Chapter 56

"Since it's a collaboration, there is no need for unrelated conditions."

Haruki could hear the implication in the Third Kazekage's words but declined, "You don't need to do anything extra for me."

The Third Kazekage hesitated.

No attached conditions made him feel uneasy and somewhat surreal.

Is there really such a kind-hearted ninja in this world?

Haruki did not elaborate further. With future interests tied together, Suna Village would naturally help him, even if he didn't say it explicitly.

This approach is far more sophisticated than making demands now.

"I must remind you, what we are about to do will inevitably attract the attention of the Wind Country Daimyo and nobles. They may intervene," Haruki said as he observed the Third Kazekage.

In the original story, Suna Village had suffered from the Wind Country Daimyo's suppression, with funding cut and missions given to ninjas from other villages.

From his perspective, this was a strange situation.

Suna Village possessed the power to overthrow the Wind Country, yet they chose to be restrained.

The only explanation is the ninja code or perhaps old-fashioned thinking.

They considered it natural and did not resist.

"Regarding matters of Suna Village, I will not allow anyone to interfere," the Third Kazekage said firmly, adding, "provided what you say has such potential."

Haruki nodded slightly.

It seemed the Third Kazekage was not rigid; he had the necessary resolve.

Even if it was only to earn his trust, Haruki did not deceive him.

Agriculture, animal husbandry, mining, and forestry.

The interests involved were too deep; he feared the nobles of the Wind Country would not be able to resist.

"My cooperation with you cannot be accomplished overnight; it must be implemented steadily, spanning ten or twenty years," Haruki reminded.

"I understand," the Third Kazekage nodded. It certainly couldn't be achieved in the short term, but with a specific direction and visible hope, there would be motivation.

"Let's discuss the model of cooperation," Haruki extended two fingers, "First, we can handle it entirely; you provide raw materials and support. Second, you manage it yourselves; we provide guidance."

"The second option," the Third Kazekage decided without hesitation. After all, Haruki and his people were outsiders, and he could not trust them completely.

"Choosing the second option will require significant initial investment," Haruki shrugged, "Your Suna Village might not have enough money."

"We'll find a way," the Third Kazekage gritted his teeth. If necessary, they could threaten the Wind Country for funds.

"I can provide you with funds."

Haruki raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised at the Third Kazekage's determination, but he continued:

"You should be familiar with the banking model, but this isn't about high-interest loans. I call it the Infrastructure Investment Bank, which Suna Village can also join. Its purpose is to promote regional construction and economic integration, enhancing cooperation among members, including interest-free loans, equity investments, guarantees, and more."

Though some aspects were difficult to understand, the Third Kazekage was intrigued by the idea of interest-free loans and did not refuse.

"What you're saying is interesting. If the terms are appropriate, we are willing to join," he said.

"I'm sure you will find it appealing," Haruki smiled. "Let's continue discussing how to implement the second model of cooperation. As I said, this is a long-term partnership. To avoid disruptions due to changes in personnel, Suna Village must create a five-year plan, regardless of who the Kazekage is."

The Third Kazekage looked puzzled. He considered himself young and expected to live for another ten or twenty years, so why only five years?

"Longer periods can lead to more variables, and five years are easier to manage," Haruki explained, thinking he couldn't possibly tell him that in a few years, he'd be assassinated and turned into a puppet.

"Agreed," the Third Kazekage said after some thought.

"The goal of the first five-year plan is to establish basic infrastructure and industry scale."

Haruki cleared his throat and outlined his plan.

Two hours later, he summarized, "That's roughly it."

The Third Kazekage looked at him in astonishment.

What do you mean by 'that's roughly it'?

He felt his worldview had been shattered and rebuilt several times within these two hours.

He suddenly had the illusion that Haruki knew everything.

Not just him, Chiyo and Ebizō, faced with plans they couldn't understand, had the same feeling.

They're old now; the new era no longer needs them.

Hyuga Aoi and Hyuga Saori, who accompanied them from the Hyuga clan, were also stunned. With their business acumen, they could better understand how groundbreaking and lucrative Haruki's ideas were.

"Where do we start?" the Third Kazekage asked, coming to his senses.

"To get rich, build roads first," Haruki said naturally. "Transportation is the foundation of everything, especially in the desert."

"This is difficult; the desert's climate is too harsh," the Third Kazekage sighed.

"Subways," Haruki pointed to the ground, "According to my idea, use earth-release ninjas to connect the oases of the Wind Country and link to the Fire Country and Konoha, then lay tracks for trains."

Indeed, this world had trains.

It saved Haruki a lot of trouble.

The original story mentioned steam trains in the Land of Snow and electric trains in Boruto's era.

"In addition, there are two special transport methods: space-time ninjutsu and Suna Village's sand manipulation for flight. Railways are for bulk goods, while special transport is for precious and urgent items. And not just these three methods; consider desert sleds, for example."

"But isn't the cost too high?" the Third Kazekage pondered. "We have very few earth-release ninjas, so we'd need to hire them. And space-time ninjutsu and sand manipulation flight are techniques only a handful of ninjas can perform."

"Tolls," Haruki smiled, "Charge a fee based on the value of the goods. It may not cover costs quickly, but eventually, it will."

The Third Kazekage nodded. This method was reasonable, and the railway could be used indefinitely once built.

"You can establish a Department of Transportation to manage various forms of transport, especially trains, not only for cargo but also as a daily travel tool. You can extend your vision further, like involving the commoners and nobles of the Wind Country," Haruki explained about hard seats and sleeper berths on trains and suggested recruiting border commoners as department staff.

Building infrastructure often created numerous jobs.

Maintaining and operating trains and tracks alone could help those poor commoners survive.

The Third Kazekage and others were left astonished.

They kept repeating the same thought: "It can be done this way?"

"I'll stay here for a while. If you have any questions, feel free to ask," Haruki hinted. "Economic development requires a stable environment. Only a united Suna Village, even the Wind Country, can achieve the desired results."