Chapter 246 : Kakuzu??

At this moment, amidst the public eye, the central government issued new decrees daily.

The current central government, rooted in the original Uzumaki clan, had undergone extensive expansion. Save for the clan quarters, only the conference hall and various offices remained.

Following a substantial expansion and reorganization, the current central government resembled nothing short of a modern office space. Its floors were adorned with white tiles, and alongside bluestone, a grand stone gate adorned the entrance. 

Upon crossing the threshold, one would be greeted by a spacious hall, lending an air of majesty to the entire structure.

Indeed, it was reminiscent of the former Memorial Hall, with various departments visible upon entry.

Furthermore, the construction of the central government building was still ongoing, leaving Kazuhiko feeling that it was somewhat cramped. 

Due to tight deadlines and his involvement in constructing roads in the Red Republic, compromises had to be made for the time being, with plans for the second and third floors to be added later.

As they dined, Kazuhiko observed Cardo, who though slight in stature, carried himself with a respectful demeanor. Despite not being as portly as anticipated, there was a glint of shrewdness in his black eyes, and with his diminutive frame, Kazuhiko couldn't help but feel a strange sense of camaraderie.

Yet, Kazuhiko recognized Cardo as a rare entrepreneur within the Red Republic, though he still fell short of envisioning him as the Minister of Finance.

Despite these musings, Kazuhiko's words flowed unabated. "Establishing the Red Republic's imperial caravan is a pressing matter," he remarked to Cardo, his tone even. "Furthermore, I trust you'll prioritize shipping to bolster our reputation abroad."

"Certainly, Your Majesty," Cardo affirmed. As Minister of Commerce within the Ministry of Finance, overseeing foreign trade fell squarely within his purview.

"Your Majesty, while your directives are clear, our primary export remains sea salt. Once production of the sea salt you've mentioned is underway, it will undoubtedly be in high demand among other nations!" Cardo added.

"Don't worry, if I hadn't already achieved results, I wouldn't have brought you here," Kazuhiko assured.

With those words, Kazuhiko produced a packet of fine salt and handed it to them.

Cardo opened it and recognized immediately that this salt would undoubtedly be in high demand.

Just its appearance alone could best 90% of its competitors. It resembled fine sand, its white color akin to snowflakes, instantly appealing to the eye.

The method of sea salt extraction mentioned by His Majesty was truly unique compared to other salts.

Eagerly, Cardo took a pinch of salt, tasted it, and his eyes lit up. "This is fantastic, Your Majesty! This salt will sell like hotcakes!"

Kazuhiko smiled. "You're capable of managing this. I trust you'll realize its full potential."

"We'll start by penetrating the market with this. Our salt is superior in quality and cheaper than others'. We can even offer incentives to other nations and collaborate with their elites. It's all in your hands."

"Remember, behind you stands the Red Republic, and me, Kazuhiko!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Cardo replied excitedly, leaving with the packets of white sand salt. He planned to organize sales of this unique salt in the ninja world.

He immediately saw its value. Not only was it as fine as white sand and easy to taste, but more importantly, His Majesty mentioned that this salt could be mass-produced at an extremely low cost.

With his keen business acumen, Cardo envisioned the future success of selling this white sand salt in the ninja world.

"In the future, every ninja will use one kind of salt, the white sand salt from the Red Republic!"

Cardo couldn't help but recall His Majesty's words.

Initially, he had doubts, but as someone familiar with business operations, he knew that even if the profit margins were slim, providing a commodity that everyone could use equated to significant success.

And no one understood the challenges better than him!

Now, he believed it, and he had the confidence to fulfill His Majesty's vision. Walking down the road, Cardo's small, dark eyes gleamed with determination. "In the future, every ninja's salt will pass through my hands!"

As he pondered this, excitement surged within him, urging him to quicken his pace.

Watching Cardo depart with fervor, he heard the title Cardo addressed him with, "Your Majesty..." He could only nod helplessly.

His intention was to establish a republic, yet perhaps it was too radical a step for the elders and the populace alike to readily accept.

Therefore, to soothe public sentiments and foster understanding, they now referred to Kazuhiko as "Your Majesty."

The thought of how others addressed him as Kazuhiko couldn't help but draw a bitter smile from him. "Am I to become an emperor under a republican system?"

Shaking his head, he dismissed the notion from his mind.

Kazuhiko glanced at the financial statement in his hand, contemplating on how to find a suitable candidate for the financial department.

Suddenly, a name flashed in his mind, "Kakuzu!"

At that moment, Kazuhiko's eyes lit up. Kakuzu must have defected by now, though his current whereabouts remained unknown.

Yet, it wouldn't be difficult for Kazuhiko to locate him. After all, Kakuzu was as drawn to money as he was to life itself. If one sought him, they would undoubtedly find him within the depths of the underground black market.

Having already made up his mind about selecting Kakuzu, Kazuhiko refused to let such a skilled financial expert slip through his grasp.

"Should I go out in person?" Kazuhiko pondered, furrowing his brows slightly. "No, it's too risky... I need to exercise caution."

"I must train my own Anbu... I can handle a multitude of tasks myself, but I cannot bear the burden alone; it's too much."

"However, the Uchiha clan members will be arriving soon. I can use this opportunity to select a few."

"With a few individuals from the Uzumaki clan and some from the Uchiha clan, we can manage various operations in the underground black market. After all, it's a lucrative domain..."

"Who shall I entrust with this responsibility..."

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