025 Reborn as the Third Kazekage

"Infinite Tsukuyomi?" Tsunade and Jiraiya were visibly shocked after hearing Arashi's description.

"That's what it's called, but for now, their involvement in the recent wars suggests they're pulling strings from the shadows," Arashi said firmly.

"Could the Uchiha clan be behind this? Tell me, what does your leader usually go by?" Tsunade grabbed the neck of a White Zetsu clone, her grip so strong it twisted the creature's neck into an unnatural shape. The sight sent shivers down both Jiraiya's and Arashi's spines.

"He's… Lord… Madara."

The entire room fell silent, save for Arashi. Everyone understood the weight of that name.

"Could it be someone pretending to act under Madara's name? Let's not even bring up the Battle of the Valley of the End—Madara would be over 120 years old by now," Jiraiya muttered, counting on his fingers.

"Regardless of whether it's him or not, we can't take this lightly," Arashi asserted.

"Should we report this to the Hokage?" Tsunade asked.

"Report? How? Bring these strange creatures as proof? We barely have a grasp of the full picture. If one of my subordinates came to me with such vague intel, I'd kick them out," Arashi replied, shaking his head. The idea of Hiruzen Sarutobi dropping everything to investigate a shadowy figure like Madara in the middle of a war was unrealistic.

"What do you propose, then?" Jiraiya scratched his head.

After a moment of thought, Arashi said, "For now, let's keep this between the three of us to avoid unnecessary panic. Once I return to Sunagakure, I'll assign people to gather intel on this organization. Tsunade, you can interrogate or research these four Zetsu clones as you see fit. Sunagakure will provide whatever resources you need."

In truth, Arashi had no intention of investigating. With the entire plot of the manga already in his mind, there was no need for unnecessary effort. A periodic update would suffice.

"Agreed," Jiraiya and Tsunade nodded.

"This time, I'm especially grateful to Lord Fukasaku and Lady Shima," Arashi said, bowing to the two Toad Sages.

"Please, Kazekage-sama, there's no need for such formality," Fukasaku replied with a respectful bow of his own.

"Speaking of which, I'd like to learn Sage Techniques. Is it possible to sign a contract with Mount Myoboku?" Arashi asked. Having sage techniques would certainly give him peace of mind.

"I'm afraid that's not possible. The Toad clan cannot adapt to the arid environment of Sunagakure. Besides, we rarely form contracts with ninja outside of Konoha to avoid conflicts among summoners," Fukasaku explained apologetically.

"That's unfortunate," Arashi said, visibly disappointed.

"However, your Sunagakure has clans skilled in Sage Techniques. Why travel all the way to Mount Myoboku? Haven't your predecessors told you about this?" Lady Shima asked.

"They haven't. I've only been Kazekage for a short while and have been preoccupied with wars and diplomacy," Arashi admitted, scratching his head.

"Well, they should've. The Yellow Weasel clan's Spirit Burrow and the Komodo Island of the Lizard clan are both on par with the Three Great Sage Lands. You, a Kazekage, don't know this? Shameful," Fukasaku scolded, clearly dissatisfied with Arashi's ignorance.

Arashi's eyes lit up at the new information.

...

Clang! Clang! Screech!

The sharp sound of quenching steel rang out as a beautifully patterned Damascus knife took shape.

"How gorgeous!" Pakura exclaimed, unable to hide her admiration as she gazed at the blade.

Arashi, unfazed, continued working. He polished the blade with a grindstone, followed by a whetstone, and carefully sharpened the serrations on the spine using a file. Finally, he attached a handle and fitted a small compass at its end. His movements were fluid and practiced, leaving the watching craftsmen in awe.

Ding!

Arashi swung the knife in one swift motion, slicing a kunai in half with ease. The crowd erupted into applause, thoroughly impressed.

"You've all seen the process. Now, replicate this knife with the same specifications within three hours, and you'll secure a monthly contract worth 6,000 ryo," Arashi announced. The craftsmen eagerly returned to their workstations, ready to begin.

"The sword you received last time was broken, so here's a replacement," Arashi said, sheathing the blade and handing it to Pakura.

Pakura cradled the knife lovingly, her eyes sparkling with joy.

Most ninjas, to some extent, were familiar with smithing. Before the formation of villages, ninja families crafted their own tools, ensuring they matched individual preferences. After the villages were established, specialized clans took over weapon manufacturing. During wartime, however, demand often exceeded supply, leading to imports from nations like the Land of Rivers. Despite these changes, many traditionalists, like Arashi, preferred forging their tools themselves.

Arashi originally set up the factory to secure the upper reaches of the Shule River but soon realized it could be a profitable venture. In wartime, nothing sold better than weapons and rations.

Canned food production had already yielded three signature products: braised pork, dace with black beans, and canned peaches. With Napoleon-era technology, they used stainless steel packaging marked with simple symbols for easy identification—pig, fish, and peach icons.

During banquets hosted by Danzo and Hanzo, Arashi proudly presented these products. Their long shelf life and delicious taste won over both men, resulting in large orders. News of the canned food quickly spread among Konoha and Amegakure ninjas, sparking additional demand. Priced at 30 ryo for pork, 15 for fish, and 10 for peaches, the products were both affordable and popular.

Meanwhile, Arashi planned to expand the weapon factory by focusing on high-quality, specialized products. His first masterpiece: the Damascus knife. Inspired by a forging technique he learned from a reality show, Arashi replicated the legendary steel's strength and intricate patterns.

"Rasa, send invitations to Danzo and Hanzo for tomorrow night's banquet. It's time to showcase these knives," Arashi ordered, determined to market his new creation.