Chapter 97

Afternoon

Haruki went to the gate to welcome Rasa.

He hadn't originally planned to come, since it was just to hand over gold dust.

To Haruki, Rasa was no different from an airplane, purely a means of transport.

They weren't very familiar with each other and had little to talk about.

If it were Sasori of the Red Sand, they could chat for a long time due to shared interests.

However, Rasa, being the third Kazekage's disciple, held a special status.

Sunagakure and Konoha had just ended their war, and there was mutual distrust.

Thus, Rasa was stopped by the two gate guards as a suspicious person.

After Haruki vouched for him, Rasa and Hyūga Saori were allowed into Konoha.

"Follow me."

Without much small talk, Haruki led them to the warehouse behind Golden Jade Union.

Understanding his intent, Rasa had the two step back to the entrance and then summoned a storage scroll.

With his chakra, he swiftly filled the warehouse with gold dust.

Moments later, a small golden mountain appeared.

"Thank you, Rasa."

Although Haruki had little interest in money, the sight of so much gold was still impressive, making him feel like a dragon guarding a hoard.

"No problem." Rasa shook his head.

His personal visit was partly due to the gold dust's value and partly due to the unprecedented success of Sunagakure's gold venture.

No, "success" wasn't strong enough. It was more like an overnight fortune.

He couldn't understand why the Daimyo of the Land of Wind spent as much money on a gold necklace, concocted by Haruki and the third Kazekage, as he did on several years' worth of aid to Sunagakure.

Just because it related to a romantic story involving his supposed ancestors?

But the story was fake.

Unable to hold back, Rasa asked Haruki.

He had also asked his teacher, but the third Kazekage, seemingly obsessed with money, told him, "I don't care about the reason as long as we make money."

Had Rasa not been certain that no one could possess or control the third Kazekage, he would have suspected his teacher had fallen into a money pit and stopped thinking.

"Oh, that. It's not hard to understand. If you want to know why he bought the necklace, consider what he gains or what the return is after obtaining it."

Rasa fell silent at Haruki's question.

Moments later, like his teacher, he gave up thinking.

Haruki chuckled.

No wonder Rasa would later use such foolish methods to test Gaara.

It was a miracle Gaara didn't defect.

"He gains fame and praise."

Haruki stopped beating around the bush and explained:

"Regardless of the story's truth, his willingness to spend a fortune on an ancestral necklace signals his followers that he values tradition and heritage. Such qualities are highly marketable among nobles.

Additionally, it shows goodwill towards Sunagakure. He knows there's a trick involved, but it's a win-win, or rather a win-win-win, since Sunagakure's defeat typically warrants compensation from him."

"…"

Rasa momentarily doubted his life.

Your tactics are layers upon layers.

Indeed, I am still too naive.

Rasa understood why his teacher stopped thinking: earning money effortlessly is very comfortable.

"I understand now."

He felt being a ninja was easier without considering such complexities.

And he realized why Sunagakure had been so poor.

"Since you're in Konoha, you should enjoy yourself for a few days."

"No need." Rasa thought for a moment and declined. "Sunagakure is still rebuilding. It's not appropriate for me to stay here."

"As you wish." Haruki didn't press him and asked, "How's the construction of Sunagakure's underground railway?"

"We hired a team of Earth Release ninjas. They've almost reached the Death Forest of Konoha, but the next part might need your help."

"That fast?" Haruki was surprised.

He knew chakra was efficient but didn't expect such speed.

It confirmed his idea that using chakra for combat was a waste.

"We will communicate with the Hokage for Konoha's section."

Haruki suddenly had some ideas to implement.

"Okay." Rasa nodded. "By the way, Haruki-sama, there's something else. Sasori asked me to tell you that he's had many new ideas inspired by you and might visit once he's done."

"Oh?"

Haruki was interested. Could it be a puppet version of Gundam?

"Got it. Tell him to contact me beforehand."

"I will."

"Hmm."

Haruki then looked at the silent Hyūga Saori.

"This time, you're back for a new product: diamonds. Take a batch to Sunagakure and see how it does."

"Understood, sir." Hyūga Saori nodded.

"You must understand, whether it's diamonds or gold, to sell them at a high price, they should be tied to love," Haruki said, thinking of the increasingly materialistic love of his previous life.

"What if someone tries to counterfeit them?" Hyūga Saori frowned.

"Certificates. Written personally by the Kazekage, recognized by Sunagakure. No one can fake that."

Haruki smiled and then added, "But these certificates shouldn't be numerous. Rarity increases value. We need to dominate the high-end market. Even if the rest gets copied, it doesn't matter."

Rasa and Hyūga Saori were stunned.

This method...was genius!

They knew most people liked uniqueness.

Certificates would fulfill this need.

No matter how others copied, Kazekage's recognition couldn't be faked.

"Speaking of which, here's a suggestion. Create a set of certificates for the Wind Country's nobility, numbered 1 to 100, and ensure the first belongs to the Daimyo."

Hyūga Saori's eyes sparkled with excitement.

She took a deep breath, saying, "Linking jewelry with status, making it a symbol of identity, will drive these nobles crazy."

Rasa's body trembled.

What a terrifying businessman.

He was truly amazed.

Unknowingly making people spend money willingly.

He resolved to be cautious around Haruki, lest he become a money-making machine.

He aimed to surpass his teacher as the strongest Kazekage, not a gold miner.

After Rasa and Hyūga Saori left, Haruki summoned Uchiha Mikoto to act as the secretary and notify members for the first economic supplement meeting of the Natsu organization.