"Fire Shadow-sama, the iron mines have already been consolidated. Nearly a quarter of the Land of Fire's iron resources are now under Konoha Ironworks."
Shikaku Nara reported the latest progress in detail.
"Now that the war has ended, pig iron prices are stabilizing. Combined with the effects of the previous futures operation, prices are unlikely to fluctuate much in the next one or two years. If Konoha wants to recover its investment, it may take five to eight years."
He hesitated slightly before continuing.
"This acquisition… was rather forceful. The daimyō's side has already taken notice."
To be honest, Shikaku didn't support such large-scale purchases. The investment was enormous, and the return cycle far too long. If that money had been used to train shinobi, Konoha's recovery would have been much faster. Moreover, the methods used this time—strong-arm acquisitions and opportunistic takeovers—had already caused significant unrest among the noble families controlling the iron trade.
Ren, however, remained completely unconcerned.
"Relax, Shikaku. I can guarantee that future demand for steel will far exceed your imagination. We may even have to worry about insufficient production driving prices up."
He spoke casually, as if stating an obvious fact.
"Konoha's steel consumption over the past few months has already surpassed what we used in an entire year before—and that was during wartime. Factories, roads, housing, electricity, cables—every piece of infrastructure requires massive amounts of steel. Konoha has already begun its path toward industrialization, and it will only go further. Eventually, this will radiate outward across the entire Land of Fire."
Shikaku felt his heart stir.
Because everything Ren described… was already happening.
In just a few months, Konoha had transformed at an astonishing pace. Merchants who had been on the brink of bankruptcy were now expanding, opening multiple branches. The once simple market streets were evolving into true commercial districts, filled with food, entertainment, and trade.
The village's population had increased by nearly a quarter. Refugees were being absorbed in large numbers to support the construction of power plants, factories, and roads.
Konoha's revenue had surged past 15 billion ryō.
Most shocking of all—mission commissions, once the backbone of Konoha's economy, had shrunk to less than one-sixth of total revenue. Even if missions returned to normal levels, they would struggle to reach one-fourth.
A new era had already begun.
"As for the daimyō," Ren continued, "just smooth things over. Give him some excuse—anything will do."
He took a sip of his drink, tone indifferent.
"Even if Konoha can develop just fine without his funding now, we still need to maintain a good relationship. Between nations, the daimyō holds far more influence than any hidden village. Our future business expansions will still depend on him."
The meaning was clear.
As long as the daimyō cooperated, everything was fine.
If not…
Ren had other options.
"Understood, Fire Shadow-sama."
Shikaku nodded and picked up another report.
"The Third Mizukage of Kirigakure has accepted Konoha's invitation to the Five Kage Summit. We now need to confirm the location, time, and attending personnel."
Ren thought for a moment.
In the past, such meetings had been held in Konoha—back when Hashirama Senju was alive. His invitations had been… persuasive.
If they refused to come, he would personally "invite" them.
No one had dared decline.
But Ren wasn't Hashirama.
And after the deaths of Tobirama Senju and the Second Raikage during negotiations, trust between villages had only worsened. Holding the summit in Konoha now would make the other Kage wary.
"Inform the four villages: the Five Kage Summit will be held in the Land of Hot Water."
"Security will be handled by Yugakure. Each village may bring only one guard squad."
A neutral location. A peaceful reputation. Limited forces.
No one would have an excuse to refuse.
"Understood."
Shikaku bowed and left to make arrangements.
Ren leaned back on the sofa, sipping an ice-cold cola with satisfaction.
"Finally, some time to relax…"
Knock knock.
"Fire Shadow-sama!"
Orochimaru entered, looking both nervous and excited.
Ren smiled slightly.
"Orochimaru. How did filming feel?"
"It was… fine," Orochimaru replied, though his tone carried a hint of annoyance. "But the attention at school has become troublesome. It's interfering with my studies."
Ren chuckled.
"Jiraiya would kill for that kind of treatment."
After a brief exchange, Orochimaru could no longer suppress his curiosity.
"Fire Shadow-sama… what will you teach me today?"
Ren stood up.
"Come with me."
They left the office and headed to the Uchiha compound, descending into a hidden underground laboratory.
Three layers of barrier seals protected the facility. One of them was specifically designed to counter space-time techniques—a seal originally created by Tobirama himself and later recorded in the Scroll of Seals.
Now, it was being used… on its creator.
As Orochimaru stepped inside, his eyes widened in shock. Complex sealing formulas covered the walls, and dozens of identical figures were working simultaneously throughout the lab.
Shadow clones.
"Tobirama, take a break," Ren called out casually. "Come meet someone."
One of the clones stopped and turned around, his expression dark.
"…How considerate of you. Allowing one clone to rest."
Ren grinned.
"Tobirama, don't be like that. Today I'm introducing you to a future… excellent talent. His research aptitude is no less than yours."
Tobirama's gaze shifted to Orochimaru.
Meanwhile, Orochimaru's mind had gone completely blank.
The Second Hokage—
Alive?
"Tobirama-sama," Ren said smoothly, "although you died during negotiations with Kumogakure, even in death you still care deeply for Konoha. You personally appeared in my dreams and taught me a forbidden technique that allows the dead to remain in this world for an extended time—so that you can continue contributing to Konoha from the shadows."
"This… is the Will of Fire."
He turned his head slightly.
"Tobirama, I'm right, aren't I?"
Tobirama's face darkened instantly.
What nonsense.
It was clearly this Uchiha brat who dug up his grave and forced him into labor under threat.
But under Orochimaru's shining, reverent gaze—
Tobirama gritted his teeth.
"…Yes."
"…All of this… is for Konoha."
He chose dignity over truth.
Orochimaru's eyes sparkled with admiration.
"As expected of the Second Hokage… how noble."
But what truly fascinated him—
Was the forbidden technique itself.
A jutsu that could bring the dead back to the world of the living.
His breathing quickened.
Without realizing it, he licked his lips.
Ren noticed.
…There it was.
That familiar gesture.
Looking at Orochimaru's still-young face, Ren felt a strange sense of nostalgia.
So it begins.
Still, with Tobirama guiding him, Orochimaru's future might take a different path.
At the very least—
He probably wouldn't betray Konoha.
And if Tobirama somehow failed…
Ren would never let him forget it.
Tobirama narrowed his eyes slightly.
"You say this child has talent equal to mine?"
He snorted.
"…I don't believe it."
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