Ninja Academy Interest Group

Nangō Kumoi carefully reviewed the reports and listened to the briefing, a sincere smile appearing on his face:

"Good! Very good! Senior Brother Hiruzen, Senior Shikato, you've worked hard.

"Bedrock has truly established itself. Not only has it solved our internal housing problem, it has also become a stable, healthy source of revenue for the village.

"As for private commissions, handling them cautiously is the right approach. We shouldn't be greedy for quantity; first, we need to build up our reputation and foundations.

"Later, we can evaluate matters and select some high-quality projects from reputable sources that pose no threat to the village. We can take on a suitable number of them to further train the team and accumulate diverse experience."

Then he looked at Nara Shikato. "So, how is the Red Leaf project progressing?"

Nara Shikato put away the construction team's report and took out another document. His expression this time was somewhat more serious, though not pessimistic.

"The Red Leaf specialty goods project is currently in the market development and distribution channel establishment stage. It has not yet become profitable, but there has been positive progress."

He explained in detail:

"The High-Energy Portable Meal series improved by the Akimichi clan has currently settled on three basic flavors: original flavor, which is energy concentrate; lightly sweet fruit flavor; and lightly salted seaweed.

"Testing showed that its energy replenishment efficiency matches that of traditional Military Ration Pills, while the taste has improved significantly and the feeling of fullness lasts longer.

"The Calming Focus Incense and Insect-Repelling Purification Sachets developed with assistance from the Yamanaka clan have also completed their sample stage. Their effects are mild but clear."

"The key lies in sales."

Nara Shikato continued.

"Through Elder Homura's channels, we have sent the first batch of selected samples as 'Konoha specialty gifts' to several key ministers of the Land of Fire, major merchants, and the heads of several small and medium-sized merchant associations in neighboring areas.

"The initial feedback... is rather subtle."

"Oh? In what way is it subtle?" Kumoi asked with interest.

"The nobles and ministers seem more interested in the incense and sachets than the food. They consider them more refined and practical.

"The merchants, meanwhile, are extremely interested in the High-Energy Portable Meals, especially those engaged in long-distance trade. They keenly recognized the commercial value within them, as well as their potential... military applications.

"Several merchant associations have already expressed clear intentions to purchase, but they are all testing the price and the stability of long-term supply."

Nara Shikato analyzed.

"Meanwhile, following your suggestion, we have also begun limited trials and reputation-building efforts within Konoha itself, mainly targeting ninja squads that frequently undertake long-term missions and border patrol units.

"The internal feedback has been positive, especially regarding the improved flavors."

"So."

Nangō Kumoi summarized, "The channels have been initially opened, but stable large-scale purchasing has not yet taken shape, and profitability will still take time.

"For the noble route, we'll focus on premium goods and gifts. For the merchant route, practicality and volume.

"Internal trials will consolidate our base while gathering suggestions for improvement."

"Precisely."

Nara Shikato nodded.

"At present, the greatest costs lie in securing stable supplies of raw materials and setting up the initial small-batch production lines.

"The Akimichi and Yamanaka families have invested quite a lot in the early stage, but their confidence remains strong.

"After another round of adjustments based on sample feedback and the confirmation of initial orders, we expect to break even and gradually turn a profit by the end of next quarter, or perhaps the quarter after."

"Steady and sure. Very good."

Nangō Kumoi said approvingly.

"Don't rush for quick results.

"Quality and reputation are Red Leaf's lifeline.

"Senior Shikato, please continue to maintain the balance between cost and quality.

"Also, you can start looking into whether there are suitable, reputable external raw material suppliers or small processing workshops.

"In the future, we can consider cooperating with or absorbing them to expand production capacity, but control must remain in our hands."

"Understood." Nara Shikato wrote down the key points.

"Oh, right."

As though recalling something, Kumoi asked teasingly, "Senior Brother Torifu... hasn't turned the research workshop into his personal snack warehouse, has he?"

At that, Hiruzen Sarutobi revealed a helpless smile. "As far as I know, Elder Akimichi has personally gone to 'inspect' it several times already. Apparently, he confiscated quite a few 'experimental rejects.'"

The atmosphere in the office immediately relaxed considerably.

"It seems everyone is deeply invested."

Kumoi smiled. "Then the first-stage objectives have basically been achieved.

"The construction team has succeeded in becoming self-sustaining, and the specialty goods project has opened up the market.

"You two have worked hard.

"Going forward, aside from advancing our current projects, it's time to set our sights farther ahead as well..."

From the stack of routine report documents, Nangō Kumoi pulled out a scroll of a slightly different style, one even decorated along the edges with childish handwriting. His expression held a mixture of surprise, amusement, and obvious appreciation.

"You two, take a look at this." He spread the scroll across the desk.

Hiruzen Sarutobi and Nara Shikato leaned closer. The title read: "Joint Proposal Regarding the Establishment of the 'Konoha Future Technology and Exploration Interest Group' and an Application for Dedicated Activity Space and Basic Supplies."

Below it was a string of crooked yet painstakingly neat signatures. The first three names were unmistakably: Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru, followed by the names of seven or eight other students.

The two exchanged glances, both somewhat stunned. Hiruzen Sarutobi pointed at the scroll and asked uncertainly, "Kumoi, this is...?"

"As you can see," Nangō Kumoi said, tapping the names with one finger as his smile deepened.

"Our Ninja Academy students, especially these three 'subjects of special attention,' have joined with several classmates interested in the principles of ninjutsu, the properties of medicinal herbs, and even mechanical structures, organizing themselves to start an 'interest group.'

"This proposal was submitted through their homeroom teacher to the school's vice principal."

Nara Shikato raised an eyebrow. "The vice principal must be having quite a headache."

"More than just a headache." Kumoi laughed.

"By tradition, this sort of 'neglecting proper duties' request would most likely be rejected outright, with the students told to focus on practicing the Three-Body Technique and taijutsu.

"But our vice principal... is quite good at reading the situation."

His tone carried a teasing note.

"The moment he saw the names Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru.

"Tsunade is the First Hokage's granddaughter and the Hokage's acknowledged niece; Jiraiya and Orochimaru are future disciples personally favored and already chosen by the Hokage's aide.

"The three of them signing together carried considerable weight.

"The vice principal didn't dare make the decision himself, yet feared offending someone. So he simply forwarded it to me unchanged, along with an explanation of the situation."

Hiruzen Sarutobi rubbed his brow, seemingly already able to imagine his future disciple Jiraiya jumping around and stirring everyone up. He was both helpless and somewhat amused.

"These children... why did they think of doing this? And make it so formal?"

"This is the subtle result of the ideological courses and our overall policy."

Leaning back in his chair, Nangō Kumoi's gaze grew distant.

"I have repeatedly emphasized in class that 'building requires diverse talents,' that 'curiosity and the spirit of exploration are the seeds of progress,' and that 'theory must be connected to practice.'

"For most children, those words may simply pass through one ear and out the other. But for Orochimaru..."

He looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi. "Senior Brother, you've spoken with him quite a lot recently, haven't you?

"With his sharpness and logic, combined with the changes he has witnessed in the village—the construction team, the new courses, even the occasional hints you have revealed about new directions in chakra application—he could easily deduce that

"What the village is currently encouraging is not merely the improvement of combat power, but also the exploration of the unknown and the attempt to transform knowledge into practical productive capability."