After finalizing the pact, Sasori also decided to remain inside Homuragakure.
He would dutifully play his part as a 'tool' and strive to complete a qualified 'giant Puppet' as soon as possible.
Certainly, standard puppets were easy enough to build.
But something like this giant Puppet capable of carrying the Susanoo? That was definitely going to be filled with challenges.
From fundamental principles to technical aspects and materials… there were still many difficult problems awaiting solutions.
However, if even Orochimaru—who wasn't particularly specialized in puppetry—could create a mechanical Nine-Tails rivaling the real one…
Then Sasori, who had originally been a master puppeteer himself,
shouldn't have too much trouble making a qualified 'giant Puppet,' right?
As for the initial research funding, Shimoku was quite generous.
He directly placed Sasori under Orochimaru's supervision,
letting the revered Lady Serpent handle the supply of initial research funds.
Considering she had independently built such a massive underground facility, she must be rolling in money—this sort of small expense wouldn't matter to her.
Besides, he guessed she probably found building a 'giant Puppet' pretty interesting too?
And with the two of them working together, they could significantly speed things up and shorten the development time.
In short, it was a move with multiple benefits all around.
Absolutely not because he wanted to save on research expenses!
Who would be so stingy anyway?!
Of course, once Sasori successfully built the first qualified giant Puppet
and they entered the mass production phase,
Shimoku wouldn't mind investing a bit more to set up an assembly line.
As for the funds needed to purchase the forbidden jutsu [Self-Life Reincarnation], and the cost of consuming the [Immortal God Body] as a condition for rebirth, Shimoku had no intention of paying those from his own pocket.
After all, the cost will come out of Sasori's own pocket in the end.
The wool comes from the sheep after all.
Eventually, Sasori himself would naturally need to raise these funds.
After all, as a master puppeteer himself,
making money like this
shouldn't be particularly difficult for him, right?
No big deal—Sasori could always make and sell a few more standard puppets!
Eventually, he'd save up enough…
Today marked the third day since the Konoha battle.
Time had quietly moved into November.
Approaching year-end, temperatures plummeted sharply.
Within the Homuragakure, many clan members had added extra layers of clothing, beginning to focus on staying warm.
Right now, at dusk,
inside Shimoku's home.
A group of people were gathered around happily dipping ingredients into a bubbling pot of spicy hotpot.
As for the main dish, it was naturally fresh beef delivered specially from Kumogakure.
The tender meat with that spicy, fiery broth really got everyone's appetite going.
Before long, everyone was eating enthusiastically, sweat pouring down their faces.
They began removing their shirts and rolling up sleeves to continue feasting.
Even Yueji, usually so cold and reserved, had taken off her coat and was wearing a tight tank top, grabbing slices of meat with surprising enthusiasm.
An hour later, dinner was over.
All five sprawled across the living room, their bellies full and rounded, basking in the comfortable post-dinner haze.
Meanwhile, head maid Nonou led the newly hired maid Kurenai Yuhi in efficiently clearing away the dining table.
...
Soon afterward, after resting briefly.
Everyone began sipping iced watermelon juice and sake while discussing important matters.
Although various civilian affairs in the Homuragakure Village seemed to be currently managed by the Elders' Council,
the central power of the entire village still lay here.
Just like how the Second Hokage Hashirama Senju's personal guards eventually took control of the whole Konoha.
At present, Shimoku's Personal Guards also held considerable authority.
Tō Uncle, Yueji, Riyō... they all led different aspects of the village's administration.
Although the Anbu had not yet been established, it was only a matter of time.
As for Shimoku himself, he was practically a dictator,
holding supreme leadership over the entire village.
If it weren't for his age disqualifying him from officially becoming clan leader, he wouldn't even need the "Young Master" title anymore.
Of course, as long as one possesses absolute strength and ruling power,
those so-called titles are nothing more than mere formalities...
Shimoku: "Tō Uncle, has there been any news from the Shipping Company? It's already more than a month behind schedule. Did something unexpected happen?"
Uchiha Long quickly explained:
"That's right! There were violent storms at sea recently which lasted for over half a month, significantly hindering maritime trade transportation..."
"However, the losses weren't too significant."
"Long has also sent word back, estimating the first batch of profits and goods should arrive at the village in about two days..."
Shimoku nodded, no longer dwelling on the matter.
The reason he paid special attention to the Shipping Company wasn't merely due to its profits and returns.
After all, it currently represented the main source of income for their village.
Besides, his personal coin reserves had recently become rather low—he really didn't feel financially secure anymore!
It was high time he came up with a way to rake in some cash...
"What about other updates?"
"Surely news of the great battle involving Konoha has already spread throughout the Ninja World by now?"
"How have the major Hidden Villages reacted?"
"After learning that the 'Ninja God' Hashirama Senju has returned, they must've all started getting restless, right?"
*Hmph*
Shimoku let out a soft "Hmmph" as he sipped his watermelon juice, asking casually.
Riyō, responsible for gathering intelligence, immediately reported:
"Currently, the reactions among the other four major Hidden Villages vary."
"Both Iwagakure and Sunagakure have immediately expressed goodwill toward Konoha, sending diplomatic envoys, apparently showing support for Konoha."
"Moreover, Iwagakure seems to have secretly dispatched another envoy heading directly toward our village."
Shimoku chuckled with light sarcasm:
"Trying to hedge their bets? Or perhaps buying time with delaying tactics?"
"That slippery old fox Onoki really knows how to play both sides—and he always has his own interests calculated like a perfect abacus!"
"What else?"
"Kumogakure released a strong condemnation through the Land of Lightning, declaring that Konoha's act of desecrating the dead was deplorable and should stop immediately!"
Shimoku: "Tsk. Fourth Raikage A, still as stubborn-headed as ever!"
"He won't believe it unless Hashirama Senju personally knocks him off his pedestal."
Riyō: "Young Master, about Kumo..."
Shimoku: "No need to worry. Since Kumo already has the Byakugan, they certainly won't give it up willingly. Just this single fact alone proves they won't easily reconcile with Konoha..."
"Not everyone is as crafty as old man Onoki!"
"What about Kirigakure?"
Riyō: "After receiving the news, Kiri immediately dispatched a second delegation during the night. They're currently on their way to our village. Seems like they still firmly support us."
He gave a scornful chuckle.
"Another delegation? This time are they planning to use the 'beauty strategy' [a scheme involving seduction]?"
"Hmph! Don't let appearances fool you."
"Don't be fooled by Kiri's outward obedience."
"That Genji elder has schemes running deep beneath his calm surface."
"He might even secretly be placing bets on both sides, or attempting to incite them into another life-or-death battle against Konoha!"
"In that case, Kiri would rise rapidly from the chaos..."
"You can never be too careful with others!"
In Shimoku's eyes, an old fox older than Onoki who had survived all the way from the Warring States period was certainly not as simple as he appeared.
The mere fact that he managed to outlive the Fourth Mizukage while still retaining real power...
...was enough proof that this old schemer was no ordinary man—extremely patient and cunning.
Clearly, someone like this wouldn't easily admit defeat.
His previous alliance with Shimoku's faction had been nothing more than a reluctant compromise forced by circumstances and suppression of power.
At the first opportunity, Kiri would absolutely stab Shimoku in the back without hesitation.
That's the Ninja World for you!
Cruel and cold-hearted, always chasing self-interest.
All things considered, after this great battle, especially with the news of Hashirama Senju rising from the dead...
...the Ninja World will inevitably experience tremendous shockwaves and change.
The structure of the Five Great Hidden Villages that has lasted for decades will gradually transform!
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!
patreon.com/Tansnovel
<><><><><><><><>