And so, without anyone in the meeting room raising any objections, Tobirama Senju naturally became the Acting Hokage of Konoha.
Tsunade is currently a charitable gambler in the Ninja world, nicknamed "Big Fat Sheep," and her whereabouts are elusive. Finding Tsunade and bringing her back to Konoha to assume the position of Fifth Hokage will take some time. Until then, all power in Konoha rests with Tobirama Senju. Of course... things won't go as smoothly as Uchiha Nan imagines. Tobirama Senju only gains nominal power, since he doesn't even have a single trustworthy confidant by his side; the Senju Clan is no more.
Therefore, all orders issued by Tobirama Senju needed to be carried out by Hiruzen Sarutobi's men.
Fortunately, thanks to Tobirama Senju's prestige and status in Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes, Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't dare to oppose Tobirama Senju's orders, and managed to stabilize the current situation.
But Uchiha Nan wasn't very happy, because he had originally wanted to use Konoha's power to do something in this world, at the very least to collect all the new technologies in this world and take them away.
But unfortunately, Konoha in this world is truly a poor village, with a huge financial deficit and a greatly weakened fighting force, making it difficult to even defeat Kumogakure.
Hiruzen Sarutobi ruled for decades, squandering the wealth accumulated by the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju. Just when they could finally catch their breath after the Third Shinobi World War, the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox ' attack occurred. The Nine-Tailed Demon Fox ' attack a few years earlier had dealt a heavy blow to Konoha Ayakashi, who was already weakened.
Konoha had never experienced its headquarters being raided before. Rebuilding Konoha alone would cost an astronomical sum, and the debts borrowed from the banks of the Land of Fire had not yet been repaid.
Without money, you can't do anything; you're always restricted in your actions.
Uchiha Nan had tasted this bitterness before.
This familiar scene truly reminded Uchiha Nan of the time when he had just become the Third Hokage. For the first few years, he didn't do anything; he was either making money or on his way to make money.
" Uchiha Nan, do you have any solutions regarding Konoha's financial deficit?"
Tobirama Senju knew that Uchiha Nan was a master at making money, so he asked Uchiha Nan for his opinion.
"That's easy, we just go and make money off whoever has money."
"Let's get some money from the Daimyo, then issue Konoha bonds and have the wealthy and powerful nobles of the Land of Fire buy them. We'll raise a large sum to fill the previous financial hole, and finally, we'll find a way to revitalize Konoha's economy."
Uchiha Nan pondered for a moment, then slowly spoke.
If Konoha wants to make money now, it has to do it from within or from without.
Internal remarks::
If we confiscate the property of the Sarutobi Clan, the Utatane Clan, the Mitokado Clan, and the Shimura Clan, we can definitely settle Konoha's current score.
However, it is extremely difficult to carry out. This clan is already deeply entrenched in Konoha. Directly taking action to carve up flesh within Konoha is something Konoha simply cannot withstand right now, at least not yet.
Therefore, it's best to leave these internal reform challenges to Tsunade in this world. Of course, out of respect for Tsunade in his own world, Uchiha Nan wouldn't mind playing the villain when leaving this world, helping Tsunade clean up Konoha from top to bottom and physically eliminate a portion of the population.
The safest way now is to find ways to raise money from outside.
Decades have passed, and the Land of Fire has now completely transformed into an industrial nation. Its technological level is nearly on par with Earth in the previous world, and it has even developed a plethora of advanced technologies. However, the Land of Fire is still ruled Daimyo the Daimyo, Uchiha Nan finds it hard to imagine how much wealth the insects of the Land of Fire have accumulated during this transformation.
Maybe even the electrical wires in their house are made of gold.
The easiest way to acquire a lot of wealth in a short period of time is to slaughter pigs, since it's easier to bully ordinary people who are powerless and weak, and they are also fatter and more succulent.
"What kind of method is this?!"
Do you know how fierce business competition is these days...?
"How else do you plan to convince the wealthy people of the Land of Fire to buy Konoha's bonds?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned and couldn't help but speak.
Getting the wealthy people of the Land of Fire to buy Konoha's bonds is no easy task. Unless Konoha offers a higher interest rate than banks, and for such a large amount of capital, even a slight increase in the interest rate translates to a huge sum of money.
Besides, revitalizing the economy isn't so easy. During his time as Hokage, he did consider developing new sources of revenue, but the large conglomerates of the Land of Fire had already seized the initiative, controlling various industries, technology, markets, and means of production. If they continued borrowing money, what if they lost money in business? How would Konoha repay its debts?
" Hiruzen Sarutobi, I don't like it when you interrupt me while I'm speaking."
Uchiha Nan glanced at Hiruzen Sarutobi and said coldly.
Not buying Konoha bonds?
Let them see if, without Konoha's protection, some Missing-nin will knock on their door in the middle of the night.
As for repaying the money?
What money do you need to pay back!
Uchiha Nan had no intention of paying back the money!
Then we'll just send ninjas to the creditors' homes, put Kunai to their necks, and ask them if they want to opt for debt-to-equity swaps...
don't want?
Ah... the creditor and his entire family suddenly died overnight... and they don't have to pay back the money? How wonderful!
"Nonsense!"
" Uchiha Nan, do you want to destroy Konoha?"
When Hiruzen Sarutobi learned of Uchiha Nan's idea, he shook his head vigorously; in his view, such a thing was utterly rebellious.
This has seriously violated the laws of the Land of Fire, and Konoha exists precisely to protect the Land of Fire!
An old-fashioned conservative appeared in the room. Newer figures like Uchiha Nan and Tobirama Senju preferred to embrace the rules when they were in their favor, and if they weren't, they'd use their Kunai.
Rules set by the strong are the only rules.
"Shut up, Hiruzen."
"Let's do as Uchiha Nan says."
"You'll handle this personally. Remember to do it well, and don't let me down again."
Tobirama Senju, his face grim, decisively chose the Uchiha Nan method. The more he looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi, the more displeased he became; the younger Hiruzen wasn't so corrupt.
If Konoha wants to make money, it can't take the conventional path. What kind of warlord does business in a legitimate way?
Over the years, Konoha hasn't changed at all under Hiruzen Sarutobi... I must have really chosen the wrong person.
Yes, teacher.
Hiruzen Sarutobi immediately frowned, took a puff of his cigarette, and could only nod in agreement to Tobirama Senju's order.
Putting aside whether this approach will be effective, Danzo to do all the dirty and arduous work!
I am a leaf bathed in sunlight, Danzo is a root hidden in darkness... Now... Sigh...
Afterwards, Hiruzen Sarutobi sat dejectedly in a corner of the office, silently smoking, his expression somewhat dazed, as if reminiscing about the past.
Uchiha Nan and Tobirama Senju ignored the distraught Hiruzen Sarutobi. Uchiha Nan then picked up a list from the table and began to read it by himself, making loud, applauding noises.
That's the list of teams assigned to this year's Ninja Academy graduates.
"What, is there something wrong with this list?"
Tobirama Senju noticed Uchiha Nan's actions; this guy wouldn't casually glance at a document.
"There's nothing wrong with it, but seeing this list suddenly reminded me of something else."
"It's about Naruto Uzumaki."
"A relative of my sister-in-law?"
Uchiha Nan nodded and told Tobirama Senju Naruto Uzumaki about Naruto's background. He and Tobirama Senju had forgotten about it yesterday when they were checking the accounts.
Naruto Uzumaki is the orphan of the Fourth Hokage and the current Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. In theory, he should enjoy the treatment of a hero's son, but... his current life in Konoha can only be described as dire.
Tobirama, do you know why?
Uchiha Nan hesitated, leaving his words unfinished, before skillfully becoming a riddle-maker again, while his eyes Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was smoking in a corner to the side.
" Hiruzen, you come here right now!"
"Tell me everything about Naruto Uzumaki."
Tobirama Senju was deeply disgusted by Uchiha Nan's behavior, so he decisively vented his anger on Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Ah... yes... yes... teacher."
"When the Fourth Hokage sacrificed himself on the Night of the Nine-Tails, to ensure Naruto Uzumaki's safety and prevent the masked man from attacking Miyabi again... I concealed my identity as the son of the Fourth Hokage... But Danzo..."
They secretly spread rumors that Naruto Uzumaki was a demon Naruto Uzumaki, causing his clan to be hated and ostracized by the villagers for years.
"But teacher... don't worry... under my tutelage, Naruto Uzumaki inherited the Will of Fire of Konoha."
And he always hoped to become the Hokage of Konoha.
Hiruzen Sarutobi immediately looked worried again. He went to Tobirama Senju's side and, adhering to the principle that Danzo for all the bad things and the Hokage should be credited for all the good things, he gave a general account of Naruto Uzumaki's experiences.
"You and Danzo really have a great team."
"Has Danzo been able to Hokage Danzo in Konoha all these years without your permission, the Konoha?"
Then what are you good for as Hokage?!
Tobirama Senju stood up with a cold laugh. He could understand Hiruzen Sarutobi's actions in concealing Naruto Uzumaki's identity.
However, he absolutely tolerated the situation where Shimura Danzō Hokage, and the Hokage remained indifferent, pointing his finger at Hiruzen Sarutobi and giving him a thorough dressing-down.
Hiruzen, you're such a piece of trash!
They couldn't even suppress Danzo!
"In that case, I think we should find an opportunity to clarify Naruto Uzumaki's identity. Tsunade will be back in a while, so we can leave this matter to her."
"It's better to leave this kind of winning people's hearts to the next Hokage. As for who should take the blame... Danzo probably can't handle it."
Uchiha Nan said in a sinister tone, his eyes scanning Hiruzen Sarutobi.:: You two brothers have to share the blame for what you've done.
The Fifth Hokage wanted to implement a series of reforms in Konoha, which would inevitably involve affecting the interests of some people. He would also need to sacrifice someone as a scapegoat to demonstrate his determination, and Hiruzen Sarutobi was the perfect candidate.
I, Tsunade, the Fifth Hokage, even went so far as to Hiruzen Sarutobi my own teacher, the Third Hokage, for the sake of Konoha!
Do you wish to test the sharpness of my sword?
" Hiruzen Sarutobi, for the sake of Konoha, are you willing to sacrifice yourself?"
"Is all of this for Konoha?"
Uchiha Nan voiced his thoughts, Hiruzen Sarutobi's face twitched, rendering him speechless.
Killing someone is just a matter of beheading them, does it have to be this ruthless?
I've dedicated half my life to Konoha; surely they can't hold me accountable now that I've retired?
Hiruzen, are you Konoha?
Tobirama Senju focused his own light on Hiruzen Sarutobi. If sacrificing Hiruzen Sarutobi could revitalize Konoha, it might not be a bad deal.
yesorok?
A simple multiple-choice question.
Uchiha Nan and Tobirama Senju exerted pressure together, giving Hiruzen Sarutobi no chance to refuse.
If you're respectable, everyone's happy; if you're not respectable, the two of us will help you be respectable!
"Loyalty!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi was on the verge of tears; what could he do now?
You can't just say no, can you?
"Teacher... I'm tired... I'm going out for some fresh air."
Goodbye and don't bother coming back.
Uchiha Nan waved at Hiruzen Sarutobi, a smirk playing on his lips, and even let out a soft hum.
Hiruzen Sarutobi left the Hokage's office on his knees, leaving only Uchiha Nan and Tobirama Senju in the room. Uchiha Nan and Tobirama Senju.
It's actually about researching dragon veins and figuring out how to return to the original world.
It's time to get started on this, but considering that Tobirama Senju is also serving as the Acting Hokage, with a mountain of documents on his desk waiting for him to handle, and hundreds of Shadow Clone working diligently in the original world... there's no one to work in the lab.
" Tobirama, regarding the research on the Dragon Veins... how do we return to our world?"
"The technology in this world also needs to be collected and processed by someone."
"Shouldn't you...:"
" Uchiha Nan, I'm really busy right now, I don't have any time at all. How about I release a portion of my Shadow Clone from the original world, and then..."
Tobirama Senju nodded. The first point, finding a way back to the original world, was indeed of paramount importance, but the second point... Uchiha Nan, you're a real beast. However, Tobirama Senju still came up with a solution. As long as he could eliminate a portion of the Shadow Clone in the original world, he could free up his time and energy to work for Uchiha Nan.
"How can this be allowed!"
"Research in the original world cannot stop for a moment!"
"Then what do you want to do! I can't create any more Shadow Clone anyway!"
"Cough cough cough... Tobirama, have you forgotten that you in this world are still sleeping in the Pure Land? You know, the dead sleeping is simply a waste of time. Why don't we... Impure World Reincarnation you in this world as well?"
Uchiha Nan coughed and explained his thoughts.
"You fucking have no humanity left?!"
"You exploited me first, and now you're even going after this version of me, you bastard!"
Tobirama Senju a moment, then his face turned bright red, and he began to curse at Uchiha Nan.