14 Chapter 14 : Politics
Author's note: Hey Guys! I have a theory about the shinobi society based on which I am writing this chapter.
In Naruto anime, the soft and hard powers can be ranked as
1] Personal Strength [Hashirama and shinobi]
2] Political [Daimyo]
3] Economic power. It is just a type of comparison.
Leave your thoughts.
-
In this world, War generally is considered the result of peace based on the fact that it breaks the ceiling of interests that formed in times of peace.
Well, In a way it is true, War is a gamble of interests and it will reshuffle the chessboard of power.
So, considering that I am nowhere near the apex of personal strength needed to ensure my safety, I choose the second-best kind of power- political power.
War creates opportunities it is the truth. The opportunity I found is that the Chakra pills are in scarcity and their reserve is being depleted to replenish the shinobi forces. So, I want to involve myself in them as a war resource because it will give a great amount of political power.
As for money from it, Then I can only say sorry. if you want to profit from war material, Anbu and Hokage are in your footsteps.
Let's just say, Tobirama set a very memorable precedent for idiots he did it, a complete clan dissolution. He broke the offending clan into the main vanguard and the remaining widows and children were married into the civilian shinobi or other clans.
Of course, Hashirama happened in response, and Tobirama stayed in the hospital for a month. The Map of Konoha had a new forest, a mountain turned into plains and a few lakes were formed. Oh, the clan was reformed. All in all, Tobirama got spanked.
Fuck Political power, I want Hashirama's strength. But I need some safety net to ensure that I live that long to achieve that. And I am not depending on Shinnosuke for that.
-Hokage's office-
The old man might have revealed his perverted nature to put me at ease. As weird as it might seem, It worked. I felt it easy to interact with him after that. Until then, I felt stiff in talking with him, I mean my chakra sensing shows a fucking sun when I talk with him.
But after seeing him watching naked women and describing their shapes and his perverted fantasies, my mind automatically brings it up even now.
So, A point to him I guess, his perverted nature seems to close the distance between us.
Not literally(►_◄).
Anyway, I sat in the Hokage's office, feeling a mix of anticipation and unease about the meeting that was about to occur.
The old man, Hiruzen Sarutobi, sat behind his desk, processing the mundane documents and mission reports.
We were waiting for the arrival of the leaders of the Ino-Shika-Cho alliance – Inoichi Yamanaka, Shikaku Nara, and Choza Akimichi.
My mind couldn't help but wonder.
When I had revealed my plans to him, plans that involved using the Fuinjutsu Production line to secure a steady supply of chakra pills for Konoha during this of war, I had expected a stern lecture or perhaps even a reprimand for meddling in such affairs.
Instead, The old man's willingness to entertain my ideas had surprised me.
THUD
As I pondered these thoughts, the office door swung open, and the leaders of the Ino-Shika-Cho alliance walked in. The world's oldest alliance has changed itself to suit each other.
Inoichi Yamanaka, the head of the Yamanaka clan, had a calm and thoughtful expression. Shikaku Nara, the leader of the Nara clan, wore his usual lazy look. Choza Akimichi, the head of the Akimichi clan, had a friendly and approachable feel.
Hiruzen gestured for them to take a seat, and they did so with a nod of gratitude.
Inoichi spoke first, his voice steady and measured. "Hokage-sama, thank you for summoning us. May we enquire the reason."
Hiruzen nodded. "Indeed, Inoichi. Little Kyudo here has brought forth a proposal that could greatly help the supply of Pill Production."
I took a deep breath and began to explain my plan in detail. "Good morning sirs. I am Kyudo Kirito. Now, I would first start with the current situation we are facing..."
I talked about the impending shortage of chakra pills, the increased demand due to the war, and the potential consequences if we didn't secure a stable supply.
During our conversation, I delved into the details of the current production methods for chakra pills. All of which are manually done by the shinobi.
I explained that. " Chakra plays a productive role in aiding master smiths and craftsmen in meeting the bulk orders for the Kunai and Shuriken production. Even in civilian industries like construction, processes such as crushing and rotating, were accomplished through large-scale machinery."
However, I have a feeling these Fuinjutsu mechanical machines are plundered from the sky village, which is shown in one of the movies.
The lazy Nara bluntly said, "The problem with chakra pills and other medicines is the necessity of infusing regular chakra at various stages, including some Yang-type chakra release to make the pills suitable for consumption. We know kid, we have been searching for ways to bypass that for decades.
I can more or less get your proposal, to craft a Fuinjutsu matrix to make the same production line for chakra pills. Well, I can only say we have been there and done it."
"Oh!"
It was the Hokage who answered, "Uzushiogakure had been the one to do it in collaboration with Konoha. With their vast number of Fuinjutsu users, they have been easily able to craft such production lines, until they were targeted for such capability."
I could see him sinking into his seat in sorrow at that.
Inoichi-san took over from there, as expected of a psychologist, diverting the depression, " We had to try to craft our lines after their destruction. "
CRUNCH
CRUNCH
I saw that Chozo-san was eating chips in the serious discussion, but found the Hokage was smiling like me when the chips were offered with a crying face. Seems like Chozo-san is the best in people interactions in the trio. He managed to turn about Hokage's mood in a second.
"Thank you Chozo-san."
"I like these chips, little Cho Cho."
I almost choked at the nickname, but before I could ask Inoichi-san continued the discussion, " Our attempts failed. We don't have the numerous Fuinjutsu users like Uzio and most importantly most of their matrixes were lost with them."
Matrixes here mean the computers of Fuinjutsu. Yep, Uzumaki had Fuin-computers and even built the sci-fi-type Fuinjutsu barriers of Konoha.
I couldn't help but question, "Didn't Mito-san bring the Fuin-jutsu knowledge as a dowry to Konoha?"
That and they had another Uzumaki with them who just happened to escape the genocide.
Hokage replied while blowing out smoke, seriously when did he even light it, "She was an expert in the sealing side. Not Productive Fuin. Still, She had basic Fuin knowledge education based on which Konoha is leading in Fuinjutsu in the world. Just based on one person while there used to be an entire nation worth pushing the boundaries of Fuinjutsu for the betterment of people."
The last point was a whisper at this point. I wanted to end this discussion here but Shikaku-san said, " Now the Fuinjutsu for chakra is like the electronics for electricity. To make such a complex fun machinery and ensure that it can be handled by anyone and gives the Chakra pill is not humanely possible. So, I am sorry kid, I not-"
Well, his drawing words were broken as I handed him a thick booklet of hundreds of pages with the title Fuin Matric for Chakra pill production.
Yep, I may not have a computer-matrix but I have an AI, So, I used the commonly available Fuinjutsu knowledge and had the AI make a feasible matrix.
Finding the knowledge in the Shinobi Library is a surprise for me. It included all the basic seals and the matrixes up to the intermediate level. All of that was enough to make the new matrix. From there it is a piece of cake for me *cough* AI.
Anyway, I continued my original plan to them while giving the reports on the production plan, highlighted with key points.
-After an hour or so-
" ...However, the crafting of this seal matrix required the expertise of at least a seal master with massive amounts of Chakra since this seal matrix is a bit primitive and requires a single person to write it all done. Fortunately, Konoha was home to multiple individuals with such skills Hokage-sama is one."
Under his puffed chest filled with pride, " Of course there also all three of his students who can do the same. Especially Jiraya-san, who is the only living Seal Grandmaster."
Minato and Kushina's Seal knowledge is not that famous yet. Kushina is a virtual unknown in Konoha. I never heard a mention of her.
When I finished presenting my proposal, there was a moment of silence in the room. I couldn't read their expressions, and it made me nervous.
Finally, it was Shikaku who broke the silence. He leaned forward, his hands resting beneath his chin, a calculating gleam in his eyes. "Kyudo, You proved my words."
I gulped as he said, "People call me a genius for my logical thinking but true geniuses are freaks like you, Sanin and Minato. I can understand what you wrote but I can't process how you managed to write this."
I couldn't help but joke, "With a V-man Pen."
Shikaku-san didn't care about the bad joke but kept seriously looking at me. Fuck this reminds me of being walked in on when I am naked. I mean it literally, like I am being stripped layer by layer and my words and truth laid for him to see.
Fucking freak is calling me a freak. No wonder, despite their laid-back intelligence, people try to avoid Naras. It is uncomfortable.
He simply ended by saying, "Your proposal is bold, there's no denying that. But it must be feasible considering the fact Hokage-sama called us here."
The old man just laughed, while Inoichi nodded in agreement. "He's right. We've been discussing the same issue within our alliance. The shortage of chakra pills is a crisis, and your plan could be the solution we need."
Choza, with his characteristic smile, added, "Besides, young Kyudo, have some chips."
I felt a rush of relief at his smile and couldn't help but feel these trio make a good team.
Yamanaka for judging the emotional side and mind. Nara for the plans and loopholes. Akimichi for their friendly personality that truly shines in Diplomacy.
At least, The trio had not only accepted my proposal but also seemed genuinely interested in working together.
Hiruzen spoke up, his eyes twinkling with a hint of amusement. "Kyudo, it seems your plan has found favour with the Ino-Shika-Cho alliance. Now, we'll need to work out the details of this partnership and how to proceed."
Fuck.
The result of our discussion led to a partnership in which I received a 10% share, with the remaining 90% divided among the trio.
This arrangement was far more favourable than the initial estimate of just 3%, making it a significant win for me.
While I am happy, I couldn't ignore the fact that it was the Hokage's support that gave me a share. After all, the Ino-Shika-Cho trio held a virtual monopoly on the herbs and personnel proficient in chakra pill manufacturing.
The Nara and Yamanaka clans provided the herbs, while the Akimichi clan specialized in crafting the pills. Chakra pills were based on a special medicine developed by the Akimichi clan, allowing them to flood their bodies with physical energy and facilitate the use of Yang release.
Still, I won out too because I got an investment in my pizzeria for 30% shares, while I am still head of the pizza chain as the founder and owner of 60% of the shares.
[A/note: Remaining shares are for employees like Duy, Guy etc.]
Let's just say based on the sheer amount of money handed to me, I am fucking rich and can see the future with a pizza shop across the land of fire.
"Well, it seems like you won out in the pizza competition."
I grit my teeth in embarrassment at his reminder of my stupid past and idiotic reports. Sure, I expected competitors for pizza but I never expected the fact that the sheer number of them. The bitch thing is every single one has its speciality and genuinely is good. Superhuman reflexes mean an easy way to cook for the Shinobi.
Though I am still the leading no 1 with the majority of the market share, being the pioneer and all, my profits never increased a single bit even after kept expanding the restaurant.
Fuck, I even had days of losses.
Duy-san is the only reason it is running at the peak. He cooked nutrient-rich diet pizza for Shinobi based on his Taijutsu master experience, giving an edge to my business.
So, I answered the Hokage who was watching my internal struggle with the embarrassing past, "It's fine, at least I will have no problem with money for the rest of my career. With this deal, I can already hear the raining Ryos."
"HAHAH, Raining Ryos, Good expression little Kyudo. I might use it in the future."
Looking at him laughing I couldn't help but ask, "Why did you support me in this deal? I mean, really. I know even if Shinnosuke asked you wouldn't help me like this. It is just not in you to abuse your power."
I mean, he is a military dictator. The Kage's are such positions just based on the sheer power they have based on their muscle strength.
The Hokage's smile was both knowing and somewhat weary. He replied, "Ah, prodigies. All are the same. You are often keen on many things, but sometimes you miss the understanding of what it means to be a normal person. So, tell me, who are you to Konoha and its people?"
His question made me contemplate various aspects of myself—being a prodigy, a business-savvy individual thanks to my pizzeria venture, and my loyalty shown through clearly hiring orphanage kids and giving Duy-san a 5% share. While the latter was a recent development, I assumed it must be common knowledge among those in power.
These qualities certainly made me someone worth maintaining a relationship with in advance, but they might not be enough to prompt the Hokage to directly intervene on my behalf.
As I pondered, the answer suddenly became clear. "Politics," I replied.
The Hokage's wide smile confirmed my suspicion, as he nodded in approval. "It is good you have a sense for politics. I recently found that the prodigies generally are neglected in their political study. Believing in their superiority of strength. Even I was like that till the position forced me to learn. My lack of political sense at the beginning of my reign allowed the cementing of the current clan's power. You see, most of the key productions in Konoha are controlled by various clans, they may be major or minor. My friend, whom you met earlier, leads the coalition of minor clans and civilian businessmen."
I couldn't help but think of Danzo. I heard with intent as the Hokage continued to explain the intricate web of Konoha's political landscape.
"While the Hokage typically enjoys support from the Anbu and Jonin population, including the Daimyo. The issue I faced was introducing reforms about new ideas and capital into these productions. Even if the clans themselves know my reform is good for Konoha and even them in the long term. As the value of their business grows from the newer and better productions."
He sighed as he said, "But People aren't capable of accepting these long-term things. My aim isn't welcomed by the clans, including my own, as it can affect their interests."
The fact left unsaid is that while his clan might not agree, they can't reject his plans.
"You, on the other hand, represent a rising prodigy who aligns with the clans' interests, especially with your crucial timing of proposal and the target of the proposal- war resources like chakra pills. In a way your value has increased significantly by showcasing your talents in multiple disciplines, much like myself and Orochimaru."
The mention of Orochimaru didn't sit well with me. The chaos he had caused in me with just a single conversation was enough to say about my aversion to him.
The old man continued with a smile with a predatory gleam, "Now, this partnership marks the final breakthrough to begin injecting new ideas and capital. It will take time, but the reason they agreed is that you're a blank slate, not threatening any of their interests and most importantly you are a talented shinobi. But, in a decade or two I can see them falling into line."
Yeah they will, by Naruto's time, Konoha will be like the Modern Cities of Earth.
A few days later-
The seal matrix was promptly sent to the fuinjutsu experts in Konoha, namely Kushina Uzumaki and Minato Namikaze.
It wasn't long before they visited me, and with an old friend, Kakashi joined them.
Kakashi, as always, remained cool and composed, offering a casual nod as his way of acknowledging.
Upon their arrival, Minato greeted me with a friendly wave, while the red-headed woman, Kushina, enveloped me in a warm and tight hug. Kushina's enthusiastic hug was powerful enough to make my ribs creak from the pressure.
CREAK
When she finally released me, she couldn't help but comment, "You're so cute. Much better than the scarecrow Kakashi."
I chuckled inwardly, realizing that she was a hugger.
I knew that because, In my previous life, my taller stature and long arms had made me prone to giving tight hugs to my younger cousins. The bliss of crushing someone with love and hugs is addictive. Try it for me.
Minato intervened, patting her on the shoulder as he explained, "Now, now. You're overwhelming him. Sorry about that, Kyudo. Kushina can be a bit too forward, but she means well."
I couldn't help but notice Kakashi's attempts to escape the head pat from Fukushima – a multiversal discomfort for kids, it seemed.
"Now, Now Kushina. Stop playing with the kids, time for us to work."
"Hmm, Alright, the old man finally allowed me to leave my house. So, It better be good."
Kushina studied the intricate seal matrix for the chakra pill production, her crimson hair cascading over the parchment as she leaned in closer.
Minato and Kushina began discussing the finer details of the seal matrix, their conversation flowing with a rapidity that left me struggling to keep up. Technical terms and jargon flew over my head like elusive fireflies in the night.
I couldn't help but marvel at them, realizing that I was just a brat who did additions and minuses with a calculator while the true geniuses were doing advanced Trigonometry over a cup of tea.
As they delved deeper into their discussion, I activated my AI, instructing it to record every piece of information they shared. This was knowledge I couldn't afford to lose.
[Task initiated and progressing]
Kushina leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with admiration, showing the part that A. I took days to make, "Kyudo, this part of the matrix you created to calibrate chakra infusion from different people is nothing short of genius. It speaks of your talent in this art. I didn't even see such things even back in the Uzumaki clan"
I answered that by saying, "That is kinda easy because it is not Fuinjutsu but rather Medic Nin research on analyzing chakra by Orochimaru-san and Tsunade-san. From there it is right seals to be formed."
Even so, It became abundantly clear that Kushina possessed a unique affinity for fuinjutsu. It wasn't that Minato was any less of a genius – far from it – but there was something about the way Kushina approached the seals. She seemed to intuitively understand each symbol, each connection, with nothing more than a single glance. While
Minato's is pure knowledge and experience.
AI updates the future research topic list.
[Uzumaki and the connection with Fuinjustsu.]
Amid their conversation, I couldn't help but interject with a question. "Kushina, your grasp of fuinjutsu is incredible. Have you always been this skilled in it?" A little flattery is a good way to establish a relationship, especially for a woman who is in front of her boyfriend.
Kushina glanced up from the seal matrix, a mischievous glint in her bright blue eyes. "Oh, Kyudo, you have no idea. I've been obsessed with fuinjutsu since I was a genin. I used to drive my instructor crazy with my constant questions and experiments."
Minato chuckled, nodding in agreement. "She's being modest. Kushina was a prodigy in fuinjutsu from the very beginning. Her talent was so remarkable that even some of the elder Uzumaki clan members couldn't keep up with her that was before she even joined the academy."
Kushina playfully elbowed Minato. "Flattery will get you nowhere, Minato. But yes, I've always had a knack for this. It's in my blood, you know, being an Uzumaki."
[Event recorded for future reference for the listed task.]
I couldn't help but smile at their banter. It was clear that Minato and Kushina had a strong bond.
As the discussion continued, I found myself drawn into their world of intricate seals and complex chakra manipulations. It was humbling to know just how much there was to learn and discover in the world. The fact that these guys understood the A. I crafted a matrix in a single seating.
Eventually, Minato turned to me, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Kyudo, you've shown some interest in fuinjutsu, and I can see that you have a talent for it. If you ever want help in clearing the doubts in this art, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We'd be more than happy to help you."
I felt a surge of gratitude towards Minato, but the cynical part reminded me of the conversation with the old man. He is already pulling me towards him. Though he might genuinely want to help it doesn't mean he can use this for his career. I am all for it too.
"Thank you, Minato-san, Kushina-san. I truly appreciate your offer, and I'll take you up on it."
Kushina grinned, her enthusiasm infectious. "That's the spirit, kyudo! I'd love to have another fuinjutsu enthusiast to talk with."
As our impromptu fuinjutsu lesson came to a close, we shifted our focus back to the chakra pill production project. Minato carefully examined the detailed report I had prepared, and a look of genuine admiration crossed his face.
"This report is impressive, Kyudo," Minato remarked. "It seems the old man has finally succeeded in pushing through some much-needed reform."
Kushina, who had been quietly reading the report, looked up with a somewhat dazed expression. It was clear that her talents lay more in the realm of fuinjutsu and combat rather than economics and politics.
"What reform are you talking about?" she asked, genuinely curious.
Minato leaned back in his chair and began to explain. "Well, you see, Kushina, in the village, there's often a monopoly held by the major clans. They tend to control various aspects of production, like Hatake's in Tantos, the Shimura in weapons."
Kushina then struck a fist to her palm saying, "You mean like the Fuinjutsu contracts held by Uzumaki clan."
"Yes, but the maintenance is still under the control of the village like fuinjutsu barriers. When I wanted to introduce some of my improvements to those barriers, I faced quite a bit of resistance."
Kushina couldn't help but interject, a mischievous grin on her face. "You mean the bullies who tried to bully you, Minato? Don't worry, I'm sure they had a change of heart after I showed them what you were capable of."
The embarrassment and shock that crossed Minato's face indicated that he hadn't been aware of the details of her involvement. Being the human-shaped nuclear weapon had its perks when it came to handling bullies and ensuring cooperation. I am sure there was an upsurge in fees in Hospital accounts back then.
Kakashi, on the other hand, seemed rather amused by the revelation. "Well, well, Minato-sensei, it seems you have quite an interesting history with your fuinjutsu colleagues."
The sarcastic comments from the masked boy pierced the Jonin.
Minato chuckled, acknowledging the truth in his words. "Indeed, it was a bit of a troubled past, but it all worked out in the end. And now, thanks to Kyudo's contributions, we're on the brink of a breakthrough. At least Konoha is much better than Kirigakure where the clans have the capability even punish as they please."
It is now I saw the bright smile that seemed to allow an orphan to climb the stairs of Hokage seat.
