The timeline mentioned earlier was not Konoha Year 67, but rather the end of Konoha Year 64 during winter.
Shikaku said, "Based on the above conclusions, Obito's actions make perfect sense. He exposed his body in front of Konoha's gates, allowing our people to discover it. This led the world to believe he was dead, thereby lowering everyone's guard."
Konan asked, "Then why hasn't he come directly to challenge Naruto?"
Naruto replied, "It might be related to the Curse Mark of Speech. Obito swore that, regardless of victory or defeat, he wouldn't take action against Amegakure or Konoha."
Feeling relieved, Konan said, "So as long as we stay in the village, he's powerless against us?"
Shikaku, deep in thought, said, "Not entirely. There's always a workaround for everything. If the oath prevents him from attacking the village directly, he could act outside the village or send others into the village to do his bidding."
Naruto gripped the armrest of his chair tightly. "We've already experienced the incident with Violet. If he were to hold our people hostage outside the village and force me to comply, I wouldn't have much choice but to face him."
Shikaku, now serious, asked, "Naruto, be honest with me. If you were to confront Obito now, what are your chances of winning?"
Naruto, rubbing his chin, replied with a grim expression, "If things are as we suspect, then the chances of victory right now are almost nonexistent."
Shikaku, decisive as ever, said, "In that case, we should lock down Amegakure completely. No one, whether ninja or civilian, is allowed to leave, and no outsiders are permitted entry. We mustn't give him any opportunities."
Konan asked, "What about the Anbu members who are outside investigating Obito's whereabouts?"
Shikaku responded, "Recall them all. The truth about him has mostly surfaced. Even if there are minor discrepancies, it's not worth the risk of losing lives. As for his whereabouts, it's unnecessary to pursue further. With his space-time dojutsu, his movements are unpredictable. The longer we wait, the more dangerous it becomes. Implement this immediately!"
Konan looked to Naruto for confirmation.
Naruto said, "Sister Konan, follow Uncle Shikaku's plan."
"Understood." Konan walked to the northern wall's opening. Before leaving, she turned back and said, "By the way, Amegakure has recently been promoting international trade and cultural exchange. Many citizens have gone abroad to broaden their horizons. It might be difficult to recall everyone immediately."
Shikaku said, "Then have their families send letters on their behalf. For the time being, tell them not to return and to avoid revealing their Amegakure identities while outside. Once it's safe to return, we will notify them."
"Understood. I will make the arrangements now." Konan nodded and leaped into the rain outside the tower.
Shikaku said, "At least this way, we can eliminate the possibility of you being coerced."
Naruto, resting his chin on his hands, said in a low voice, "What I'm worried about now is another issue. The village's supplies are limited and need to be replenished regularly from the outside. Locking down the village is not a long-term solution."
Shikaku asked, "Does Amegakure have any processing factories?"
Naruto replied, "Yes, but they still need raw materials to operate."
Shikaku asked, "How long can the current supplies in Amegakure last?"
Naruto stood up. "I'm not in charge of that now. Let's go ask Kakuzu, our accountant."
Clatter, clatter~!
In the accounting room, Kakuzu was rapidly working on an abacus.
Naruto and Shikaku waited patiently.
Half an hour later, Kakuzu put away the abacus and wiped the sweat from his forehead.
Naruto asked, "How is it?"
Sitting in his boss's chair, Kakuzu said gravely, "With the current supplies and expenses, we can last two months."
Naruto asked, "What if we tighten our belts?"
Kakuzu, after a moment's thought, replied, "Without anyone starving to death, three months."
Shikaku asked, "Naruto, if given three months, could you face Obito in battle?"
Naruto, closing his eyes slightly, said, "The biggest hurdle right now is my eyes. Using Kotoamatsukami twice a day consumes a lot of ocular power. It's really challenging."
"I've estimated that I need to use Kotoamatsukami at least 200 more times to fully store the power in these eyes."
Shikaku calculated, "Three months, that's 90 days. At two uses per day, that's only 180 times."
"There's another method—keeping the Sharingan active at all times. That would accelerate the blindness. In that case, within three months, I might just manage to use up these eyes completely."
Naruto stood up. "But there's another issue. The left eye of Uchiha Kagami, which is needed to merge into the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan, is still in Kabuto's hands. I must acquire that eye before my own go blind. Moreover, the fusion of ocular powers also takes time. Three months might not be enough."
Shikaku, thinking carefully, said, "As for procuring supplies, no one else can go, but with your Flying Thunder God Technique, you are an exception. Carrying large amounts of supplies, if you're too busy, your clones can assist."
"That's true, but if we seal off the village, trade will also be cut off. The villagers won't earn money, and the village's tax revenue will dry up."
At this point, Naruto glanced at Kakuzu. "Without external funding, our money won't last."
Kakuzu's jade-green pupils glinted ominously. "If you have something to say, just say it."
Naruto said, "Alright, I'll be straightforward. Kakuzu, you still have a sum of money stored in the bounty exchange, right? Could you use that money to help the village through this tough time?"
Tap! Tap tap tap tap tap tap!
Kakuzu's fingers drummed on the table, the rhythm quickening as his expression darkened.
Naruto remained silent, giving Shikaku a meaningful look.
"I'll step outside for a smoke," Shikaku said, leaving the accounting room and closing the door behind him.
Naruto, noticing the empty teacup on the table, quickly brewed a fresh cup and placed it in front of Kakuzu, saying enthusiastically, "Kakuzu, please have some tea."
Kakuzu turned his head away, pretending not to see.
Naruto smiled and moved the tray to the other side. "Kakuzu, please have some tea!"
Kakuzu turned back again.
After several attempts, Kakuzu remained unmoved.
Unfazed, Naruto put down the tray, went behind Kakuzu, and began massaging his shoulders with exaggerated flattery.
Sigh. After a long silence, Kakuzu finally said, "You're dead set on using that money of mine, aren't you?"
Naruto, feigning grievance, said, "Consider it a loan. I'll repay you when we have money in the future."
Kakuzu, with a weighty tone, said, "Is this something money alone can solve? This village, sealed off for years and rebuilt after suffering heavy losses, is finally on the path to recovery. Your position has only just stabilized. This is a critical time for revitalization and governance."
"But now, at this juncture, you're proposing to seal off the village because of an enemy you made outside, who plans to come here for revenge. How do you expect the people below to react? Yes, great strength can quell external threats, but to handle internal affairs? That requires more than just pretty words."
"People's hearts are like water, and the masses are like smoke. Only tangible benefits can truly reassure them."
With that, Kakuzu unrolled a scroll and formed hand seals.
Poof!
Amidst a puff of smoke, a large chest appeared. When opened, it revealed stacks of cash.
As Naruto stared in shock, Kakuzu said solemnly, "This is the seven hundred million ryo I've saved. Use half to procure supplies. In times of crisis, food is key; other expenses can be minimized. The remaining money should be distributed to the populace to stabilize their morale."
Naruto, astonished, asked, "Wasn't your money stored in the bounty exchange?"
Kakuzu, with a worldly smirk, said, "That's just a rumor. Why would I entrust my money to outsiders? In this world, the least reliable things are human connections and trust."
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