In the Kazekage's office of Sunagakure in the Land of Wind.
Pakura took a deep breath, suppressed her inner excitement, raised her hand, and knocked on the door.
"Come in."
The Third Kazekage looked up and spoke.
"Lord Kazekage."
Pakura walked in and bowed slightly.
"It's Pakura. What's the matter?"
The Third Kazekage put down the document in his hand and asked.
"There is a matter I would like to report to you."
Pakura explained. "I've been working on this for a long time, but it only yielded results this month."
"Oh? What is it?"
The Third Kazekage's interest was piqued.
"The specific details are all inside."
Pakura handed over a scroll and said. "Lord Kazekage, please take a look."
The Third Kazekage immediately opened it and began to read.
When he saw the first line of text, his eyes narrowed slightly.
A rainwater business with the Daimyo of the Land of Rain?
Seeing the word "water", he keenly sensed that this matter was not ordinary.
The Third Kazekage continued reading.
The general idea was that in January of this year, the Daimyo of the Land of Rain sent someone to find her.
They said that the Land of Rain had developed rainwater collection and purification devices, and now had a large amount of water resources to sell.
Pakura immediately agreed and sent people to build an underground pipeline.
Now, in June, the underground pipeline had been completed and was operational.
Many residents of Amegakure had reached purchasing agreements with her, willing to buy her rainwater resources in fixed quantities at regular intervals.
The Third Kazekage read to the end, noting the number of residents who had reached purchasing agreements: over two hundred households.
And the total amount of money was already nearly one percent of the Land of Wind's aid to Sunagakure.
Although the Land of Wind's aid was a massive sum of money, water prices in the Land of Wind were quite expensive.
Especially in desert regions, it was comparable to gold.
Sunagakure could be considered an area not particularly short of water, but even so, it was still very expensive.
The Third Kazekage immediately realized that this business was the key to Sunagakure's rise.
In the Second Great Ninja War, Sunagakure suffered a disastrous defeat against Konoha, and even Rasa, Pakura, and others were captured.
To ransom them, plus the war reparations, Sunagakure had practically emptied its coffers.
Now, they were in a predicament of extreme financial shortage.
The Third Kazekage had even given up his ambitions. Even if there was another Great Ninja War, Sunagakure would not participate.
After all, they needed to recuperate.
But the appearance of this rainwater business reignited his ambitions.
Just two hundred households amounted to so much money.
What about all the residents of Sunagakure?
And not just Sunagakure. Large areas of the Land of Wind were short of water.
If they could sell to these places, wealth would pour into Sunagakure.
With money, Sunagakure could restore its glory, perhaps even surpassing Konoha.
"You have done very well in this matter."
Thinking of this, the Third Kazekage immediately praised her.
"It was my duty."
Pakura felt a surge of joy upon hearing this, but still spoke very calmly.
"The financial situation of Sunagakure is not good. With this business, the village will recover much faster."
The Third Kazekage sighed in admiration. "You have given me a huge surprise."
"It's our Sunagakure's good luck."
Pakura fabricated a reason, saying. "I went to the Land of Rain for a mission previously and happened to have some interactions with the Daimyo."
"I see."
The Third Kazekage did not doubt her.
After all, Pakura had indeed gone to the Land of Rain for missions.
Although after the Second Great Ninja War, Amegakure had been controlled by Konoha, that was limited to Amegakure.
The Land of Rain was still under the control of the Daimyo.
This was the rule set by the Daimyos: ninja wars could not involve the Daimyos and nobles.
"Has there been any reaction from Amegakure?"
The Third Kazekage thought for a moment and asked.
The underground pipeline was laid from the Land of Rain to Sunagakure.
It would be very easy for the Amegakure ninjas, or Konoha ordering the Amegakure ninjas, to destroy the underground pipeline.
"Not for the time being."
Pakura paused and said. "I hope Lord Kazekage can assign more ninjas to me to protect the underground pipeline."
"Even if you didn't ask, I would have sent more personnel."
The Third Kazekage said with a smile. "This underground pipeline of yours is now the lifeline of Sunagakure."
"Thank you, Lord Kazekage."
Hearing this, Pakura thought to herself that the matter was settled.
The more importance the Third Kazekage attached to this business, the more importance he would attach to her.
When the time came, her status in Sunagakure would rise significantly, perhaps even surpassing Rasa to become the next Kazekage.
The Third Kazekage looked at her, deep in thought.
He was naturally very clear about the open and secret struggles between Pakura, Rasa, and others.
But he didn't plan to retire so early.
After all, he hadn't achieved any significant results yet.
It would be best to retire after Sunagakure emerged victorious in the next Great Ninja War.
This way, his prestige in Sunagakure would be at its highest, fitting his title as the strongest Kazekage.
But letting Pakura and Rasa fight a bit was not a bad thing.
It could improve their strength.
Anyway, with him watching, their struggles wouldn't go too far and affect Sunagakure.
Actually, regarding the candidate for the next Kazekage, he favored Rasa more.
After all, Rasa was his student and had also mastered Magnet Release.
The Third Kazekage was pondering a question.
Should he leave this rainwater business solely to Pakura?
After all, for the current Sunagakure, this rainwater business was too important.
But stripping her of her power just as she reported the matter would seem unfeeling.
Especially since this matter was a tremendous merit.
Both logically and emotionally, he couldn't do that.
"You can choose ninjas yourself to assist you with this rainwater business."
The Third Kazekage finally said.
"Yes, Lord Kazekage!"
Pakura's spirit was lifted, and she hurriedly said.
If she chose them, these people would become half her own people.
It would be useful when competing for the Kazekage position in the future.
"What are your subsequent plans for this rainwater business?"
The Third Kazekage asked again.
"First, do business in Sunagakure, then expand to the Land of Wind."
Pakura said immediately.
She had already thought of this in advance, so she didn't need much time to think.
"I think so too."
The Third Kazekage nodded and said. "When it's time to do business in the Land of Wind, come to me, and I will go see the Daimyo."
"With Lord Kazekage stepping in, the business in the Land of Wind will definitely go very smoothly."
Pakura said upon hearing this.
Contacting the Daimyo of the Land of Wind was indeed most suitable for the Third Kazekage.
In the entire Sunagakure, apart from him, the other ninjas didn't have much interaction with the Daimyo of the Land of Wind.
"I look forward to your performance."
The Third Kazekage said with a smile.
"Yes, Lord Kazekage."
Pakura turned and left the Kazekage's office.
As the door closed, she couldn't help but smile.
Although over seventy percent of the profits from this rainwater business would go to Natsuki, thirty percent was still plenty.
The Third Kazekage watched the door close, a plan forming in his mind.
That was to divide Pakura's power when they started business in the Land of Wind.
Using the excuse that she couldn't handle it alone, he would split this rainwater business into two or more parts, adding one or two more managers.
For example, Rasa.
After receiving the Third Kazekage's support, Pakura took action.
Such a large commotion naturally couldn't be hidden from Rasa and the others.
At Rasa's house in Sunagakure.
Many Jonin who supported him were gathered here.
Among them were Baki and Karura.
In the original work, Baki was the teacher of Gaara and his siblings, while Karura married Rasa and gave birth to them.
"We've investigated the reason clearly."
Baki briefly explained Pakura's rainwater business with the Daimyo of the Land of Rain.
"What Sunagakure lacks most right now is money. Pakura's action can be considered a great merit."
"This is very disadvantageous for us. We must find a way to stop it."
"No, Lord Kazekage has explicitly supported Pakura. Stopping her would be very dangerous."
"Indeed, if Lord Kazekage finds out, the loss will outweigh the gain for us."
"Then what should we do? Just let her expand her power?"
The crowd discussed.
"Naturally, we cannot just let it be."
Rasa said slowly.
"Rasa, do you have a plan?"
Baki couldn't help but ask.
"I understand my teacher."
Rasa thought for a moment and said. "He won't let Pakura monopolize the power."
"Relying solely on guesses is always risky."
Baki suggested. "I think you could go to Lord Kazekage and sound him out."
"Mm."
Rasa nodded and said. "I'll go ask about the situation in a while."
If it truly came to a last resort, he would find a way to eliminate Pakura.
After all, accidents happen to ninjas all the time.
However, he had to be certain before acting. If he failed, there would be severe backlash.
In fact, things went exactly as he expected.
Three months later, a high-level meeting was convened in the Kazekage's office.
The participating ninjas were the Third Kazekage, Chiyo, Ebizo, Pakura, Rasa, Reki, and others.
"During this period, the financial constraints of Sunagakure have been significantly alleviated, and Pakura deserves the greatest credit."
The Third Kazekage spoke.
"Lord Kazekage overpraises me."
Pakura said very modestly.
Rasa, standing not far away, frowned somewhat unhappily, but quickly regained his composure.
Because he had already sounded out the Third Kazekage beforehand.
"Next, the focus of the rainwater business should shift to the Land of Wind."
The Third Kazekage nodded and said. "I have already discussed this matter with the Daimyo. He is deeply pleased and has entrusted this matter to us."
Hearing this, the corner of Pakura's mouth couldn't help but curl up slightly.
The money that could be made in the Land of Wind was at least ten times that of Sunagakure, perhaps even more.
"Many areas in the Land of Wind are short of water, so Sunagakure will be very busy next."
The Third Kazekage continued. "To avoid any oversights, I have discussed this with Elder Chiyo and the other higher-ups, and we have decided to add two more managers."
Pakura's expression instantly froze.
She subconsciously looked at the Third Kazekage, feeling a sense of astonishment.
"The two managers are Rasa and Reki."
The Third Kazekage met her gaze and said without changing his expression. "However, Pakura remains the general manager and the liaison with the Daimyo of the Land of Rain."
He had actually sent someone to the Daimyo of the Land of Rain, but the reply he received was that the liaison could not be changed.
Having no other choice, he could only let Pakura continue as the general manager.
"Lord Kazekage!"
Pakura couldn't help but say. "I can handle it alone. Besides, Rasa and Reki are not familiar with this business."
"If they are not familiar, they can become familiar."
The Third Kazekage glanced at her and said. "This is a decision made by the higher-ups of Sunagakure."
Pakura hesitated to speak, ultimately having nothing to say.
Because it involved Reki, both Chiyo and Ebizo stood on the Third Kazekage's side.
If she didn't know what was good for her, she would be opposing all the higher-ups of Sunagakure.
Pakura suddenly felt a sense of disappointment.
Sunagakure was not as wonderful as she had imagined.
She thought of Natsuki's words.
Perhaps Rasa and the others really would make a move against her next.
In less than a week, Natsuki received the relevant news.
After all, Sunagakure was not doing business with the Daimyo of the Land of Rain, but with the Akatsuki organization.
Although Pakura's power was divided after she gained influence, she was still the general manager.
Coupled with the fact that the Land of Rain held the resources, the profit sharing remained unchanged.
To Natsuki, there was no less money, so it had no impact.
On the contrary, he was happy to see this happen.
Only in this way would Pakura ultimately seek his help.
Natsuki put down the document in his hand and fell into thought.
The Akatsuki organization was no longer short of money.
After all, the rainwater business earned a lot.
Once the business in the Land of Wind started, there would be even less to worry about.
Because of this, the Dawn Company hadn't expanded during this period, focusing on developing in the Land of Rain, the Land of Demons, and the Land of Snow.
Additionally, the production of the Stamina Recovery Potion was limited.
However, the Akatsuki organization's development was quite good.
Using the name of the Daimyo of the Land of Rain, the Akatsuki organization began to gather rogue ninjas in the Land of Rain.
Now, the number of ninjas exceeded one hundred.
However, there were no Jonin for the time being. Most were Chunin, with a few young Genin.
These were all carefully selected members who still had some potential.
Of course, in Natsuki's view, the most important parts of the Akatsuki organization were still CP9 and the Twelve Kizuki.
Among them, CP9 was an empty shell.
After all, the members were still orphans undergoing training.
There were currently six members of the Twelve Kizuki, which was not bad.
Currently, five had achieved Half-Demonification: Konan, Yahiko, Miroku, Chino, and Fuushin.
Miroku was a latecomer who surpassed the others.
Mainly because, as a Priestess, she possessed innate special powers.
After unlocking Half-Demonification, all five of them possessed Tokubetsu Jonin strength.
Natsuki hadn't neglected his training either.
Two months ago, he learned five Fuinjutsu and unlocked the Kikyo template's Sealing Arrow.
Besides that, he also unlocked the Unohana Retsu template's Bakudo.
Its unlock condition was to defeat five Genjutsu Jonin.
Natsuki had already unlocked four previously. Recently, when Nawaki wanted to go out on a mission, they encountered another Genjutsu Jonin, so he successfully unlocked it.
After learning five Fuinjutsu, he continued to learn more.
Mainly to accompany Uzumaki Kushina.
Besides that, he had two Shadow Clones learning the Four Red Yang Formation and Impure World Reincarnation.
He hadn't completely mastered them yet.
Natsuki was currently most looking forward to unlocking the Door-Door Fruit.
With the Akatsuki organization having money, the orphanage expanded its recruitment. He estimated it would be unlocked very soon.
Time reached October.
Within the Senju clan compound.
Natsuki was learning Fuinjutsu with Uzumaki Kushina.
Suddenly, a line of text floated before his eyes.
[Congratulations to the host for unlocking Bruno template Ability 6: Door-Door Fruit]
It's finally here!
Natsuki's spirit was instantly lifted.
With the Door-Door Fruit, he could save a massive amount of time no matter where he went.
"Kushina, something came up at the Anbu. I have to go."
Natsuki found a random excuse and said.
"Go and come back quickly."
Uzumaki Kushina didn't suspect anything, nodded, and said.
Natsuki turned and left.
He went to an empty corner, raised his hand to touch the air, and used the Door-Door Fruit.
An Air Door appeared before him.
Natsuki walked in, and when he reappeared, he was already in the Forest of Death.
Compared to the Flying Thunder God Technique, the Door-Door Fruit didn't need to locate a Flying Thunder God mark. It only required a location to appear in his mind.
Of course, the premise was that Natsuki had been there.
He couldn't just imagine a place out of thin air.
Natsuki placed his hand on a tree.
In an instant, a door appeared on the tree.
In the original work, Bruno could even open a door on Luffy's face.
The only regret was that, judging from the performance, it couldn't cause damage.
A revolving door was opened on Luffy's head, and even while it was spinning, he remained lively and energetic.
But it could also be used in combat.
For example, opening a door with the other end right under the target's feet, one could dive into the door and launch a sneak attack from underground.
However, to Natsuki, the most important function of the Door-Door Fruit was still traveling.
After being localized, the Door-Door Fruit, like the Flying Thunder God Technique, had its teleportation distance determined by the amount of chakra the user inputted.
Namikaze Minato's chakra was already considered outstanding among Jonin, but he still couldn't cross a country.
For example, flying from Konoha to Amegakure.
However, Natsuki could give it a try.
Because he had the Black Grail.
Natsuki casually closed the door, and the tree returned to its original state.
He touched the air, opening a door, while simultaneously activating the Black Grail.
The image of the Akatsuki organization's courtyard in the metropolis of the Land of Rain appeared in his mind, and his chakra rapidly poured into the door.
Finally, after absorbing nearly nine Kakashi units of chakra, the Air Door stabilized.
Natsuki raised an eyebrow, thinking to himself that it was indeed a lot.
But calculating it carefully, it was also normal.
After all, a journey of two or three days was reduced to one second.
Natsuki estimated that if Namikaze Minato wanted to fly from Konoha to Amegakure, he would have to stop and recover his chakra seven or eight times along the way.
If he could arrive instantly, the Third Great Ninja War wouldn't have been fought so arduously.
Uchiha Obito also wouldn't have said that classic line: "Minato-sensei, you're always one step too late."
Of course, Namikaze Minato couldn't be blamed.
He had already done his best.
With these thoughts, Natsuki walked into the Air Door.
Through a green corridor, he arrived in the Akatsuki organization's courtyard in the metropolis of the Land of Rain.
"Natsuki-sensei?"
Natsuki's sudden appearance surprised Yahiko and the other three.
"This is a space-time ninjutsu I created."
Natsuki smiled and said. "With this, I can come over frequently."
Thanks to the Black Grail.
Otherwise, he wouldn't dare to say such words.
But with only Moryo, the chakra would run out one day.
He felt he should find a time to get his hands on the Box of Ultimate Bliss.
And conveniently unlock the Kikyo template's Priestess Purification Technique.
"That's great!"
Yahiko immediately said very happily.
Konan nodded, a smile appearing on her face.
"A self-created space-time ninjutsu?"
Nagato couldn't help but say. "Natsuki-sensei, you are truly amazing."
Having spent a long time with Natsuki, he was no longer as indifferent as before.
And he truly admired him.
In front of him, Natsuki had displayed too many methods, and his strength could be described as unfathomable.
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