Naruto: I'm really not an evil scientist!

Minato Namikaze picked up a cup of fragrant flower tea, took a small sip, and then turned to his senior from the Hyuga clan.

He said solemnly, "In that case, let's entrust this arduous task to the mature and prudent Mr. Hyuga."

The Hyuga clan has always been known for its prudence. Although they may seem a bit cautious, this is exactly what Minato Namikaze wanted to see.

Minato Namikaze wasn't just trying to win over the Hyuga clan itself, but rather hoping to demonstrate his sincerity through this incident.

Entrusting this matter to the Hyuga clan, given their steady approach, would at least prevent the relationship between Konoha and the Land of Fire from becoming irreparable, even if the mission ultimately fails.

The Hyuga family members nodded silently; clearly, they had not yet fully grasped the seriousness of the situation.

He was still carefully calculating the various impacts that future tax increases would have on his family.

"This operation is not just a matter for one family or clan; it concerns the interests of the entire Land of Fire. We must inform every corner of the country to avoid any unnecessary trouble in the future."

Of course, it is perfectly acceptable for individuals to seek profits within reasonable limits.

We have never intended to monopolize all the benefits, but we can only relinquish a maximum of 30% of the profits.

Hiruko said in a calm tone.

The relationship between the Daimyo of the Land of Fire and the Hidden Leaf Village is actually complex and entangled.

To change this world, we must first weaken the power of the daimyo. When the time is right, we can even overthrow their rule.

Therefore, from this moment on, Hiruko must begin to carefully plan and proceed step by step.

The Third Hokage took a few puffs of his cigarette and said with a deep expression, "The Daimyo shouldn't pose too much of an obstacle. After all, the situation in the Land of Fire is precarious and not optimistic."

"If this project can truly bring in more profits, Da Ming will at most grumble a bit, but..."

The Third Hokage's words revealed a hint of unease, after all, most of these ninjas who had fought for the Land of Fire were not good at business.

During the Warring States period, they served only for money; the higher their rank and the stronger they were against their enemies, the greater the reward they received.

As for worldly matters such as production and management, they are completely unrelated to ninjas.

Only Beiliuhu, this oddball, always advocated the business world.

Perhaps a small group of ninjas might choose to open a prop shop or make a movie, but these are merely their private hobbies and should never represent the mainstream trend among ninjas.

In this era, ninjas consciously confined themselves to the framework of the military field, and were almost completely indifferent to the political and economic affairs of the Land of Fire.

This attitude is absolutely bizarre.

The world seems to be bound by some kind of curse, restricting people's thinking.

Although Asuma held the title of one of the Twelve Guardian Ninjas, it was just a nominal title; he didn't have any real power.

Hiruko's actions in joining forces with Minato Namikaze undoubtedly broke with past conventions and bad habits, which made the Third Hokage very uneasy.

I always have this inexplicable feeling in my heart, like I've fallen into a stinky puddle.

However, the Third Hokage himself had served as Hokage and was well aware that Konoha was currently in a dilemma, facing numerous difficulties.

This won't work, that won't work, so how can we help the Land of Fire overcome this crisis?

It's a good thing that young people have their own ideas.

Furthermore, Minato Namikaze's firm support for Hiruko during this incident gave the Third Hokage hope.

It's important to know that Minato Namikaze was the Fourth Hokage he himself chose. He believed that Konoha's promising young talents would once again lead Konoha to victory, and he supported Minato Namikaze's judgment.

The high price of salt is not a big deal for the ninjas of Konoha, whose salaries are relatively high and whose purchasing power is quite strong, so they are not short of money for salt.

However, the common people of the surrounding Land of Fire lived a very hard life, and even getting a little salt was extremely difficult.

In some particularly impoverished areas, people are still using vinegar cloth as a substitute for salt.

Hiruzen Sarutobi had witnessed such a scene firsthand, a sight that was truly unforgettable and left one with mixed feelings.

But then again, a person can't live without salt.

Without salt, people would lack the strength to work in the fields, and a family would lose the ability to survive.

Therefore, salt is considered particularly precious and essential.

If a way can be found to promote the consumption of such luxury goods, and with Hiruko's new technology expanding salt production, Konoha's financial problems might be alleviated considerably.

The poor people around the Land of Fire can also live a better life.

The meeting ended in a gloomy atmosphere, and everyone's morale was somewhat low.

After all, we had just ended World War III, and now we were about to face a new threat of war.

Most importantly, no one was sure about the idea proposed by Hiruko.

Although salt is a very valuable commodity, its production is extremely low, and they did not believe that Biluhu could come up with any technology to mass-produce salt.

It was only because Hiruko's previous record was so outstanding that others believed in him.

The conversation ended quickly, and everyone shared the same sentiment: a large-scale war was absolutely impossible, but small-scale conflicts were very likely to occur.

Fugaku Uchiha returned to the Uchiha mansion with a solemn expression. When he returned, the elders of the Uchiha clan were already waiting for him.

Looking at those spirited old faces, Fugaku Uchiha managed to regain some of his composure.

He then told them everything that had happened.

The Uchiha clan's Jonin discussed this amongst themselves: "Is it another war? We just experienced a major battle, are we about to be drawn into a new one?"

"I wonder how many people will be sacrificed this time."

"If they dare to invade, we will make sure they never return."

Warfare is nothing new to the Uchiha ninjas; after going through so many trials and tribulations, they still keep fighting.

However, Konoha's current funds are simply insufficient to support a war.

I don't know if this salt business will be able to make enough money to cope with the situation.

If it really doesn't work...

Chapter 25 A Sacred Date

Fugaku looked at these old men, all of whom had come through the war.

The vast majority participated in the Third Shinobi World War, and some of the older ones even participated in the Second Shinobi World War.

For them, war was an integral part of life, and fighting the enemy did not frighten them.

But what they are worried about is the current situation in Konoha.

The newly appointed fourth generation leader is still too young, and they are always a little uneasy about him.

The Uchiha clan's loyalty to Konoha runs deep in their hearts.

For the Uchiha people, Konoha is more than just a village; it is their home, their roots.

The Uchiha clan harbors an indescribable sense of belonging.

If Konoha is in trouble, it's perfectly acceptable for the Uchiha clan to bleed them dry.

These clan elders had long been aware of this, especially after the Thousand Hands clan had declined.

Hiruko had already arranged his plans perfectly.

After receiving approval from above, he immediately began large-scale construction, building salt fields and salt processing equipment.

With the abilities of ninjas, plus the advanced technology provided by Hiruko, clearing land, paving roads, and building factories was a piece of cake; Hiruko even invented cement.

In just one month, a huge, modern salt factory was built near Konoha.

The factory workers were ordinary people hired by the factory, not ninjas.

The establishment of this saltworks was part of the Biluhu plan and a deliberate social experiment.

This is the first step for Konoha to break free from the control of the Daimyo and transform itself from endless killing and foolish wars.

He wanted to see if this distorted world would change because of him; he wanted to become the world's reformer.

In the ninja world, no matter how technology and society develop, anything advanced may eventually be used for killing.

Rather than that, let Biljuk lead them to change the world.

As soon as Minato Namikaze gave the order, the entire Konoha leadership sprang into action, contacting the Fire Country nobles who were acquainted with their families.

In the afternoon, Hiruko set off on her journey to the Nonou Orphanage.

Unlike other children who spent their childhood in orphanages, he was taken directly into Mito Uzumaki's home and raised by her.

After a period of training, Hiruko was handed over to the Third Hokage for care.

However, after that, Hiruko committed the most serious mistake of his life, which is why Mito Uzumaki always disliked him.

Mito Uzumaki also knew about the darkness and arrogance that filled Hiruko's heart.

only......

Hiruko shook his head, dispelling the distracting thoughts in his mind.

Nonou, who was in the distance, had already rushed over and greeted him warmly, "Lord Hiruko, please come in!"

After saying that, she pulled Biruko into the orphanage.

Years of war caused the number of children in the orphanage to surge, making the orphanage's expenses very tight. Despite making several applications to the village, they all went unanswered.

After entering the orphanage, Hiruko carefully looked around the environment.

Despite the rather harsh conditions at the facility, the children still gathered together, some playing games in the rooms, others chasing and frolicking in the yard.

"The number of children in the orphanage has almost doubled this year compared to previous years, and the living conditions are simply unsustainable."

Nonou said earnestly, "We have submitted applications to the village many times, but we have never received a response, probably because of the war."

“My employees and I also tried to raise funds from local businessmen. Although some kind people donated, it was only a drop in the bucket.”

Hiruko nodded, then slowly said, "I can allocate some funds from the Academy of Sciences to maintain the orphanage's normal operation in the future."

Upon hearing this, Nonou's eyes lit up with surprise, and she thanked him repeatedly, "Really? Thank you so much, sir!"

She bowed repeatedly to Biluhu, her fair face full of gratitude, and the huge white bowl trembled as she spoke with exceptional politeness.

Hiruko continued, "However, my help will not come without a price. I plan to select some of these children and train them to become my assistants."

Upon hearing this, Nonou looked at Hiruko with considerable alarm and exclaimed, "Could it be the same cultivation method as Root?"