"What reason?"
"Economic benefits." A hint of cunning flashed in Shikamaru's eyes, "Land of Whirlpools's geographical location is very special. If we can establish a free trade zone there, it will be beneficial to all countries."
"Free trade zone?" Advisor Tsuchida's eyes lit up. As a politician, he immediately understood the value.
"That's right." Shikamaru continued to explain, "A special area with no tariffs and no trade barriers. Businessmen from all countries can trade freely there. The economic benefits this brings are enough to satisfy everyone."
"But managing such an area requires a lot of manpower and resources." Sakura asked.
"This is where ninjas come into play." Shikamaru said, "We have fast movement speed and high communication efficiency, and are best suited to handle this kind of complex management work."
Naruto scratched his head. "It sounds very complicated. Can it really be successful?"
"How will you know if you don't try?" Shikamaru patted his shoulder, "And it doesn't matter if you fail. At least we tried hard."
"Okay." Naruto nodded, "Then give it a try. But if you really mess up, don't blame me."
Advisor Tsuchida looked at his watch and stood up.
"That's it for today's talks. I need to go back and report the situation to the Daimyo, and contact representatives from other countries." He looked at everyone, "We will meet again in three days to discuss specific implementation details."
After speaking, he hurried away with the warriors. It was obvious that today's experience left a deep impression on him.
There are only Leaf ninjas left in the office.
"I'm exhausted." Naruto sat down on the ground, "Politics is really troublesome. I still prefer to solve problems directly with my fists."
"In that case, you will never be able to solve the real problem." Tsunade looked at him, "Naruto, you have to learn to think with your brain."
"I know, mother-in-law Tsunade." Naruto pouted, "But Sasuke was so handsome just now. That Kamui used it so well."
Sasuke rolled his eyes at him. "Idiot."
"Eh? Why are you scolding me?"
"Because you are being stupid again." Sasuke walked towards the door, "I'm going back. Call me if you need anything."
"Sasuke." Tsunade stopped him, "Thank you."
"Thank me for what?"
"Thank you for staying." Tsunade's expression was serious, "I know this is not easy for you."
Sasuke was silent for a moment, then nodded. "Just don't make me regret it."
Three days later, Hokage's Office became lively again. This time there were not only ninjas from Leaf, but also representatives from the other four countries. Land of Lightning sent The representatives of Darui and Land of Wind are Kankuro, Land of Earth is represented by Kitsuchi, and Land of Water is represented by Qing.
"I didn't expect everyone to come." Kakashi looked at the packed conference room, "It seems that this project has indeed attracted the attention of various countries."
"Of course." Darui said lazily, "Lord Raikage is very interested in this free trade zone. Kumogakure's specialty weapons just need a larger market."
"The same goes for Puppet Technique of Sunagakure." Kankuro nodded in agreement, "If we can establish a workshop in Land of Whirlpools, it will be very helpful to our technological development."
It seems that Shikamaru's strategy worked. Economic interests are indeed the best persuasion tool.
"Then, let's discuss the specific implementation plan." Shikamaru unfolded a detailed map, "The area of Land of Whirlpools's ruins is not large, but its geographical location is very important. It connects Land of Fire and Land of Water and is a natural trade channel."
"But that place is now in ruins." Qing frowned, "Rebuilding requires a lot of money and manpower."
"This is exactly the meaning of our cooperation." Tsunade said, "All countries invest together, build together, and benefit together."
"What's the specific investment ratio?" Kitsuchi asked.
"Distribution will be based on the economic strength of each country." Shikamaru took out another document, "Land of Fire will contribute 40%, and the other four countries will each contribute 15%."
"Why did Land of Fire contribute the most?" Darui was a little dissatisfied.
"Because Land of Whirlpools is geographically within the sphere of influence of Land of Fire." Advisor Tsuchida explained, "And Konoha bears the main management responsibility and should bear more costs."
"Management responsibility?" Qing's eyes became sharp, "Who will supervise the managers? What if Konoha abuses his power?"
This issue has made the atmosphere tense. After all, trust between countries is not strong.
"This is simple." Naruto suddenly said, "We can establish a supervisory committee with representatives from each country participating."
"What is the scope of the supervisory committee's powers?" Kankuro asked.
"Any major decisions must be voted by the committee." Shikamaru said, "And we will publish financial reports regularly to ensure transparency."
"That sounds good." Kitsuchi nodded, "But I have another worry. What if this project fails? Isn't the money we invested in vain?"
"The risk of failure does exist." Tsunade admitted, "But we can proceed in phases. In the first phase, we only build infrastructure and the investment is relatively small. If the effect is good, we will proceed to the second phase of expansion."
"How long does the first phase take?" Qing asked.
"Three months." Naruto said, "In three months, we will have a preliminary trade center."
"Three months?" Darui whistled, "This is a bit fast."
"The efficiency of ninjas is so high." Sakura said proudly, "Earth Release ninjutsu can quickly level the ground, Water Release Ninjutsu can build a water supply system, and Wood Release ninjutsu can provide building materials."
"Wood Release?" Kitsuchi's eyes lit up, "First Hokage's Wood Release ninjutsu? Does anyone still know it now?"
"Captain Yamato knows a little bit," Kakashi said. "Although he is not as strong as First Hokage, he can still build houses without any problem."
As the meeting continued, various detailed issues were discussed and resolved one by one. From building standards to legal provisions, from tax policies to safety and security, every link needs to be carefully considered.
"Wait a minute." Sasuke suddenly spoke, interrupting the heated discussion, "Have you ever considered a question?"
"What's the problem?" Everyone looked at him.
"If Land of Whirlpools is successfully rebuilt and becomes a prosperous trade center, what will happen to the original Land of Whirlpools survivors?" Sasuke's expression was serious, "They are the real owners of this land."
This question stunned everyone. They really had not considered this angle.
"Land of Whirlpools Are there any survivors?" Qing asked doubtfully, "I thought they had all..."
"Not all are dead." Naruto's voice was a little heavy, "I have seen some descendants of Land of Whirlpools scattered around. They have been waiting for the opportunity to return to their homeland."