[Application for Heightening and Reinforcing the Walls of the Third Factory in the Land of Rain]
Akihiko stared blankly at the application in his hands, momentarily lost in thought. He had planned to enjoy a well-deserved day of rest at home, especially since his workload had lightened thanks to Mikoto's assistance. However, out of the blue, he received an application delivered by a swift messenger from the Sand Village, reportedly written by Advisor Chiyo herself.
But why was there a need to increase the height and thickness of the walls at the Third Factory? And why was an old advisor from the Sand Village involved? What did the factory in the Land of Rain have to do with them? Confused, Akihiko tilted his head and blinked at Mikoto.
Before he could voice his questions, Mikoto, having spent several days adapting to his communication style, smiled and explained, "According to reports from the Land of Rain, Advisor Chiyo visited the Third Factory under Hanzō's leadership. After learning about the factory's importance, she proposed some security measures."
After a brief pause, she added, "Advisor Chiyo mentioned that this was a way to show gratitude for Hanzō's support, and she would personally cover the expenses as a contribution to the Land of Grass."
To be honest, she didn't fully understand the reasoning either. But she couldn't help but admire, "Ah, Akihiko, you're quite impressive!"
After all, it hadn't been long, yet the Sand Village had acknowledged the Land of Grass to this extent. Even the advisors from the Sand Village were eager to contribute.
However, as those words sank in, Akihiko wore a peculiar expression, lowering his gaze to the application. His eyes reflected a whirlwind of thoughts.
It seemed that Advisor Chiyo had indeed found her biological grandson. But why hadn't she brought Sasori with her? And why hadn't he chosen to follow his grandmother?
After all, Akihiko was well aware that the boy wanted to escape the Third Factory. He had known about Sasori's desire for some time, but unforeseen 'accidents' had consistently kept the boy tethered to his current situation.
And now… Advisor Chiyo was willing to use her own money to raise the walls? What did this mean? Was she planning for her grandson to be tied to the factory for life?
Akihiko sighed and nodded, pressing a stamp of approval onto the application. "Well then, this is Advisor Chiyo's goodwill."
If she wanted her grandson to work in the factory, what could he, as the leader, do but agree? He wondered how Sasori would feel when he found out that his grandmother was reinforcing the walls for him. Would he feel... touched?
Looking up at Mikoto, Akihiko instructed, "Please ensure that supervision at the Third Factory is tightened during this time. Especially remind them to keep an eye on a young man named Sasori and make sure he doesn't sneak away."
"Sasori?" Mikoto echoed, confused. Though puzzled by the necessity, she nodded and replied, "I'll notify them right away!"
At that moment, after finishing up his tasks, Akihiko yawned and settled into the sofa, watching as Mikoto approached him. She wore a long black dress with a light yellow apron, her hair casually cascading down her back as she served him a cup of hot tea. Unlike her usual work attire, today Mikoto looked like a housewife. As a result, she appeared less businesslike and more gentle and graceful.
That's right, today Mikoto was also on a break. Since he had given himself a day off, it only seemed fair to allow the hardworking Mikoto to take a break too. Otherwise, it would be exploitation, wouldn't it? What if her children thought he was bullying their mother?
As for Fuso, she had taken Karin to buy groceries in preparation for lunch. With everyone else at work or school, it meant that only he and Mikoto were left in the house.
After taking a sip of the tea Mikoto handed him, Akihiko remarked, "Speaking of which, it's about time Sasuke and Naruto had their break too."
Mikoto paused for a moment, then nodded with a smile. "Yes, they deserve a break as well."
As she spoke, a hint of complexity appeared in her eyes. Unbeknownst to her, she had already spent a year in the Land of Grass and had grown accustomed to her new life. She hadn't expected her life in the Land of Grass to unfold this way. Initially, she thought that after arriving at Grass Village, she would continue living with the Uchiha clan.
However, due to the issues surrounding the Uchiha clan, she believed she would end up living with Sasuke amidst their grievances, gradually making amends. Little did she know that in the end, she would find herself here, living with Kushina, while also having Akihiko take care of her and Sasuke. Although she had grown used to it, she still felt a little embarrassed about the whole situation.
Just then, while the two were leisurely sipping tea and waiting for Fuso to return, the doorbell rang. Mikoto shook off her thoughts and quickly stood up to head to the door.
"Sorry to bother you, Mrs. Fuso… Oh! I mean, Mrs. Mikoto!" Mubuki said hurriedly as he stood at the threshold, quickly correcting himself. "Is Leader Akihiko here?"
"...Yes! Yes, he is, Lord Mubuki." Mikoto paused for a moment but didn't mind the mix-up.
"Just call me Mubuki. That's fine," he replied, waving his hand as he vowed internally to pay closer attention next time. After all, Leader Akihiko's family situation was simply too complicated.
Under Mikoto's guidance, Mubuki entered the living room and spotted Akihiko enjoying his tea. He rushed forward, exclaiming, "Leader Akihiko! It's bad! Shimura Danzo is planning to build a factory to compete with us!"
Upon hearing this, Akihiko paused while sipping his tea, then set his cup down with a sigh. "What is that Danzo up to now?"
Last time it was about launching a newspaper, and now he's planning to open a factory? To be honest, Akihiko didn't care much about the newspaper. He had intentionally limited its operations, reducing profits and making it clear that the business would eventually become obsolete.
With the current pace of technological advancement, it was likely that they would enter the next technological age in just a few years. Let him keep the newspaper for a couple of years; in the end, it'll all be irrelevant.
Moreover, even now, the Root Daily couldn't compete with the Shinobi Times. After their rivalry ended, Root Daily had no real interesting news left to offer.
As for building a factory, the production costs in the Land of Grass had already been minimized. Did Danzo really think he was swimming in money and ready to throw it away?
Akihiko squinted slightly. "It seems that the success of his newspaper has gone to his head!"
"Exactly! Even if he is a distinguished guest, he can't take business away from Grass Village." Mubuki nodded seriously. "We must stop him, especially with the advanced scientific ninja tool production equipment. I've heard that ninjas have been asking around about our production tools recently. I suspect it's them. We need to take serious measures against his outrageous behavior. Should I continue to undermine him?"
However, before he could finish, Akihiko quickly interjected, "That's unnecessary. It's just a minor issue."
Mubuki, genuinely worried, couldn't help but feel puzzled by Akihiko's words. How can he say there's nothing to worry about?
Before Mubuki could respond, Akihiko continued, "When business comes knocking, how can we turn it away? We will sell to him, of course, at a higher price!"
"Let's see… I'll arrange for someone to handle it." He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, narrowing his eyes. "This Danzo has become quite cautious. If he senses anything wrong, he'll probably run away again."
"Achoo!" Danzo rubbed his nose and furrowed his brow, a nagging sense of unease gnawing at him, though he couldn't quite pinpoint its source.
Having recently struck it rich and remaining cooped up in Konoha, his newspaper had been successfully established. Speaking of bad feeling, There was no way those grass thieves could sneak into the village to kidnap him and steal his money.
"It's impossible! Absolutely impossible!" he scoffed, shaking his head dismissively. "And I am no longer the same ninja I used to be!"
As he spoke, he glanced at the report in his hand. After the newspaper's success, he had indeed planned to open a factory. He believed he was the only one capable of saving Konoha.
Unfortunately, Orochimaru had shifted his focus to researching Hashirama's cells and the Sharingan. While he had assisted Danzo with the production tools, the production costs had turned out to be quite high, even exceeding the selling price in Grass Village.
The labor costs, in particular, were no small change. He couldn't help but wonder if the workers in Grass Village were somehow working for free. Otherwise, how could their costs be so low?
Thus, he planned to purchase a set of production equipment from Grass Village to see what it was like and whether he could manufacture it himself. However, Grass Village had tightly restricted access to such production equipment. Despite sending numerous ninjas, he still hadn't managed to acquire a single unit. As a result, he was unable to move forward with his plans.
Danzo sighed inwardly, shaking his head. "It's a pity that Hiruzen has been restricting me since that last incident and isn't supporting my efforts. Otherwise, with Konoha's power, I might have been able to acquire an advanced production machine," he complained lightly. "And yet he blames me! Who am I doing this for? It's all for the village!"
He couldn't help but curse those shortsighted fools. Just then, before he could continue his grievances, an excited Root ninja burst into the room.
"Lord Danzo! Lord Danzo! Great news!" the ninja exclaimed. "We've found a channel! We've found a way to purchase the equipment!"
Danzo, who had been venting his frustrations, suddenly froze at those unexpected words.