"Why are you making such a big fuss? What exactly are you trying to do?"
Hearing Konan's question, Shishou glanced at her before continuing to write on his scroll. This scroll contained his plans for a productivity enhancement experiment in the Land of Demons.
Seeing Shishou ignoring her, Konan pursed her lips, feeling a bit angry. To her, with Shishou's strength, taking control of the Land of Demons should be a piece of cake. However, his goal wasn't to become the daimyo but to promote something as mundane as 'fertilizer,' which left her utterly confused.
"Konan, I don't have the same aspirations for creating peace in the ninja world as you and Nagato do," Shishou began, writing on his scroll. "But I do want to do something practical for the common people of the ninja world, hoping they can live peaceful and happy lives."
Seeing Konan still puzzled, Shishou continued:
"The root cause of frequent wars in the ninja world is the lack of resources!"
"Resource scarcity?" Konan was taken aback. This was the first time she'd heard this term.
Putting away his scroll, Shishou took a deep breath and looked at Konan with a smile.
"Yes, resource scarcity. If a man has a comfortable life, with enough food, warm clothes, a loving wife, and children, do you think he would be willing to go to war?"
"No," Konan replied confidently.
"If the ordinary people in a ninja village have happy and prosperous lives without worrying about food and clothing, how much inclination do you think they would have to invade other villages?"
"Not much," Konan shook her head again.
"If a warmonger within a village tries to start a war, but the well-off people are unwilling, won't his chances of successfully initiating a war be reduced?"
"Yes," Konan frowned and nodded.
"If resources are abundant and no one wishes for war, doesn't that make peace in the ninja world possible?"
"It does." By now, Konan was beginning to understand Shishou's point. She looked at him and asked, "So, your fertilizer is meant to increase resources?"
Shishou nodded firmly.
"Exactly. Fertilizer can multiply the yield of crops like rice, wheat, corn, and cotton several times over. With the same conditions, higher yields will inevitably lower food prices, transforming the lives of ordinary people."
"Those who couldn't afford meat will be able to eat meat, and those who couldn't afford clothes will be able to buy new clothes."
"In such a scenario, even if wars break out, the lives of civilians will be significantly better."
"And moreover..."
Konan, now engrossed in Shishou's vision of a peaceful path, eagerly asked, "Moreover what?"
Shishou smiled confidently.
"Moreover, if I don't allow wars to happen, then they simply won't."
If I don't allow wars to happen, then they simply won't...
Hearing Shishou's words, Konan was stunned into silence by his bold declaration. As she saw him gazing intently at her, her heart inexplicably began to race.
"You're so full of yourself!" Konan, blushing, rolled her eyes at Shishou before turning away from him. Despite her words, she knew deep down that with Shishou's terrifying power, anyone wishing to start a war would have to think twice about whether they could withstand the giant turtle.
She also saw the potential feasibility of Shishou's approach.
Seeing Konan turn her back, Shishou continued speaking.
"Konan, do you know why I made the bet with Nagato to restrain Akatsuki members instead of disbanding Akatsuki?"
Turning around, Konan curiously asked, "Why?"
This question had indeed puzzled her.
Smiling at her flushed face, Shishou explained:
"There are many powerful and ambitious individuals in the ninja world who, if left unchecked, will cause chaos and instigate wars."
"For example, Shinno in your Akatsuki organization is the leader of the Sky Ninja Village, intending to attack the Five Great Ninja Villages."
"These people, though weak before me, are terrifying forces that ordinary people cannot defeat."
"And as long as the ninja world exists, such individuals will keep emerging. Even if I kill Shinno, another leader will rise in the Sky Ninja Village, and I can't always be there to watch over them."
"So..."
Before Shishou could finish, Konan interjected:
"So, you're planning to have Akatsuki take in these individuals, keeping them under Nagato's watch to ensure they behave?"
"Is that why you spared Kakuzu and Shinno?"
Shishou gave Konan an approving look and nodded.
"Exactly. With Nagato maintaining internal discipline and me providing external threats, I believe these individuals can be kept in check."
Konan glared at Shishou, fuming.
"You're treating our Akatsuki like a criminal containment organization?"
Seeing that the organization she and Nagato built was being used by Shishou for this purpose, Konan felt enraged. If she thought she could take him on, she'd have punched him already.
Watching Konan's animated reaction, Shishou chuckled, enjoying the break from her usual stern demeanor.
Once she seemed a bit embarrassed, Shishou continued:
"Akatsuki was founded for peace, wasn't it?"
"Don't you want the ninja world to be peaceful, where everyone lives happily?"
With Shishou putting the burden of peace on her, Konan sighed.
"Of course, I do."
Hearing this, Shishou pressed on.
"Then, would you be willing to help me, Konan?"
"Help you?" Konan blinked in confusion.
"Help me with the upcoming experimental plan in the Land of Demons. Fertilizer is just the first step."
Shishou picked up the scroll containing his plans and smiled.
The plan included various methods to boost agricultural productivity, including fertilizer use and farming techniques.
He needed someone to help implement these plans, and Konan, having grown up among common people, was a perfect fit.
After a long stare at Shishou, seeing his genuine invitation, Konan finally nodded.
"Alright, I'll help you."
"Then, let's work well together."
Shishou extended his hand.
Feeling a bit nervous, Konan slowly extended her hand as well.
"Let's work well together."
Her hand felt soft and delicate.
Squeezing her hand gently, Shishou couldn't help but comment on its softness.
Blushing, Konan quickly withdrew her hand.
"Can I tell Nagato about what we discussed?" she asked softly.
Note: If you are interested, you can read up to chapter 530+ at patreon.com/Betek.