Naruto: The Tavern Speech Begins to Make the Land of Rain Great

"Welcome to the Xiaoguang Society, Uzumaki Muneaki."

Watanabe Tetsu stood up, a friendly smile on his face, to greet the man who claimed to be from the Uzumaki clan.

"Lord Watanabe, you can just call me Muneaki."

Uzumaki Muneaki, a survivor of the Uzumaki clan.

He had taken on a field mission just before the destruction of the Land of Whirlpools, which is why he narrowly escaped the extermination of his clan.

He also became one of the few remaining members of the Uzumaki clan in the ninja world.

As for Uzumaki Muneichi, his trip to the Xiaoguang Association was also a last resort.

He was a Jonin who had mastered many exquisite sealing techniques, but because of his distinctive red hair, he didn't fare well in the Land of Rain.

The Hidden Cloud Village still has wanted posters for the Uzumaki clan.

Once discovered to be a survivor of the Vortex clan, there's a high probability they'll be captured and taken away for a bounty.

While he was hiding in the Land of Rain, the Second Shinobi World War broke out.

The Land of Rain has become a war zone, with ninjas from various villages fighting nearby, which has greatly increased the danger level for him hiding in the Land of Rain.

Uzumaki Muneaki had considered joining Amegakure, but he was unsure of Hanzo's attitude.

Uzumaki Muneaki, who desperately needs protection, accidentally passes through Amatsu Town and discovers a medical ninjutsu scroll with traces of sealing techniques.

Out of curiosity, he inquired about the origin of the medical ninjutsu scroll, which led him to learn about Watanabe Tetsu's deeds.

He was able to discover the value of sealing techniques, and it is rumored that he is always very generous to his subordinates, even if they are ninjas or ordinary people who are powerless.

This style of doing things greatly impressed Muneaki Uzumaki.

When he was desperate, he had the idea of ​​joining the Xiaoguang Society.

What if you get the job that they value?

After all, compared to Hanzo's reputation for ruthless killing and violent rule, Watanabe Toru, who valued development and cared for his subordinates, seemed far too kind.

He was gambling; he believed Xiaoguang needed this talent.

Sure enough, within ten minutes of him filling out the application form, Hayakawa Hitomi, the head of the management department of Xiaoguang Association, contacted him.

After confirming his genuine skill in sealing techniques, they even arranged an apartment in Amatsu Town for him, along with free meals a day and 100,000 ryo of Fire Country banknotes.

This emphasis on talent immediately made Zongyi feel that he had come to the right place.

"Mr. Zongyi, I'll still address you as that."

Watanabe Tetsu had a warm smile on his face, which made everyone who saw him feel warm.

"The reason I called you here is to confirm which department you belong to."

Uzumaki Zongyi nodded. After joining the Xiaoguang Society, he had a basic understanding of its organizational structure.

"Lord Watanabe, which department do you think I'd be best suited for?"

Xuanwo Zongyi is also a seasoned veteran. In this situation, one should not reveal one's bias to the supervisor, but rather follow the leader's instructions.

Watanabe Tetsu chuckled and pushed a piece of paper toward Uzumaki Muneaki, which contained a brief description of the Chakra Power Plant project.

When Xuanwu Zongyi got his hands on it, the first thing he noticed was a line of text.

"There is a lack of sealing technology that can stably control the tailed beasts and extract their chakra."

Xuanwu Zongyi's hand trembled, and he almost dropped the page.

In the upper left corner of the paper, there was the logo of Xiaoguang Society, and next to it were the words "Research Department - Confidential Documents" written in large characters.

This also made Uzumaki Muneki understand Watanabe Tetsu's intentions.

"I've heard that Mr. Zong Yi is very skilled in sealing techniques. I think this project is very suitable for Mr. Zong Yi. What do you think?"

"I can give it a try."

Uzumaki Zongyi wasn't afraid at all; in fact, this was an opportunity for him.

As long as he remains useful to Xiaoguang, Xiaoguang will not owe him a meal, nor will he put him in danger.

At least for now, Munechika Michiru feels he needs to demonstrate sufficient value.

"Then, I will temporarily assign you to the research department. As for your position..."

Watanabe Tetsu handed over his employee badge, which clearly stated Uzumaki Muneaki's position.

[Research Department, Senior Researcher]

Munechika Uzumaki had previously read about the classification of the research department.

The highest rank is that of the research director, Furukawa, followed by the research supervisor, and then the senior researcher.

Below the senior researcher level, there are two other levels: researcher and research assistant.

As far as he knows, newcomers to the research department usually start as research assistants.

You need to work conservatively for a year before you're qualified to say you're familiar with the process and become a researcher.

Senior researchers are generally researchers who have a unique understanding of experiments.

As for research directors, they are basically in charge of managing the entire project.

The position of research director in the research department is currently vacant, but there are a few senior researchers.

If we had to categorize him, Orochimaru, though not officially an official member, was a research supervisor, overseeing several projects within the Akatsuki's research department.

Research topics such as "Animal Somatic Cell Dedifferentiation Research" and "In Vitro Cloning Technology Research" are things he started and is gradually following up on.

The research department has many projects now, and basically any key technology that Watanabe Tetsu can think of will be given to Furukawa to study.

From materials mechanics to biology, and then to particle physics.

The existence of the research department has allowed the Akatsuki to gain a much higher level of understanding of the world than the average ninja.

Unsurprisingly, these studies conducted in the laboratory will gradually become a source of support for Xiaoguang Society.

To be fair, Uzumaki Muneaki was still surprised that he could suddenly become a senior researcher.

Especially that long list of benefits...

"I'll just stroll around Amatsucho for a bit today, then I have to go to work tomorrow."

Watanabe Tetsu's words brought Uzumaki Muneaki back to his senses.

"it is good."

Just then, a figure pushed open the office door.

Pale yellow snake eyes, a deathly pale face.

"It seems you're busy, Che-kun."

Orochimaru's gaze swept aggressively over Uzumaki Muneaki, and the familiar red hair made a glint of light flash in his pupils.

Orochimaru's arrival prompted Watanabe Tetsu to wave to Uzumaki Muneaki, signaling him to leave.

Orochimaru only spoke after Uzumaki Muneaki left.

"Che-jun, he's a member of the Uzumaki clan, isn't he?"

"Yes, I've assigned him to the Chakra Power Plant project."

Orochimaru licked his lips, a smile still on his face, indicating that he had been doing quite well lately.

"The Chakra Power Plant project is very promising. Furukawa-kun's talent is beyond my comprehension. I'm really curious where you found such a talent."

"Too many ordinary people in this world are buried simply because they can't extract chakra."

Orochimaru nodded, expressing his deep agreement.

"Alright, I'm not here to chat with you this time."

Orochimaru laid the scroll he was holding flat on the table, on which were clearly written the terms that Watanabe Tetsu had previously demanded.

"The teacher agreed, but he made some modifications to the exchange program."

Watanabe Toru shifted his gaze to the scroll:

First, Konoha will provide the Akatsuki with a total of 2 billion taels of cash and 2 million catties of grain, to be distributed over three years in 36 installments.

Second, Konoha will rent a shop in Tanabata Street for the Akatsuki-kai, with a total area of ​​1,000 square meters. The specific rent will be set according to market prices.

Third, Konoha allows merchants from the Akatsuki to enter Konoha to conduct free trade and protects the personal safety and assets of Akatsuki merchants within Konoha Village.

Fourth, an exchange student program will be implemented. Each month, Konoha will send no fewer than five students from the Ninja Academy to Akatsuki for study and exchange. Akatsuki has the right to select students from Konoha Ninja Academy to participate in the exchange student program, but the students must give their consent.

Compared to the original version, the fourth point has been changed, and the design with my consent has been added.

That's fine.

Watanabe Tetsu nodded, guessing that Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't make any further concessions.

With the war nearing its end and the Akatsuki-kai about to launch its attack on Amegakure, the Akatsuki-kai will receive an additional 55 million yen in cash in the month this agreement is signed.

This is something that Xiaoguang Society still needs.

Moreover, once the war ends and Konoha has time to spare, they will consider using force to rescue Tsunade and Jiraiya. At that time, Akatsuki will likely face a pincer attack from Hanzo's forces and Konoha.

Signing a treaty now, sending a signal of peace, is acceptable.

"This version will do. The shop arrangements in Tanabata Street have been made. As for the exchange student, it depends on when Che-kun wants him."

Orochimaru put away the scroll in front of him.

"By the way, Konoha is considering ending the Second Shinobi World War. If Che-kun has designs on Amegakure, he should hurry up."

Has Orochimaru seen through me?

Indeed, the purpose of constantly stockpiling food and weapons and expanding the army is self-evident.

"Yes."

Upon hearing Watanabe Tetsu's affirmative answer, Orochimaru also picked up the scroll and walked towards the door, until he stopped at the entrance.

"Che-kun, Konoha might not be as weak as you think. You need to be careful."

Contrary to Orochimaru's expectations of a serious expression on Watanabe Tetsu's face, he instead wore a smile, as if he didn't care at all.

"Okay, I'll be careful."