As expected.
Yukino and her mother truly were capable.
Shimizu Kanzuki couldn't help but sincerely admire their talent for making money.
In truth, it wasn't that they were some once-in-a-generation business prodigies.
But modern commercial methods applied to the shinobi world?
That was a dimensionality strike.
Of course.
The methods for transferring assets were also a dimensionality strike.
Kanzuki had no intention of dividing the entire revenue like evenly sliced fruit.
Setting aside a small portion for distribution would be enough.
Embezzlement?
There was no need to phrase it so crudely.
This was simply "normal loss" within an industrial chain—natural depreciation.
Raw materials spoiled during transport required compensation, didn't they?
Shipping costs required funding, didn't they?
Greasing the wheels up and down the hierarchy required money, didn't it?
There were expenses everywhere.
Even after allocating those "expenses," the portion he presented would still send the Third Hokage into rapture.
That was the terrifying profit margin born of industrial chains and monopolies.
It had to be said—
While the hidden villages continued scraping by in austerity, the Five Great Nations themselves had always lived in relative peace and prosperity.
Was that fair?
Kanzuki shook his head, feeling speechless at the warped geopolitical structure of the shinobi world.
Sometimes, that saying really did feel accurate—
Kishimoto didn't understand the economics of Naruto at all…
—
Several days later, Shimizu Kanzuki returned to Konoha.
It was time to "split the fruit" with the Third Hokage.
Hiruzen Sarutobi had been waiting early in his office.
He hadn't even closed the door—afraid he might miss something.
When he saw Kanzuki cheerfully about to knock, Hiruzen's spirits lifted immediately.
"Kanzuki, come in directly! Why knock? I've been waiting for you!"
Kanzuki understood instantly.
After entering, he quietly closed the door behind him and bowed respectfully as always.
"Hokage-sama, I hope I have not disappointed you."
"Good! Good!!"
Seeing that Kanzuki remained so composed, Hiruzen smiled so broadly his gums nearly showed.
But the old Hokage was patient.
He first lit his long pipe, took a slow, satisfied draw, then personally poured tea for the "flattered" young man.
Cradling his cup, he remained unhurried.
He believed Kanzuki possessed the Will of Fire.
"Hokage-sama, you know well that my venture relied entirely on your support. Even the startup capital came from you."
Of course, the clothing business wasn't quite as explosive as it appeared on the surface.
Right now, novelty drove massive profits. Later, once the excitement cooled, earnings would naturally decline.
Hiruzen had anticipated that.
Clothing could be imitated.
While other villages lacked the resources to sustain a full industrial chain, opening a few boutique shops was certainly possible.
Still, that didn't matter. Reaping the early windfall was enough. If profits dipped later, they could simply withdraw.
"Please review this."
Kanzuki presented the contract.
Hiruzen did not hesitate, eyes burning with interest as he examined it.
Thirty percent to the Hokage.
Thirty percent to the Nara clan.
Twenty percent to Shimizu Kanzuki.
The remaining twenty percent allocated among storefronts and first-line relationship networks.
Hiruzen wasn't entirely versed in such matters.
Thirty percent?
How much would that yield annually?
"Ahem…"
Kanzuki coughed lightly, as though embarrassed.
"Hokage-sama, please don't find it too little. With thirty percent, earning three to five hundred million ryō per year would already be…"
"Pfft—!!"
How much?!
Hiruzen spat out his tea.
His gaze locked onto Kanzuki.
Three to five hundred million?
He hadn't misheard… had he?
"…It's not too little," Hiruzen managed, voice slightly unsteady.
"Ah… I know you might think it's insufficient," Kanzuki continued modestly. "But the Nara clan's share essentially includes the entire Ino–Shika–Chō alliance. Their interests cannot be reduced. I can accept only twenty percent myself. As for the remaining twenty percent, it's necessary for operational expenses."
No.
Three to five hundred million per year…
That figure reverberated in Hiruzen's mind.
And Kanzuki was accepting less?
"Not little at all. Truly not little…"
The boy was already sacrificing so much—how could he, an old man, argue further?
"Kanzuki, rest assured! We old men are not dead yet. We will not let you suffer!"
Though he hesitated to adjust the percentages, in all other respects Hiruzen immediately opened every green light.
He puffed on his pipe, eyes shining as he calculated.
A loyal young man, devoted to him—he liked that.
A young man willing to risk his life for Konoha—he liked that even more.
But a loyal, capable, profit-generating young man?
He liked that more than anything.
Since Kanzuki could earn money, missions were a waste of his time.
Talent belonged where it was most effective.
Yet for the moment, Hiruzen couldn't find a vacant, respectable position that didn't require field deployment.
Seeing Kanzuki's still-modest expression, the Third Hokage clenched his teeth.
"Very well. Kanzuki, Konoha Hospital lacks a director. Don't misunderstand—it's largely administrative. But the position carries status."
"Yes! I will obey Hokage-sama's arrangement without hesitation!"
Good.
Hiruzen loved that unwavering support.
After some further warm conversation, he considered that Kanzuki had recently married and might desire time at home. He graciously granted several days' leave.
Kanzuki took his leave.
Only once his figure disappeared did Hiruzen finally lose composure and study the contract again.
The more he read, the brighter his eyes became.
Three to five hundred million.
Annually.
With that sum, ANBU would no longer suffer shortages.
Regular shinobi forces wouldn't need to tighten their belts so harshly.
At the very least, delayed mission payments would become a thing of the past.
…
Wasn't the Nara clan's share a bit too large?
Hiruzen narrowed his eyes.
Did they really need that much money?
Perhaps the percentages required adjustment.
Kanzuki was too honest.
Giving the Ino–Shika–Chō alliance ten percent would suffice.
Kanzuki's own share would remain untouched.
The boy had already sacrificed enough—reducing his portion would be indefensible.
As for the remaining twenty percent…
He recalled Kanzuki saying it was essential operational expense.
After deliberation, he refrained from touching it.
But Ino–Shika–Chō…
Was even ten percent excessive?
Would five percent suffice?
—
Downstairs, Nara Shikaku had been waiting a long time.
When he saw Kanzuki descend, his heart leapt and he hurried forward.
With the Hokage overseeing things, he didn't dare demand much—just a few scraps would be enough.
After all—
The Ino–Shika–Chō alliance was poor too…
"Kanzuki, how did it go?"
Can we at least sit at the table?
"Ahem. Nara-san, don't ask. And don't mention it to anyone."
That meaningful look made Shikaku's heart skip violently.
Could it be…?
"Good! Good! I won't ask, I won't say a word!"
He immediately grew enthusiastic.
"In that case, my treat! Let's get yakiniku!"
He grabbed Kanzuki's arm warmly.
We're comrades, aren't we?
Today, you absolutely must honor me with your presence!