Uchiha Gate: From Konoha to One Piece

— — — — — — 

That afternoon

A new meeting of Konoha's senior Jōnin and clan representatives was held in the largest conference hall within the Hokage Tower.

"This is the first draft of Konoha's investment and development plan, created and refined after multiple discussions with select high-ranking officials," Kaito announced, standing at the head of the room.

"The detailed plan is in front of you. Take a look first," he continued. "Once you've reviewed it, we can discuss and see if there's any room for improvement. Once finalized, we'll decide on participation and contributions. No pressure—invest if it suits you."

At Kaito's signal, documents were distributed to everyone in attendance.

"Yes!" the crowd responded in unison, diving into the plan with varying degrees of curiosity and scrutiny.

As they read, murmurs spread across the room.

"This seems to be tied to the village's first Five-Year Expansion Plan," someone noted.

"It does. But do we really need private funding? With the First Hokage, Uchiha Madara, and the village's Earth-Style users, couldn't we complete this independently?"

"I think the Fourth Hokage wants to involve all of Konoha and even the Land of Fire in this project. By sharing the benefits, it would accelerate the village's growth."

"True. Sharing some of the profits is worth it if it strengthens the village as a whole."

"This is great! It's an opportunity for everyone to invest and profit. If this works, I'll have a new property in the future!"

"But can we actually make money? What if the reconstruction and expansion fail to attract people? We could end up with another abandoned district."

"Well, no one's forcing you to invest. If you don't believe in it, just don't participate. But don't discourage others."

"Exactly! From the village's development perspective, this plan is solid. And with participation from prominent merchants and nobles across the Land of Fire, how could it not succeed?"

"Still, my clan's resources are limited. We'll sit this one out."

"I've saved enough from my Jōnin missions over the years. I'll invest for the sake of my son and our future. I trust the Hokage's judgment."

"Me too! In the worst case, I would lose a little money. It's worth the risk!"

The room buzzed with mixed opinions—some optimistic, others skeptical, with a fair share of cautious observers.

Kaito observed everything, noting that the majority seemed inclined to invest. He felt satisfied.

He didn't expect everyone to have the vision or courage to participate. As long as most were on board, the plan was already a success.

Besides, failure wasn't an option.

Kaito had plenty of ways to ensure the project's success. How could he hope to unify the ninja world and improve it if he couldn't even manage a village?

About thirty minutes later, after ensuring everyone had reviewed the plan and discussed it with those around them, Kaito knocked on the table to regain their attention.

Once the room fell silent, he stood, glanced around, and said, "You've all read the plan. If anyone has suggestions for improvement, now's the time to raise your hand and share."

Hands immediately shot up.

One by one, Kaito addressed the suggestions, opening them up for discussion.

If an idea was deemed beneficial, it was incorporated into the plan. If not, it was discarded.

This process continued for over an hour until no one had further comments.

Kaito then had the revised plans distributed to everyone again.

Once the updates were reviewed and no objections remained, he said, "With that settled, you may now decide to invest on behalf of yourself or your clan."

"A reminder: only 30% of the shares are available to individuals and clans within the village."

"There are also limits to how much each individual or clan can invest. This ensures that no single entity monopolizes the shares, leaving others without a chance to participate."

"If the 30% is not fully subscribed due to these limits, the remaining shares will be offered in a second round to those who already invested."

"As for the remaining 70%, 50% will be retained by the village, and 20% will be reserved for the nobles and influential merchants of the Land of Fire."

"Keep in mind that the village is contributing land, labor, and resources—not money. Please understand this distinction."

"That's all. Those interested can register and sign investment agreements in the adjacent hall. Payment must be made within ten days. With that, the meeting is adjourned."

With that, Kaito stood up and left the room with Uzumaki Mito, Uchiha Naori, the Second Hokage, and the others.

— — —

Hokage's office.

"Kaito, yesterday you mentioned discussing the building materials and furniture industries at the meeting for bidding. Why didn't you bring it up?" Uchiha Naori asked curiously as soon as they entered.

"Oh? Building materials and furniture industries? What's this about?" Uzumaki Mito and the others turned to the two, puzzled.

"Well, here's the thing," Kaito began to explain. "As we plan the reconstruction and expansion of Konoha, even though the First Hokage and Madara can handle most of the major work, things like furniture, interior renovations, and utilities will still need specialized companies to handle them."

"With the scale of Konoha's future plans, this is going to be a massive market."

"Instead of handing it over to outsiders, why not establish our own building materials and furniture companies? That way, we not only keep the profits within Konoha but also create a more stable and reliable system."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Uchiha Naori, however, looked at her son with a knowing smile. Initially, this plan was devised just to create a secure living base within the dimensional gate space, but it seemed her son had found broader uses for it.

"Well, it's not entirely nonsense," Naori thought. "Konoha's redevelopment truly is a bigger market."

Kaito continued, "The reason I didn't bring it up at the meeting was that the profits from the earlier investment proposals should already be enough to attract the interest of most clans and individuals in the village."

"They likely won't have the resources or capacity to get involved in this as well."

"So, instead of opening it up to everyone, I think it's better for the Uchiha, Senju, and Uzumaki clans, along with the village, to handle these industries together."

"This way, we can not only create another profitable industry for the village but also provide our three clans with a stable, lucrative source of income. What do you all think?"

"I agree on behalf of the Senju clan!" Uzumaki Mito said with a smile.

"I'm in too! The Uzumaki clan agrees wholeheartedly," Uzumaki Ashina added, grinning.

He was grateful they had chosen to ally with the Uchiha. Otherwise, opportunities like this would have passed them by.

"The Uchiha clan will unconditionally support you, Kaito!" Uchiha Naori said with a bright smile.

At this moment, the Second Hokage couldn't help but ask, "Fourth Hokage, does this mean you don't plan to let the Uchiha, Senju, and Uzumaki clans participate in the earlier investment proposal?"

"Of course not!" Kaito replied with a chuckle. "I've already discussed this with Lady Mito, Elder Ashina, and my mother. I've set aside a sufficient share for the three clans within the 30% allocated to the village."

"Of course, I didn't overreach. I divided the shares within the maximum allowable investment limit."

"It's fair, isn't it?"

The Uchiha clan might not desperately need this industry or its income, but turning it down wasn't an option. It was about securing their future and maintaining harmony with the rest of the village.

"I see. That works for me," the Second Hokage nodded, his doubts dispelled.

It seemed this young man had thought everything through far better than he expected.

But Kaito wasn't about to let the Second Hokage off so easily. He turned to him and said, "Second Hokage, about that promise you made to head to the Land of Fire's capital for financial support this year, as well as persuading the daimyo, nobles, and wealthy merchants—when are you planning to leave?"

"Ah, right!" the Second Hokage replied. "The investments need to be secured quickly."

"Especially getting the daimyo, nobles, and merchants involved. That way, it will be easier to justify Konoha's expansion to the public."

"Without their support, the sudden growth of Konoha might provoke suspicion and resistance from them."

"But if they're part of the plan and profit-sharing, it won't be a problem. On the contrary, they'll likely become strong advocates for Konoha's population growth and development."

"Besides, we don't need to worry about them refusing to invest. Don't underestimate their greed."

Kaito nodded. "This is a rare and legitimate chance to invest in Konoha and gain a foothold. The daimyo and nobles have always wanted an opportunity like this. Now that it's in front of them, they'll jump at it."

"Of course, they might think that buying into Konoha's real estate expansion will give them more influence over its affairs."

"Let them dream."

"Real estate is real estate. They shouldn't overthink it."

"In the future, I might allow some of their families to move here, send their children to our ninja or regular schools, and become part of Konoha."

"But letting them interfere in Konoha's military, economy, or administration? Not a chance."

"And if they ever try to push their luck…"

Kaito smirked. "I hold the biggest fist around here."

"If reasoning and warnings don't work, I won't hesitate to show them the 'laws of physics.'"

He chuckled, a hint of menace in his tone. "I'm not one for pointless conflict, but I know how to throw a punch when needed."

.

.

.