For three consecutive days, Yahiko stayed on the Uzumaki Clan's subcontinent, quietly watching the construction in Uzushiogakure. From time to time, he would walk around here and there, asking questions whenever he encountered something he didn't understand...
He wanted to use his time in Uzushiogakure to look for things suitable for the current development of the Land of Rain. Although the climates of the two countries are different, some aspects are still interconnected. Perhaps they could be useful when he returns to the Land of Rain.
Whenever he gained some insight, Yahiko would feel very happy. The Land of Rain had now started to establish its own schools, but due to the long rainy seasons, the speed of construction was not as fast as in Uzushiogakure. Furthermore, many aspects in the Land of Rain were modeled after the methods of Uzushiogakure, such as urbanization, professionalization, adaptation, and so on.
However...
The incessant rain limited the local agricultural development of the Land of Rain. Its industry was just starting, and most production could only meet the daily needs of the country. There were simply too few job opportunities. In the short term, expenditures exceeded income. The Land of Rain could still manage for now, but if this continued long term, it would certainly hinder the Land of Rain's development, and even bring chaos to the Land of Rain.
Therefore, improving the Land of Rain's drainage system was extremely urgent.
Otherwise, with floods every three or four days...
The Land of Rain could forget about development. Just the post disaster reconstruction each time would cost a large sum of money. Hatosuke recently complained all day that the national treasury was almost empty. They must find a solution. If nothing else works, they might have to restore the shinobi system and let them take on outside jobs for extra income.
He had once thought about relying on mission completions to earn rewards for building the Land of Rain, but...
Relying on shinobi going out on missions to support the Land of Rain might work in the short term, but over a long period, it would inevitably create dependency among others. Moreover, at this critical juncture, the future was uncertain. If others discovered that the Land of Rain was still secretly performing shinobi missions for money, it would certainly be denounced by the majority. At that time...
It would become very troublesome for the Land of Rain to reach out and cooperate with other countries.
So...
No matter how difficult it was, he refused.
This trip to Uzushiogakure was also intended to see if there was a way to break the deadlock. Otherwise, if things continued like this, the Land of Rain would certainly reach a dead end. At that time...
There would definitely be people who would consider restoring the shinobi village system.
"How about it, have you gained anything recently?" Sosuke looked at Yahiko, who was still deep in thought, took a sip of hot tea, and said, "I see you've been wandering around these past few days. Did you find what you were looking for?"
He knew what Yahiko was searching for, but...
He couldn't help with this matter. He was just a small bureau chief, not the leader of a country.
"Take your time, no rush. The Land of Rain has only just started. You still have plenty of time."
With a smile, he glanced at Yahiko, who had snapped out of his thoughts...
"If it really doesn't work, you can go ask His Highness Jun. He is more familiar with these matters."
"I will. Thank you." Yahiko nodded, stretched, and said, "And the gains this time are really quite substantial."
He reached for the teacup nearby, casually poured himself a cup...
"I've also communicated with Master Tazuna. He agreed to go to the Land of Rain to take a look, but he must bring a team of teachers and students from the academy along to inspect."
He showed a smile...
"That's a great help."
Although those students were only going for practical experience, to familiarize themselves with the work process, and their travel expenses, food, and accommodation would be covered by the Land of Rain, having such a group of experts to help would certainly bring unexpected gains for the Land of Rain. Even having them teach classes for the children at the Land of Rain's academy would be a good gain for the Land of Rain.
"I must properly thank Master Tazuna then."
"That old man loves alcohol. Does the Land of Rain have any good liquor?" Sosuke blew on the hot tea in his hand and said, "Just give him two bottles then."
"The Land of Rain doesn't really have any good liquor." Yahiko scratched his head sheepishly and said, "We already have little grain. Brewing alcohol in the Land of Rain is a major taboo."
Although the Land of Rain had also introduced high yield seeds from Uzushiogakure, only a few areas with less rainfall and fertile soil were suitable for planting. The rest...
If they encountered flood disasters, they would have no harvest at all. So, those areas haven't started cultivation yet.
Perhaps after the drainage system is built, the situation might improve.
"By the way." Sosuke seemed to remember something, put down the hot tea in his hand, and said, "There's a new planting technology in our country that might be useful to you."
"Oh?" Yahiko became interested upon hearing Sosuke's words and asked, "What is it?"
"Greenhouse planting technology." Sosuke furrowed his brows, thought for a moment, and said, "I think it's called that name. Master Toto's side seems to have made some progress. You can go take a look. The experimental base is built next to the breeding laboratory from back then. You know the place."
"Is that so?" Yahiko nodded happily and said, "Thank you. I will personally visit Uncle Toto then." A smile touched his lips. "I heard Uncle Toto got married this year too."
"Yes." Sosuke took a sip of tea and said with emotion, "I remember Master Toto used to be a sickly person, often catching colds and falling ill. Who would have thought he'd become an expert in the agricultural field now? Anyone who sees him has to call him Master."
"Haha." Yahiko laughed after hearing this and said, "Yes. If it weren't for Uzushiogakure, who knows what would have become of everyone. Uzushiogakure..."
He shook his head...
"It changed us and gave us many opportunities."
"If it weren't for Uzushiogakure, the Chinoike Clan would probably be extinct by now." Sosuke nodded, shook his head wistfully, put down the cup in his hand, then winked at Yahiko with a mysterious smile and said, "How have you been lately?"
"Not bad." Yahiko was stunned and said, puzzled, "What's wrong?"
"I'm not asking about that, but... what about that Fifth Mizukage?" Sosuke blinked meaningfully and said, "Strong, responsible, and pretty too. Aren't you considering it?"
"You mean that." Yahiko immediately looked at Sosuke, not knowing whether to laugh or cry, sighed, and said, "I don't want to consider such matters now. I have a heap of things in the Land of Rain giving me a headache."
Hearing Yahiko's words, Sosuke fell silent for a moment and said, "What about Konan and Nagato? You three..."
Before he could finish...
"Konan and Nagato are my younger siblings." Yahiko said with a smile on his face, "I would be very happy if they could get together."
"But if you don't get married, those two probably won't consider it." Sosuke sighed, thought for a moment, and said, "Uncle watched you grow up, so I hope all three of you can find happiness."
"Haha, thank you, Uncle." Yahiko laughed, lowered his head helplessly, and said, "Last time I returned to Uzushiogakure, I mentioned this to Nagato too, but he..." He showed a wry smile. "He's really..."
He didn't even know what to say.
"That kid has always been like that." Sosuke laughed heartily upon hearing Yahiko's words and said, "He's been muddle headed since he was little."
After laughing, he fell silent for a moment, looking at Yahiko with a serious expression...
"Will you come back?"
He knew Yahiko was taking people back to the Land of Rain the day after tomorrow. Even though he grew up in Uzushiogakure...
Now he was the leader of the Land of Rain, not a citizen of Uzushiogakure.
"..."
Yahiko was stunned for a moment, then a smile appeared on his lips, and he said without hesitation, "Of course. My home is here, my family is here. I will definitely come back."
He...
Had never really left.
It's just...
He didn't know how long it would take before he could return.