Chapter 45: Did I give you face?

When Uchiha Kagami arrived at the Hokage's office, he saw the old man standing comfortably by the window, looking down at the people below holding banners.

"Well… well, those people down there, don't you need to send someone to drive them away?" Kagami asked, confused about why Yuya was here.

There was no need to confirm if it was truly him; the Uchiha clan had always stood by Konoha, and this was certainly the real Uchiha Kagami.

Yuya's eyes suddenly lit up when Kagami spoke. Although Senju Tobirama hadn't explicitly mentioned it, Yuya knew there was a valuable mine nearby. There was definitely gold there—and not a small amount. It had to be dozens, maybe hundreds of tons…

But no matter. First, they needed to resolve things here.

Seeing Kagami's puzzled expression, Yuya began to explain. He explained that ever since he announced that all factories must implement strict sewage treatment, the business owners had been displeased. Previously, they saw Yuya as Tobirama's spokesperson and didn't challenge him, but that had changed.

The costs of sewage treatment had cut into their profits, and though their profits would eventually grow with increased production, the initial expenses had halved their income. Yuya had explained this sensibly, but the businessmen were still unwilling to cooperate and accused him of acting without permission.

This angered Yuya. "Oh, so when it's good for you, we're allies, but when it isn't, you accuse me of being arbitrary? And now you're saying I'm acting alone just in case Tobirama decides to step in?"

If that were all, Yuya might have pushed through gradually. But in response to his policy, the businessmen had shut down shops, textile mills, food stores, ninja shops, and more.

The textile factories, though not very profitable, employed many workers and were challenging to manage. But Yuya hadn't intended to control those or the other businesses they owned. Still, he was angered by their coordinated resistance, which seemed designed to force him to submit financially.

"Fine, if that's how they want to play, then let's play!" Yuya thought, his resolve hardening.

Since the merchants closed their doors, he decided to keep them closed. He cut off their grain supply by blocking access to the Konoha granary, stopping them from reselling Konoha's stored grain. Instead, he purchased ten tons of grain from Iwagakure, whether potatoes, rice, or wheat—whatever they had.

The following day, Yuya announced in the Hokage's name that a store on the commercial street, which originally sold drinks, would now include food sales. This news was printed in the newspaper. Even those who didn't buy the paper would eventually hear about it, especially as they saw familiar stores closed and looked for new sources.

The solution to the food shortage was Yuya's immediate priority. The population of Konoha had grown in recent years, and despite his efforts to secure fish harvests from Kirigakure, supplies were running low. So he placed another order, this time doubling the amount.

While Kirigakure struggled with transport issues, the loss of Konoha's business forced Sunagakure to worry about its own food supply. Yuya's actions ensured that Konoha's grain reserves could feed its citizens for the short term, but he knew it would take at least another year to build up their food stores fully.

In the meantime, he decided to acquire ready-made goods from nearby villages, bypassing the local factories that had closed. Yuya's investments in textile and steel plants in both Kirigakure and Sunagakure meant he could access goods and labor at favorable terms. The facilities were built with local materials and managed by locals, with the first two years' production sent to Konoha. His investments would be repaid within ten years, leaving control in the hands of these villages.

Yuya was aware of the internal conflicts within Kirigakure and the vacant Mizukage position. But to him, it was simple: if there was a problem, solve it. If it couldn't be solved, then remove the obstacle.

The factory shutdowns only intensified his resolve. Although buying goods from other villages was costlier, he didn't raise local prices. He would willingly take millions in losses to stand firm against the profiteers. With billions in taels saved from previous years, he was prepared for a financial standoff.

If factories closed, workers would lose their jobs. Yet, to Yuya's surprise, Konoha's infrastructure projects had created plenty of work. Most unemployed workers were quickly hired elsewhere, often at steel or beverage plants. With jobs readily available, the closure barely affected them.

Frustrated but undeterred, Yuya tried to warn workers of the factory owners' unreliability, urging them to secure wages and plan for their future. Many listened, returning to their former employers to demand payment. This collective action became the scene Uchiha Kagami saw as he arrived.

Yuya turned to Kagami. "Those businessmen want to surrender, but I won't let them off so easily. They dared to challenge me, so they can wait."

Pulling Kagami along, Yuya continued, "Let's head to the front lines. I'll leave these businessmen to live and stew in their decision for a few weeks."

Kagami was stunned, wondering if the Uchiha clan had ever offended this fiery young man.

Ironically, what Yuya hadn't anticipated was that his stay at the front would extend over a month—and almost cost him his life.

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