"If Shukaku, the One-Tailed Beast, can use ninjutsu, then you should be able to too, right, Kurama?"
Back in Konoha, Haruki looked at Kurama—who seemed rather down after the flight experience—and asked.
"Well… why are you asking this all of a sudden?"
Kurama stopped itself from giving an affirmative answer and instead looked wary.
It had been tricked by Haruki far too many times to trust him now.
"So that means you *can* do it!"
Seeing Kurama's reaction, Haruki's eyes lit up slightly.
Logically speaking, as long as one had chakra, they could perform ninja techniques.
As the living embodiment of chakra, tailed beasts were naturally capable as well.
The reason they usually didn't use ninjutsu was because their Tailed Beast Ball already equaled the strongest of jutsu.
There was no need to abandon the essential for something trivial.
Plus, most tailed beasts had pretty wild personalities.
They struggled to sit still and focus on learning techniques.
Among the nine tailed beasts, only Shukaku could actually use ninja techniques.
"This is the [Shadow Clone Jutsu]."
Haruki pulled out a scroll.
"Shadow Clones?"
Kurama paused, then grew visibly furious.
What did he mean by this?
Even his own clones weren't spared?!
Absolutely *utterly despicable!*
You old bastard Haruki! Today I swear vengeance against you!
"If you can't learn it, I'll tear you into nine pieces."
"You… you're underestimating me! How could such a simple [Shadow Clone Jutsu] possibly defeat me?!"
Clearly insulted, Kurama angrily retorted.
Haruki felt a little guilty.
He patted the little fox's head. "Truly worthy of being the Nine-Tailed Fox. There'll be even more things I'll count on you for in the future."
Kurama froze on the spot.
*Crap!*
That wasn't what I meant at all!
Looking at Haruki's smile, Kurama felt its heart bleed.
"Oh, by the way, Gyuki doesn't really have anything better to do here, so you're welcome to invite him over. The two of you could keep each other company."
Haruki suggested, glancing toward Hachibi who was playing video games nearby.
Kurama immediately wore a murderous look.
Yes, there's also Gyuki.
If I can't live peacefully, neither will you.
"Then starting today, Konoha International Flights for Tailed Beasts officially launches."
Haruki clapped his hands together, finalizing the matter.
Funded by Konoha and led by the Ministry of Transportation, an airline was established.
As for selecting the director…
After thinking it through, Haruki entrusted the position to Kushina and Yugito—two jinchuriki.
After all, both the Yang Nine-Tailed Fox and Nibi shouldn't go to waste either.
Akihabara.
Cherry blossoms bloomed beautifully, while the streets were adorned with vibrant festive decorations.
Naturally, Hiashi Hyuga's wedding ceremony wouldn't be a modest affair.
Especially since Kaoru Hyuga was managing arrangements for *A Happy Union of Gold and Jade*.
Since Haruki and Tsunade got engaged, *A Happy Union of Gold and Jade* had become the most popular jewelry and wedding planning shop in Konoha.
The full process was carried out to perfection—beautiful and grand in every detail.
Haruki had previously promised Hiashi Hyuga he'd attend, so of course he showed up.
Along with him was Tsunade.
Though not the central figures at the event, the two still stole quite a bit of the spotlight.
"Hokage-sama, Master Haruki, thank you both sincerely for coming,"
Hiashi Hyuga greeted them, beaming with joy.
One of life's major milestones was about to be completed,
and the Hyuga Clan was thriving.
It was indeed a future brimming with promise.
He felt rather smug at the moment.
"Congratulations."
Haruki had little to say.
Hiashi Hyuga wouldn't bother engaging him in casual small talk about family affairs. Instead, he had much to discuss with Minato.
Rather impatiently, Hiashi asked, "Minato, what do you think about my proposal earlier?"
Minato glanced at Kushina.
Kushina smiled and replied graciously, "Sure, that works."
Then it's settled.
Satisfied, Hiashi Hyuga left to attend to other guests.
By securing ties with the future Hokage and the Jinchuriki, the Hyuga Clan secured an unshakable position for themselves.
"What were you guys talking about?"
Tsunade watched them speak in riddles and couldn't help but feel puzzled.
"It's a baby betrothal," Haruki explained. "Since Minato and Kushina are getting married this year, they agreed that if their future children turn out to be a boy and a girl, they'll consider arranging a match."
"I see. That actually sounds pretty good."
Tsunade mused thoughtfully.
From Konoha's perspective, the Hyuga Clan forming marital bonds outside the clan was actually a positive development.
It signaled they were no longer limiting themselves to intra-clan marriages.
Although that might not benefit the inheritance of the Byakugan.
The ninja world placed far too much emphasis on bloodlines.
The day after the wedding.
Hiashi Hyuga and Hyuga Kaoru left Konoha.
They set off to find a new location for their future metropolis.
Kurama mastered the [Shadow Clone Jutsu] within several days.
Oh, right, Gyuki learned it too.
In front of Konoha Gate,
a rare sight unfolded.
Nine colossal creatures lined up on the open field.
Countless villagers gathered around, pointing excitedly at the five Nine-Tails and four Eight-Tails.
No one could have imagined Lord Seimei would put the Tailed Beasts to such use.
As long as they paid a certain fee and bought a ticket, anyone could ride a Tailed Beast for a round trip across the Land of Lightning.
Such a service… was simply incredible!
Previously, these noble Tailed Beasts served as mounts.
Seimei originally assumed most people would hesitate to try such flights on the first day.
But every seat was booked.
Nine Tailed Beasts offered over seven hundred seats in total.
Apparently, the novelty and thrill factor proved irresistible.
Watching passengers climb onto the beasts' backs with flushed faces, Seimei couldn't help smiling.
Who could resist riding a Nine-Tailed Fox?
Except Kurama and Gyuki both wore gloomy expressions.
If not for Seimei standing guard, they'd be more than happy to launch a Tailed Beast Ball to crush those annoying humans.
Half an hour later, all passengers arrived.
Kushina, serving as Director, explained the safety instructions.
Due to the extreme speed of flight, continuous chakra output was necessary.
Of course, they had safety measures in place.
Such as seatbelts.
Once she finished explaining, Kushina dismounted the beast, landed on the ground, and raised the command flag.
The Yang Nine-Tailed Fox on her shoulder loudly shouted, "Take off!"
Gyuki and Kurama cursed the traitor inwardly.
Yet their bodies betrayed them, lifting into the air at once.
Seimei watched the nine colossal beasts take off.
After using the Shadow Clone Jutsu, both the Eight-Tails and Nine-Tails weakened slightly and flew a bit slower than usual—but still incredibly fast.
This provided tremendous convenience for them to govern the Summer Country.
Moreover, subduing Gyuki, the Eight-Tails, must have greatly shocked Cloud Hidden Village.
Because in their imagination, the Eight-Tails should have been subdued by Konoha, even sealed inside a Jinchūriki's body, leading a wretched existence, shrouded from the light of day.
"Alright everyone, head back now."
Haruki turned around, looking toward the curious onlookers who had gathered to watch the spectacle, and smiled. "Konoha Tailed-Beast International Flight offers four daily departures. You can purchase tickets via the official website, and these flights will take you to all major towns across the Summer Country. Also, I urge everyone to heed the call from the Commercial Market and explore business opportunities in the Land of Lightning. With such convenient transportation, you surely won't have to worry about distances anymore, right?"
The reason he established these flights, as well as the later aerial fortress, was precisely to boost the economy of the Summer Country.
Konoha had already become nearly saturated.
Yet most people remained reluctant to relocate too far away.
But with improved transportation, this issue could be easily resolved.
History has repeatedly proven transportation's crucial role in economic growth.
What Haruki aimed to achieve was to let those who became prosperous first help lift the rest.