"Why do you want to give them back? What I want is that they don't give them back," Youya said with a sly smile.
Senju Tobirama silently began to unbuckle his belt, intent on disciplining the young troublemaker.
"Wait! Wait! Uncle Master, please wait for my explanation first!" Youya pleaded, raising his hands defensively.
Senju Tobirama sneered. "The annual toll from the Land of Whirlpools is just over 10 million ryo. Do you plan to have them repay us for two hundred years, or do you intend for them not to repay at all?"
Youya rolled his eyes and calmed Senju Tobirama down, thinking, I'm just a junior uncle worried about losing money, not understanding economics...
By investing in the future, profits will surely follow...
Youya began explaining the concepts of primary, secondary, and tertiary industries to Senju Tobirama. The primary industry in the Land of Whirlpools was well-developed, supplying part of Konoha's food. However, their secondary and tertiary industries were almost non-existent, much like Konoha before its current development. Most countries in the Naruto world relied heavily on agriculture, with little to no industrial presence.
As for the tertiary industry, transportation was not advanced enough to support its robust development.
Youya proposed that the Land of Whirlpools could become Konoha's offshore port and a hub for outsourcing less desirable industries in the future. This meant moving polluting industries like steel plants and coal mines to the Land of Whirlpools once Konoha developed further.
"What?! You even want to relocate the steel factory there?! Are you an undercover agent sent by the Uzumaki clan to sabotage Konoha?!" Uzumaki Mito's expression was bewildered. The profitability of the steel plant was apparent to anyone.
Mito even questioned whether Youya was truly from the Uzumaki family, but his black hair was evidence enough of his Konoha lineage.
Youya shrugged helplessly. "I mean in the future, Uncle Master. For now, the Uzumaki clan's issues with Kirigakure haven't been resolved. You'll understand in time, Uncle. By then, the steel factory's profits will seem trivial."
He continued, "If the factory is moved to the Land of Whirlpools, they can use their own minerals first. When their resources deplete, they can import from other countries, preserving our own. Isn't it wise to use others' resources before tapping into ours?"
Senju Tobirama paused, contemplating Youya's proposal. For now, he decided to listen.
Youya outlined his plan: the Land of Whirlpools owed Konoha a debt, and in some ways, they needed to compromise their interests. Konoha would benefit from toll-free passage for at least twenty years. The interest, albeit a meager one percent annually, amounted to 20 million ryo yearly.
Utilizing this influence, Youya aimed to penetrate the Land of Whirlpools' market. He planned to establish a newspaper factory, paying taxes and providing monthly publications to entertain the locals.
If they opposed?
They'd have to repay the debt.
He would open chain restaurants and fast food outlets, potentially squeezing out local businesses.
If they objected?
Repay the debt.
Konoha would set up mining operations and grain processing plants, exploiting local resources while paying taxes.
Unwilling?
Repay the debt.
With future advancements in electricity, Konoha would control the Land of Whirlpools' power grid. If they ever rebelled, a nationwide blackout could be enforced.
Senju Tobirama's military occupation?
Too low a stake.
For complete control, Konoha needed to dominate the Land of Whirlpools' critical enterprises, including power, communications, manufacturing, transportation, and possibly finance.
When the time came, what could the Land of Whirlpools rely on?
Their economy would be at Konoha's mercy.
With this strategy, was Konoha's two billion ryo investment truly a loss?
Senju Tobirama pondered deeply, not fully grasping the intricacies but trusting Youya for now.
"Oh, Uncle Master, one more thing. I need 100 tons of the gold you acquired from the Kingdom of Thunder," Youya added.
Senju Tobirama nearly stumbled, his body betraying him as he turned sharply, an incredulous expression on his face.
"You little rascal! Repeat that!" he demanded.
Youya quickly handed him a document. "Uncle, see for yourself! This is all yours! I only need the gold as a security deposit in the bank. It won't be used!"
Senju Tobirama's skepticism turned to shock as he perused the figures. The sum exceeded 10 billion ryo.
He looked at Youya, who smiled knowingly. The funds were under the Konoha Savings Bank, located within the Sarutobi clan, though control resided with the Hokage—Tobirama himself.
But with such wealth, could the Sarutobi clan resist temptation?
Youya feigned concern, expressing regret for not establishing the bank closer to the Hokage's office for better oversight.
Senju Tobirama mulled over the situation, realizing Youya's strategy was transparent yet effective. The Sarutobi clan's proximity to the bank posed a risk, but Tobirama's intervention was crucial.
Uzumaki Mito and the Nine-Tails, intrigued by the unfolding drama, found the situation entertaining.
As Mito relaxed, reading the newspaper, a headline caught her attention: "Thirteen High-Ranking Sarutobi Ninjas Imprisoned for Embezzlement."
The Nine-Tails expressed dissatisfaction, wishing for harsher punishments, but Mito dismissed it as fanciful thinking.
Curious about Youya's backup plan if Tobirama hadn't intervened, Mito, with the Nine-Tails' help, discreetly asked him.
Youya revealed he would have spread rumors about the bank's insolvency, leading to a mass withdrawal and forcing accountability on the Sarutobi clan.
Mito marveled at Youya's cunning, while the Nine-Tails relished the chaos.
However, the Uzumaki clan's grievances soon resurfaced, seeking Mito's intervention.
"Konoha didn't help you?" Mito asked, confused.
The Uzumaki ninja replied, "Not only did they help us, but they also aided Kirigakure! The ninja tools they used against us were still marked with the Konoha seal!"
Mito was speechless, while the Nine-Tails acknowledged the cleverness of Youya's strategy.
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