Arthur began his presentation with an assessment of the Water Country's current economic standing.
"We aren't taking any advantage of the situation, and our resources are being drained."
"What do you propose, my lord?"
"Let us form a treaty with them."
Arthur was right to suggest this since the trade imbalances with neighbouring countries, the Land of Waves and the Land of the Sea, had instances where the Water Country could exploit.
The councilors exchanged concerned glances, and he understood why.
The head diplomat soon spoke up and said, "A treaty with the Land of Waves and the Land of the Sea? That could be a risky proposition. They might not be willing to negotiate."
Arthur gave him a confident look. "Risk is inherent in any endeavour. But the potential rewards far outweigh those risks, and a treaty would open new markets for our goods, strengthen our position in the region, and even reduce the chance of a war starting."
The head advisor was left speechless.
The treasurer, however, was more direct. "How would such a treaty benefit us economically?"
Arthur outlined a series of potential benefits, from increased trade to shared resources. He then painted a picture of a nation that commanded respect on the world stage.
All this caused the treasurer's eyes to light up with interest. Not because what he said made sense, but because the increase in trade caught the gold digger's attention.
The secretary-general, a man with a sharp mind, interjected, "But how do we convince the other nations to agree to such a treaty?"
"That's where our diplomacy comes in," Arthur reasoned. "Present them with an offer they can't refuse."
While the answer was plausible, the secretary-general gave him an unruly look—one Arthur didn't miss.
The meeting soon continued with him laying out a detailed plan for economic reform.
He emphasized the importance of agricultural development, suggesting the implementation of advanced farming techniques and irrigation systems. He also proposed land distribution reforms to empower the farmers, ensure food security, and generate surpluses for trade.
The councilors listened intently, many of them in admiration. Even Hiromu remained unnaturally silent because of how bold, innovative, and practical these ideas were.
"This is exactly what our country needs," the head advisor announced in a voice filled with enthusiasm.
"Yes," the treasurer agreed. "A well-thought-out plan to ensure my success... I mean our success."
Arthur then turned his attention to infrastructure development.
He emphasized the importance of transportation and communication, highlighting the role of the recently completed "Bridge of Unity" in connecting the country's trade routes with other nations.
This bridge was built by Tazuna and was originally meant to be called the "Great Naruto Bridge". But thanks to William, its name was different.
Arthur continued by proposing further investments in roads and canals to facilitate the movement of goods and workers.
The council members agreed that improving infrastructure would be essential for economic growth. They also discussed potential projects and funding options with growing enthusiasm.
The only other council member not as excited by these developments was the secretary-general, who remained naturally quiet.
Nonetheless, Arthur shifted the focus to the financial sector, which caused the treasurer to give a wide grin. He brought up the recent collapse of Gatō's shipping company, a significant blow to the country's reputation.
Though Gatō had died a few months ago, no one save Arthur knew what became of the shipping magnate's company.
"Since it's on the verge of going bankrupt," he proposed, "it's clear we'll need to seize their assets to recapitalize the banking system and inject much-needed liquidity into the economy."
The treasurer was visibly excited by the prospect and said, "That is a wonderful idea!" Clearly, she was filled with too much anticipation. "Excuse my outburst, my lord, but when can I get started on the documents?"
"After this meeting... But it's imperative we try and attract foreign investments and create jobs for our citizens."
"The economic health of our people is paramount," Hiromu added. "A decisive action should be taken, wouldn't you all agree?"
They all nodded, but the secretary-general said, "My lord, while this is a plausible idea, the tax burden is crippling our populace. A thousand pardons to both you and lord Hiromu, but the current system is unsustainable and stifles innovation, which discourages enterprise. It would be necessary to fund our defenses and public works."
Arthur was not at all deterred by this political talk. On earth, he was more than accustomed to how government worked. Here was hardly any different.
"Your assessment's quite accurate," he said. "It would be better to first reform our tax structure as opposed to hindering it."
The answer caught the secretary-general off guard, believing Arthur would misunderstand the intellectual talk. But because he answered with the authority of a learned politician, the others decided to address their own concerns.
"Furthermore, my lord," the head advisor said, "the lack of skilled labour is a growing concern. We're not equipped with the knowledge or skills to compete in the modern world. We should invest in education and training to cultivate a workforce capable of driving our economy forward."
"Elaborate, please…"
"The schools and vocational training centers," the advisor continued. "It'd be best to put more of them in every village."
"Ah," Arthur obliged. "You're referring to literacy and numeracy as fundamental so that the citizens know better practical skills like agriculture, craftsmanship, and trade."
"Yes, my lord! That's exactly what I meant."
"Haha," Arthur mused. "Well, I can't argue that a skilled populace is a prosperous populace."
The others partook in his little joke.
As things continued, the final speaker, the head diplomat, decided to chime in.
"Let us not forget the importance of resource management. Our forests are being depleted at an alarming rate, and our rivers are polluted. I suggest we implement sustainable practices to preserve our natural resources for upcoming generations."
'How very much like their roles,' Arthur thought.
The head advisor laid out a strategic educational plan, but in truth, it would only benefit his division. The secretary-general wanted a tax reform, yet he didn't understand how much that would cost.
Only the head diplomat seemed to care about handling diplomacy fairly, but that had nothing to do with foreign relations. If he was good at his job, he would have foreseen the impending struggle with the neighbouring countries fifteen years from now—something Arthur identified in a matter of minutes.
Then there was the treasurer. Despite her greed, she was the only one who seemed knowledgeable about how to leverage finances.
But Arthur knew that her budgeting might only put money back in her pockets.
Just hearing all these suggestions would undoubtedly bury him in administrative paperwork.
"Your points are well taken," he spoke. "We'll reform the tax code to encourage investment and innovation. We'll also establish a comprehensive education system to first develop capital and see the results. And, of course, we'll implement strict environmental regulations to protect the natural resources."
Not only did he respond to their desires, but he did it in a manner that would bring about more pros than cons. And unlike a politician from earth, he meant what he said.
They all murmured in agreement and exchanged nods. It was interesting to see how their faces were different compared to when they first entered. Now they were confident and determined to proceed with him running things.
If he failed, they'd know who to point fingers at. But if he succeeded, they'd continue to suck up to their prosperous leader.
The meeting later continued for several more hours with Arthur outlining the correct procedures to go about executing these initiatives.
Not once had he used the Enhancing Flattery technique.
By the end, the council members were convinced of his wisdom.
As they departed in eagerness, Arthur turned to Hiromu and said, "This won't be easy for you…"
He only said this because there was no way that he would tackle monotonous paperwork alone. Hiromu could only nod, believing that the two would be building a better tomorrow for the country.
'How ridiculous…'
Once the door clicked shut, leaving Arthur alone, his demeanour shifted back to his cold, predatory focus.
Not all the councilors felt the same way since it was obvious that the secretary-general was the most skeptical of his plans. For Arthur to ensure his rule was truly set in stone, he needed to instill a sense of loyalty and a belief in his vision without wasting precious time.
The instant he thought about what he would do, the door opened again. It was the secretary-general. Right on cue.
"Come," Arthur said. "Sit down… There's something I'd like to discuss with you."
The secretary-general sat. "Glad we're on the same page, my lord."
"Yes… Tell me, general, what's the Mist Village's relationship with the other nations?"
The secretary-general hesitated before wondering, "Why do you ask?"
Hiromu wasn't here, and Arthur hadn't been officially inaugurated as the feudal lord. So there was no need for anyone to formally address him as 'my lord' if they didn't feel like it.
"It's important to understand the political landscape," Arthur simply replied.
The secretary-general nodded with a skepticism tempered by Arthur's directness. So the general outlined the complex web of alliances and rivalries that characterized the region.
The Land of Waves and the Land of the Sea, he explained, were the Mist Village's primary trading partners, but relations had been strained in recent years due to territorial disputes.
Arthur listened, already aware of the situation. He knew the basics, but the secretary-general's perspective offered a different insight. It was clear to him that the Mist Village was currently like a pawn in a larger geopolitical game.
"Rest assured," he said. "If the peace treaty we send succeeds, as it will, you'll understand things as they progress."
"Oh really? Since you're so confident in the matter, I'll be keeping an eye out."
"See that you do…"
After that, he thanked the secretary-general for his time, knowing that this was the reason he had come back. Whoever this man thought he was, Arthur would also be keeping his eyes out.
But now that things were done, he could finally return to his affairs as a ninja again.
✟
Some time later, Arthur found himself in a remote area, preparing the Reanimation ritual.
Setting up it up had become very easy lately. Two wanted thieves with a very low bounty were captured without drawing any attention. As for the dead bodies, he used those mercenaries that got in his way back in the Lightning Country.
'Simian Sage Mode… Summoning jutsu: reanimation…'
Dust quickly covered the thieves' bodies as two new characters began to stir. When they were fully formed, he placed a charm attached to a kunai behind each of their heads. Their eyes opened before they fully sat up.
This was them—the Gold and Silver Brothers, those who put fear into those like the Raikage. Now they were Arthur's puppets!
He stood before the reanimated corpses, seeing just how these brothers actually would cause someone to feel trepidation. They were monstrous figures with horns and animalistic faces that towered over him.
Thankfully they were no more than mere machines right now.
Why he went to such lengths to acquire them was already known: the objects within their bodies that had converted into chakra for them to store, even after their deaths.
"Summon the tools…" Arthur commanded with one hand sign up.
The corpses stirred as their forms contorted in unnatural ways. Then, with suddenness, the tools gradually snaked from behind them and out of their mouths. The Leaf Fan, the Gold Rope, the Seven Stars Blade, and the Crimson Gourd all materialized.
Arthur then made the brothers remove the tools from their person and bring them to him.
They were light, and he could physically feel the chakra trying to weigh him down. Had he not been in his Sage Mode, just touching these weapons would have gradually drained him.
Coffins soon emerged from the ground and drew the brothers inside. He would undoubtedly use them when necessary, given that they each had the Nine-Tails' chakra.
Arthur then carefully examined each of the weapons. To think powerful objects like these were used by Hagoromo. He could feel a strange connection inside each of them, almost as if they were waiting for mental commands to be used.
As such, he waved the Leaf Fan once.
Ka-swoosh!
Three fiery tornadoes five times his size formed instantly and shot forward, completely incinerating the trees and leaves. Such destructive power from just a single stroke.
Arthur could only watch the flames dance as the lights reflected off his features.
"Not bad…"