Chapter 289: Konan – Nagato, I want to start mining!

Monday – Hokage’s Office

Tsunade leaned back in her chair, eyes skimming over the thick stack of papers Kitazawa had just handed her.

The further she read, the deeper her frown grew—not from disapproval, but from surprise and thought.

The report detailed the restructuring of Gato Shipping Company and its long-term potential.

Kitazawa had briefly mentioned the idea last night, but now that she saw the full plan in writing, the scope of it hit her.

This wasn’t just a business venture.

It was a blueprint that could change how ninja villages functioned altogether.

Ninjas weren’t supposed to deal with commerce or corporate management—but if it brought in real profit?

If it could fund shinobi independently of the Daimyō’s inconsistent budgets…

Tsunade could already see the implications.

The hidden villages had always been at the mercy of their nations’ treasuries. Some Daimyō were generous; others, painfully stingy.

The Land of Wind, for example—so tightfisted that the Hidden Sand Village had once been broke enough for the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, to turn to gold mining himself.

By comparison, the Land of Fire was wealthy, but even that support could dry up the moment war loomed.

Tsunade knew it better than anyone.

In the end, relying on others’ money was a weakness.

If Kitazawa’s plan worked, Konoha could gradually become financially independent—and that thought alone made Tsunade’s heart race.

She looked up from the document, brow raised.

“How did you come up with all this?”

“I went to see it myself,” Kitazawa replied calmly. “This plan is based on actual investigation and adjustments.”

Tsunade let out a low chuckle. “You really don’t act like a shinobi sometimes.”

“Whether I am or not,” Kitazawa said evenly, “I’m still a man of Konoha.”

“I don’t doubt that.” Tsunade set the file down and exhaled slowly. “But keep this quiet. If word spreads, the other villages won’t sit still.”

“As long as no one realizes we’re making money, there won’t be a problem.”

Kitazawa smiled faintly—the kind of smile that came from experience.

He’d seen it before—how one success invited imitation until the entire market collapsed under copycats.

In this world, the hidden villages lived off feudal stipends, their economies still primitive, full of untapped potential.

To Kitazawa, it was like staring at a blank canvas.

He only needed to start painting before others realized there was a masterpiece to be made.

By the time the other villages noticed, he planned to already own the frame.

“You understand this better than I do,” Tsunade admitted. “I’ll trust your judgment.”

She hesitated a moment, then added with a small grin, “So… how will the profits be divided?”

At that moment, Kitazawa looked less like a ninja and more like a financial magnate.

“Same as the Underwater Exploration Team,” he replied with a calm smile. “You’ll get a ten-percent share.”

For that project, Konoha took fifty percent, Tsunade held ten, the Aburame Clan ten, and Kitazawa thirty.

But this time, with the shipping company, the Aburame wouldn’t be involved — meaning the profits would be split just between him and Konoha… and Tsunade’s personal ten percent.

“Very good,” Tsunade said with satisfaction.

Sensible, fair, and generous—traits she deeply appreciated.

“But,” Kitazawa added smoothly, “your ten percent will still be managed by me.”

Tsunade’s smile froze.

Her brow twitched.

“You’ll regret that,” she said through gritted teeth.

If he hadn’t been so generous in the first place, she might have planted him through the floor by now.

Kitazawa kept a straight face, but internally sighed.

’Is that really something the Hokage should be saying?’

He quickly shifted topics. “By the way, the Exploration Team has already located a mineral deposit. I’d like to send an Earth Release unit to build an access tunnel under the sea.”

Technically, he could’ve handled it himself—Magnet Release made him more than capable of extraction.

But he couldn’t stay on the island indefinitely.

“Konoha doesn’t have many Earth Release users,” Tsunade said, tapping her chin, “but I’ll find a few and send them to help.”

Her tone was generous—unsurprising, given the project was tied to her personal profits.

Kitazawa smiled. “That’ll do.”

The first name that came to mind was Kakashi, but Kakashi had his own students and classes—he wouldn’t be available.

The others were mostly unfamiliar, but that didn’t matter.

He’d gather whoever was competent enough and have them complete the job quickly.

Before he could leave, Tsunade suddenly rummaged through a drawer and pulled out a scroll.

“Here,” she said. “Take this.”

Kitazawa glanced at it—and his eyebrows rose.

S-rank Medical Ninjutsu: Creation Rebirth—Strength of a Hundred Seal.

His eyes flicked up to Tsunade, who smiled knowingly.

“Your Yin Seal training is nearly complete. Study this over the next couple of days, and I’ll teach you myself.”

Kitazawa nodded slightly.

His Yin Seal had been “learned” through the system—and he’d been pretending to practice it manually all this time.

Finally, he could drop the act… though it was a shame he’d have to actually learn this one the old-fashioned way.

If there was a system mission for mastering Creation Rebirth, he hadn’t triggered it yet—and he wasn’t about to wait around hoping for it.

Besides, for him, it wouldn’t be difficult.

Once five medical-nin mastered Limb Regeneration, the system would grant him mastery of Yang Release.

Then, mastering this Ninjutsu would be just a matter of time.

Currently, Tsunade and Hiruzen had already completed it.

Nono and Kabuto were close, while Shizune lagged behind.

After finalizing the details, Kitazawa tucked the scroll under his arm and left the Hokage’s Office—heading straight for the ANBU headquarters.

“Lord Kitazawa.”

The ANBU on duty in the ANBU Office immediately stood and bowed deeply.

“Gather all Jonin and Chunin with Earth Release who aren’t on missions. Have them rendezvous with the Aburame Clan’s Underwater Exploration Team.”

Kitazawa’s tone was calm but precise. “Once you’ve assembled them, they can depart immediately. There’s no need to report back.”

“Yes, Lord Kitazawa.”

The ANBU vanished without another word.

“Konan.”

Kitazawa called, and she appeared silently before him like a wisp of paper in the wind.

“The time’s almost right. Return to the Akatsuki and bring that patient to the previous location,” Kitazawa instructed. “I’ll send a Shadow Clone to examine him and prepare a new prescription.”

“Thank you.”

Konan nodded softly. “I’ll leave right away.”

“Mhm.”

He didn’t need her assistance for the next few days anyway.

Once she departed, Kitazawa headed for the ANBU Training Grounds to train.

He had already mastered the five elemental natures individually. Now came the hardest stage—their fusion.

Since Monday was reserved for theoretical classes, he hadn’t gone to the Academy.

By Tuesday, Hiruzen, Kosuke, and Kakashi had all returned to the village with their respective students after completing missions.

When Kitazawa arrived at the training field, he immediately heard Naruto excitedly recounting their latest mission.

This time, their team had traveled to the Hidden Sand Village, where they’d even encountered Fourth Kazekage Rasa, who was gold-panning when they arrived.

Apparently, Hiruzen and Rasa had clashed—an intense, Kage-level duel that had left Naruto and Sasuke utterly awestruck.

Naruto’s storytelling was full of energy, his eyes shining as he described the battle blow by blow.

Neither side had won decisively. Hiruzen had been holding back, mindful of his students. Once reinforcements from the Sand arrived, he disengaged.

Still, he’d arranged for a Sand squad to spar with Naruto and Sasuke, giving them invaluable combat experience.

Kitazawa rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

In the original timeline, Rasa had been killed by Orochimaru, who needed to impersonate him during the Konoha Crush.

But now? That chain of events might never occur.

Orochimaru no longer had a reason to launch the invasion. Hiruzen had already retired peacefully, and Itachi hadn’t gone on a murderous spree that pushed him into despair.

Still, Orochimaru remained a lurking threat.

Kitazawa was merely waiting for him to defect from Akatsuki—then he could move to capture him.

Not kill—capture.

Tsunade, now Hokage, would hardly order the death of an old teammate. Besides, Orochimaru’s genius was too valuable to waste. Having him toil away as a “guest researcher” in Konoha would be far more productive.

And with Orochimaru contained, Kabuto could finally develop his true potential without falling into darkness.

All of this, of course, depended on Orochimaru eventually leaving Akatsuki—something that, knowing him, was inevitable.

By nine in the morning, Naruto had finished his animated retelling, though his excitement still hadn’t worn off.

Hiruzen listened with amusement, his wrinkled face soft with nostalgia. Being a teacher again was turning out to be more enjoyable than he’d imagined.

Soon, the students of the Genius Class began their training.

As usual, Kitazawa first instructed his study group before heading to the Medical Ninjutsu class.

But today, he made one adjustment—he sent a Shadow Clone to teach the medics while his true body went to find Hiruzen.

He needed to discuss the Five Release Great Combination Ball.

“Your progress is this fast already?” Hiruzen asked in surprise after hearing him out.

He had expected Kitazawa to take much longer to reach the fusion stage, but he was already there. That meant Kitazawa’s elemental control was easily at Jonin-level—at least.

Most Jonin only mastered two elemental natures in their lifetime. Those who could wield three or more were considered elite.

As for those who could control all five—there were fewer than ten across the entire ninja world.

“I’m just doing my best,” Kitazawa replied humbly. “I can’t compare to you, Lord Third.”

Hiruzen chuckled. “You’re nothing like Tsunade. If Orochimaru had your temperament back then, I’d have made him Fourth Hokage without hesitation.”

His expression then grew solemn. “Let me explain the key points of the jutsu.”

It was rare to meet someone capable of inheriting his signature jutsu. He intended to give Kitazawa his full instruction—perhaps even his legacy.

After all, Kitazawa was a worthy successor.

Even Enma, the Monkey King—Orochimaru once called him the strongest summoning beast—had yet to find a new summoner.

Another long day of training followed.

Kitazawa juggled two Shadow Clones and his real body, all learning simultaneously—two teaching, one studying.

And what he learned from Hiruzen that day was no small feat.

The old man truly lived up to his title: the Professor of Ninjutsu.

It was only a shame that, as Hokage, his kind heart and indecision had allowed so many storms to brew within Konoha.

Hidden Rain Village—Land of Rain.

Konan descended slowly, her white paper wings unfurling and gliding gracefully through the damp air. She landed atop the tallest tower and let the wings dissolve into countless paper fragments that fluttered away before vanishing.

Under ordinary circumstances, traveling from Konoha to the Hidden Rain Village in a single day would be impossible.

But her secret technique—Dance of the Shikigami—granted her the ability to fly, making her journey far faster than any conventional method.

“You’re back?”

Pain’s deep voice echoed through the dimly lit room.

Konan’s gaze shifted toward him.

Because Nagato’s legs were crippled, he used the Rinnegan to manipulate six bodies remotely—the Six Paths of Pain.

Pain, formed from Yahiko’s body, served as both his voice and the symbolic leader of Akatsuki.

“Mm.”

Konan’s tone was calm and cool. “Half a month has passed. How are you feeling now?”

“There’s been… some improvement.”

Pain paused before answering.

Through the Rinnegan, Nagato could clearly sense the condition of his real body.

Previously, his legs were completely numb—without even the faintest sensation.

But recently, he’d begun to feel slight changes in temperature.

It wasn’t much, but it was proof that Kitazawa’s medical treatment was working.

Considering how many skilled medical-nin had failed him before, this small progress was extraordinary.

“That’s good.”

A trace of relief flickered through Konan’s chest, though her face remained expressionless, as always.

“I’ll accompany you to the Land of Fire tomorrow,” said Pain.

“I have a new idea to generate funds. Mining.”

“Mining?”

Pain’s eyes narrowed with mild surprise. He considered it for a moment before saying flatly, “Too slow.”

Mining required locating a viable site, extraction, refinement, and finally trade—each stage time-consuming and labor-intensive. Compared to earning bounties through the underground network, it was inefficient.

Indeed, some shinobi had resorted to mining before—like Kurosuki Raiga, who had seized the Oxalis Gold Mine in the Land of Rivers and enslaved villagers to dig for him.

“We have time,” Konan replied, her tone steady. “We can take a two-pronged approach. Akatsuki can continue taking bounty missions, while the Hidden Rain searches for mineral deposits. If we find one, let Kakuzu handle it. His Earth Release can greatly accelerate the process.”

Pain studied her quietly.

Something about her felt different since returning—more pragmatic, almost… civilian-like. It was unusual for Konan to speak of business methods and resource planning rather than infiltration and assassination.

“You handle the arrangements,” he said finally.

He couldn’t bring himself to refuse her—and, truth be told, her plan made sense. Mining might be slow, but it was sustainable.

Konan exhaled softly in relief and went to find Kakuzu.

To her surprise, he agreed immediately—but not without a condition.

The operation had to yield sufficient profit. Otherwise, he wouldn’t waste his chakra on what he called “manual labor.”

The next afternoon.

Kitazawa was at the Academy’s training ground when a thought flashed through his mind. He quietly stepped aside to a secluded corner.

A moment later, Konan appeared before him.

“How are his legs?” he asked.

Though confident in his medicine, Kitazawa knew Nagato’s condition was unique—even miraculous treatment might not fully work.

“He says there’s been improvement,” Konan replied. “I’d like you to come see him yourself.”

Kitazawa nodded, forming hand seals and creating a Shadow Clone.

Konan didn’t comment. She and the clone departed from Konoha together, heading toward the Land of Rain.

The real Kitazawa resumed his training, continuing his attempts to perfect Hiruzen’s jutsu.

Roughly forty minutes later, the clone’s memories returned—giving him a complete understanding of Nagato’s current state.

Just as he’d predicted.

Returning to his office, Kitazawa took out a pen and paper to draft a new prescription—the second stage of Nagato’s treatment.

A knock sounded at the door.

“Come in.”

Konan stepped inside quietly.

Kitazawa didn’t look up; he continued writing, focused and unhurried.

Konan stood beside him, silent, simply watching.

Half an hour later, Kitazawa finally put down his pen and handed her the completed prescription.

“Thank you,” she said softly.

“This next phase requires stronger medicine,” Kitazawa explained. “In simpler terms, it’ll be far more expensive than before.”

Konan bit her lip slightly.

The first batch of ingredients had already pushed the limits of what the Hidden Rain could supply. Gathering even rarer materials this time would be difficult—but not impossible.

“You should try searching first,” Kitazawa said with a faint smile. “If you still can’t find them, I’ll think of something.”

“Mm.”

Konan nodded and turned to leave.

As he watched her departing figure, Kitazawa’s expression softened into a subtle smile.

Nagato was already too far gone—his darkness had long taken root. Words wouldn’t reach him anymore; only strength would.

But Konan… she still had light left in her. She could be moved by reason, by kindness, even by favors.

It cost him nothing to build goodwill with her.

And if she ever owed him one—who knew? When Nagato eventually comes to attack Konoha, she might just warn him in advance.

If not for his system, that alone might’ve saved his life.

Of course, with the system now, survival wasn’t the problem.

“Hmm…”

Kitazawa frowned slightly.

The formation of the Underwater Exploration Team, the mining project, even acquiring Gato’s shipping company—none of it had triggered any system quests.

Wasn’t this supposed to be the Strongest Shinobi System? Shouldn’t its scope cover more than just combat power?

He sighed. “Tch. Guess even systems have bugs.”

For now, there was no use worrying about it. His focus should remain on completing the quests he already had.

A week passed in the blink of an eye.

The Genius Class’s Monthly Combat Exam had concluded—and the rankings had shifted.

This time, Naruto stood alone at the top, earning first place through sheer effort.

Hiruzen, who had watched their spar against the Sand shinobi, was especially pleased with Naruto’s progress.

Sasuke followed in second, Yakumo in third, Neji in fourth, and Ino in fifth.

Meanwhile, Konoha’s mining initiative advanced steadily.

With the help of Earth Release specialists, the Exploration Team successfully began extracting ore.

At the same time, Gato’s shipping company established a new processing plant in the Land of Waves.

It would still take time before profits began to flow—but everything was moving in the right direction.

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