Kakashi clapped Asuma on the back.
"What do you think, shopkeeper? We finally found a money-making project—wouldn't it be foolish not to invest while we can?"
"Haha, exactly. I'll contribute thirty million ryo—consider it my modest support."
Asuma, in good spirits, submitted both his and Kurenai's shares. Hinata nodded with satisfaction.
"Excellent. I deeply appreciate your investment and trust. Now—let's begin. We're a team, after all. We rise and fall together."
"Ahh~ And I wanted to check out the cosmetics shop..."
Ino opened her handbag with a sigh, but her actions were quick and decisive. The others followed suit.
As Hinata said, whether it was the naive Naruto or the sharp-minded Shikamaru and Shino, they handed over nearly all their savings without hesitation. Even if they didn't fully understand Hinata's plan, they were already used to following her lead.
"Great~ Since the factory will be built in an outer district, Sasuke-kun, as the land sponsor, will receive equity directly. The others will get shares based on their contributions. As for equipment and skilled labor, I trust Mr. Fujimura can contact the right people. After all, you're the expert in development—surely you know trusted figures in printing and production."
Having appointed Asuma as an official partner, Hinata had no qualms assigning him recruitment duties. It would also reduce the risk of ANBU infiltration—not that she feared them, but fewer headaches were always welcome.
Asuma nodded seriously. Even if he didn't know Hinata had uncovered his identity, he understood the weight his lineage carried.
"Understood. I'll find people we can trust."
---
At the Hokage's Office:
"So, the little white cat wants to go independent? Makes sense. Ambitious kids never stay in the shadows for long."
The Third Hokage examined the factory proposal Asuma had submitted. With no surprise on his wrinkled face, he exhaled a puff of smoke and said seriously, "So you've found something more meaningful than being a shinobi?"
"It was only a matter of time. I'm not Hokage like you."
Asuma looked at his aging father with quiet understanding. Even in his final years, Hiruzen was still tethered to duty.
"True. If you've found something—or someone—you cherish, you'd better hold on."
Satisfied, the Third Hokage stamped the plan with the Hokage's seal, making it officially valid in Konoha.
"Choose your own personnel. Generating tax income is good for the village. Do you need any additional support?"
Handing back the stamped proposal, the Third had no intention of obstructing the plan. On the contrary, he planned to instruct others to actively support it.
After all, this was about setting up his son and daughter-in-law's future—and preparing for the needs of a granddaughter yet to be born.
Fox's Tale was wildly popular. With its headquarters in Konoha, tax revenue would flow directly to the village. As its leader, the Third Hokage welcomed this wholeheartedly.
Even Danzo and the elders wouldn't object.
Besides, it meant Konoha residents would get the latest issues first.
"No—Hinata intends to build the factory on the old Uchiha grounds. I'll recruit experienced workers from within the village. Excuse me now."
With a bow, Asuma departed. His work was just beginning.
---
Meanwhile, in the underground office:
"My Lady wants you to retrieve the Fox's Tale copyright contract from the publisher in the Land of Fire. They've been meddling too much, which has annoyed the author. Here's your courier fee."
Sai opened a box containing two million ryo and two collector's editions.
Smiling, he continued, "Also, the author is delighted with your support. She said meeting real artists was a great honor. She especially loves your figurines. These two special volumes are signed by her. She hopes you'll create more models based on the designs inside."
"Ha! I knew she was a refined connoisseur! Mm~!"
"Shut up. Clearly, she admires the eternal path of my art more."
The usual banter between Deidara and Scorpion resumed as they flipped through their new volumes, completely ignoring the cash.
"No need to argue. My Lady is opening a figure production facility. You can each mass-produce your work. Whichever sells better proves who the public prefers."
Sai pushed up his bangs.
"So—how soon can you retrieve the contract? She's ready to launch the publishing house."
"Ha! Child's play! Tell her she'll have it tomorrow!"
Deidara was clearly pleased. The author respected their art and compensated them fairly.
"We won't let her down. You may report back."
Sai sighed inwardly. Even S-rank ninjas could be led—himself included.
"Then take care. I await your return."
---
With Asuma as a primary partner, the factory's establishment proceeded smoothly. With Sasuke's approval, the old Uchiha grounds were repurposed into the Konoha Publishing House.
Manpower, equipment, materials, funding, permits, and time—once combined, they produced the sweet fruit of capital, shared by all who contributed.
"I've had enough! Why am I doing the accounting too?!"
Shikamaru groaned, face contorted in pain. Ino, pouring tea, rolled her eyes.
"Because you've got the brains. I've been made your personal secretary—what are you complaining about?"
"Damn it. Where's Choji?"
"He's the construction supervisor—eating dust at the site. Want to trade?"
In this collective endeavor, everyone played a part. It deepened their commitment and ensured smoother control. Hinata understood: with sufficient character, even Choji and Naruto could lead.
"Whew~ Let's prep extra fish and bone broth today. Mom, let me know if anything's missing."
In an apron, Sakura now served as the cafeteria supervisor. Since workers were locals, Hinata didn't penny-pinch—meals were included. The cooks were villagers, including Sakura's mother. Other chefs were understandably envious.
"Alright, everyone—give it your all! Lunch is going to be delicious!"
Shirtless and carrying timber, Choji led by example. Though he could have just snacked all day, his genuine nature made him the best morale booster. The workers responded with enthusiasm.
"Tch~ Choji really knows how to win people over. I thought he'd be lazing around like a fat pig."
From a rooftop, Naruto scouted with binoculars. Sasuke snorted beside him.
"Dead last, focus. We're on security detail. Watch for saboteurs."
As protagonists, their job was protection. With Sharingan and Shadow Clones, they were well-equipped to handle threats.
Up on the hill, three figures watched the Uchiha district.
"It's been a while. This land feels alive again. I thought it would stay abandoned forever."
Spoken by Nara Shikaku. With him stood Yamanaka Inoichi and Akimichi Choza—the heads of the Ino-Shika-Cho clans.
"No wonder Ino's had so much pocket money lately—so this was why."