"With orders coming in, we won't have to worry about finding investment. I'll be there right away. We'll talk face-to-face." Naruto hurried toward the Forest of Death.
Rain mixed with mud, washing over the strip of land at the edge of the Forest of Death that had been shaved completely bare.
Naruto Uzumaki arrived beneath the hastily erected command tent and watched Ancient Iron direct the craftsmen as they enthusiastically laid the foundations. In the distance, Tsunade's furious roar seemed to still echo in his ears.
"Tsunade needs time," Naruto muttered. "And time is what I lack most."
He knew Tsunade was not deliberately trying to obstruct him. As Hokage, she had to balance the interests of every side. Grafting new branches onto Konoha's old tree was bound to disturb the deeply entrenched old powers. The restrictions imposed by the council and the interests of the great clans were political quagmires Naruto had no interest in getting trapped in.
He needed a "free port" that was not controlled by the village's finances or politics.
"Sasuke," Naruto called without looking back.
Sasuke Uchiha had been wiping down his Bolter prototype. At Naruto's call, he walked over. His gaze was still cold and sharp, but some of his restlessness had faded. The intense construction work and training had given him an outlet for his strength.
"The Hokage probably won't let this go," Sasuke said.
"Let her do as she pleases." Naruto looked at the heavy, vicious Chainsword hanging at his waist. "Our first pot of gold isn't in Konoha."
"Where are you planning to go?"
"The Land of Iron." Naruto turned around, his blue eyes reflecting the curtain of rain. "That nation that claims neutrality and follows the way of the samurai. They have a natural divide from shinobi and remain