Jiraiya returned quickly, but he left again just as fast.
He told no one about the prophecy except Kizaru.
Although his conversation with Kizaru had not given him the answer he had hoped for, Jiraiya felt much better afterward.
Carrying such a secret alone had been suffocating. Now, at the very least, he had someone he could speak to—someone with whom he could discuss what the prophecy might mean.
With Kizaru's request to learn senjutsu in mind, Jiraiya hurried back to Mount Myōboku.
Although the two of them held different views regarding war, Jiraiya had to admit that Kizaru was right about one thing.
Becoming stronger was the best way to prepare for whatever the future might bring.
Jiraiya's hurried return to Mount Myōboku was partly because of Kizaru's request, but it was also because he intended to intensify his own senjutsu training.
After Jiraiya left, Kizaru continued living at his usual pace.
The prophecy did not disturb his routine or affect his mood in the slightest.
Kizaru was confident that as long as he continued following his plans, both he and Konoha would eventually become strong enough to handle whatever schemes the old toad at Mount Myōboku might have—as well as any troublesome disputes involving the Ōtsutsuki clan.
Three days after Jiraiya's departure, Kizaru completed all the preparations for the Ninja Academy's new class-placement system.
All that remained was to wait for the new school term to begin.
At the same time, Kizaru arranged for Kakuzu to work under Konoha's two advisers. His responsibility was to supervise and audit the accounts related to the sale of nutritional supplements.
Kakuzu had agreed to the position long ago, so he did not waste any time before beginning his work.
Auditing accounts was hardly difficult for someone like him.
The only part that dissatisfied Kakuzu was the salary.
He would receive only five million ryō a month.
For an ordinary resident of Konoha, that was an extremely high income. However, compared to the money Kakuzu had earned by collecting bounties, it was nowhere near enough.
The sudden decrease in his monthly income caused Kakuzu's hatred for Uchiha Madara to deepen even further.
As a result, he also developed a poor impression of the Uchiha clan living in Konoha.
The Second Hokage had been right.
The Uchiha were nothing but trouble!
That shared attitude toward the Uchiha allowed Kakuzu and Danzō to get along surprisingly well. The two of them even felt as though they should have met much earlier.
Danzō was naturally interested in gaining the support of a Kage-level shinobi whom Kizaru had personally brought to the village.
After learning that Kakuzu was dissatisfied with the salary from his auditing work, Danzō allocated a separate sum from Root's budget and offered him a long-term assignment.
The mission itself was simple.
Kakuzu would secretly monitor the Uchiha clan.
The payment was another five million ryō per month, distributed once every three months.
Kakuzu was delighted.
He would not need to leave Konoha, yet he could still earn an additional income. Without hesitation, he accepted the assignment.
Kizaru did not learn about the arrangement until Kakuzu and Danzō had already reached an agreement.
After hearing about it, he could only sigh.
His uncle truly understood how to use public funds to earn personal goodwill.
Even so, Kizaru did not criticize Danzō for using his official authority for personal benefit.
It was not because Danzō was his uncle.
Such behavior was simply common among Konoha's senior officials.
In fact, it was not limited to Konoha. Most organizations throughout the world operated in much the same way.
Besides, Danzō was the leader of an independently funded department. How he used Root's allocated funds was ultimately within his authority.
A department's budget could be wasted.
It could even be overspent.
However, it could never be left unused.
If a department had funds remaining during the year-end review, its budget for the following year would be reduced.
Should that happen, it would be considered a failure on the part of the department leader and proof that the subordinates beneath him were incompetent.
Naturally, Konoha's experienced officials understood that principle perfectly well.
After finishing the arrangements for the Ninja Academy and Kakuzu, Kizaru temporarily found himself with nothing important to do.
He patiently waited for Jiraiya's return.
He wanted to see exactly what the old toad at Mount Myōboku was planning.
While Kizaru waited, however, an unexpected opportunity arrived at his doorstep.
It was a profitable business proposal.
Bandai Toy Store, one of Kizaru's investments and a business managed by Sasori's parents, received an unusual customer one morning.
The visitor was a middle-aged merchant.
Unlike the parents who normally entered the store to purchase toys for their children, the merchant had come with a much larger purpose.
He wanted to place an order for two thousand toys at once.
Furthermore, that would only be the first order. If the products sold well, there would likely be many more in the future.
Naturally, since the merchant intended to purchase such a large quantity, he also made a request.
He wanted a lower price per toy.
Faced with such a valuable business opportunity, Sasori's parents were eager to accept.
However, they did not make the decision on their own. Instead, they reported the entire matter to Kizaru.
After telling the merchant to return the following day, Yūsha and Murasaki visited Kizaru and explained the situation in detail.
"Ooh… that sounds like quite a nice opportunity," Kizaru said with an easy smile after hearing their explanation. "Go ahead and accept it."
The couple exchanged glances.
Yūsha was the first to raise the problems they were facing.
"Kizaru-sama, producing the shinobi puppets takes a great deal of time. The merchant wants two thousand toys at once. Even if we work continuously, it will take us at least half a month. It will also affect the orders from customers inside the village."
He paused before continuing.
"There is also the matter of the price. The merchant wants us to lower it. What price do you believe would be appropriate?"
For shinobi who were accustomed to fighting and completing missions, those were genuinely difficult questions.
For Kizaru, who possessed knowledge and ideas far beyond the standards of this world, they were minor problems.
After organizing his thoughts, Kizaru began explaining his solution.
"I have an idea regarding production."
Yūsha and Murasaki immediately listened closely.
"You can divide the puppet-making process into separate steps and components. Establish precise measurements and create detailed blueprints for every individual part."
Kizaru leaned back in his chair as he continued.
"Once the measurements and blueprints are complete, we can hire a group of carpenters to manufacture the separate components. The two of you will only need to handle the designs and inspect the finished products to make sure they meet the required standard."
As Kizaru spoke, both Yūsha and Murasaki fell into thought.
They were elite puppet masters.
It did not take them long to understand what he was proposing.
Their greatest limitation had always been that they personally crafted every part of each toy. If ordinary carpenters could manufacture the basic components according to standardized designs, the production rate would increase tremendously.
Yūsha clapped his hands together in excitement.
"That will work! There should be no problem at all. If we produce the toys that way, completing the order will be possible."
They understood quickly.
Kizaru nodded in satisfaction.
"As for the price, first calculate the cost of the wood, the carpenters' wages, and every other necessary production expense. Once the total cost has been determined, we can set an appropriate selling price."
"I understand, Kizaru-sama." Yūsha nodded. "Murasaki and I will prepare the measurements and blueprints as soon as possible."
"If neither of you is comfortable negotiating business contracts, I can arrange for someone else to assist you."
"If that is possible, it would be extremely helpful."
Yūsha and Murasaki truly were not skilled in business negotiations, nor did they particularly enjoy them.
Given the choice, they would much rather remain inside their workshop and develop new toys.
"I understand." Kizaru gave them a relaxed wave. "You can go back for now. I'll send someone to the store this afternoon."
"Understood."
After Yūsha and Murasaki left, Kizaru remained seated and considered a possible candidate.
He had someone in mind, but he was not yet certain whether that person was suitable.
Shimura Shintarō.
Shintarō was one of the younger members of the Shimura clan who was close to Kizaru. He was also the only one among them who had not chosen to become a shinobi.
Kizaru knew that Shintarō had been studying business management under the Third Elder.
According to what he had heard, Shintarō was progressing quite well.
Kizaru preferred to handle matters on the same day whenever possible.
He did not waste any time and asked Keiko-san to summon Shintarō.
"Kizaru-niisan, did you need something from me?"
Shintarō entered the room with a curious expression.
"Do you know about Bandai Toy Store?" Kizaru asked with a smile.
Shintarō had grown considerably taller. He was also doing his best to carry himself like a mature adult, though Kizaru could easily see through the effort.
Shintarō nodded.
After studying under the Third Elder, he had become familiar with the clan's various businesses.
"I know it. The store is owned by the clan, and we hold fifty percent of its shares."
"A merchant has taken an interest in the store's toys and wants to purchase a large quantity. I've already discussed the matter with Sasori's parents. We intend to accept the order and, if possible, establish a long-term business relationship."
Shintarō quickly guessed why he had been called.
"Kizaru-niisan, do you want me to take responsibility for the negotiations?"
His voice carried a trace of excitement.
Kizaru nodded.
"Do you have confidence in yourself, Shintarō?"
"I do!" Shintarō answered immediately. "I'll make sure the store's business is handled properly."
"The merchant wants two thousand toys for his first order, and he has requested a lower price. What do you think we should do?"
Kizaru deliberately presented the problem as a test.
Shintarō considered it carefully before answering.
"If the order is that large, the store will need to hire more workers. I can recruit a group of trustworthy carpenters."
He paused briefly.
"As for the price, I would first need to calculate the complete production cost. Once that is known, my recommendation would be to aim for a one-hundred-percent markup over the cost."
Kizaru smiled.
"You really have grown, Shintarō."
Shintarō scratched the back of his head, looking slightly embarrassed by the praise.
"I still have a great deal to learn, Kizaru-niisan."
"I'll leave this matter to you. Go to Bandai Toy Store this afternoon. I've already told Yūsha that I would arrange for someone to assist them with the business side of the order."
"Understood, Kizaru-niisan."
"There is one more thing."
Shintarō straightened.
"When negotiating the contract, make sure the merchant agrees that every product purchased from us must be sold under the Bandai Toys name. That condition must be written clearly into the contract."
Shintarō thought about Kizaru's request.
It did not take him long to understand the reason behind it.
"Kizaru-niisan, you want to establish Bandai as a recognizable brand."
Kizaru looked at him approvingly.
"That's right. I believe there is a very large market behind shinobi-themed puppet toys—and a great deal of profit."
"I understand." Shintarō's expression became serious. "You can leave it to me."
"Mmm… I believe you can handle it," Kizaru said encouragingly.
After placing Bandai's business negotiations in Shintarō's hands, Kizaru decided to add another layer of security.
Once he had finished speaking with Shintarō, he privately visited the Third Elder.
Kizaru explained everything regarding Bandai Toy Store, including the current order and his plans for the business's future development.
The Third Elder had spent decades operating within the business world.
The moment he heard Kizaru's plans, the old man immediately sensed the enormous profits hidden within them.
Making money—especially making a great deal of money—was the Third Elder's favorite activity.
However, the Third Elder was somewhat uneasy about Kizaru entrusting such an important business opportunity to Shintarō.
He even offered to take charge of the matter personally.
Kizaru persuaded him not to interfere directly and instead asked him to observe the situation from behind the scenes.
For Kizaru's sake, as well as out of consideration for the First Elder—Shintarō's grandfather—the Third Elder eventually agreed.
With the Third Elder quietly overseeing Bandai's affairs, Kizaru no longer needed to worry.
He would only have to check on the business occasionally.
That was the advantage of having capable people around him.
Whenever a troublesome problem appeared, there was always someone suitable to handle it.
As the future leader of his faction, Kizaru only needed to wait for their success—or accept responsibility for their failure.
Fortunately, good news continued to arrive.
Not long after Kizaru finished arranging Bandai's affairs, Jiraiya returned to Konoha.
He had spent five days at Mount Myōboku.
This time, he brought good news.
Mount Myōboku was willing to teach Kizaru senjutsu.
However, before making a final decision, they wanted to meet him in person.
That request suited Kizaru perfectly.
He also wanted to meet the Great Toad Sage.
The ancient toad had guided Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo, taught him senjutsu, and helped set in motion the events that eventually led Hagoromo and his younger brother, Hamura, to defeat and seal their mother, Ōtsutsuki Kaguya.
The Great Toad Sage was also said to possess the ability to see fragments of the future.
Kizaru was curious.
What exactly had that old toad said to convince Hagoromo and Hamura to unite against their own mother?
Of course, Kaguya herself had created no small number of problems.
Sacrificing humans to the Divine Tree was already terrible enough.
But even if she insisted on offering people as sacrifices, did she truly have to choose the woman her son loved?
Was there no one else available?
It only proved that even among gods, failing to manage the relationship between a mother and her son's chosen partner could lead to disaster.
The thought made Kizaru feel strangely relieved.
Fortunately, he was an orphan.
After agreeing to Mount Myōboku's request, Kizaru informed Danzō and Tsunade that he would be leaving the village.
He then departed with Jiraiya.
Naturally, they did not travel to Mount Myōboku by walking or flying.
They reached it through a reverse summoning.
For convenience, Kizaru temporarily signed a summoning contract beforehand.
After appearing high above the ground, Kizaru and Jiraiya descended and landed safely.
Waiting in front of them were the two great toad sages, Fukasaku and Shima.
Their son, Gamabunta, stood behind them.
"Kizaru, this is Fukasaku-sama, and beside him is Shima-sama. The one behind them is Gamabunta, a trusted companion of mine."
Standing beside Kizaru, Jiraiya took the initiative to make the introductions.
He then gestured toward Kizaru.
"And this is Kizaru, my kōhai—the Golden Flash of Konoha and the new God of Shinobi."
Fukasaku and Shima had already begun observing Kizaru from the moment he arrived.
When they heard Jiraiya call him the new God of Shinobi, their expressions did not visibly change, but the attention in their eyes became far more serious.
The two great toads had lived for more than eight hundred years.
They had personally witnessed the power of Senju Hashirama.
Because of that, they understood the weight carried by the title God of Shinobi.
Humanity always seemed capable of producing powerful individuals like this.
What a frightening species.
After silently studying Kizaru for a moment, Fukasaku spoke.
"Powerful shinobi of the human world, the Great Lord Elder wishes to meet you."
Jiraiya stepped closer to Kizaru and lowered his voice.
"The Great Lord Elder is the Great Toad Sage, the one who leads Mount Myōboku. Try not to get on his bad side."
Kizaru smiled and nodded.
"Ooh… there's no need to worry. I'm always very polite."
Polite?
Jiraiya nearly turned to stare at him.
Perhaps someone should ask the old men in Konoha whether they agreed with that claim.
If they had been anywhere else, Jiraiya would already have said it aloud.
"Follow us," Fukasaku said, ignoring the quiet exchange between them.
After speaking, Fukasaku and Shima leaped onto Gamabunta's head.
Gamabunta carried his parents ahead while Kizaru and Jiraiya followed behind.
Together, the group made their way toward the palace where the Great Toad Sage resided.
At that very moment, inside the palace, the Great Toad Sage slowly opened the eyes that were usually narrowed almost completely shut.
A meaningful expression appeared on his ancient face.
"How frightening…"
--------------------------------------
Support me at patreon.com/Arthorain and read upto 50 Advanced Chapters and R-18 Content!
--------------------------------------
Update schedule: 7 chapters/week
Every 200 power stones = 1 Extra Chapter
By voting with [power stones], you can easily get double the number of chapters.