"Land of Rain's question, I have indeed thought about it carefully."
Naruto spoke slowly, with a calm tone, "The points you mentioned are all critical: unfavorable natural conditions, lack of resources, war trauma, sparse population, and weak foundation. These problems are intertwined and are indeed very difficult."
He paused, seemed to be organizing his words, and then continued, "First of all, we must face reality.
It is unrealistic in the short term for Land of Rain to rely on fertile land to develop large-scale agriculture like Land of Fire does, or to rely on rich mineral resources like Land of Earth does.
Copying models from other regions may not suit the local conditions."
"But,"
Naruto changed the topic, "Problems often also represent opportunities. The key is to find a development path suitable for them."
"First, the transformation and utilization of natural conditions."
Naruto stretched out a finger and said, "It rains all year round, which is a disaster for agriculture, but what about certain industries?
For example, the cultivation of fungi.
We can also let people develop agricultural technologies suitable for rainy climates and turn disadvantages into features."
"Second, the recovery of human resources."
Naruto stretched out a second finger. "Land of Rain Although the population has been sharply reduced due to the war, the surviving people have honed their perseverance in the harsh environment.
Moreover, Amegakure has many excellent Ninja.
In times of peace, these Ninja forces can be turned toward construction.
We can implement the strategy of self-cultivation and regeneration in Amegakure.
Ninja can participate in engineering surveys, dangerous operations, logistics and transportation, etc., and give full play to its expertise."
"Third, we need to put infrastructure first and improve the foundation."
The third finger stretched out, "This is the top priority and what you just mentioned.
Land of Rain's infrastructure construction is lagging behind.
Infrastructure investment led by Konoha can be tilted towards difficult areas like Land of Rain.
Prioritize the construction of strong and durable roads and drainage systems to solve traffic and waterlogging problems; build reservoirs and water purification facilities to ensure clean drinking water, and try to use hydropower to generate electricity; help rebuild or repair houses and improve living conditions. This can not only directly create jobs, but also greatly improve people's livelihood and lay the foundation for subsequent development."
"Fourth, look for new economic growth points."
Naruto continued, "In addition to agricultural transformation, you can consider developing specialty handicrafts and tourism, or even use its relatively hidden geographical location and once 'neutral' history to try to develop some specific industries or research institutions that require confidentiality and security."
"Fifth, external blood transfusion is combined with internal hematopoiesis."
Naruto finally said, "In the early days, Land of Rain needs a lot of external assistance, including capital, technology, food, etc. Konoha and other relatively wealthy regions have the responsibility to provide help.
But this cannot be permanent.
Our goal is to help Land of Rain establish preliminary 'hematopoietic' capabilities through early support and infrastructure investment.
Let it gradually rely on its own characteristic industries and human resources, integrate into the entire Shinobi World trade cycle, and ultimately achieve self-sustainable development.
Blood transfusion-based poverty alleviation is not advisable. Only by allowing Land of Rain to have its own hematopoietic ability can Land of Rain truly prosper and develop."
Naruto looked at Nagato and Konan and said in a sincere tone, "I know, this still sounds difficult and requires a long time, continuous investment and careful planning.
The revival of Land of Rain will not happen overnight.
But that's the way I think we have to go.
It's not giving up, it's not giving charity, it's adapting to local conditions, teaching people how to fish, and helping Land of Rain find a way of survival and development that suits them."
"As for war trauma and population problems," Naruto added, "peace itself is the best healing medicine.
A stable environment, improved life, and visible hope will slowly heal the scars, attract the exiled population to return, and may even attract people from other regions to move in.
It will take time, but the direction is right."
Nagato was silent, his fingers tapping lightly on the armrest of the chair unconsciously.
Naruto's answer did not avoid the dilemma of Land of Rain. Instead, it proposed a set of solutions that although huge, seemed to be traceable.
This is completely different from the desperate path he once believed that "only by letting the world feel the same pain can we understand peace."
This is a constructive way of thinking that focuses on specific issues and people's lives.
Konan also raised his head, looking at Naruto with less alienation and more complicated scrutiny.
She once firmly believed in the path of Nagato, and she also witnessed the destruction that path brought.
Today, another completely different road lies before us. Although the future is uncertain, at least... it is trying to "build" rather than "destroy".
The restaurant became quiet again, except for the faint noise of Konoha at night coming from the window.
Karin Heguang didn't understand very well, and soon felt a little dizzy and wanted to sleep, but they could feel the weight of the topic.
After a long time, Nagato slowly spoke, his voice still hoarse, but it seemed to be less questioning and more probing. "What about the specific plan? Who will execute it?"
How to ensure that these investments will not be swallowed up by corruption?
How to coordinate the contradiction between Land of Rain local people's wishes and external planning?"
Question after question, more specific and more in-depth.
This is no longer a simple question, but begins to enter the "how to operate" level.
The two chatted for a long time, ranging from the specific dilemma of Land of Rain, to similar problems that other Small Country may face, to potential challenges such as cultural conflicts and interest distribution that may arise after Shinobi World is unified.
However, the subsequent conversation stayed more at the macro level and principled discussions, and there were not many parts involving specific implementation details and in-depth system design.
This is not because Naruto is unwilling to go deeper, but because he clearly knows his limitations.
His political literacy and governance experience are indeed not top-notch.
As a liberal arts student in his previous life, although he had laid a good foundation of knowledge by rote memorization and had some understanding of some concepts in history, geography, and political economics, he still needed to learn more and practice more to truly apply these theories to govern a large and complex world.
The development plan I just had a conversation with Nagato was largely due to the vague impressions of concepts such as "infrastructure-driven economy", "industrial upgrading", and "targeted poverty alleviation" in my previous life, and a superficial deduction based on the actual situation of Shinobi World.
If we really want to formulate a detailed, feasible and comprehensive plan, we have to rely on the wisdom of father and son Shikaku Nara and Shikamaru, as well as the professional ability of Konoha's administrative team.
It's cool to have an external brain!
Naruto sighed again in his heart.
Look at Choza Akimichi and Inoichi Yamanaka. Don't you listen to Shikaku Nara most of the time?
If he didn't still need the identity of "Hokage" to gather strength and promote change, sometimes he really wanted to just throw Hokage's position to Shikamaru and concentrate on practicing and dealing with Sage of Six Paths.
As we chatted, the topic gradually shifted from heavy future planning to some relatively light topics, such as the recent changes in Konoha, some improvement ideas for Ninjutsu, etc.
Just when the atmosphere seemed to be relaxing, Nagato suddenly and imperceptibly gave Konan a look beside him.
Konan stood up, nodded politely to Naruto, Karin, and then quietly exited the restaurant.
Uchiha Hikari, who had always been alert and not completely relaxed, tightened slightly the moment Konan left, and a sharp flash of light flashed in his black eyes.
She has not forgotten the identities of Nagato and Konan. Who knows what tricks they want to play if they leave Naruto alone?
Naruto naturally noticed Nagato's gesture and Konan's departure.
He understood clearly in his heart, it seemed that Nagato had something to say that he just wanted to say to himself alone.
He cast a comforting look at Guang, then waved his hand and said gently to Karin and Guang: "Karin, Guang, you should go out and take a rest first. Nagato and I will have a few words alone."
Guang wanted to say something else, but seeing Naruto's calm and firm eyes, he finally pursed his lips, stood up and left the restaurant with Karin, and gently closed the door.
Karin gave Naruto a worried look before leaving.