Chapter 157: Konoha's White Fang
The new Land of Whirlpools was under construction for more than half a year, and as Year 34 of Konoha approached, it was finally completed.
While nations outside fought fiercely, the Uzumaki clan seemed to have become a utopia. With Masahiko present, no one dared to disturb the Whirlpool. Even the slightly eerie Akatsuki did not come to attack again, as if the anomaly had never occurred.
The Land of Whirlpools did not hold another founding ceremony; founding a country twice would be a bit strange. After a simple celebration, Gensuke and Nanako organized the civilians to move into their new homes, creating a lively and prosperous scene.
However, the current Land of Whirlpools was fully ten times larger than before. Even though the new buildings occupied much more land than the old ones, once all the ninjas and civilians had moved in, they still only occupied a quarter of the total area.
"We still have to find a way to expand the population. If we want to become a new Great Nation, this many people won't cut it." Masahiko walked along the brand-new streets, his mood very cheerful.
Over the past six months, he and Yuna's research had yielded small results. Currently, it just lacked a bit of stability, and the scrap rate was relatively high. He estimated that with a little more time to improve precision, they could mass-produce kunai, and the Land of Whirlpools would finally have a stable source of income.
The current Land of Whirlpools had no specialties and no arable land; for the past six months, they had relied entirely on supplies transported from the Hidden Cloud. Facing the invasion of the Hidden Rock, the Daimyo of the Land of Lightning was quite straightforward and sent an additional twenty percent of supplies, keeping only what was necessary to maintain the normal operation of his country. Seeing such sincerity, Masahiko personally made a trip to the Hidden Rock and "persuaded" Onoki to retreat.
In reality, this was completely unnecessary. For some unknown reason—perhaps provoked by the Whirlpool incident—the Land of Water started attacking the Hidden Rock Village like madmen to vent their frustration. Consequently, the Hidden Rock had no energy to spare for anything else.
As for the Land of Whirlpools' soil, they naturally had some before, but Pain's attack had completely destroyed the land, which would take time to restore. The new land of the Whirlpool was originally ocean floor and wasn't suitable for planting yet. It would probably take another two years, so the Land of Whirlpools had lost its ability to be self-sufficient.
"Becoming a new Great Nation will probably take many years. It should be possible by the time the main story begins... I have plenty of time, no need to rush." The policy encouraging childbirth that Masahiko mandated had already been implemented. It would likely show results in the coming years, and the number of Uzumaki children would increase.
"So, next is a Ninja Academy." In the end, Masahiko couldn't implement compulsory education for all. Having too many ninjas would create unsolvable problems, the main conflict being that there would be fewer mission issuers and more mission takers.
He estimated that the leaders of other villages must have had this thought as well. While having everyone be a ninja would greatly strengthen national power, none of them had done so.
Previously in the Land of Whirlpools, the Ninja Academy was only established within the Uzunin Village for Uzumaki clansmen to study. Aside from them, there were only the five exchange students from Konoha.
Of course, three years had passed; two exchange students had already graduated, and another was close to finishing.
"Three years have passed. I wonder how the relationship between Kushina and Minato is coming along." Masahiko muttered, feeling helpless. "There's probably been no progress."
"Great Elder, news from Konoha Village!" A patrol member suddenly appeared, interrupting Masahiko's thoughts.
For the past six months, the Patrol Squad's main mission had become guarding the "Great Wall," mainly keeping an eye on the movements of the Land of Water.
"Understood." Masahiko responded casually and set off for the current Uzumaki residence.
Unlike before when they were a separate village, the Uzumaki clan now lived within the same country as the civilians. However, compared to the commoners, their residences were closer to the Daimyo's Palace, making the Uzumaki clan the "Royal Family" of the Land of Whirlpools.
Speaking of the Daimyo's Palace, Gensuke finally got his wish. He owned a place even larger than the Fire Daimyo's residence, and the decorations were much more luxurious. Masahiko didn't stop him. In his mind, Gensuke wouldn't be Daimyo for many more years, and the next Daimyo would likely be Nagato! There was no hereditary system in the Land of Whirlpools; here, it was the "Masahiko Appointment System."
Arriving at the brand new Clan Head Hall, Izuko came out to greet him. "Sensei."
Masahiko nodded and teased, "Is Konoha asking for help again?"
Izuko smiled too and shook her head.
Over the past six months, the Hidden Waterfall attack that Konoha worried about didn't happen. The money was paid; although Kakuzu didn't help again, he didn't turn hostile either. The Land of Rain stopped participating in the war. Their enemies were left with only the Hidden Sand Village and a reckless Hidden Grass Village.
Hiruzen seemed addicted to asking for help. Even though they had already penetrated the Land of Wind and were on the verge of entering the Hidden Sand Village, he kept playing the victim. Masahiko understood; Hiruzen probably thought that if Masahiko intervened, Konoha would suffer far fewer losses.
"If Konoha isn't asking for help, then what is it?"
Izuko sighed and said, "It's news about Sakumo. He has made a name for himself now. He killed the famous puppeteer couple of the Hidden Sand Village and is being called Konoha's White Fang by the ninja world."
Masahiko was stunned. "So it happened at this time? That hasn't changed..."
He felt both surprised and that it was only natural. Sakumo was already an S-class ninja four or five years ago.
Masahiko looked at the somewhat dejected Izuko in front of him and smiled. "What? Are you a little disappointed that Sakumo didn't become your son-in-law?"
Izuko actually nodded.
Masahiko was helpless. "Be content. If Yuna married Sakumo, she wouldn't have given birth to Nagato. Nagato's talent can protect the Uzumaki clan for at least sixty years."
Izuko sighed, likely still feeling it was a pity. "Nagato's talent is indeed good, but that's because of Yuna... If Sakumo were added to the mix, he might be even stronger."
Masahiko pursed his lips. "That's not necessarily true. And if that were the case, the child would be a member of the Hatake clan."
Izuko nodded and breathed a sigh of relief. "True." She stopped dwelling on the issue.
Masahiko smiled. "Since there's nothing else, I'll go tell Yuna the news and see her reaction."
Izuko didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Yuna will probably say that the Hidden Sand is too stupid to not even be able to beat that white-haired guy."
Masahiko paused, feeling that Izuko made a lot of sense. He instantly lost the mood to tease Yuna; her reaction offered no sense of anticipation.
"Forget it, I won't go. Izuko, send congratulations to Konoha's White Fang, and include my regards." In the ninja world, there weren't many ninjas who earned a title. Sakumo becoming Konoha's White Fang was worth sending a letter of blessing.
"Wait, never mind. I'll go personally." Masahiko thought about it. It had been a while since he visited Konoha. Kushina should be in the third grade now. Masahiko prepared to go see her "relationship" status for himself.
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