Naruto: I'm really not an evil scientist!

They all came with enthusiasm and expectation, willing to seek cooperation and guidance from Hiruko, who was renowned in the ninja world. This was just a small microcosm of this magnificent era.

As a capable assistant to the Hokage, Hiruko's extraordinary wisdom and far-sighted vision have long been legendary in the ninja world, making her an object of admiration and emulation for many.

Originally, Hiruko had carefully considered his options and was preparing to collaborate with Yagura, the Mizukage of Kirigakure, on this multinational beverage project.

After all, Yagura and he had known each other for a long time. They understood each other well and he knew Yagura's thoughts and ambitions best. Working together would undoubtedly reduce many unnecessary troubles and maximize benefits.

Chapter 391 Selling Coke

Moreover, if this cooperation succeeds, it can also separate the entangled factions within Kirigakure to the greatest extent possible, making the village more united and working together towards prosperity.

Unfortunately, fate played a cruel trick on him. Yagura's arrival was ill-timed, as an emergency suddenly broke out in the village. Like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, it stirred up huge waves, and the cooperation had to be temporarily put on hold. Well, what's done is done. Hiruko thought to himself, opportunities always come to those who are prepared. He would patiently wait for the next opportunity.

"Everyone has been very kind to me, and I am truly grateful..."

Hiruko stood tall at the head of the conference room, a gentle yet confident smile on his face. His gaze slowly swept over the wealthy businessmen present, and he said sincerely, "I have nothing much to say. Please choose your areas of expertise, and let us join hands to create a great enterprise."

His words were concise and powerful, as swift and decisive as if he had done it in a flash, instantly arranging things perfectly and demonstrating his swift and decisive nature.

Apart from the company in the Land of Fire that produces cola... although it may sound a bit heartless, this incident really doesn't have much of a direct connection to it.

That company primarily focuses on producing traditional beverages and does not directly conflict with Hiruko's meticulously planned new project.

However, Hiruko secretly pondered to himself, "Let's see if it understands things. If it's willing to join in with dignity and work together with the business tycoons present, then it will naturally have a place and receive the dignity it deserves."

If it remains stubborn and refuses to integrate, the market's cruelty will not spare it, and it shouldn't blame me for being ruthless then.

Hiruko knew perfectly well that he had unleashed a ferocious beast—the market economy—and had been nurturing it and carefully guiding it in the right direction.

But a beast is still a beast; even without deliberate nurturing, it will continue to grow stronger on its own.

Since that's the case, it would be better for him to take the lead and let this powerful force bring about a truly earth-shattering change to the ninja world.

One cannot give up eating for fear of choking. Biluhu's heart was as firm as a rock. What he wanted to do was to lead this era, like a brave captain, leading everyone to a more prosperous future.

Upon hearing what Beiliuhu said, the wealthy merchants perked up, stood up, and sat together, enthusiastically discussing their respective areas of interest.

Then, like experienced chefs cutting a cake, they took turns precisely slicing their favorite pieces from the large cake.

Every piece they cut off represents not just a simple share of profit, but also their future territory in the business landscape and their future position within the company.

Indeed, this approach is a bit too direct, but Hiruko still feels that it's better to put things out in the open. It's always better for everyone to be honest with each other from the beginning and agree on the terms than to have everyone gossip and fight in secret later.

Although he knew that such power struggles would never stop in large companies, like undercurrents surging beneath a calm lake, he was confident that he could harness this force and make it work for him.

Soon, everyone had divided up the huge cake, and everyone was satisfied, showing a happy smile.

Only one banking tycoon remained seated quietly, gazing at his wine glass with a thoughtful look in his eyes, showing no intention of taking action, seemingly dissatisfied with the allocation of resources.

"Is there anything else you're unhappy about?" Hiruko asked with a smile. Although his tone was gentle, it revealed an undeniable authority, like an invisible mountain that made people dare not easily disobey.

"Ah, there's nothing to complain about."

The bigwig wearing a monocle adjusted his glasses and said slowly, "We provide the funding, and then you come up with a new project that's sure to make money, and you set the rules for it. I think that's great."

Everyone makes money, it's orderly and efficient...it's simply perfect.

However…isn’t your profit margin too low?

His words carried a hint of provocation, like a pebble suddenly thrown into a calm lake, as if he wanted to test Beiliuhu's bottom line and see how he would react.

You're kidding me!

Is Coca-Cola's price too low?

Do you think I don't want to create a behemoth like Apple or Saudi Aramco?

It's just that this era doesn't allow it!

Hiruko inwardly grumbled, a surge of anger burning within him, but outwardly he remained calm and rational, without losing his temper.

Because he already knew that some people had become addicted to his company, and that Coca-Cola alone would not be enough for them, and their appetites were growing ever larger.

This is a mess he created himself, feeding them into a ball every time... But at least for now, we still need their help, and we can't easily break ties, otherwise it won't be good for anyone.

“You are a very strict person,” Hiruko said with a smile, his gentle smile still on his face, as if his anger just now was just an illusion.

"That's why I said this is just the first step... I don't know if you know something—our Fire Kingdom currency can bring us a lot of wealth, just like the tides."

All we need to do is, like those who gather seafood, collect the gifts bestowed by heaven.

His words were full of allure, like a mysterious magic spell, seemingly showing this banking tycoon a wider and more tempting world of wealth.

"...Oh? Is that so?" The banking tycoon was genuinely intrigued, his eyes lighting up instantly like twinkling stars in the night sky.

He never imagined that the currency of the Land of Fire would have such a magical use; it was like discovering a hidden treasure.

So, Hiruko began to explain in detail the principles and operation of the Fire Country's currency, the Tide. This was his last resort in dealing with this semi-feudal world: to control the overall situation through economic means and keep everything under his control.

...The secret talks finally came to a complete end at dawn.

Although they had stayed up all night, all the wealthy merchants were satisfied. Their faces were filled with excitement and anticipation, as if they saw hope for the future and the enormous potential for cooperation with Birukho.

One of the banking tycoons was so excited he could hardly contain himself. He even wanted to become sworn brothers with Hiruko on the spot. In his words, why should Hiruko be a ninja? He should be a banker. That would be the real way to make a fortune and earn money every day.

If it weren't for the fact that Beiliuhu had no children, this guy would definitely have arranged a marriage between their children to strengthen the bond between the two families.

In short, after a lot of messy things, Hiruko finally got the right to use a huge amount of funds.

He didn't even bother to rest. After briefly outlining the general framework of the contract in his mind, he quickly drafted a contract, sealed it with a wax pellet, and summoned his capable assistant, Shisui, as if transmitting important intelligence.

"Hokage, assistant master." Shisui's condition has been really bad lately. He was usually the most energetic teenager, but now he has dark circles under his eyes, like a panda. His spirits are also very low, as if his soul has been taken away.

Hiruko really wanted to have a good talk with him and understand his inner troubles, but the matter of Mei Terumi couldn't be delayed any longer—if Obito killed Mei Terumi directly, Hiruko wouldn't even have time to cry.

The current priority is speed, and time is of the essence, so he chose to issue the order directly.

"Shisui, I remember you haven't had any matches these past two days, right?" Hiruko asked, her eyes filled with concern.

"Yes, Hokage-sama," Shisui replied, his voice tinged with weariness, as if he were being weighed down by the burdens of life.

“Very good. Deliver this secret letter to the ruler of the Tea Country—note that it must be delivered personally.”

Don't worry about them interfering. You saw their important figures last time, and they were quite friendly towards us.

Hiruko gave his instructions, his tone revealing his trust in Shisui, as if he were entrusting him with an important mission.

The Land of Tea, near the Land of Waves, is a small, unknown country.

Just from its name, you can tell that this small country is famous for its tea, with tea trees covering the mountains and plains.

However, for various reasons, the country has always been quite poor, and the people have problems even with basic living security, often worrying about food and clothing.

Fortunately, regardless of its poverty, it was still within the traditional sphere of influence of the Land of Water and had a fairly good relationship with the daimyo of the Land of Water. Under the protection of the Land of Water, it was able to barely survive and continue to operate.

"……Yes!"

Shisui took the secret letter and was about to leave, but Hiruko pondered for a moment and couldn't help but add, "This time, besides delivering the letter... you don't need to do anything else."

No matter what others say to you, just make sure the letter has been delivered, and then go and return quickly.

He knew that the situation in the Land of Tea was complex, like a huge maze, and he was afraid that Shisui, being young and impetuous, might accidentally get involved in unnecessary conflicts and find himself in a predicament from which he would have difficulty extricating himself.

"...Do nothing?" Shisui asked with some doubt, a hint of confusion in his eyes, as if he did not understand Hiruko's intention.

“Yes, I won’t do anything.” Hiruko answered firmly and seriously. “If it were Kakashi, I wouldn’t say anything, but as for you… the ruler of the Land of Tea has a very tense relationship with the major landowners in the country because he is constantly trying to reform.”

From my perspective, he most likely didn't have a complete strategy; he simply wanted to do something to change the status quo of the country, and then... he made things worse.

In other words, the country is small, and with the occasional help from the daimyo of the Land of Water, nothing major has ever happened.

But if Konoha accidentally gets involved... well, better safe than sorry.

He patiently explained, hoping that Shisui could understand his good intentions and avoid unnecessary trouble.

Unlike Kakashi, Shisui did not have the habit of spending a lot of time reading newspapers every day, thinking about how to use strategy and economics to crush the opponent's economy.

Hearing what Beiruk said, he agreed and didn't ask any more questions.

Then Shisui leaped onto the Black Hawk, and under Hiruko's watchful gaze, he soared into the sky like a black lightning bolt, disappearing into the horizon, leaving only a faint shadow.

"He should be back by tomorrow at the latest... well, there are others too."

Hiruko muttered to himself that he had spent most of the day writing letters one by one, each word filled with his hopes and plans. After confirming that there were no problems, he had his subordinates send them out.

These letters carry his dreams and represent an important step in leading the ninja world to prosperity. Like seeds, they will take root and sprout in the land of the future.

By evening, Hiruko had completed all the steps.

So he summoned Mei Terumi's second-in-command and began to reassure him, as if to calm the spirit.

"Don't worry, leave everything to me... Now, we just need to wait for the replies from the rulers." Hiruko said with a smile, his tone revealing unparalleled confidence, as if everything was under his control.

reject?

He couldn't think of any reason why they would refuse. After all, it was a win-win collaboration that would benefit everyone, like a perfect deal, and there was no reason to refuse.

Just as Hiruko had predicted, good news kept returning along with the Hokage's guards.

Although the investment has not officially started, the lords have already decided to lend a hand—they are not worried about Konoha breaking its promise, after all, Konoha's reputation and strength are there for all to see, like a solid foundation that puts people at ease.

only……

"Civil strife has broken out in the Land of Tea?!"

"What the hell is going on?!?!" A sudden message struck like a bolt from the blue, shattering Hiruko's peaceful state of mind.

News of the civil war in the Land of Tea spread like wildfire throughout the world in the shortest possible time.

The news spread so quickly that even Hiruko didn't have a chance to cover it up.

The television station reporting on the incident vaguely indicated that it was related to Konoha.

Although the TV station didn't know why Konoha was bothering the Land of Tea, since the two sides were practically keeping to themselves and had no conflict of interest, according to information from a package thrown at the TV station's door... it was related to Konoha.

This kind of information without a source is difficult even for the courts to handle—if Konoha needs it, they can easily fabricate a whole bunch of it.

But what the TV station needs is not to convince the audience, but simply to tell everyone that Konoha is a suspect.

This television station belongs to the Land of Water, and Konoha has no way to stop it. They can only passively accept this reality, like being splashed with dirty water with nowhere to appeal.

In fact, the Land of Tea was very peaceful before, but as soon as the water stopped flowing, problems immediately arose in the Land of Tea.

Chapter 392 Cyber ​​Chakra Technology