The Five-Year Modernization and Military Strengthening Plan officially began.
The entire Iwagakure roared into operation like a super war machine filled to the brim with fuel, running with terrifying efficiency unlike anything seen before.
Kakuzu went on a spending spree outside, monopolizing markets and throwing the economies of the major nations into chaos.
Orochimaru worked himself to the bone in the basement, developing black-tech day and night as the progress bar soared.
Minato became a devilish drill instructor at the training camp, putting Iwagakure's new generation through such brutal training that they howled in misery.
Everything was racing toward the goal of dominating the ninja world.
This delighted the Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, to no end.
The old man practically floated when he walked these past few days. He felt twenty years younger, with boundless energy coursing through his entire body.
On the western side of the village, a new scientific ninja tool factory was being expanded.
Ōnoki stood with his hands behind his back, his signature big red nose held high as he personally inspected the construction site.
Everything he looked at pleased him.
"Move it, all of you!"
The old man shouted at the workers with a booming voice.
"Once our Gatling Explosive Tag Guns enter mass production, I'll take you all to Leaf Village to set off fireworks!"
The workers erupted in earth-shaking cheers.
The more Ōnoki looked, the more excited he became. A surge of lofty ambition churned in his chest.
He walked up to a massive boulder taller than half a man and rolled up his sleeves.
"Stand back. Let me show you the strength I had in my prime!"
With that, he wrapped both arms around the boulder and heaved.
"Earth Release: Ultra-Added-Weight Rock Technique!"
"Up you go!"
The several-ton boulder was actually lifted clean