Hinata: I'm in charge of Konoha.

Hokage Building

Hokage's Office

At this moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi was looking at the copied "On Naruto" in front of him with a headache.

Although the decision has been made to strike first, this "On Naruto" only provides a general direction, and further details on how to carry out the specific operations are needed.

He and Nara Shikaku discussed the matter for a whole day but couldn't come up with any particularly feasible solutions.

After all, this was unprecedented in the ninja world, completely outside their comprehension, and they had no clue how to improve it...

It's like this practice of raising the price of silk fabrics and lowering the price of grain.

The price of grain is easy to say; the Land of Fire has had three years of bumper harvests, so the price of grain is not high to begin with.

But the real problem is how to raise the price of silk and cloth. And what to do with the silk that the merchants from the other four countries have sold to the Land of Fire after the price has been raised? And how to prevent the merchants from the Land of Fire from taking advantage of the situation?

Besides, having so much stockpiled silk is also a problem...

Each and every one of these issues needs to be addressed. If we simply submit our names hastily without considering anything else, it's not just 80%, it's 100% likely to be rejected.

Thinking of this, Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help but rub his slightly sore eyes and brows.

The one who tied the knot must untie it...

As the image of the Hyuga girl appeared in his mind, Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help but sigh.

To be honest, if he could, he really didn't want to see that cunning girl.

This single essay, "On the Hokage," forced him to act according to Hinata's ideas. If he continued to let her continue, the entire Hidden Leaf Village would probably operate according to her will.

but……

"Someone, summon Hinata Hyuga."

Hiruzen Sarutobi had no choice but to do it.

-

"That's easy."

"We only need to leverage public opinion to praise the exquisite silk craftsmanship of the four countries of Wind, Thunder, Water, and Soil, and how their silk clothing enhances a person's temperament and demeanor."

"The acquired silk can be sold to the nobles and wealthy merchants in the country."

Hinata, who had been summoned by Hiruzen Sarutobi, began to explain the questions he had raised.

"So, how can we leverage public opinion to our advantage?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi served as Hokage for decades, but all he knew was how to engage in military competition with the other four nations. He had no idea about these things.

The entire logistics of Konoha were provided by the Daimyo of the Land of Fire. From the First Shinobi World War to the Third Shinobi World War, Konoha never had to worry about supplies and logistics.

Hinata looked out the window of the Hokage's office and pointed towards a commercial street in Konoha, saying:

"If I remember correctly, a movie theater opened there last month."

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked in the direction Hinata was pointing and nodded in agreement, but even so, he didn't understand what this had to do with that movie theater.

He even went to see a movie when the cinema first opened.

It's basically just a story made by a bunch of actors.

"From now on, make sure all the films those people make feature them wearing Shikoku silk, and that they wear it every time they appear in public, while also praising the silk in their words."

"In addition, we need to arrange for someone to publicize this."

Hinata seemed to have thought this through long ago.

Hiruzen Sarutobi took out his pipe, lit it, and nodded silently.

He was certain that Hinata had already prepared a follow-up plan; otherwise, she wouldn't have answered so quickly.

If Hinata knew what Hiruzen Sarutobi was thinking, she would probably cry foul on the spot.

She simply copied Qi Wanlu Gao's work and then made slight modifications based on the actual situation in the ninja world.

"So how do we stop domestic businessmen from taking advantage of the situation?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned and asked.

"Anyone who privately cultivates mulberry trees within the country shall be executed immediately."

"In this way, even if they have land, they would never dare to plant mulberry trees."

!

Hinata's almost unequivocal words startled Hiruzen Sarutobi.

kill.

Such simple words, spoken without hesitation...

"Hinata, you..."

Do you know how many people in China grow mulberry trees and raise silkworms?

Hiruzen Sarutobi stared intently at the Hyuga girl before him, his tone heavy with emotion.

Although he didn't know how many people in the Land of Fire made a living through this trade, they were certainly not a minority, and Hinata's casual remark could make so many people lose their means of survival...

"What are these people compared to the Hokage of the entire world?"

Hinata ignored Hiruzen Sarutobi's complicated gaze and remained expressionless.

She thought to herself: Why are you looking at me like that? Guan Zhong did the same thing.

Hiruzen Sarutobi fell silent upon hearing this, time ticking by as he puffed out smoke. Finally, he slowly spoke:

"Can."

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded, indicating that he agreed to the proposal.

He knew that his nod would cost countless people their means of survival and even their lives.

but……

This is a necessary sacrifice.

Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help but look at the transcribed "On Naruto" placed beside him.

The very first line reads: "The flames blaze fiercely, their shadows looming dimly..."

Naruto, where there is fire, there is shadow.

For those who were about to lose their livelihood, Hiruzen Sarutobi could only silently apologize in his heart.

"Grandpa Hokage, is there anything else?"

Hinata looked up at Hiruzen Sarutobi. The serious expression on her face had disappeared at some point, replaced by an innocent and naive look.

It was as if she wasn't the one who had just uttered those cruel words.

"It's alright now..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi silently shook his head.

The problem of the underhanded tactics has been temporarily resolved. If it can be implemented perfectly, then all that remains is for him, the Hokage, to do.

As for whether Daimyo agrees or not?

They must agree.

Anyone would take the gamble without hesitation if they were to accomplish the feat of sweeping across the world in their lifetime, even if the success rate was only 30%.

Moreover, this is not just 30%...

"I'll be going now, I have something to do..."

Hinata was about to leave after saying that. Her dear father had approved her plan to use her bare hands yesterday, and early in the morning she had packed the Gentle Fist manual and was going to find Might Guy. But as soon as she stepped out the door, she was invited by the Anbu to the Hokage's office for tea.

only……

"Grandpa Naruto?"

Hinata turned to look at Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was silently deep in thought.

"Hmm? Is there anything else?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi was somewhat startled and looked up at Hinata, who was about to leave.

"I've solved your problem. In return, could you grant me the Sword Shadow Clone Technique?"

Hinata asked in a crisp voice.

"Okay, I'll arrange for someone to deliver it to you in a bit."

Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand, indicating that Hinata could leave.

He knew perfectly well why Hinata wanted the Shadow Clone Technique.

By combining the use of the Flying Thunder God Technique, one can control the entire battlefield with a single shuriken.

Besides, it's just a C-rank ninjutsu. Even if Hinata didn't ask him for it, he could easily obtain it from other sources.

For Hyuga, this technique doesn't even qualify as a matter of human kindness...