Setting down his pen, the young Mizukage looked up with eager anticipation at Elder Genshi and the officials from various administrative departments.
Just like Yagura's previous directives, the document contained only a few lines outlining the general strategy. Elder Genshi read through it quickly.
Passing the paper to the next person, he spoke in a solemn tone. "This is feasible."
With those words, the faces of those who had yet to see the specifics of Yagura's plan turned collectively sour.
When the leader speaks, the subordinates break their backs—that's just how it goes.
Ever since Yagura took over, they had been working harder than ever, their workloads surpassing even the harshest sweatshops.
Even though he had increased salaries, offering triple pay for overtime and hiring additional staff, the amount of work had not decreased in the slightest!
Stay calm. Stay calm! Think about the triple pay! Think about the mortgage! Think about… the mistress!
Most importantly, you can't beat him!
Yagura ignored the heavy resentment written all over their faces.
His skin had always been thick, and after becoming the top authority, it had only grown thicker.
If you're not happy, quit.
But the truth is, every country may lack many things, but they never lack people eager for stable government jobs.
Especially in Kirigakure. Aside from government positions and military service, most other industries were still in shambles.
Even quitting to become a farmer wasn't an option.
This wasn't Konoha—Kirigakure's wet, foggy climate and lack of sunlight made agriculture unviable.
...
As the paper made its way through the room, the officials fell into silence.
What now? Waiting online, very anxious!
There was no avoiding the increase in workload!
And it actually seemed… quite practical!
Mizukage-sama, what kind of devil are you?!
They still vividly remembered the last time they had to work overtime, scrambling to gather space-time scrolls, draft animals, and transport carts just to deliver iron ore to Sunagakure in exchange for their refined gold!
The amount of hair they had lost trying to secure enough logistics for that endeavor…!
Yagura's voice interrupted their spiraling thoughts.
"If the roads aren't repaired, you'll have to keep doing this over and over again."
A collective shudder ran through the room.
No way! Anything but that!
To hell with it! Approve it!!
The vote passed unanimously.
Utterly democratic.
"Now, that's the spirit."
Yagura nodded in satisfaction. "The specifics—where to build the roads, how to design them, how much material and manpower will be required for elevated bridges—will require all of you to contribute your expertise."
With forced smiles, the officials bowed. "Of course, of course."
Stay calm. Stay calm! Think about the triple pay! Think about the mortgage! Think about… the second mistress!
"Alright, road construction is settled. Let's move on to the next topic."
There's more?!!
Do you even hear yourself speaking?!
"Building roads is only the beginning."
Blinking innocently, Yagura crushed any lingering hopes. "Surely you don't think infrastructure alone makes money? Of course not!"
At that moment, in the eyes of those standing behind him—Ringo Ameyuri and Hoshigaki Kisame—Yagura might as well have had horns on his head and a devil's tail swaying behind him.
With a casual wave, he signaled Kisame to bring over the newly acquired blackboard.
Smack!
He slapped the five-year plan onto it.
Yagura, the master of empty promises, was about to start painting dreams.
Listen up! No dozing off! No distractions!
Fully aware of how much he was burdening his subordinates, he still had no choice. Tapping the blackboard, he addressed the room,
"Let me be blunt: quitting to become a farmer is not an option. Kill that thought right now! Just listen."
Looking at Elder Genshi, he spoke with measured respect. "Elder, if there's anything that needs to be amended or corrected, please feel free to speak up. That goes for the rest of you as well. As long as you provide solid reasoning, I am always open to constructive criticism."
He meant every word.
He had made numerous errors in the past, many of which were corrected in real-time by his assistant, Yuki Murasaki. Anyone with eyes had seen it happen.
Calling out the young Mizukage on a mistake wouldn't get you in trouble—as long as you had a valid argument.
Even better if you had a superior solution. This Mizukage was more than happy to take good advice.
Elder Genshi chuckled. "Haha, very well. Please continue."
With the elder's approval, the rest of the officials bowed their heads. "Understood."
Kirigakure's Five-Year Development Plan:
Land and water transportation infrastructure project.
Heavy military-industrial expansion (iron mining, weapons manufacturing, forging village, collaboration with the Land of Craftsmen).
Promotion of civilian textile and handicraft industries (rural sheep farming → urban manual weaving).
Expansion of trade, shipbuilding, and transport services.
Setting down the pen, Yagura turned to gauge their reactions.
The first two points were expected.
But the third point made Elder Genshi tighten his grip on his chair.
This was a major shift.
And it was highly feasible.
To no one's surprise, Jinin Akebino acted immediately, signaling the ANBU hidden in the shadows to lock down the building.
This was information far too sensitive to be leaked.
The officials present knew at once that this would shape Kirigakure's future. Those few lines of text seemed to carry an irresistible gravity, drawing their eyes in and holding them captive.
Taking advantage of the discussion on infrastructure, Yagura laid out all the ideas he had been accumulating.
Summarized into this single five-year plan, covering infrastructure, heavy industry, and light industry.
...
Economic growth and employment expansion—these were the foundations of national prosperity.
"The second point is also about profiting from the upcoming Shinobi World War," Yagura emphasized, tapping the blackboard again. "Pairing it with the first point, let me reiterate."
"Every village needs these resources for their war efforts. If we offer them at lower prices than their own production costs, they'll either make more profit or save more money. Either way, it's a win for them, meaning there's no reason they wouldn't buy from us."
"Profit margins depend on costs. Costs depend on taxes, material expenses, labor wages, transportation fees, and so on. Once the waterways are complete, transport costs will naturally decrease. As for tax incentives, that will be up to the finance department."
The tax officials nodded. "Understood."
"The third point. Elder, I suggest we prioritize importing livestock from Konoha—especially sheep and silkworms."
Elder Genshi responded promptly. "Got it!"
His quick agreement suggested that this plan had real potential, easing Yagura's mind.
He was only providing ideas and direction.
Whether they could be realized—and how—would depend on the elders and their departments' execution.
Yagura had modeled this strategy on a historical example from his previous life.
A small island nation with a perpetually humid climate.
The British Empire.
...
The rise of the British textile industry was driven by cheap raw materials, mass production, and global markets.
If Kirigakure could replicate even a fraction of that success…
The possibilities were endless.
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