Chapter 13 The Ninja World Is Not Peaceful
Having absorbed the memories of the third generation, the current third generation still understands his disciple.
Judging from his expression, I could guess what was going on.
Are you short of money right now?
Orochimaru immediately said seriously, "It's Konoha that's short of money, teacher."
As the soon-to-be Fifth Hokage, Orochimaru believed that if Konoha wasn't short of money, then he wasn't either.
Experiments are really expensive.
Of course, this is also for the sake of Konoha. After all, the results of the experiment can be used in Konoha, can't they?
Orochimaru cleverly aligns his own interests with those of Konoha.
The Third Hokage lit his pipe and started smoking.
After exhaling a puff of smoke, he said, "Orochimaru, this audience with the emperor upon your ascension to the throne is an opportunity."
"Oh? Please enlighten me, teacher." Orochimaru humbly sought guidance.
After all, his teacher had been the Hokage for many years, so he could offer him some guidance.
"Invite all the major merchants from the Fire Kingdom."
"Should we raise money from these big merchants?" Orochimaru frowned as he pondered.
Admittedly, those big businessmen would never dare to refuse an invitation extended by the newly appointed Hokage.
When the time comes, we can ask those big businessmen for money, and they will definitely be willing to grit their teeth and give it to us.
However, this ultimately offended these big merchants.
These big merchants wouldn't dare to do anything to Konoha openly, but they could easily hand over the mission quotas they controlled to other ninja villages.
Ultimately, the ninja world wasn't dominated by Konoha alone; it consisted of five great ninja villages.
Although Konoha was the number one ninja village, its title as the number one ninja village was upheld throughout the various Shinobi World Wars.
However, this first place is not an absolute crushing victory.
Unless, of course, it was when the legendary First Hokage was still alive.
Therefore, it seems somewhat counterproductive to try to forcefully raise money from big businessmen by taking advantage of this opportunity.
Orochimaru had some concerns about this, but he still had a long-term vision.
But since it was a suggestion from the teacher, he couldn't very well reject it outright.
Just when he was in a bit of a dilemma.
"It's not about raising money, it's about cooperation."
As he spoke, the third generation took another drag of his cigarette, puffing out clouds of smoke.
"Cooperation?" Orochimaru asked, puzzled. "What kind of cooperation?"
What are your thoughts on the ninja world?
That's too broad a question.
After thinking for a moment, Orochimaru said, "It's not peaceful."
Even if the Fourth Shinobi World War ends, it is just preparation for a new great war, and that day will come sooner or later.
Thinking of this, Orochimaru's eyes darkened as he reflected on his life so far and the countless corpses he had seen.
Having seen too much, he feared death.
Moreover, only by staying alive can he fulfill his wish and learn all the ninjutsu.
But this world is too cruel. Even someone as powerful as the First Hokage could not avoid death, and all his pursuits would come to an end.
Therefore, he wished to live forever.
"That's right, it's not peaceful. It's hard to find a peaceful place in this world."
As the Third Hokage spoke, he recalled the memories he had gained from this body, the current state of the world he had witnessed, and the various missions he had witnessed as the Third Hokage.
"Bandits can never be completely eradicated, and roaming ninjas can never be completely eliminated. Even the most prosperous Land of Fire in the ninja world is like this. You could encounter bandits and robbers even if you don't leave Konoha for three days."
"...Teacher, it is precisely because of these mountain bandits and robbers, and the endless stream of roaming ninjas, that we ninjas have enough mission quotas."
"Yes, whether it's Konoha, Kumogakure, Sunagakure, Iwagakure, or Kirigakure, they are all ignoring this situation and even intentionally maintaining it. In order to ensure a sufficient number of missions, the ninjas, especially the major ninja villages, need this world to be full of conflict."
Hearing this, Orochimaru remained silent for a long time before exhaling and saying, "Perhaps, this is the world."
"Orochimaru, the key to changing this situation is now in your hands."
Orochimaru stared in astonishment at the teacher who had spoken to him.
"You are the Hokage, the new Hokage. At this moment, you will undoubtedly gain more attention from the entire world."
Of course, the change of leadership of the largest country in the Land of Fire, the largest ninja village, and arguably the most powerful force in the ninja world, is bound to attract the attention of the entire world.
After the news spread that Orochimaru was going to succeed as the Fifth Hokage, he became the focus of the world.
Many people are eager to see what changes the new Naruto will bring to the world.
Indeed, given the significance of the Hokage position, its succession will inevitably have a profound impact on the world.
"What's the point of being the center of everyone's attention?" Even the usually brilliant Orochimaru asked, somewhat bewildered.
"Of course there is. You can take this opportunity to show the world what kind of situation you want to bring to the world."
"What kind of situation will this lead to? Please tell me, teacher."
"Let's unite the power of Konoha and change this unstable situation. Let's cooperate with the big businessmen of the Land of Fire to establish a joint security company. With Konoha as the leader and the businessmen providing financial support, we will absorb and eliminate all restless forces within the Land of Fire."
Orochimaru frowned, deep in thought, and after a moment said, "Should we provide a stable business environment for merchants?"
He wasn't some pampered young master unaware of the hardships of life; having traveled extensively, he knew how much businessmen actually longed for a stable environment.
If Konoha can bring this kind of stability, then the merchants are indeed generous with their money.
But.
"Task quota?"
"Missions don't necessarily have to involve fighting. Only when society stabilizes will many new opportunities arise," the Third Hokage said, taking a drag of his cigarette. "After establishing deep partnerships with major businessmen, we can provide them with highly skilled personnel to conduct legitimate business. Ninjas are all outstanding elites; even in the most unskilled jobs, their efficiency far surpasses that of ordinary workers. Many ninjas excel at intelligence gathering and organization, allowing us to effectively investigate and integrate commercial information across society, becoming the largest and most professional commercial intelligence database in the entire ninja world. Whether it's conducting business operations, inviting seasoned managers with industry insights, or seeking various consulting services for starting a business, you can contact us. We can provide such effective services."
Even with Orochimaru's sharp mind, he was momentarily stunned by what he heard.
However, after carefully analyzing the Third Hokage's words, he could understand them, but even after understanding them, he couldn't be sure how much profit the Third Hokage was making.
"In addition, we also need to continuously pay security maintenance and management fees to maintain social order."
"...I'm afraid the daimyo won't be happy about it."
Although it was disguised as a "United Security Company," Orochimaru could still see that it was eroding the administrative power of the government under the daimyo of the Land of Fire, and even the right to collect taxes.
The daimyo will certainly not be happy, and many stakeholders will likely also be hostile.
"That's right, the daimyo won't be happy, but the daimyo isn't the only one who owns the Land of Fire."
The third agent naturally replied, "We are not against all the nobles. Many great merchants have nobles behind them. For the sake of profit, they will persuade the daimyo."
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