Traveling through three generations: Making Konoha great again!

"Huh?" Jiraiya stared at the clod of earth in Hiruzen Sarutobi's hand, his face full of doubt.

When did Mount Myōboku release this?

He's also a member of Mount Myōboku, how could he not know that!

Orochimaru and Tsunade both looked confused.

Clearly, they didn't know what was going on either.

Hiruzen Sarutobi pinched a clod of earth, scattering the dust onto the table.

Jiraiya pressed his finger onto the powder, smelled it, and after confirming it several times, said, "Teacher, this is actually just a clod of earth, isn't it?"

"It's a clod of dirt."

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded: "But we want to sell these clods of earth for the price of gold, or even several times the price of gold."

Jiraiya scratched his head: "This... teacher, while many nobles are indeed quite foolish, they're not that foolish, are they?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi chuckled.

"We are ninjas who have mastered chakra and control the most cutting-edge technology in the ninja world, especially in the field of biomedicine, where we have a significant advantage."

"Even if the raw materials are cheap, as long as the technology gives it irreplaceable scarcity value, coupled with precise matching functions and the premium associated with identity, is turning lead into gold really that difficult?"

"This is pricing based on technology, not cost."

Orochimaru's eyes lit up at the mention of anything technical.

This was also the project that Hiruzen Sarutobi selected after conducting in-depth research.

It wasn't that he looked down on the heroes of the world.

The ninjutsu of Kumogakure, the dust release of Iwagakure, the bloodline limit of Kirigakure, and the puppetry techniques of Sunagakure each have their own unique characteristics, and they are not incapable of innovation.

However, their proper domain lies in the military.

Regarding healthcare, which is related to people's livelihoods, development is practically nonexistent.

Compared to Konoha, which began developing biology during the Second Hokage's era, it is far inferior.

In addition, there are Tsunade and Orochimaru, two geniuses in biomedicine, and the Nara Akimichi clan, two ninja clans with reserves in medicine and pharmaceuticals.

Monopolizing the "luxury health care" market is not difficult.

Hiruzen Sarutobi further explained, "What do nobles desire most?"

"It's nothing more than having a good body to perpetuate one's privileges and having a status symbol to flaunt to others. As long as their needs are met, there's no need to worry about them not voluntarily handing over money."

"The therapeutic effect doesn't have to be rapid, but as long as there is an immediate tangible effect, and with the right sales pitch, they will be willing to buy."

"The immediate sensation indicates effectiveness, while the subsequent gentleness does not mean poor results. Rather, it's a slow, nourishing process that strengthens the body and replenishes vital energy. It's a design language that avoids side effects, which actually enhances its prestige..."

Orochimaru nodded slightly as he listened.

It sounds like the same kind of talk he usually uses to fool his subordinates.

Tsunade's eyes lit up: "I think I understand what you mean, teacher!"

Tsunade had actually done something similar.

Because of her gambling addiction, she sometimes accumulated a lot of debt at casinos. Some nobles would seize this opportunity to help her pay off her gambling debts and then ask her to treat their illnesses.

Some nobles would even take the opportunity to ask for medicine, and Tsunade would first use medical ninjutsu to treat them a couple of times, then casually make a mud ball for them, which would make the other party grateful and give them money.

Jiraiya once made fun of Tsunade.

Despite being a model worker in Konoha and a novelist, he earns money much faster than Tsunade.

"You should meet up and study the specific effects in detail."

"What I'm giving you is the general outline."

"The core point is to establish a purchasing cycle. What I mean by the first generation, the second generation, the three holy lands, etc., are tied to the 'premium demand' of the nobility."

Orochimaru gave a sinister smile: "That's exactly what those nobles think..."

"If we could find plenty of cheap, high-profile materials, that would be ideal." Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled.

"For example, if we deliberately add one or two unbroken snake scales, it will make these nobles think that our products are made of high-quality materials."

"We must make use of the glorious reputation of Konoha's ancestors, along with the resources of the Three Sacred Lands."

Hiruzen Sarutobi pointed to himself: "I'm a 'living dead' too!"

"Even if other hidden villages follow suit in the future, with this protective barrier, they still won't be able to compete with us. Of course, this also requires that the medicines you produce can effectively address the pain points of these nobles."

"We need to keep the price of raw materials as low as possible. We're here to make money, not to actually work hard for them."

Jiraiya nodded as if he understood, and said, "I don't know about other things, but there's a kind of toad oil from Mount Myōboku that's good for boosting yang energy. I've been taking it..."

"That stuff was piled up on the back hill so badly it was only good for burning, and the boss gave me a lot..."

Tsunade gave Jiraiya a disdainful look: "You look pretty strong, I didn't expect you to be like this, sigh~"

"No, I'm just doing this for health maintenance, I'm not sick!" Jiraiya's face immediately turned bright red, and he hurriedly tried to defend his dignity.

"Alright, you idiot, how do you want to prove this isn't a bathhouse!"

Orochimaru laughed rather loudly: "I'll remember that. You should have no problem negotiating the recitation with Mount Myōboku, right?"

After receiving Jiraiya's affirmation, Orochimaru also said, "Ryuchi Cave has a large number of snake molts, which have a calming effect. It would be perfect to use them to feed those nobles."

"As for the Shikkotsu Forest, I don't know what kind of waste materials can be utilized... after all, every slug is actually the original form of a great immortal."

Tsunade smiled and said, "Actually, whether it's from one of the Three Sacred Lands or not isn't important. What's important is that we were able to make this pill by utilizing waste materials and without consuming too many medical resources, right?"

"Teacher, there's no need to worry about that. Those nobles without chakra can't handle the drugs used by ninjas..." Tsunade's thoughts wandered.

"This is the advantage of cost-effective procurement, but it is also a technical challenge, and adjustments need to be made according to their affordability."

Hiruzen Sarutobi gave Tsunade a thumbs up.

As expected, everyone has their own expertise; Tsunade grasped this concept immediately.

"If we're talking about pill bases, the Akimichi family's spinach pills could be a good option, and the Nara clan's calming drink is also quite good..." Tsunade's thoughts were wandering; she had already begun a brainstorming session.

"This time, Tsunade and Orochimaru, you two will take the lead. You must take this cooperation with Akimichi and Nara very seriously."

Hiruzen Sarutobi said, "Tsunade, I know you've always wanted to form a medical team, but you also know that a purely medical ninja in a three-person team is unrealistic."

"Not everyone has your talent, possessing both combat prowess and healing abilities."

Tsunade sighed and nodded.

She knew that her suggestion when she was young was well-intentioned, but impractical.

In a clash between two three-person teams, if the medical ninja lacks firepower and also needs protection, then they will undoubtedly be at a disadvantage.

After all, the ninja world doesn't have the concept of a 'tank,' and there's almost no situation where someone can heal while taking damage; it's more about dodging and mobility.

"Once the project officially starts, I will support you in leading the medical department to select one member from each team and have each Jonin receive first aid training from the village."

Upon hearing this, Tsunade exclaimed, "That's great! Leave it to me, old man!"

"Orochimaru, you're in charge of pricing..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi continued assigning tasks: "To be clear, we are only targeting the noble families. We cannot use too many ninjas for this project, as it would disrupt the normal operation of the village."

Do you know what I mean?

Orochimaru nodded. Ninjas are essentially primarily combat-oriented, while precious medical ninjas are also used for the daily maintenance of hospitals.

It's impossible to allocate a large number of people to make medicine for these nobles.

Targeting a small, aristocratic demographic, with a higher price, would reduce the manpower required, which logically aligns better with the quality of this "three holy lands co-branded" pill.

Scarcity is an indispensable part of this project.

Orochimaru even thought that if the pill successfully made a name for itself, it could be used to infiltrate the daimyo's residence in an enemy country and obtain information about the enemy's headquarters.

Without even making a special inquiry, a few clues can reveal a lot about the situation.

"You should take this opportunity to cooperate with Nara and Akimichi seriously."

Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly said:

"It's not just about getting funding from the nobility. Some of the technologies that your collaboration has developed, with targeted optimization of ingredients and dosages and enhanced functions, may very well be applicable to the military field."

"Special 'soldier's ration pills,' medications with energizing and pain-relieving effects, etc..."

"We need to develop a higher strategic vision. This is about conducting preliminary research and iterative development of military technology, striving to achieve two-way technological benefits from a single R&D investment."

Hiruzen Sarutobi paused for a moment: "For example, the medical talisman you mentioned before... As far as I know, the difficulty lies in storing and slowly releasing the medical chakra, right?"

Tsunade nodded. "My teacher really knows a lot."

"Yes, compared to the explosive release of fire-style chakra in explosive tags, creating medical talismans is more difficult in terms of both 'slow release' and 'storage'."

Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a smile, "If we can successfully acquire 'Noble Health Care,' then I think the advent of 'Medical Talisman' won't be too far off."

"Once our pills gain the approval of these great nobles, their vassals will naturally have a demand for them."

"Closest to them are their women."

Tsunade looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi with a puzzled expression. What was the connection between the two?

"By breaking down the medical talisman, we can first solve the storage and slow release technology of the smallest unit of medical chakra to meet the needs of those noble ladies, which is what is known as 'cosmetics'."

Hiruzen Sarutobi patiently explained, "And the funds recovered will be used for research and development in the military field..."

Noblewomen, though their status was highly tied to and dependent on their husbands, did not lack purchasing power.

In the feudal system, the makeup and beauty of aristocratic women were a symbol of power for men, representing their strength and a necessary expenditure to maintain family dignity and personal authority.

It is similar in nature to repairing a mansion or procuring ceremonial regalia.

For them, beauty can also increase their bargaining power in marriage alliances, just like a ninja's strength.

Therefore, if there were "super cosmetics" that could make them look beautiful, wealthy women would certainly not hesitate to spend their money.

Tsunade suddenly realized: "Not to mention noblewomen, even many female ninjas have asked me about the secret of immortality..."

"That's right. These small but beautiful projects that don't require too much manpower and can be converted between military and civilian uses will bring huge benefits to the village once they are running."

Tsunade slammed her hand on the table, then patted Orochimaru's shoulder heavily with her other hand: "We'd better get this done!"

Orochimaru's face darkened; this woman had no mercy. But he still forced a smile and said, "Of course..."

He was also extremely envious of the continuous stream of cash in the future.

Scientific research, ninjutsu improvement and development, apart from the occasional stroke of luck, mostly require a large amount of manpower and material resources.

"Then what should I do, teacher?" Jiraiya pointed to himself.

"Your words..." Hiruzen Sarutobi pondered, "I heard you're writing a book, how are the sales?"

Jiraiya said with a long face, "It's not selling too well, but I believe it will definitely become a bestseller in the future!"

"Weren't your anonymously written short stories about relationships quite popular?"

Orochimaru said with a mocking expression, "How about we change tracks? Something too serious doesn't suit you..."

"What?! You filthy snake, how did you know what I wrote?!" Jiraiya roared like a cat with its fur standing on end. "Are you secretly in love with me? You're spying on my privacy?!"

As we all know, one of the most embarrassing situations for novelists is when their relatives and friends see what they've written.

"Don't underestimate my intelligence network..." Orochimaru raised an eyebrow mysteriously:

"Getting back to the point, I think you have a real talent for this. Including the pills and cosmetics we're going to make in the description will be a great help for our marketing."

Jiraiya asked suspiciously, "Do I really have talent? To be honest, even I think what I wrote is too fake."

She glanced furtively at Tsunade: "I have no dating experience..."

"No, you have it, Jiraiya."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes lit up, and he encouraged him, "It's precisely because you've never been in love that you have such a fantastical longing for that kind of beauty!"

"Do as Orochimaru says, Jiraiya! Your teacher hopes you'll become a renowned romance novelist in the ninja world..."

Jiraiya grimaced. "This doesn't sound like a compliment, teacher!"

"However, since it's for the village, I'll have to sacrifice my literary talent..." Jiraiya instantly went from dejected to confident:

"First, I'll write about emotions to gain fame and fortune, build a following, and help the village. Then, I'll write serious literature and become a master of my generation!"

"Okay, it's decided, that's it!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes were half-closed.

Even in the ninja world, is there such a hierarchy of contempt between novels and authors?

That's reality...

"Let me choose a pen name... Let me think, what should I get..."

Jiraiya muttered to himself, "The Myōboku Golden Toad, a celestial being who shakes the heavens and cleaves the earth? The carefree wanderer of the mortal world, wielding ink and brush?"

"You're past the age of being a chuunibyou (middle school syndrome) kid, Jiraiya... Won't you be setting a bad example for your student, my grand-student?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand dismissively and said quietly, "I think we should call him 'Young Aji'!"

"This name isn't bad..." Jiraiya paused, then added, "It sounds quite innocent, which suits me..."

"I'll handle taking care of the daimyo; you guys take care of the actual research and development..."

"For Konoha, Team Sarutobi reunites! Let's work together!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi extended his palm, and Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Jiraiya were taken aback at first, but then understood and put their hands together.

They used to do this a lot when they were kids.

"Go Sarutobi Class!"