Chapter 46

"May I have a word with you, Tazuna?" 

"What's the matter, Kichi?" 

"I've been thinking a lot lately. Can I back out of this bridge project?" 

On the Great Bridge of the Land of Waves, Leo watched as one worker after another asked Tazuna to resign from the bridge-building project, a barely noticeable smile forming at the corner of his lips. 

After taking a day off yesterday, today Tazuna had gathered the workers who had been building the bridge with him to resume work. Kakashi, still recovering, was resting at Tazuna's house. 

Naruto and Sasuke had also begun their chakra control training by climbing trees. 

Since Sakura had excellent chakra control and Leo had nothing else to do, they were both responsible for Tazuna's safety. 

However, shortly after work began, the workers approached Tazuna one by one to resign. They had all been threatened by Gato during Tazuna's absence. 

Gato warned that if they dared to continue working with Tazuna, they and their families would be punished, possibly even killed. 

Though Tazuna was frustrated and angry, he still let them all go. In the end, he was the only one left continuing the bridge project. 

"How can they do this? If they give up on building the bridge, they'll remain under Gato's control forever." Sakura was indignant at seeing the workers leave one by one. 

Leo smiled: "It's understandable from their perspective. Completing the Great Bridge of the Land of Waves would indeed free the country from Gato's control and improve their lives. But if they and their families are killed before that happens, a better future won't mean anything to them. It already took considerable courage for them to stand up and start building the bridge." 

"Even so, I'll finish this bridge by myself if I have to. I won't let Gato's schemes succeed!" Tazuna said resolutely upon hearing Leo's words. 

He understood the workers' resignations. They had been helping build the bridge for free, out of their own will, so he let them go without any grand speeches. 

"Mr. Tazuna, if you don't mind, I might be able to help." Leo stepped forward to Tazuna. 

Tazuna quickly waved his hand: "No, no, you've already been kind enough to protect me. I can't ask you to do labor on top of that." 

He assumed Leo wanted to replace the workers, and quickly declined. He already felt guilty enough for having Leo protect him for free; asking him to do hard labor would be too much. 

"No, Mr. Tazuna, you've misunderstood. I have a friend who has many bridge workers under him. If you need, I can ask him to bring people over to help." Leo explained with a smile. 

Tazuna's face first showed surprise, then he sighed: "It's still no use. I can't afford to pay them." 

All his savings had been spent on commissioning the mission from Konoha. Even if Leo's friend wasn't afraid of Gato, Tazuna had no money to pay them. 

Leo thought for a moment and said: "That shouldn't be a problem. My friend is a businessman. Once the bridge is completed, you can let his caravans trade first in the Land of Waves. He should agree to that." 

If Tazuna completed the bridge and freed the Land of Waves from Gato's control, he would become the country's hero and have the highest prestige among its people. With his help, Leo's caravans could quickly expand throughout the country. 

Despite the current poverty, with cheap labor and untapped resources, the Land of Waves could thrive once trade restrictions were lifted. 

Taking over Gato's shipping company and utilizing cheap labor, Leo could potentially become the true ruler of the Land of Waves, turning it into his stronghold. Its location, near the Land of Fire and far from other nations, made it an ideal base. 

"This would be wonderful!" Tazuna said, tears welling up, as he shook Leo's hand. He had worried about whether any caravans would dare trade in their poor country even if the bridge was completed. Leo's friend's willingness to help build the bridge and trade afterward was a godsend. 

"If you think it's feasible, Mr. Tazuna, I'll write to him immediately." Leo said, taking out pen and paper from a sealing scroll, quickly writing a letter, and summoning a bird with his blood. 

"Take this to Matsukawa," he instructed. 

The birds of the Fire Temple were not fighters but were swift messengers. Leo often used them to communicate with Jino and Matsukawa, who managed his businesses. 

By noon, Leo and Sakura escorted Tazuna to the coastal town to buy groceries. 

Many shops were closed, with only a few selling basic supplies. The streets were filled with adults wearing placards and starving, ragged orphans. 

"Maybe we should open an orphanage," Leo mused. 

Under Gato's rule, many had died of hunger or been killed for resisting, leaving behind many orphans. Taking them in and raising them well could provide a loyal workforce. 

They didn't need to become powerful ninjas, just strong enough to protect shops and caravans, and gather intelligence from various locations.