Chapter 59

In the subsequent period, Hitoshi proceeded to visit various factories in Sunagakure one after another, inspecting them to ensure high levels of work enthusiasm among the employees.

As for the food, Hitoshi would never exploit his own people, only those who were outsiders. No matter how well he treated them, they would never appreciate it. He would treat them well only when they truly belonged to him. Otherwise, he believed it was normal to have them do the same work for less pay.

"Why did you decide to sell the house, Hitoshi? Is it solely for the benefit of those big businessmen who can't do without Sunagakure? Let them work obediently and honestly in Sunagakure. When I think about my child attending Sunagakure Shinōbi Academy, learning things I've always wanted to learn but couldn't, it motivates me to engage in business," Hitoshi contemplated.

He was well aware that merchants and nobles who had grown up and thrived in Shinōbi World were driven solely by profit and had no concern for moral values.

Hitoshi couldn't disclose to anyone that Hi no Kuni noblemen were behind certain businesses or that the Left Minister of Kaminari no Kuni held shares in them. He couldn't reveal the involvement of a prominent businessman from Tsuchi no Kuni or a general from Mizu no Kuni. Hitoshi had to keep everything confidential because he was a young man with ideals and a reputable leader. He would safeguard the privacy of these esteemed guests.

"Kazekage-sama, what's the matter with these shops? Why are you paying so much attention to them?" Pakura asked curiously.

Hitoshi cast a satisfied glance at Pakura. "Little Pakura, your role is to provide professional support, and you fulfill it perfectly."

He could have informed Pakura that Hi no Kuni and Konoha had blocked Sunagakure, but there was a hidden line ensuring a continuous food supply. He could have told her that the seedlings they were planting were smuggled from Hi no Kuni, or that the stones and soil they purchased were from Tsuchi no Kuni. He could have revealed that some of the freshwater they acquired came from Mizu no Kuni via the sea. However, he couldn't disclose that these hidden connections were gifts from influential figures in those countries.

That was why he allocated an expensive area in Sunagakure to accommodate their businesses and sell goods exclusively for them. Furthermore, as the Third Kazekage, he possessed a large number of Chakra cold weapons, but he wouldn't sell them to Ame no Kuni. Hanzo of the Salamander aspired to rise, but Hitoshi disagreed. Their cooperation had secretly shifted towards collaboration with the nobles of Ame no Kuni.

These thoughts remained within Hitoshi's mind; he couldn't share them with anyone. If he revealed the truth, his allies would become enemies, and his friends would be left helpless. Voicing his thoughts would subject him to attacks from the Four-Great Hidden Villages and the covert threat of Uchiha Madara. Hitoshi didn't want to die, even though he hadn't shown any signs of weakness.

Stimulated by Hitoshi's meaningful gaze, Pakura lowered her head decisively, choosing not to speak. Even professional support required dignity. She, Pakura, didn't want to be looked down upon.

"Let's return to the Kazekage's Office. We have matters to attend to. We've encountered several problems during our outing," Hitoshi declared, deliberately ignoring Pakura's expression as he walked directly to his office.

"What problems? Isn't Sunagakure doing well? There shouldn't be any issues," Pakura questioned, puzzled by the statement. Upon descending from the office, she had realized that Sunagakure's prosperity far exceeded her imagination.

"The problem lies in the industry chain. Sunagakure's industry chain has always been too limited, and there are many untapped possibilities," Hitoshi casually explained.

For Sunagakure to maintain its proud status in Shinōbi World and continue thriving, it needed a comprehensive industrial chain system. His next objective was to establish this system, ensuring that everyone's money flowed smoothly and had greater value.

Unable to comprehend the professional term, Pakura diligently took notes, determined to study and understand it.

Before returning to the Kazekage building, Hitoshi instructed the Anbu to notify the staff and prepare for a meeting. He then swiftly advanced.

Upon arriving at the Kazekage building, Hitoshi was informed that a meeting was scheduled in the conference room. He was pleased with the efficiency of the administrative staff.

During the meeting, Hitoshi provided a detailed account of his recent discoveries. He began by discussing the improvements made to Chakra weapons and their impact on Sunagakure's power. He emphasized Chiyo's role in pharmacy-related matters, highlighting her knowledge and ability to address internal consumption issues. He praised Uzumaki Hospital and its contributions.

Lastly, Hitoshi explained the concept of the industry chain, urging everyone to create detailed plans. He presented various scenarios, such as the purchase and delivery of metals, the sale of finished products, and the utilization of metal scraps. He suggested repurposing scraps for the production of farm tools and toys, which could be sold at a slightly lower price to attract more buyers. He also proposed selling surplus medicine to ordinary people or establishing special pharmacies. Furthermore, he recommended using certain medications in cooking, even if their effects weren't remarkable. Through long-term use, ordinary people could experience positive changes.

As the Sunagakure meeting progressed, discussions revolved around the city's entire industrial landscape.