A/N - Sorry, I am Late Today, I was Revising the First few chapters btw because of existing comments on them . I will be posting up the Revised version in Auxiliary Volume.
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The snowfall had arrived, signaling the end of the war. The ninja world felt desolate, still recovering from the recent conflict. The early arrival of winter seemed almost fitting, a somber reminder of the toll war had taken on the land. In its icy embrace, there was a faint glimmer of hope, a chance for reflection and the possibility of a new beginning.
Today marked the first meeting of early winter in the Land of Grass, approximately two months since the last meeting where the five-year plan was designated.
It's worth mentioning that the village had welcomed new members this year, including three children, Nagato's mother, and the Uzumaki clan. However, Akihiko kept Nagato's possession of the Rinnegan a secret. Knowing that the ninja world was filled with greed, he understood the importance of keeping Nagato's eyes hidden. As long as he didn't reveal his special abilities or encounter someone knowledgeable about the Rinnegan, Nagato's secret would remain safe.
During this meeting, a representative from the Uzumaki clan, Yoshinori Uzumaki, the third Uzumaki elder, was present. Akihiko, as the leader of Kusagakure, addressed everyone with a serious expression, saying, "The construction of the Hidden Grass Village is proceeding smoothly. However, we need to find additional sources of income!"
Akihiko was aware that they couldn't solely rely on his book writing for financial support. He wrote books out of duty as the leader of the Land of Grass, for the development of the country, rather than personal enjoyment.
Mubuki, a shameless individual, immediately suggested, "Selling intelligence! This has always been an important source of funds for our Hidden Grass Village. Even though the income from this business has decreased during peacetime due to the lack of intelligence, we can fabricate some information!" Shamelessly, he spoke as if it were a common practice, saying, "As long as we mention... wars, invasions, stealing bloodlines, it's almost guaranteed to be profitable!"
His words received immediate approval from the other higher-ups. In a village without mission assignments, this was the quickest way to generate income and an important source of funds for the Hidden Grass Village.
"That's right! We have experience in this line of work!"
"As long as we get paid and provide the information, it's their problem if they investigate it!"
"All the other ninja villages have their own issues! Even if they find out, so what? It's not a big deal!"
Akihiko watched in frustration as everyone expressed their support for this strategy.
On the other hand, Uzumaki Yoshinori, representing the Uzumaki clan, was taken aback by the meeting's proceedings. He had heard rumors that the Hidden Grass Village lacked shame, and now he witnessed it firsthand. Selling fake intelligence? Weren't they afraid of retaliation from other ninja villages?
As an Uzumaki, he had grown weary of wandering and found solace in the fact that only the Land of Grass was willing to accept them. He felt grateful to the Country of Grass, and as a member of the land, he understood that it was his duty to obey its leader's decisions.
However, Akihiko, feeling frustrated, responded, "Very well, Mubuki, your suggestion is reasonable." He paused for a moment before continuing, "But let's not bring it up again in the future."
Akihiko's presence in the Country of Grass had brought stability and unity to a land that was previously plagued by political corruption and internal conflicts. The people of the country had become united and displayed remarkable cohesion thanks to his efforts.
However, He couldn't help but worry about the possibility of the Fourth Great Ninja War being initiated by the Country of Grass, followed by invasion from the Five Great Nations. The fake intelligence being sold by the Hidden Grass Village was crossing a line that concerned him greatly.
He crossed his arms and surveyed the bewildered faces of the people in the room. Speaking with seriousness, he said, "First, we must identify our advantages and plan our development according to our unique circumstances. Our decision-making and work should always be based on practical considerations. This is the foundation for solving our problems and achieving efficient development!"
The people exchanged puzzled looks, silently communicating their confusion about his circular speech. "What advantages does the Country of Grass have? Abundant flowers and plants?" they wondered.
Akihiko noticed their confusion and nodded. "It seems like you should understand," he said, and continued, "One of the topics of today's meeting is the development of animal husbandry in the Country of Grass!"
He explained that the Land of Lightning's largest source of economic income was alcohol and the export of high-quality beef. As an example, during Naruto's wedding, they even gifted a whole black cow, highlighting its value.
In contrast, the Land of Grass had abundant pastures with a variety of high-yield, high-nutrition grass, as well as other plants and herbs. The only setback was the relatively small territory.
"So, we can go to the Land of Lightning and steal high-quality cattle and sheep that will rightfully belong to the Country of Grass!"
Later on, they can promote it by carefully selecting and breeding, having them drink natural water from birth, consuming nutritious herbs, playing music and telling stories to them during rearing, and even inviting professional physical ninja to massage them, promoting blood circulation.
'Every muscle in the beef will get enough exercise, resulting in tender, delicate, and juicy meat that melts in your mouth with every bite!'
As long as the product met the required standards, the rest would be a matter of marketing. Even if it fell short, they could still create hype. Following trends is human nature.
The members of the meeting were stunned by Akihiko's ideas and couldn't help but marvel at his creativity. They realized how far behind they were compared to selling fake intelligence.
Mubuki sighed and said, "Indeed, the leader is a true person from the Land of Grass!"
Akihiko looked speechless at Mubuki's comment. He wasn't deceiving anyone, he was simply promoting a product. There was a difference.
Twitching his mouth, Akihiko continued, "Additionally, we should focus on promoting the Country of Grass to attract more people to come here." He took out a stack of documents from his pocket and placed them on the table.
Akihiko also has an idea in his mind about taking advantage of a certain wealthy woman who was on her way to becoming a "big fat sheep."
"And lastly, we will venture into making movies!" Akihiko announced. The people couldn't help but look at the documents curiously. Written on them was the title, "The Gambling Shadow"!!!
"It's a movie script that I have written," he explained with pride. "It is set in the Country of Grass, featuring the hidden ninja village of the Country of Grass, showcasing their abilities and the beautiful scenery of the Country of Grass. It will be a movie that promotes the Country of Grass to the rest of the ninja world!"
Confusion filled the room as everyone stared at each other with question marks on their faces. They wondered, "What is this all about?"
...…..
"Therefore, remember, the development of a nation is not simply about hosting dinner parties or throwing shurikens and performing ninjutsu. We must adapt to the local conditions, seize the opportunity, and analyze the specific situation of the Grass Country! Specific circumstances require specific analysis. Only then can we find a path suitable for the development of the Grass Country."
As Akihiko finished his speech. He Sipped the hot tea served by Kana, exuding an air of wisdom and experience, looking like a seasoned senior.
"Now that the meeting is over, everyone should write a reflection of no less than eight thousand words, thoroughly analyzing today's meeting and the Grass Country's situation."
Silence filled the room as everyone looked blankly at Akihiko. They were astonished, not because of his analysis, but because they understood and yet didn't understand what was expected of them. They were ordinary shinobi—what could they possibly write in an eight-thousand-word reflection?
As most of the attendees left the meeting room with bewildered expressions, Akihiko stretched lazily and decided to go check on Fuso and Nagato, who were moving to the neighboring house. However, before he could leave with Kana, Uzumaki Yoshinori, who hadn't departed yet, called out to him. "Kusano-sama"
Akihiko paused and turned to Yoshinori. "Is there something you need, Elder Yoshinori?"
Yoshinori hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Well... does the leader have any tasks for the Uzumaki clan? I don't mean anything else, but the Grass Country has shown sincerity in accepting the Uzumaki clan and providing us a peaceful place to live. If there's nothing for us to do, the Uzumaki clan... feels ashamed."
Akihiko furrowed his brow and casually replied, "What should your clan do? Have children, of course!"
Yoshinori looked up at Akihiko, surprised and bewildered. "H-have children?" he stammered.
Akihiko continued, "Your clan is on the verge of extinction. Instead of wasting time on other matters, you should focus on procreation. How can a nation become strong without an increase in population? Just go and have children honestly. The more children you have, the greater the rewards!"
Both Kana and Yoshinori were left speechless, wondering how having children could strengthen a nation. They couldn't grasp the connection between the two.