The Shinobi World entered a period of rapid development. The villages became interconnected, and with roads being built, commercial activity became commonplace. However, for small merchant groups, this was a nightmare.
Although the Enlightenment Weapons Store had not swallowed them up, its price advantage and sheer quantity of goods utterly crushed its competitors. Commerce became increasingly centralized. Fortunately, everything remained under Uchiha Yuu's control.
"Things have finally stabilized."
A few more wrinkles had appeared on Shan Juhua's face, but compared with ninjas who braved wind and rain, she still looked far younger. Combined with the jewels and finery she wore, she immediately became the center of attention in any crowd.
For the first time, all the upper ranks of Dawn Hidden Village had gathered in its main hall for a meeting.
"I am currently integrating the Land of Wind Weapons Shop, merging the two completely."
Shan Juhua, who managed the flow of wealth, worked in coordination with Kakuzu. Together, they kept the empire's finances in perfect order. At their level, they had long since moved beyond such low-level methods as lending money.
"You're becoming more and more like a merchant instead of a ninja."
After reviewing the documents in his hands, Kakuzu recalled how she had once relied on Uchiha Yuu. Now, whether she was cultivating trusted subordinates or manipulating people's hearts, her methods were entirely those of a merchant. Fortunately, Shan Juhua was one of their own.
"Isn't it because you're so useless? If you could take the business off my hands, I'd hand all of this over to you. We could switch positions, and I'd stay in the village with Mr. Yuu."
As Shan Juhua said this, a trace of irritation appeared on her face. As the woman behind Dawn Hidden Village, she had sacrificed far too much.