
At this moment, Shun was holding Tsunade, his eyes closed in thought about Jiraiya's information.
Jiraiya's strongest trump card should be Sage Mode.
Once Jiraiya successfully enters Sage Mode, the battle will become extremely tricky.
He opened his eyes, a hint of worry in his brows.
Fukasaku and Shima.
Those two toads are also Kage-level in strength. Including Jiraiya himself, it's equivalent to fighting three Kage-level opponents simultaneously.
In terms of Chakra reserves, Jiraiya has extremely great endurance for prolonged battles. If it turns into a war of attrition, the outcome is indeed hard to predict.
Sixty percent win rate, he was too optimistic.
Fortunately, he has the system, it should be able to help him.
'System, I want to fuse skills.'
[Ding, detected: B-rank Fire Release: Great Dragon Fire Technique + B-rank Shadow Clone + B-rank Divine Demon Transformation, all proficiency levels have reached Perfection, Fusion deduction can be performed!]
[Ding, initial deduction complete, Host, please choose the deduction direction!]
[Flame Divine Demon: A-rank Ninjutsu.
When this Ninjutsu is used in the three-headed, six-armed state, it can summon a 60-meter tall, three-headed, six-armed Flame Divine Demon Shadow Clone. This Shadow Clone can absorb flames to replenish itself and possesses a trace of indestructible property, meaning it will not disappear from ordinary attacks.
Weakness: Water Release and Ice Release related Ninjutsu attacks.]
[Seraph: A-rank Ninjutsu.
Transforms the user into a Seraph form, wielding a flaming spear. Using this spear allows for the use of B-rank and below Fire Release Ninjutsu without hand seals. Possesses three pairs of flaming wings, with incredibly fast flight speed.]
[Phoenix Summon: A-rank Ninjutsu.
Summons a flaming Phoenix and hundreds of fire birds to automatically attack surrounding enemies. The flaming Phoenix is a special Shadow Clone, possessing a certain consciousness, and can continuously summon fire birds.]
Which Ninjutsu should I choose?
Shun fell into deep thought.