The technology in the ninja world is highly advanced.
But it's also quite distorted.
While warfare and luxury technologies are exceptional, production technology is rather backward.
Ordinary people can't enjoy the benefits that technology brings.
Even now, Shishou hasn't seen any technology that can help improve agricultural productivity.
Given this, Shishou decided to take matters into his own hands.
However, to invent and industrially produce fertilizers and other products to improve agricultural productivity,
He needs sufficient scientific technology and professional researchers.
Technology in the ninja world is mostly controlled by the Five Great Nations.
And the scientific knowledge and professionals in the Land of Fire,
are either under the control of Konoha or the Daimyo of the Land of Fire.
Therefore, he needs the consent and recommendation of the Third Hokage to recruit some professionals from the Daimyo and Konoha for research and development.
So he can establish his own fertilizer production factory.
Once the fertilizer production line is established, Shishou plans to start a pilot project in the Land of Demons, followed by setting up subsequent production lines for agricultural products processing and livestock production.
With a wealth of agricultural and livestock products, Shishou will be able to start a price war, capturing the market for daily necessities in the ninja world.
Seeing the benefits of improved agricultural productivity, the Daimyo of various countries will surely increase their investment in production technology.
And as productivity continues to improve,
even if wars are still inevitable, at least the lives of common people will be much better.
"Help yourself when in poverty, and help the world when prosperous."
This is Shishou's life motto.
Since he has so much money that he can't spend it all,
he might as well do something practical.
Moreover, once he successfully establishes the fertilizer production line,
it will bring back tenfold or even hundredfold returns.
Hearing Shishou's explanation, Uchiha Izumi was dumbfounded, deeply shocked.
Although she didn't understand terms like "fertilizer" and "productivity," she could feel Shishou's determination to change the difficult lives of the common people in the ninja world.
To Uchiha Izumi, Shishou seemed to be glowing with the aura of a saint who wanted to save the world.
"I... I'll help you."
After a long pause, Uchiha Izumi finally said.
Feeling Izumi's sincere admiration, Shishou felt a thrill in his heart.
Looking at Izumi, he teasingly said,
"Hehe, you won't even let me pinch your cheek."
"I don't believe it."
Hearing Shishou's words, Uchiha Izumi was startled and opened her mouth.
"I..."
Then, her face slowly turned red. After some thought, she took Shishou's right hand, placed it on her cheek, and said,
"I'll let you pinch it..."
After saying this, her heart raced, and she looked down, not daring to meet Shishou's gaze.
Seeing Uchiha Izumi's shy expression,
Shishou was stunned for a moment, not expecting her to do this.
Then, he was overjoyed.
Success!
He thought to himself, as he gently cupped Uchiha Izumi's delicate face and kissed her.
Uchiha Izumi's heart pounded with excitement, her Sharingan with three tomoe appearing. She pushed Shishou slightly, then closed her eyes as if resigning to fate.
Then, Uchiha Izumi wrapped her arms around Shishou, pressing their bodies close together.
...
For the next two days,
Shishou and Uchiha Izumi stayed in the Abyss of Gambling building.
Their relationship rapidly deepened over these two days.
Soon, Mitarashi Anko brought back the Third Hokage's response.
He agreed to Shishou's request.
Since it didn't involve any secret ninjutsu, the Third Hokage readily agreed.
The next day, under Anko's watchful eye, Shishou left the headquarters.
He set out for the Land of Water.
However, after leaving Anko's sight, Shishou returned home and then took Uchiha Izumi and Uzuki Yugao toward the Land of Iron.
Before going to the Land of Water to visit Mei Terumi and inspect the harbor construction,
He planned to visit the Land of Iron to meet with Mifune, the samurai leader.
First, to discuss mineral business with him.
Second, to see if he could have Uchiha Izumi and Uzuki Yugao as his disciples.
Izumi and Yugao both had outstanding swordsmanship but lacked guidance from a master, slowing their progress.
While Pakura could teach them nature transformation, she couldn't teach them swordsmanship.
Mifune of the Land of Iron was the only known sword master in the ninja world, with Kage-level strength.
There was no one more suitable to teach them.
The Land of Iron is a neutral country.
It made a pact with the major nations long ago not to interfere in ninja battles.
Thus, it avoided the first three Great Ninja Wars launched by the Five Great Nations.
After several days of traveling, the three finally arrived and were granted an audience with Mifune.
"Sorry, due to the neutrality agreement of the Land of Iron,"
"I cannot teach ninjas my swordsmanship."
In the guest room, after hearing Shishou's request, Mifune shook his head and refused.
Upon hearing this, Uzuki Yugao and Uchiha Izumi were disappointed.
They both longed to learn swordsmanship from someone with Kage-level strength.
Shishou took a sip of tea, savoring it slowly, then frowned.
The tea was too bitter!
"We don't belong to any ninja village, so you needn't worry."
"This won't break your pact with the ninjas."
Setting the cup down, Shishou looked at Mifune.
Given Mifune's age, Shishou used an honorific tone.
"Sorry."
Mifune shook his head again, not wanting to be seen breaking his word.
"Five million ryo!"
Shishou raised his right hand and said, "Five million ryo per person per year."
"This..."
Mifune was clearly shaken by Shishou's generous offer but still shook his head after some thought.
"I'll discount all coal purchases by the Land of Iron from me by 20%!"
Shishou made an eight sign with his fingers, looking at Mifune.
Although the Land of Iron was rich in iron ore and occasionally produced rare metals like chakra metal,
it lacked coal resources, which were essential for forging samurai swords and armor.
They had to import it every year, costing a significant amount.
A 20% discount from Shishou could save the Land of Iron tens of millions of ryo annually...
This made Mifune waver.
"I'll increase the money!"
"One million ryo per person per year."
Shishou continued to press his advantage.
"Alright, I accept your request."
Finally, under Shishou's monetary pressure, Mifune agreed to personally teach Izumi and Yugao swordsmanship.
Afterward, Shishou also discussed a deal to purchase iron ore with Mifune, then took his leave.
"You must work hard and strive to graduate soon."
By the roadside, Shishou instructed Uzuki Yugao and Uchiha Izumi, who had come to see him off.
"Mm."
The two nodded in unison.
Seeing their reluctance, Shishou comforted them:
"I'll come to see you often."
He kissed Izumi on the forehead and disappeared.
"Tch, I didn't expect you to fall into his clutches too."
Seeing the sweetness on Uchiha Izumi's face, Uzuki Yugao pouted.
"Hehe, Yugao, are you jealous?"
"Jealous my foot..."
The two girls bickered as they returned.
Determined to train hard to reunite sooner.