The New Secretary Takes Office

After writing the final character, Nangō Kumoi set down his pen and let out a long breath.

Outside the window, the night sky was already strewn with stars, while Konoha's lights glowed warmly in the darkness.

This plan had been born from his hopes for the future, yet rooted in the harsh realities and web of human relationships before him.

It was not merely an economic document, but a political declaration—one proclaiming that the Hokage would lead everyone down a brand-new path toward shared prosperity.

"One step at a time, one bite at a time."

Nangō Kumoi rolled up the plan and placed it atop the stack of documents concerning the Uchiha.

"First, solve the money problem and give everyone something to look forward to. Then people's hearts will naturally gather around us."

The road to construction was long and difficult.

But today, at least, he had outlined a practical blueprint for Konoha—one that would let them strive without going hungry.

All that remained was to rely on the foundation his teacher had left behind, along with those allies worth winning over, and turn it into reality bit by bit.

Just as Nangō Kumoi set down his pen, the calm voice of an Anbu operative announced from outside the door:

"Lord Hokage, the Nara Clan Leader has arrived to hand over the secretary duties."

"Let him in."

Nangō Kumoi composed the expression he had worn while thinking alone and straightened his posture slightly.

The door opened, and Nara Shikato entered with steady steps. He wore dark clan robes, his face calm, carrying the Nara clan's characteristic air of detached ease, as though everything was already being calculated.

He stopped at an appropriate distance before the desk and gave a slight bow. "Lord Hokage."

"Nara Clan Leader, thank you for making the trip."

Nangō Kumoi nodded, his tone calm and formal.

"The assistant will familiarize you with the archives and procedures of the secretary's office shortly.

"From now on, I will entrust you with organizing and initially processing the Hokage Office's documents."

"It is my duty. I will do my utmost."

The Nara Clan Leader's reply was equally concise and proper.

His gaze swept over the somewhat numerous documents on the desk before finally settling on the freshly inked scroll by Nangō Kumoi's hand.

Following his gaze, Nangō Kumoi tapped the draft of the "Five-Year Plan" with a finger and decided to get straight to the point.

He picked up the scroll and handed it over.

"Perfect. There is something I would like to hear your opinion on first.

"The village's finances are strained. Relying solely on appropriations and standard mission commissions will not be sustainable.

"This is a preliminary concept I drafted for the village to develop its own industries. The target period is five years.

"You excel at strategy and calculation. Given Konoha's current circumstances, do you think these ideas have any feasibility? Or are they merely empty theory?"

The Nara Clan Leader accepted the scroll with both hands, replied, "Yes," and unfolded it for careful reading.

He read quickly, but his expression was focused. The habitual laziness between his brows gradually gave way to cautious consideration.

The office fell silent, broken only by the faint rustling of paper.

A moment later, he raised his head, his eyes now clear with the results of his assessment.

"The thinking is clear, and the direction is pragmatic."

Shikato spoke, briefly affirming the basic framework.

"It does not touch upon the core interests of the clans or the fundamental mission system of shinobi. Making use of the derivative value of our existing capabilities is a wise trade-off."

"Then in your opinion, which project would be easiest to launch and quickest to ease the immediate financial pressure?"

Nangō Kumoi pressed on. This was a very practical question.

"Bedrock—the infrastructure construction teams."

Shikato answered without hesitation.

"The postwar reconstruction demand is clear, and the Land of Fire government will certainly have projects available.

"With Sarutobi's assistance negotiating in the village's name, and with shinobi's unique abilities such as Earth Release and Water Release, we have irreplaceable advantages in both efficiency and quality.

"Engineering contracts with fixed compensation would provide a stable and predictable source of income.

"The key to this project's success lies in—"

He paused briefly.

"—a reasonable internal compensation distribution plan. Participating shinobi must earn significantly more than they would from ordinary low-rank missions in order to maintain their enthusiasm.

"I can calculate a detailed distribution model later."

Nangō Kumoi nodded. This was precisely the kind of professional analysis he had hoped to hear.

"Then what about the Red Leaf project?

"Turning some of the clans' peripheral specialties into products."

"The key to this project lies in product selection, cost control, and sales channels."

Shikato's analysis was methodical.

"The Akimichi clan's improvements to portable foods and the Nara clan's mild applications of common medicinal herbs are both viable entry points, and neither involves secret techniques.

"The difficulty lies in how to package them as 'premium' or 'exclusive supplies' and sell them at suitable prices.

"That will require precise customer targeting and reliable sales routes.

"The Yamanaka Clan Leader's ability to sense social connections may prove important at this stage.

"And all costs and pricing—"

He looked at Nangō Kumoi.

"—must undergo strict accounting to ensure profitability."

"In other words, to advance these two projects, the first will require Hiruzen's assistance in external coordination, along with fair distribution rules drafted by you;

"while the latter will require the cooperation of the Ino-Shika-Cho clans, with you overseeing accounting and planning, while Elder Homura and the Yamanaka Clan Leader each handle certain channels and social dealings?"

Nangō Kumoi summarized.

"More or less."

Shikato gave a slight bow.

"If Lord Hokage is determined to proceed, I can first refine these two projects.

"I will draft more specific implementation plans and financial budget proposals for you, Sarutobi's assistant, and the relevant clans to discuss."

His stance was highly professional and entirely appropriate:

He would provide plans and calculate the risks and returns, but would not overstep and make decisions on their behalf.

He left the final authority and coordination work to the Hokage and his core team.

"Very good."

A trace of satisfaction appeared on Nangō Kumoi's face.

"Then I will trouble the Nara Clan Leader to prepare the preliminary implementation frameworks and financial projections for Bedrock and Red Leaf first.

"We can discuss the details later.

"As for the other projects, they involve the medical corps and longer-term technology incubation. We can set them aside for now and revisit them once the foundation is secure."

"Understood."

Nara Shikato carefully rolled up the draft of the "Five-Year Plan."

"If there are no further instructions, I will go familiarize myself with the secretary's office and begin drafting these two proposals."

"Go ahead.

"If there is anything you need coordinated or wish to ask about, come directly to me or Hiruzen's assistant."

Nangō Kumoi granted him full authority.

After offering a salute, the Nara Clan Leader turned and left, his steps steady and efficient.

Once the office door closed, Nangō Kumoi let out a soft breath.

Working with intelligent, pragmatic professionals was efficient.

There was no needless small talk or probing—only a direct focus on the core issues and swift division of duties.

He looked out the window. Konoha's outline stood clear beneath the daylight.

With the arrival of this newly appointed "secretary" clan leader, the breakthrough point for the financial predicament seemed a little clearer.

The road to construction was finally about to take its first step from paper planning into concrete implementation.

He picked up the next document awaiting review, yet felt far more relaxed than before.

At the very least, when it came to "making money," he had found what looked like a highly reliable "financial officer" and "planner."