Chapter 168: CH - 164 Madara's call?
The ninja world soon embraced a new year, and despite the event happening a few days prior, discussions about the performances continued among the Grass and Rain ninjas, adding a touch of entertainment to their lives, and contributing to the ongoing atmosphere of peace.
Meanwhile, Sasori had returned to his factory, diligently immersed in his work of tightening screws. The notion of escaping after arriving in the Land of Grass seemed almost laughable to him now, as he quietly and significantly contributed to the factory's efficiency.
Word had spread that Sasori's involvement had led to a significant improvement in the Third Factory's efficiency, optimizing various machines. Even Yoshinori, upon seeing these enhancements, couldn't help but marvel at Sasori's talent. There were even plans to bring him to the research institute, halted only by Akihiko's intervention.
Sasori's optimization methods not only influenced the Third Factory but also rippled through other factories. It was rumored that the research institute had drawn inspiration from Sasori's work, embarking on the development of the second generation of scientific ninja tools.
In this way, Sasori truly deserves to be called a genius, as he inadvertently became a catalyst for advancements in scientific ninja tools. Speaking of which, His puppetry techniques, in a sense, could be considered as a scientific ninja tool.
Although, Akihiko remained uncertain about Sasori's intentions but he chose not to intervene unless he caused any disruptions. He had instructed the factory to pay special attention to the promising young talent from the Third Factory, confident that the genius would shine in his own right within his work.
Looking ahead for the Land of Grass, the focus remained on continuous development—economic growth, advancements in education, and further progress in scientific ninja tools.
However, accessing the markets in the five major ninja villages was proving challenging. Apart from Konoha establishing an agent, the Land of Grass hadn't managed to establish trade connections with the other four major villages post-war.
Specifically, when it came to items like ninja tools, the major villages seemed disinterested in purchasing goods from the Land of Grass. The quality and tailored nature of the equipment for middle and upper-level ninjas made Grass Village's products less appealing. And For lower-level ninja equipment, it seemed financially burdensome for the villages to consider.
This situation left the Land of Grass in a difficult position. Unfortunately, misconceptions persisted about the Grass Village. Despite their commitment to peace, there were misunderstandings in the ninja world, labeling Grass Village as unethical or disregarding ninja values. Yet, in reality, Grass Village was a 'peaceful and ethical ninja village'.
After unsuccessful negotiations with the major ninja villages, the Land of Grass decided to persist in finding agents while also adopting a different strategy. They planned to publicize the lucrative earnings of Konoha's agent in the film industry, believing that the allure of profits would attract potential representatives. The notion was to appeal to the universal desire for financial gain, trusting that the prospect of profit would be too tempting for anyone to resist.
Additionally, strategic low-cost marketing campaigns were planned in towns near the major ninja villages. Stores offering affordable yet high-quality products would be established. Akihiko was confident that even the affluent ninjas in the major villages couldn't resist purchasing reasonably priced goods.
Therefore, with a determined gaze, Akihiko addressed the gathering, stating, "We need to prepare for establishing our own Trade Board (Chamber of Commerce)!"
…
Ultimately, the responsibility for establishing the trade board fell into Kakuzu's capable hands. In the event of unsuccessful negotiations with the ninja villages, the Land of Grass had a contingency plan: approaching the nobility of the Five Great Nations. The strategy involved persuading them of the profitability of this venture and employing the tactic of surrounding the ninja villages with towns to swiftly dominate the market, ensuring the reputation of Grass-produced goods.
They remained steadfast in their belief that this approach would succeed, counting on the Land of Grass to have built a commendable reputation by the time the ninja world experienced rapid technological development.
Moreover, Despite some initial misunderstandings during the war, the quality and affordability of Grass-manufactured products had left a positive impression on many ninja villages. Akihiko intended to capitalize on this advantage by continuing the price war and decisively outshining the competition.
Upon the conclusion of the meeting and the distribution of tasks, everyone went on their way. Akihiko, ready to take some well-deserved rest, suddenly sensed a presence.
Following his instincts, he arrived at a secluded spot, only to find White Zetsu emerging from the ground. Akihiko, puzzled, hadn't interacted with the underground organization for a while. It struck him that he hadn't visited Madara after the New Year - a lapse on his part. His recent busyness with the post-war matters, preparations for the joint event with the Land of Rain, and the opening of markets in the five major ninja villages had kept him occupied.
Fortunately, Obito had spent New Year's Eve with the elderly Madara. Otherwise, the solitary old man might have felt quite lonely.
However, Akihiko couldn't understand Why White Zetsu approached him suddenly at this particular moment. Despite this, he greeted White Zetsu warmly as he shook his hands, "Rare guest, since you've come..."
But Before the words fully left Akihiko's mouth, White Zetsu withdrew his hand with an embarrassed smile. He noticed a peculiar feeling whenever he encountered this individual, an unsettling sense that deception might be lurking. This sentiment intensified, especially when hearing the phrase 'since you've come.'
As he saw that Akihiko was about to say something, White Zetsu hastily explained, "Leader Akihiko, Madara-sama is looking for you!"
In response, Akihiko looked at White Zetsu in confusion. "Really? What does He wants from me at this time?"
However, Before White Zetsu could respond, Akihiko waved his hand dismissively, "Never mind. It seems I haven't even wished him a Happy New Year yet. It's a good time to go and at least greet him. Come on, we're setting off now."
Without waiting for a reply, Akihiko pulled White Zetsu along, urging, "Hey, why are you acting so slow? Don't you know that He is getting old, so, we shouldn't leave him waiting!"
White Zetsu found himself speechless at Akihiko's enthusiastic behavior.
…
Quickly led by White Zetsu, Akihiko and he arrived at the hideout, descending swiftly from the surface to the underground lair. Akihiko couldn't help but wonder why Madara had summoned him at this particular moment. Was it finally time for Madara to reveal his Infinite Tsukuyomi plan to him?
Upon entering the hideout, Akihiko noticed a pile of papers scattered on the floor and sighed at the disarray. He turned to White Zetsu and remarked, "Pay attention to the cleanliness inside the hideout."
As Akihiko peered further inside, he detected a familiar sound that surprised him. "Is there a class going on?"
The sound of reading was unmistakable, resonating with a familiarity that Akihiko couldn't ignore. After all, the textbooks in the Land of Grass were now compiled by him personally.
As Akihiko questioned, White Zetsu raised an eyebrow and explained, "As you may know, Obito cheated on the final exams recently. In light of this, Madara-sama felt very disappointed, so he decided to give Obito some special extra classes."
Akihiko was momentarily taken aback, then nodded with a sense of understanding. "Looks like Madara really is a responsible teacher."
'Wasn't it because of you?' Listening to Akihiko's words, White Zetsu couldn't help but inwardly curse him. It was because of Akihiko that their plans had taken an unexpected turn. Recently, even Black Zetsu had been concerned enough to contemplate intervening directly and redirecting Madara's focus.
Despite his inner frustrations, White Zetsu merely laughed off Akihiko's comment. "Madara-sama is indeed a very good teacher. Leader Akihiko, please wait a moment. I'll go and inform Madara-sama."
However, Akihiko waved his hand, "No rush. We shouldn't disturb his class. I can wait here. Otherwise, if Obito fails next time, I'll say it was your fault."
'But, How is that my fault?' Internally questioning the logic, White Zetsu sighed and replied, "In that case, Leader Akihiko, please wait here for a moment." Then, remembering something, he added, "I'll prepare some tea for Leader Akihiko. Would you like some snacks?"
"You guys even have these things?" Akihiko asked with surprise as he listened to White Zetsu. The presence of tea and snacks seemed unnecessary for beings like Zetsu, who didn't require sustenance. Even Madara could draw nutrients from the Gedo statue.
"Obito brought it, especially for Madara-sama. Then, I'll go and prepare them." White Zetsu responded casually as he left to fetch the snacks.
"Go ahead," Akihiko said, waving his hand in dismissal. He found a casual spot to sit nearby, observing the 90-year-old special-grade teacher conducting a one-on-one lesson.
Before long, White Zetsu returned with the snacks. Akihiko found them surprisingly good, realizing they were likely made by Rin. As he enjoyed the snacks, he continued to listen to the class.
However, as he absorbed the teachings, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Akihiko gazed at Madara, bewildered and astonished. 'How does Madara know about the textbooks I wrote, especially the ideology?'
Just as Akihiko was puzzled, Madara took a sip of tea, slowly placed the teacup down, and directed his gaze towards Obito, who seemed dazed and absent-minded. Sighing with a hint of helplessness, he declared, "Today's lesson ends here!"
He shot a glare at Obito, who instantly snapped back to attention. The inconsistency of this student, sleeping during class and suddenly becoming alert after class, puzzled Madara. How did Konoha even allow someone like him to graduate?
With a calm tone, Madara continued, "Anyway, I will tell you a story. Of course, if you don't want to listen, you can leave now."
Obito was initially stunned, but he soon seemed to grasp something and sat down quietly. Seeing Obito's compliance, Madara nodded in satisfaction.
Ignoring Akihiko, who was casually enjoying tea and snacks on the side, Madara's eyes took on a contemplative gaze. He spoke in a calm tone, "This is a story from the Warring States period. At that time, there were two powerful ninja clans..."
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