Torifu did not mention the more distant future, because in a few decades, no one knew how the Ninja World would have developed; the Land of Iron might even invent many things on their own. However, for the Land of Iron, which currently understood nothing, a one-time payment was the most convenient and fastest solution. Moreover, since Konoha would fully contract the construction, it meant the systems could be put into immediate use.
Ichiryu did not intend to complicate such a convenient matter. He didn't even have to think about asking to learn the technology; no one was a fool. Such a request would achieve nothing but ruin the good mood.
"Understood, Hokage-sama. I have no issues on my end. Do you have any other thoughts regarding the cooperation between our two nations?"
Ichiryu's attitude was very humble; after all, they genuinely wanted their country to change. Furthermore, since the way of the samurai prioritizes strength, Torifu's power had already completely won Ichiryu over. Naturally, Ichiryu did not carry the air of a general during his discussion with Torifu. Torifu was also generally low-key, and seeing Ichiryu's sincerity and humility made him more relaxed and easygoing. Thus, their entire conversation was harmonious and smooth, without any points of contention.
"What Konoha seeks are the Land of Iron's mineral resources. Everything exchanged between the Land of Iron and Konoha can be paid for with these minerals."
"Once the Land of Iron has completed its transformation and fully entered the age of electricity, Konoha will purchase the Land of Iron's mineral resources with money, and to assist in the rapid development of the Land of Iron, Konoha will purchase them at half a percentage point higher than the market price."
Ichiryu's face lit up with joy upon hearing this. He had worried that the cooperation would be canceled once Konoha had finished installing the electrical systems. Now it seemed Konoha's need for mineral resources was still immense. They would likely have to cooperate with the Land of Iron for the next decade or more.
The mineral veins in the Land of Iron were incredibly rich—richer than rich. A few shovels full could yield some ore. However, due to the previous national isolation, even when dug up, the ore wasn't worth much, so virtually no one paid attention to the minerals. Aside from sword-smiths, no one cared about these things.
The Land of Iron had just lifted its isolation policy, and the country was in a period of great reconstruction and renewal. Originally, Ichiryu hadn't been so anxious to change the country, but this trip had shown him, firstly, the sheer strength of Konoha. The Hokage's wedding alone was enough to gather prominent figures from across the entire Ninja World. Secondly, the rapid development of the other Great Ninja Villages was proceeding at a pace that made them immeasurably stronger than the Land of Iron.
As the last samurai nation in the world, if he failed to act and initiate reform, the Land of Iron would be utterly ruined. And for the Land of Iron to flourish even more vigorously, a tremendous amount of capital was required. Selling minerals was undoubtedly an excellent way to generate revenue. However, they could not supply the entire Ninja World with minerals, as that would turn the Land of Iron into the ninjas' mining factory. Therefore, Ichiryu planned to cooperate only with Konoha, supplying all the minerals the village required each year.
Torifu was naturally very happy to hear this. With the constant supply of minerals from the Land of Iron, combined with the few veins along the border of the Land of Fire, Konoha would no longer face a mineral shortage. As for whether the Land of Iron would be targeted by other nations? Sharing a large border with the Land of Fire and having Konoha as a backer, who would be foolish enough to deliberately cause trouble for the Land of Iron?
"The Land of Iron accepts the terms proposed by Hokage-sama, and we are very much looking forward to establishing a long-term cooperation with Konoha."
Torifu smiled. Doing business with straightforward people was always pleasant. The main reason was also that Torifu was not trying to take advantage of them; he genuinely intended to support the nation. And, incidentally, to win over the Land of Iron so that they would wholeheartedly supply minerals to Konoha. After all, with the continuous advancement of technology, Amado would likely create more and more innovative gadgets. These would then be distributed throughout the entire Ninja World, leading to a consumption of minerals that was simply astronomical.
The Ninja World was currently relatively peaceful. Even during wartime, it no longer saw tens of thousands of deaths in every battle, unlike the Warring States period. As the population of the entire Ninja World steadily increased, the demand for electrical appliances would naturally continue to rise. By the time other nations mastered electrical technology, Konoha would certainly have already developed far more advanced things.
Torifu clapped his hands. The secretary opened the door, and the Commercial Minister walked in from outside. In his hand was a physical contract printed on paper. He walked up to Torifu and bowed slightly, then nodded to Ichiryu and Mifune:
"Ichiryu-sama, and Mifune-sama, I am the Commercial Minister of Konoha. All contract signings and subsequent cooperation matters will be handled by me."
Ichiryu had initially been confused upon seeing the minister, but he understood after the man's self-introduction. It made sense; the Hokage did not have the energy to personally handle cooperation with so many nations. Delegating the task to a subordinate was indeed a wise choice. It was just that the Land of Iron lacked such talent, so everything had to rely on himself and Mifune. Ichiryu's own subordinates were competent enough for war, but governing a nation was truly difficult. Otherwise, the country would not have declined to its current state.
Ichiryu also nodded to the minister, then noticed the white paper placed on the table. It appeared to have some writing on it.
"Hokage-sama, what is this?"
Torifu smiled. "Ichiryu-sama, this is the contract the Commercial Minister just drafted. You can think of it as a covenant. Once the contract is signed, both parties must fulfill the obligations within it. Should either party breach the contract, they will be required to pay compensation and a penalty fee."
Ichiryu was momentarily dumbfounded, but Mifune understood immediately and leaned in to give his Master a detailed explanation.
After a short while, Ichiryu nodded. "Very well, I understand, Hokage-sama."
Torifu gestured for him to proceed. "Then please read the contents of the contract first. If there are no errors, you may sign it. The contract takes effect immediately upon signing."
Ichiryu picked up the contract and read through it himself. The text was exactly the same as what they had just discussed. He then handed it to Mifune for inspection, and Mifune also found nothing amiss. Following this, Ichiryu picked up the pen on the table and signed the contract.
Torifu, meanwhile, took out his personal seal and pressed it onto the document.
"Ichiryu-sama, the contract is now officially in effect. Our construction team will be assembled and dispatched to the Land of Iron within a few days. I also ask that the General return to the Land of Iron and begin preparations for the mineral extraction."
"The minerals for payment must be delivered before the construction team completes its work. Failure to do so will be considered a breach of contract, requiring the payment of a penalty fee."
Ichiryu nodded. Everything was written clearly in the contract, including the projected completion date.