Kakuzu

Nangō Kumoi watched the Nara Clan Leader leave and felt that the aboveboard "financial adviser" position had been settled, but another, wilder path still lingered in his mind.

He recalled a ruthless man from the original story who had a real knack for managing money and absolutely worshipped it—Kakuzu.

The so-called financial director who had once fought the First Hokage, though he might have only thrown a shuriken from far away, and later specialized in making money for Akatsuki.

"Anbu."

He spoke to the air.

"Use the most discreet channels to spread word outside."

An Anbu agent codenamed Crow appeared without a sound.

"Say that an anonymous, wealthy but trouble-averse patron is looking for a truly capable 'capital flow efficiency optimizer.'"

Nangō Kumoi tried to make it sound like underground-market jargon.

"The requirement is to make money generate more money, faster and faster, without bringing disaster upon oneself.

"The advance deposit can be paid in absolutely clean rare metals.

"The key point is that we are looking for a professional for long-term cooperation, not a one-off deal."

Crow nodded to indicate his understanding.

"Be especially careful when making contact. The other party is a true veteran of the underworld."

Nangō Kumoi added,

"First, hear what price he names and what 'financial plans' he can offer.

"Remember, we are merely potential clients."

Crow's figure vanished.

Nangō Kumoi leaned back in his chair and imagined Kakuzu's reaction upon receiving such a commission.

That Earth Grudge Fear monster would probably count Mithril ingots while assessing things with those eyes that saw through the coldness of the world—or rather, saw through money.

"A long-term, stable major client?

"Interesting. But I need to see how much trouble you people carry, and just how wealthy you really are."

This move was somewhat risky, but worth trying.

The Nara secretary would make the public accounts look flawless, filling Konoha's warehouses and everyone's pockets alike.

As for Kakuzu... if they truly managed to establish contact, perhaps he could help them retrieve certain idle, ownerless resources from corners untouched by sunlight—or resources "reasonably depleted" from their enemies—and turn them into Konoha's secret reserves.

"One manages revenue in the sunlight, while the other manages... well, the 'extra income' in the shadows."

Nangō Kumoi calculated inwardly.

"The money Konoha Industries earns can be used to build houses, pay salaries, and improve lives, letting everyone live happily together.

"What Kakuzu brings in can serve as Konoha's 'venture capital fund' and 'strategic rainy-day fund,' ready for any eventuality."

Of course, any contract terms with Kakuzu had to be as unyielding as steel, and their shared interests had to be firmly bound together.

They also needed enough deterrence to make him cooperate obediently—such as the Hokage's strength and Konoha's potential as a continuing "high-quality client."

Working with someone who recognized only money and immortality was, instead, simple and straightforward.

He merely had to believe that working for them was the most profitable and secure deal in the world.

"Let's see whether the fish takes the bait first."

Nangō Kumoi stopped dwelling on it and returned his attention to the pile of documents before him.

Building Konoha truly required worrying about every aspect, from the children's education to the village accounts, and even this sort of "special talent recruitment" that could not be put in the open.

With the year's end approaching, even the air of Konoha carried a trace of ease and anticipation.

Yet the atmosphere in the largest conference room of the Hokage Building was somewhat unusual.

People filled both sides of the long table: clan leaders from every major family, department heads, representatives of the Jonin Corps, and even several outstanding Chunin captains seated at the far end.

This was the first annual review and planning meeting Nangō Kumoi had convened by Hokage Decree. There had been no such practice in Teacher Tobirama's time.

Many people muttered to themselves, but seeing the composed new Hokage seated at the head of the table, they suppressed their curiosity and sat upright.

The meeting began with reports from each department.

The ninja responsible for resettlement in the South District gave a detailed account of the construction progress and resident move-ins, which had largely met expectations.

The Ninja Academy principal reported on the new students' adjustment and the older students' studies. When mentioning "several promising students of particular concern to Lord Hokage," he paused with subtle meaning before saying that everything was normal.

Logistics, medical, intelligence, and other departments also presented their reports in turn, with detailed data.

Overall, Konoha was recovering from the wounds of the First Shinobi World War faster than many had expected.

However, the calm was soon shattered.

When it came time to discuss public security and internal order, a representative from one clan stood up. His tone was restrained, but dissatisfied.

"Regarding the Police Force... since the beginning of this year, have its methods in handling disputes among villagers been somewhat too... direct?

"In several cases, the villagers involved later claimed that they had faced unnecessary threats of force.

"We understand the necessity of maintaining order, but we hope greater attention can be paid to the methods used."

The moment he finished speaking, the deputy head of the Police Force seated beside the Uchiha Clan Leader immediately retorted in a deep voice.

"The Police Force acts according to regulations!

"The so-called 'threats of force' are often necessary measures when facing those who refuse to cooperate or even attempt to resist law enforcement!

"The dignity of Konoha's laws cannot be challenged. If certain villagers conduct themselves improperly, how can they blame strict enforcement?"

The temperature in the conference room seemed to plummet.

Many clan representatives stared at their noses and contemplated their hearts, while the Uchiha seats faintly radiated a cold, hard air of, So they're picking faults again.

Nangō Kumoi did not speak immediately. Only after both sides had finished did he lightly tap the tabletop with his fingers.

"The village has seen the Police Force's hard work in maintaining public order."

He set the tone first, then looked toward the Uchiha deputy head.

"But the strictness of law enforcement should be accompanied by clarity and fairness.

"If villagers have acted improperly, punish them according to the rules. Force is the final measure, not the preferred deterrent.

"After the new year, the Hokage Office will work with the Police Force to refine guidelines for handling common disputes and strengthen the members'... communication skills training.

"Konoha is everyone's home. Law enforcement exists to make that home more peaceful, not more tense.

"The Uchiha clan bears great responsibility. I hope you will rise to even greater heights."

His words were not harsh, but his meaning was clear.

I acknowledge your achievements, but your methods must change.

The Uchiha deputy head's lips moved. Under his own clan leader's calm gaze, he ultimately only lowered his head slightly.

"...Yes, Lord Hokage."

Seeing that the Hokage had made his position clear, the representatives of the other clans knew when to stop and did not pursue the matter further.

The Uchiha members showed little expression.

So long as it did not touch their existing authority or fundamental interests, they could still accept this kind of "reminder."

Some even disdained to argue—getting tangled up in such trivial matters was beneath the Uchiha's status.