Naruto Uzumaki and Shikaku Nara walked through the rain after leaving Kakuzu's accounting office.
Shikaku asked, "Have you decided on a target for Kotoamatsukami?"
Naruto replied, "Yes. When I suspected Obito of plotting something, I captured hundreds of White Zetsu and locked them in the cellar. Even if I use this eye until it goes blind, it will be more than enough."
"Your habit of planning ahead is commendable," Shikaku nodded approvingly. "White Zetsu will be of great use in the future. If possible, avoid killing them unnecessarily."
Shikaku then shifted the topic. "As for Obito, no matter how much hope you place in him, you can't keep letting him run free. Someone capable of such insane methods is far too dangerous."
Naruto's gaze turned somber. "Yeah, I think so too. The next battle will be the final one. If he still refuses to turn back, I won't give him another chance to fight."
"Good. It's important to stay clear-headed." Shikaku added, "By the way, something's been bothering me since I arrived. You're the leader of Amegakure (Hidden Rain Village), right? As the village head, you're supposed to handle all its affairs. Yet, I haven't seen you manage anything so far."
Naruto chuckled and shrugged. "I've already become a hands-off leader."
"Oh? A hands-off leader? Then who's running things?" Shikaku asked curiously.
Naruto smiled. "Let me take you to meet her."
In the central street of Amegakure, at the village leader's residence.
Naruto and Shikaku stood side by side on a rooftop, looking through the window at another "Naruto" sitting at the desk.
It was actually Amekage Ruri using the Transformation Jutsu.
Naruto explained, "Since her true identity can't be revealed, she uses the Transformation Jutsu to take my form publicly."
"Wasn't she the former princess of the Land of Rain? She can use ninjutsu too?" Shikaku asked.
"To help her protect herself, Konan taught her some basic chakra techniques. She can perform basic jutsu like the Transformation and Substitution Jutsu," Naruto replied.
"I see. Has she implemented any good policies?" Shikaku inquired.
"I don't interfere. I've given her full authority. But I've heard some rumors. For instance, she proposed that every ninja should learn survival skills beyond ninjutsu," Naruto said.
"Oh?" Shikaku's eyes lit up. "Tell me more!"
Naruto's expression turned serious. "For a long time, ninjas have been tools for rulers, serving villages funded by national budgets. Any ninja not affiliated with a village is labeled a rogue and forced into hiding.
Those within the system must complete missions to earn their livelihood. The one-village-per-nation system has persisted since the Warring States period.
The most basic survival need is food. Ninjas are no exception. If we can solve the issue of food, other problems become manageable. That's why she wants ninjas to master survival skills, starting with farming."
Shikaku raised an eyebrow. "But can ninjas, accustomed to living by combat, really learn to farm?"
"Her plan is to implement a 'responsibility field' system. Every active ninja in Amegakure, including the ANBU, is assigned a plot of land. No matter how busy they are, they must dedicate time to tending their fields. Regular inspections are conducted, and failing to meet the standards results in reduced stipends," Naruto explained.
"It's not really about the crops but about teaching ninjas the most fundamental survival skills," he added.
Shikaku sighed in admiration. "This policy is truly forward-thinking."
But inwardly, he thought, *This also reveals a certain ambition in this princess. Is this Naruto's idea? Or am I overthinking? Naruto's focus seems to be on external threats rather than internal
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