Anka became a minister, which was a position of considerable authority, yet she showed no favoritism. Every employee hired into the factory passed rigorous scrutiny.
Torifu sometimes felt like Konoha Village was becoming more and more like a corporation under him; he'd even set up a human resources department.
He just wondered when it would go public.
After finishing his call, he looked up at Amado and saw him lost in thought.
He seemed utterly bewildered, his right foot continuously rubbing circles on the ground, which completely baffled Torifu for a moment.
"Hey, what are you doing? Acting like an idiot."
Upon being scolded by Torifu, Amado immediately snapped back to reality. Recalling the scene in his mind just moments ago, he instantly panicked.
"Cough, cough, cough! Nothing, nothing, I just haven't quite woken up yet. I'll be fine once I'm more energized."
With that, he started doing some chest expansions.
Torifu could mostly guess what Amado was thinking, but he couldn't be sure.
Even if there was something going on between Amado and Anka, it was likely Amado's unrequited love.
After all, Torifu hadn't heard or seen even the slightest hint from Anka that she was interested in Amado.
So, it was best for Torifu not to rock the boat before anything was definitively established.
"Alright, I've told you countless times not to stay up all night. You definitely went to bed late again last night."
Amado chuckled, scratching his head. "Ah, well, it's become a habit for me, you know. I can't change it overnight. I'll take it slow, really slow."
Torifu waved his hand helplessly. "Alright, I get it. Go on, get back to whatever you were doing."
Amado was immediately relieved and scampered off gleefully.
Torifu hadn't yet told Amado about Konoha Village's future development direction. This was a very serious matter that required the establishment of a large-scale research department.
It couldn't be accomplished by Amado alone.
Many interested individuals would need to join, thoroughly studying various subjects like science, mathematics, and chemistry.
Torifu only had a concept for it so far and hadn't begun preparations, including finding teachers for instruction.
Even the textbooks and research materials hadn't been prepared yet.
However, he could likely acquire everything from the system store. Torifu planned to refresh it when he had a moment to see if he could get everything at once.
Another point was that Amado's small team could be included among those interested in this field.
With Orochimaru and Hiruko's teams included, these were currently the only usable personnel.
They could be merged into one research department, which would also make management easier.
With nothing to do, Torifu sat in the courtyard, contemplating many aspects of the research department's future development.
He even fantasized about Konoha Village conquering the universe in spaceships, which was truly a bit too much to imagine.
He should focus on the present.
Thinking this, Torifu dialed a number. "Hello, is that Kon?"
"It is, Hokage-sama. How may I assist you?"
"Immediately gather your people, reclaim some wasteland, and build a new factory. Bicycles will soon be put into production."
Upon hearing the order, Katō Kon immediately sprang into action. "Yes, Hokage-sama!"
Then, Kon hung up the phone.
Torifu had originally intended to tell Amado, but the guy had just acted so foolishly that he seemed unreliable.
Since he had nothing else to do himself, he just called Kon directly.
It seemed that doing things himself was more convenient.
Time quickly passed, and around two in the afternoon, Kaito arrived at the Kumotsuru Clan's compound on time.
He didn't rush off to train with Yahiko and the others but instead approached Torifu.
"Hokage-sama, my Master said we will be departing Konoha Village tomorrow. Thank you for your care during this time; I have benefited greatly."
Kaito bowed respectfully to Torifu. The boy truly possessed a strong samurai spirit.
Torifu thought highly of him, believing his future achievements would not be far behind Mifune's.
Thus, during his sparring sessions with Yahiko, Torifu would occasionally offer guidance.
He just hadn't expected the boy to come specifically to thank him.
Torifu smiled and patted his shoulder. "No need to thank me; it's only right. Your Master and I knew each other when we were young. Although we met again twenty years later, that bond cannot be changed."
"If it weren't for our respective statuses, you could actually call me uncle without any issue."
Hearing Torifu say this, Kaito immediately cupped his hands and bowed. "I wouldn't dare. I am not only here to thank Hokage-sama for your care of me, but also to thank you, Hokage-sama, for revitalizing the Land of Iron."
Torifu smiled, saying nothing more.
Afterward, Kaito offered a few more words of thanks, then went off to train with Yahiko and the others.
Some of those words were conveyed by Mifune through Kaito, and Torifu understood why Mifune hadn't come himself.
Regardless, the Land of Iron was now eligible to become a quasi-great nation.
For the leader of such a quasi-great nation to personally thank the leader of another great nation.
It would inevitably carry a hint of flattery and could easily draw criticism.
Yet, Mifune wanted Torifu to understand his intentions, which was why he sent Kaito.
"This Mifune, really, are samurai so concerned about losing face? Look how straightforward the Kazekage and Tsuchikage are."
Those two directly showed their favoritism, without any pretense.
As long as it benefited their villages, they would even act as Konoha Village's enforcers.
However, Torifu didn't think they were demeaning themselves.
In Torifu's view, these were simply collaborations. Once Konoha Village's products were made, they naturally needed to be sold.
And with the low attitude shown by these Kage, Torifu naturally felt more comfortable. Otherwise, dealing with a group of arrogant individuals would be too exhausting.
At this moment, Yahiko and Konan had begun their final training session with Kaito.
The three children were very serious, hoping to show each other their progress in this last training session.
Their next meeting might not be for a long time.
Torifu used Cloud Release to condense a small eye in the air, observing the movements on the training ground.
He had thought Kaito's training would only provide a decent benefit, but to his surprise, Yahiko and Konan's taijutsu had improved rapidly over these past few days.
He didn't know if it was due to the motivation of an outsider or something else, but the gains far exceeded Torifu's estimations.
"What a pity. If they had stayed a bit longer, Yahiko's swordsmanship might have advanced even further."
But there was nothing he could do. Torifu couldn't force the general of the Land of Iron to stay just for his apprentices' improvement.