Naruto: I'm really not an evil scientist!

"If we cede some of our interests to those nobles, we should be able to gain their support."

As for those salt merchants, if they really disagree, we can send a few ninjas with gifts to their doorsteps to offer our condolences and wish their whole family good health.

I believe we will obtain the salt industry license soon.

Of course, we must still prioritize peace and pay the due amount, striving for a peaceful reunification of the salt industry.

Hiruko immediately explained the tricks of this mission to the group.

After his own saltworks opened for business, sales naturally soared, and everyone benefited from it, since Beiruhu possessed modern salt-making technology.

It is entirely possible to dump salt into other countries.

Minato Namikaze picked up a cup of fragrant flower tea, took a small sip, and then turned to his senior from the Hyuga clan.

He said solemnly, "In that case, let's entrust this arduous task to the mature and prudent Mr. Hyuga."

The Hyuga clan has always been known for its prudence. Although they may seem a bit cautious, this is exactly what Minato Namikaze wanted to see.

Minato Namikaze wasn't just trying to win over the Hyuga clan itself, but rather hoping to demonstrate his sincerity through this incident.

Entrusting this matter to the Hyuga clan, given their steady approach, even if the mission ultimately fails, will prevent the relationship between Konoha and the Land of Fire from becoming irreparable.

The Hyuga family members nodded silently; clearly, they had not yet fully grasped the seriousness of the situation.

He was still carefully calculating the various impacts that future tax increases would have on his family.

"This operation is not just a matter for one family or clan; it concerns the interests of the entire Land of Fire. We must inform every corner of the country to avoid any unnecessary trouble in the future."

Of course, it is perfectly acceptable for individuals to seek profits within reasonable limits.

We have never intended to monopolize all the benefits, but we can only relinquish a maximum of 30% of the profits.

Hiruko said in a calm tone.

The relationship between the Daimyo of the Land of Fire and the Hidden Leaf Village is actually complex and entangled.

To change this world, we must first weaken the power of the daimyo. When the time is right, we can even overthrow their rule.

Therefore, from this moment on, Hiruko must begin to carefully plan and proceed step by step.

The Third Hokage took a few puffs of his cigarette and said with a deep expression, "The Daimyo shouldn't pose too much of an obstacle. After all, the situation in the Land of Fire is precarious and not optimistic."

"If this project can truly bring in more profits, Da Ming will only grumble a few words at most, but..."

The Third Hokage's words revealed a hint of unease, after all, most of these ninjas who had fought for the Land of Fire were not good at business.

During the Warring States period, they served only for money; the higher their rank and the stronger they were against their enemies, the greater the reward they received.

As for worldly matters such as production and management, they are completely unrelated to ninjas.

Only Beiliuhu, this oddball, always advocated the business world.

Perhaps a small group of ninjas might choose to open a prop shop or make a movie, but these are merely their private hobbies and should never represent the mainstream trend among ninjas.

In this era, ninjas consciously confined themselves to the framework of the military field, and were almost completely indifferent to the political and economic affairs of the Land of Fire.

This attitude is absolutely bizarre.

The world seems to be bound by some kind of curse, restricting people's thinking.

Although Asuma held the title of one of the Twelve Guardian Ninjas, it was just a nominal title; he didn't have any real power.

Hiruko's actions in joining forces with Minato Namikaze undoubtedly broke with past conventions and bad habits, which made the Third Hokage very uneasy.

I always have this inexplicable feeling in my heart, like I've fallen into a stinky puddle.

However, the Third Hokage himself had served as Hokage and was well aware that Konoha was currently in a dilemma, facing numerous difficulties.

This won't work, that won't work, how can we help the Land of Fire overcome this crisis?

It's a good thing that young people have their own ideas.

Furthermore, Minato Namikaze's firm support for Hiruko during this incident gave the Third Hokage hope.

It's important to know that Minato Namikaze was the Fourth Hokage he himself chose. He believed that Konoha's promising young talents would once again lead Konoha to victory, and he supported Minato Namikaze's judgment.

The high price of salt is not a big deal for the ninjas of Konoha, whose salaries are relatively high and whose purchasing power is quite strong, so they are not short of money for salt.

However, the common people of the surrounding Land of Fire lived a very hard life, and even getting a little salt was extremely difficult.

In some particularly impoverished areas, people are still using vinegar cloth as a substitute for salt.

Hiruzen Sarutobi had witnessed such a scene firsthand, a sight that was truly unforgettable and left one with mixed feelings.

But then again, a person can't live without salt.

Without salt, people would lack the strength to work in the fields, and a family would lose the ability to survive.

Therefore, salt is considered particularly precious and essential.

If a way can be found to promote the consumption of such luxury goods, and with Hiruko's new technology expanding salt production, Konoha's financial problems might be alleviated considerably.

The poor people around the Land of Fire can also live a better life.

The meeting ended in a gloomy atmosphere, and everyone's morale was somewhat low.

After all, we had just ended World War III, and now we were about to face a new threat of war.

Most importantly, no one was sure about the idea proposed by Hiruko.

Although salt is a very valuable commodity, its production is extremely low, and they do not believe that Hiruko could come up with any technology to mass-produce salt.

It was only because Hiruko's previous record was so outstanding that others believed in him.

The conversation ended quickly, and everyone shared the same sentiment: a large-scale war was absolutely impossible, but small-scale conflicts were very likely to occur.

Fugaku Uchiha returned to the Uchiha mansion with a solemn expression. When he returned, the elders of the Uchiha clan were already waiting for him.

Looking at those spirited old faces, Fugaku Uchiha managed to regain some of his composure.

He then told them everything that had happened.

The Uchiha clan's Jonin discussed this amongst themselves: "Is it another war? We just experienced a major battle; are we about to be dragged into a new one?"

"I wonder how many more people will have to sacrifice themselves this time."

"If they dare to invade, we will make sure they never return."

Warfare is nothing new to the Uchiha ninjas; after going through so many trials and tribulations, they still keep fighting.

However, the funds in Konoha's coffers are simply insufficient to support a war.

I don't know if this salt business will be able to make enough money to cope with the situation.

If it really doesn't work...