Chapter 42 Do you need money or enough supplies?

Kumogakure couldn't advance even a single step.

It wasn't because Konoha's front line suddenly erupted but because Konoha had a relentless strategy: Are you coming? If not, we'll toss some explosive tags your way!

Did they break through the defense? Planning to attack? Well, get ready to face our fortress-like defense.

The main theme was simple: patience.

And with Senju Tobirama back in Konoha, front-line command was left to the cautious Shimura Danzo and others, who were content to employ a "turtle tactic"—taking no action to avoid any mistakes.

This approach was practical.

After all, seeing Konoha's fortified defenses and earth-style barriers that were essentially traps, the ninjas of Kumogakure weren't reckless enough to rush in.

So, the two sides found themselves locked in a tense, unproductive standoff.

A few test charges were quickly bombed back.

Kumogakure's troops, frustrated, wondered how Konoha managed to get their hands on so many explosive tags.

In reality, they didn't have as many as it seemed. But thanks to Yuya's suppliers, explosive tags were sold in bulk: one thousand per bundle at five million ryo, with a bulk discount available.

Now, Konoha could even use local food products and drinks to trade for explosive tags and other ninja tools.

If you bought in bulk, Youya's canned food and drinks even came with a 10% discount.

Of course, in wartime, some things simply had to be purchased.

Buying a bundle of explosive tags each month was essential. After all, why give up on profit?

Some ninja families grumbled about the supply chain, as they too started selling explosive tags.

While they weren't selling drinks, canned goods were a quick profit.

Take canned fish and meat, for instance—each can sold for 150 ryo, and drinks went for 100 ryo. The prices didn't seem high at first, right?

But in Konoha's shopping district, these items flew off the shelves the moment they were stocked, and restocking barely kept up with demand.

Meanwhile, explosive tags collected dust.

Sure, there was money to be made in wartime, but what would happen when the war ended?

With Ninja News spreading fast, everyone knew Kirigakure and Sunagakure weren't joining the fight, but that only boosted their own sales in Konoha.

And canned fish and drinks?

They weren't just profitable—they were a goldmine.

That strange, fizzy black drink that made you burp became oddly addictive. At first, people were put off, but soon, many found they needed their daily fix.

The store implemented a one-bottle-per-person policy, but stock still sold out instantly. Some even resold bottles at 110 ryo, earning a small profit.

How was this even explainable?

Rumor had it the food processing plant planned to expand production. The profits seemed set to soar.

Konoha's economic landscape was changing, and people wondered how much Senju Tobirama was raking in.

Currently, Tobirama, with his characteristic red eyes, was practically shouting at Yuya, "What's the deal?! I asked you for 100 million ryo, but the supplies you approved total more than that!"

Yuya, examining the paperwork, nodded at the final figure. "It's correct. Just let me know if you want the supplies. I won't give you the cash, but supplies are no problem."

Tobirama gritted his teeth. "Can't I have some cash for the frontline ninjas?! Who cares about supplies!"

Yuya smirked. "Uncle, don't say that. Those muscle-heads in Kumogakure definitely want supplies too. Either way, I'm not giving you cash directly. I can supply goods, but no cash."

Tobirama, exasperated, asked, "Why can't I just have the cash?"

Yuya raised an eyebrow. "Is the war over?"

"No."

"Would you request cash again after this?"

"Of course! Even more money will be needed once the war is over!"

Yuya rolled his eyes, then quickly explained inflation.

After some thought, Tobirama replied, "So, you're saying if I circulate too much money, prices will go up… But wouldn't we just earn more that way?"

With a sigh, Yuya dismissed Tobirama.

If this time it was 100 million, next time would be 200 million, and if another large payout happened after the war, the market would be flooded, driving prices to unsustainable heights.

If Konoha's economy was to avoid collapse, cash payouts weren't an option.

The standard currency unit in the Naruto world is the ryo. Both paper money and copper coins exist.

The five great nations—Fire, Earth, Wind, Water, and Lightning—add their respective symbols on ryo notes to signify their country of origin.

Meanwhile, other countries use the generic ryo without national markings, accepted internationally with a one-to-one exchange rate with the marked currency.

However, if a smaller nation overprinted its ryo and destabilized its economy, the five great nations would adjust the exchange rate or refuse to accept unmarked currency.

Economists in the Naruto world recognized the dangers of unrestricted printing and took preventive measures.

But, without formal training, Tobirama had gaps in his understanding.

Konoha could print money, but Yuya knew the risks and chose not to abuse this power.

Until Konoha's population grew substantially, printing wasn't a viable option.

After being kicked out, Tobirama returned shortly, wearing a sheepish grin as he asked, "Couldn't you spare some of the profit?"

Yuya rolled his eyes, pulled out a stack of paperwork from the Uchiha estate, and handed Tobirama two sheets.

Tobirama took them, skimming the pages with a frown as he read the titles:

[Estimated Cost for Building Konoha's First Hospital for Citizens]

[Estimated Cost for Building Konoha's First Public School]

Each listed the necessary materials, construction plans, land clearances, resident compensation, salaries for doctors and teachers, annual student enrollments, and timelines—total costs running into countless ryo.

Tobirama's face fell.

Handing the pages back, he walked away wordlessly, only to return moments later, saying, "Forget the cash. Just send the supplies to the front lines without cutting corners."

Yuya's lips curled into a satisfied smile—point made.

…

A few days later, just as Tobirama was about to return to the front to face off against Kumogakure's forces, a delegation from Iwagakure of the Earth Country arrived.

Their mission was clear:

"Brother, take us with you."