The bicycles already belonged to the clan heads, and Torifu didn't actually forbid them from test-riding inside the courtyard.
It was just that these clan heads were all respectable figures; if they took a big tumble, it would be quite embarrassing.
So Torifu could only remind them, "Riding is fine, but without extremely strong balance, beginners are sure to fall the first time. All you clan heads had better try it at home to avoid losing face."
The Yamanaka Clan Head understood Torifu's meaning after hearing it, nodded, and no longer intended to try.
What if he really fell? The other clan heads might not say anything out of politeness, but his two old brothers would definitely burst out laughing.
At that time, the Yamanaka Clan would have no face left to speak of.
So, after weighing the pros and cons, the Yamanaka Clan Head immediately chose to give up.
He certainly didn't have the confidence to immediately master a bicycle.
After the Yamanaka Clan Head's inquiry, some other clan heads asked about the bicycles.
Torifu answered them one by one.
The Kage, on the other hand, were all very interested in bicycles. They deeply understood how much allowing ordinary people to move around would benefit a country!
So the three of them weren't limited to just this one bicycle; they were already prepared to discuss business with Torifu.
Immediately, it was a huge business involving tens of thousands of units.
However, it certainly couldn't be produced all at once; it would require continuous supply.
"Hokage-sama, when can these bicycles achieve true mass production?"
Ōnoki asked, and this was also what everyone else wanted to know.
Torifu smiled. "After the New Year, we'll start establishing factories. At the latest, the first batch of bicycles can be produced and sold within two months."
"If we want to popularize them throughout the entire ninja world, I estimate it would take at least two years."
Two years seemed like a long time, but it was actually very short, after all, one must remember this was about getting the entire ninja world to ride bicycles.
Ōnoki nodded in satisfaction after receiving this news. "Hokage-sama, then the specific contract will be like those for other electrical appliances; you will draft it, and I will sign it."
The Tsuchikage had always been very generous; whenever the Hidden Leaf Village had a new invention, he was always the first to rush to sign a contract.
Immediately after, the Kazekage and Mifune also directly signed contracts with Torifu.
Although the Land of Iron wasn't particularly wealthy at the moment, they were essentially sleeping on a treasure vault and were certainly not short of money.
Just a little money flowing out of this treasure vault would be enough to pay.
The clan heads saw these Kage impatiently signing contracts with Hokage and were also very happy in their hearts.
Before Torifu took office, they had never imagined that one day they would see such a scene.
The Kage peacefully discussing business together—in the past, it would have been like a dream.
The Hidden Leaf Village was now developing so well, so prosperously, all thanks to Torifu.
Even these clan heads benefited from it; their families were getting richer and richer.
The clan's newborns were also increasing.
Everything was developing in a good direction.
A large group of people chatted for a long time in Torifu's courtyard. When the conversation later had nothing to do with bicycles, Torifu found an excuse to send them all away.
It had been noisy and restless all morning. Now that everyone was gone, Torifu immediately felt much more comfortable.
"Ah, I'm really tired. As Hokage, I even have to conduct business."
Naori massaged Torifu's shoulders from behind him. "There's no other way; you're the most skilled in the entire Hidden Leaf Village, and the other Kage trust you the most. If it were handed to the boss, the Tsuchikage and the others might not be so agreeable."
[T/N: They're calling that Commerce Minister Boss, the restaurant guy i think]
Torifu responded with a sound. "Tell me about it. The boss can only be responsible for drafting contracts or handling some internal affairs of the Land of Fire."
This was actually normal; if it were Torifu himself doing business with other villages, he would definitely choose a Kage. Regardless of familiarity, he would definitely need to find someone reliable.
Thinking of this, Torifu cast his gaze towards Minato, who was squatting in the corner playing a game.
He quietly said in a voice only Naori could hear, "I now wish Minato could grow five years older instantly and immediately take over my position."
Naori covered her mouth and chuckled after hearing this. "Oh, you, stop complaining. Five years will pass quickly; let Minato live a few carefree years."
Being Hokage was definitely the most tiring job in the Hidden Leaf Village, especially now that the Hidden Leaf Village was developing so well, there was a mountain of documents, miscellaneous tasks, and trivial matters.
Every day, Torifu had to select some official duties that truly required his approval to review.
The secretary would also assist in handling them.
Often, they would work for the entire day. If it weren't for the puppet, Torifu would probably have died in the office long ago.
And his mindset had changed from previously fearing others would recognize the puppet to brazenly using the puppet.
The secretary worked in the office with Torifu's puppet and communicated with Torifu's real body via phone.
The scene was incredibly surreal, and the secretary herself had accepted this setup.
"Don't worry, I won't let Minato be too busy. My puppet will help him handle official duties; it's been trained for so many years, it would be a shame not to use it."
Then Torifu smiled slightly, "What Minato needs to do is make decisions on major matters."
Torifu certainly didn't intend for Minato to become a puppet Hokage; he wouldn't infringe upon any of the Hokage's rightful powers.
He would fully entrust Minato with the responsibility.
Naori's grip became a little heavier, making Torifu wince slightly. "It's still a bit early to talk about this, and don't put too much pressure on the child; being Hokage isn't that easy."
"Alright, I know." Torifu patted Naori's hand; the phrase about letting Minato be Hokage had indeed been said quite frequently lately.
It might also be because there had been a lot of things recently, making Torifu a bit irritated from being busy, which kept making him want to throw in the towel.
He would feel much better as long as he calmed down and relaxed for a while afterward.
"Where are Yahiko and Konan? Why haven't I seen them?"
Naori let out a chuckle. "Those two kids knew a lot of clan heads were coming and found it too troublesome, so they chose to stay inside. They've been in there all morning, probably playing games."
"Alright."
Torifu patted Naori's hand, signaling that she didn't need to massage anymore. Then he pulled out a chair and placed it beside himself.
"Sit down and rest for a bit. You've also been busy all morning; you must be exhausted."
Naori didn't decline. With so many clan heads visiting, Naori naturally had to entertain them.
She cut a lot of fruit and snacks for them to eat.
And tea and other drinks hardly ever stopped flowing.
She was hardly less busy than Torifu all morning.
Now it was Torifu's turn to massage her shoulders; the scene was exactly like an old married couple supporting and caring for each other.
For a moment, it brought tears to one's eyes.