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He does not oppose the notion of selling intelligence, as long as it was limited to providing false information to other nations without causing significant harm. However, given their deceptive tactics during the war, it had become evident that no country in the ninja world would trust intelligence originating from the Land of Grass.
In the aftermath of the war and the establishment of peace, no village would be interested in purchasing discounted intelligence. The prevailing belief among the Five Great Shinobi Villages was that another war was unlikely to occur anytime soon. Consequently, the prospect of acquiring potentially fabricated intelligence held no appeal and was hardly worth considering.
Moreover, relying solely on one source of income posed a significant risk for the Land of Grass. Any unexpected events could lead to severe consequences.
That's why he had previously proposed diversifying their income through open sourcing and the development of animal husbandry and entertainment industries. Unfortunately, these endeavors were still in their early stages and required time to prosper.
Takeshi Chinoike pondered for a moment and suggested, "How about engaging in paid missions? It's a substantial source of funds for major shinobi villages."
However, a nearby shinobi sighed helplessly and replied, "Forget it. No one would come to the Grass Village for missions. I don't know why, but our Grass Village... we actually possess decent strength. Yet, they won't come."
Another chimed in, saying, "Indeed! Though we may not rival the Five Great Shinobi Villages, we are capable of handling smaller missions. The Grass Village offers reasonable prices, including discounts for multiple commissions. It's far more affordable than the Five Great Shinobi Villages!"
"Perhaps our reputation has been tarnished, much like during the First Great Ninja War when we engaged in widespread dissemination of false information. Furthermore, the Grass Village lacks its own kekkei genkai, unique ninjutsu, or secret techniques. Most of our ninjutsu is derived from shinobi of other countries. This is why people doubt the reputation and strength of the Grass Village."
Upon hearing these words from a Grass shinobi, the others glared at him angrily. "Why would he speak the truth like that?!" they thought.
The nearby Uzumaki clan and Chinoike clan shinobi glanced up at the ceiling and remained silent. As recent additions to the village, they were cautious not to recklessly interfere in the discussion.
"I would like to say a few words!" Uzumaki Yoshinori, the head of the academy, suddenly pretended to cough a couple of times before speaking with conviction. "This Grass shinobi... how can we label it as copying? Can we not say the same about shinobi techniques? We are all Grass shinobi. Let us refrain from making such remarks. As our leader mentioned, it's about utilizing foreign techniques to counter them."
He let out a sigh. "We are a nation that is poor and weak. We have just begun the process of rebuilding. Is there anything wrong with learning from more powerful countries and villages? Is there anything wrong with acquiring advanced ninjutsu and knowledge management from shinobi villages of other nations? Tell me, is there anything wrong with strengthening our nation and village? As a member of the Grass Village, albeit a recent one, I must criticize this Grass shinobi. Let's not speak negatively like this again."
As Uzumaki Yoshinori's words reverberated in the conference room, a profound silence enveloped the space, leaving all the Grass shinobi astounded as they fixed their gaze upon him, the esteemed elder of the Uzumaki clan.
Even Takeshi Chinoike, the head of the Chinoike clan, found himself taken aback as he observed Uzumaki Yoshinori. 'Today, I have truly gained valuable insight. His eloquence is truly admirable. How skillfully he conveyed his point!'
"Senior Yoshinori is absolutely correct!" The Grass shinobi who had previously spoken suddenly admitted with a tinge of remorse, "I had allowed negativity to cloud my judgment, and your criticism holds true."
Gradually, the remaining Grass shinobi regained their composure, expressing agreement through sighs and nods. "It's no wonder our leader appointed Senior Yoshinori as the head of the academy. He possesses deep understanding indeed!"
"I am deeply impressed! I Understand now! Our purpose is simply to learn and grow. What could possibly be wrong with that?" another Grass shinobi exclaimed, filled with admiration.
"Senior Yoshinori has articulated it perfectly!" The chorus of praise continued as others joined in, acknowledging Yoshinori's words.
"That is precisely what the leader emphasized," Uzumaki Yoshinori replied, his voice filled with pride.
"The leader's words are wise!" The attention of the shinobi shifted, and they began showering Akihiko with praise.
Akihiko found himself at a loss for words, witnessing the sudden shift in the atmosphere without any apparent reason. However, one thing was certain—Senior Yoshinori seemed to have won everyone's approval with his words alone.
To be honest, many villagers had initially opposed the decision to appoint a recently joined shinobi clan elder as the head of the academy. However, Akihiko had his reasons. While the seasoned Grass shinobi were undoubtedly knowledgeable, he had genuine concerns about their potential influence on the children. Only Ryuushikei provided him with some reassurance.
But now, it seemed his worries were unfounded. Becoming a clan elder was clearly no simple task, as evidenced by Yoshinori's impact.
"I was considering having Mubuki learn a thing or two," Akihiko thought to himself before dismissing the idea. It wasn't necessary at the moment.
Returning to the current discussion, Akihiko let out a sigh and retrieved a proposal from his pocket, his expression serious. "Take a look, everyone."
As he spoke, confusion clouded the faces of those present as their gaze fell upon the proposal. The title at the top read...
"Ninja World Mystery Box Plan"
The sight of the title left everyone puzzled. What could this possibly be about?
Although they may not have grasped its meaning, those who had experienced Gacha Games like Genshin Impact in their previous lives would have understood. Yes, it was a mystery box—a concept known by various names such as lucky bag or blink box, but the essence remained the same.
Akihiko had even contemplated releasing card packs, but he realized it might be challenging for this generation to accept such an idea. Figures, on the other hand, held a different appeal as they could be physically touched and boasted intricate details in their appearance.
Observing the perplexed expressions around him, Akihiko nodded with a sense of satisfaction. This was the quickest way he could think of to generate income aside from selling intelligence and autographed books.
Originally, the "Gambling Shadow" was intended to attract Lady Tsunade, the affluent woman, but instead, Jiraiya, who was fervently searching for Mr. Ekinu, made his appearance. If she wouldn't come, then Akihiko would go to her.
Moreover, the Grass shinobi, despite their less-than-favorable reputation, possessed impressive detection and counter-detection abilities. Akihiko firmly believed that starting a Mystery Box craze was not beyond their capabilities.
After all, the Land of Grass was renowned for its mimicry and obtaining information on the appearances of famous individuals was relatively easy for them. Replicating such items shouldn't pose a significant challenge.
Akihiko refused to believe that his very own Ninja World Mystery Box wouldn't attract a devoted following. This mystery box would be tailored to suit the theme of the Ninja world, and perhaps with minor variations such as different colored lights when opened.
Of course, one thing we must exercise caution about is copyright issues. Although the Ninja World in this era doesn't place much importance on copyright, we can't predict what might happen in the future. After all, there are plenty of intelligent individuals in this world.
It's inevitable that other villages will become envious of the Land of Grass's profitable endeavors and may even take measures to prohibit the use of ninja portraits from their villages.
That's why Akihiko is prepared to seize this opportunity and acquire copyrights on a large scale. It's a strategic move for the future development of the Land of Grass.
To further solidify the Land of Grass's position, Akihiko has also prepared a new script titled
"The Three Legendary Shinobi in the Land of Grass!"
He retrieved another proposal and glanced at the group of high-ranking officials among the Grass shinobi who seemed to have a partial understanding. Letting out a helpless sigh, he said, "Forget it, I will handle the arrangements when the time comes! Additionally, we need a ninja to assist with diplomatic missions to other countries. This task is crucial for expanding into foreign markets and acquiring copyrights."
As the words were spoken, everyone exchanged glances, and after a moment, Ryuushikei raised his hand, pondered for a while, and stated, "Although I'm unsure why the leader is so focused on acquiring these so-called copyrights... if it's for diplomatic missions to other countries," he let out a sigh, sounding somewhat helpless, "There's no doubt, Mubuki is the most suitable candidate."
Indeed, Mubuki is the most fitting choice. Since the Land of Grass's reconstruction, he has been handling relations with neighboring nations. Despite his eccentricity, he is quite dependable in this regard.
Akihiko thought of Mubuki, who was still diligently studying in prison, and nodded with a similar sense of helplessness. "It will be him. Release him later. As for the new movie..."
'The Three Legendary Shinobi'—it would be perfect if those three would agree to act in it. However, can we truly ask them to make a movie? Will they even agree? Even if they do, it's highly unlikely. After all, the Land of Grass is impoverished, and we cannot afford the appearance fees of such prominent shinobi. That's why he didn't even mention the term "Sannin" in the title.
Before he could complete his sentence, there was a sudden knock on the door, followed by a Grass shinobi entering the room in a state of anxiety. "Kusano-sama."
The shinobi appeared nervous, as if there was something of great importance to report. Curiosity filled the room as everyone gazed at him.
Before they could inquire, the Grass shinobi, wearing a worried expression, relayed, "We have just received intelligence from the Reconnaissance Team... Jiraiya, one of Konoha's Sannin, has lost control of his summoning creature, and it's wreaking havoc!"
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