r18novel Chapter 108 Infrastructure Maniac
Chapter 108 Infrastructure Maniac
The Land of Rain, where dark clouds linger year-round.
But in the heart of a remote valley, a lively scene unfolded, with the noise even drowning out the continuous rain.
"One, two, three! Go!"
With a unified shout, a boulder weighing several tons was lifted by several thick ropes.
But this wasn't done by manpower, but rather—
"Universal Guidance!"
Standing on the elevated platform, Changmen stretched out a hand, palm facing the boulder. An invisible gravitational field instantly enveloped the stone, making the originally incredibly heavy building material as light as a feather, and it landed steadily on the designated base.
"Great! Perfect location!"
Below, Yahiko, wearing a hard hat and mud-splattered work clothes, shouted loudly, holding a crumpled drawing in his hand, which was covered with notes left by Nishikawa Tetsu.
"Wind Release Team! Prepare to stir! Water Release Team! Add water!"
Under Yahiko's command, a dozen Akatsuki members wearing uniforms with red cloud patterns printed on the back immediately sprang into action.
"Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!"
"Water Release: Water Chaos Waves!"
Wind and water converge in a huge mixing tank, perfectly blending the special quick-drying cement powder sent by Nishikawa Tetsu with the gravel from the Land of Rain.
Just minutes later, a smooth, sturdy gray road stretched out from the muddy swamp.
"So... is this what Che meant by 'to get rich, build roads first'?"
Xiao Nan floated in mid-air, with wings made of waterproof oil paper behind her.
Holding the ledger in her hand, she stared in awe at the road stretching outwards at an astonishing speed below.
The changes in the Akatsuki organization during this period can only be described as earth-shattering.
With the initial capital accumulated from selling penicillin, coupled with the infrastructure technology provided by Nishikawa Tetsu, they did not rush to recruit soldiers and engage in fighting. Instead, they did something that no one could understand—building roads, bridges, and houses.
In this war-torn country, riddled with mud, a dry, flat, paved road that allows caravans to pass quickly is nothing short of a miracle.
"That's incredible."
On a hillside not far away, Jiraiya sat cross-legged on a large rock, holding a pen in his hand and a thick manuscript spread out on his lap.
He originally wanted to write a passionate novel about the perseverance of ninjas, and he even had a title in mind: "The Tale of the Rooted Ninja".
But looking at the scene before him, he suddenly felt that his material had gone a bit off track.
"This isn't a ninja organization; it's clearly the Akatsuki's construction crew!"
Jiraiya retorted, but he couldn't hide the smile on his lips.
He watched Nagato skillfully use the Rinnegan's abilities to move bricks, watched Yahiko expertly manage manpower like a foreman, and watched those once desperate refugees now sweating as they built their homes.
This vibrant and hopeful scene was more beautiful than any landscape he had seen during his many years of traveling the ninja world.
"Perseverance... it's not just perseverance in battle, but also perseverance in construction."
Jiraiya lowered his head and wrote a line on the manuscript paper:
A ninja is someone who can endure. But if that endurance can be transformed into the power to change the world, then that person is a change agent.
"Teacher! Come quick, help!"
From afar came Yahiko's shout: "The foundation here is too soft; you need to reinforce it with your earth-style techniques!"
"Here they come! Honestly, I'm one of the legendary Sannin, and you're using me like a laborer..."
Jiraiya closed the book, complaining as he jumped down, his body behaving itself.
"Earth Release: Swamp of the Underworld... no, it's Earth Flow Wall Technique!"
……
The Akatsuki's infrastructure boom soon extended beyond this small valley.
As the road extended, several nearby villages were connected, and caravans began to be willing to travel on this "Dawn Toll Road" because, although they had to pay tolls, it was much more worthwhile than getting stuck in the mud or being robbed by bandits.
Capital flowed back, and a good reputation was established.
The Akatsuki's influence finally caught the attention of the man standing at the pinnacle of the Land of Rain.
Rain Village, atop the tall tower.
Hanzo the Salamander wore a gas mask, held an intelligence scroll in his hand, and narrowed his one eye slightly.
"Build roads? Open trade routes? And even build houses for homeless people?"
Hanzo's voice was hoarse and deep, carrying an elusive quality.
"What are these kids up to? Are they trying to win people over?"
The Rain Ninja captain standing below him cautiously reported, "Lord Hanzo, according to our investigation, the leader of the organization called 'Akatsuki' is one of three young men, one of whom... seems to be the white-haired disciple of the three Konoha ninjas you let go back then."
"Jiraiya's apprentice?"
Hanzo snorted coldly.
"No wonder they were able to cause such a commotion, but..."
His gaze fell on a line of data on the scroll: "[Akatsuki-controlled area: trade tax revenue quadrupled, grain production doubled]".
Hanzo was a suspicious dictator, but he was also a realist.
After the Second Shinobi World War, Amegakure was severely weakened and its finances were depleted.
Although he was called a demigod, he could not conjure money or food.
Instead of causing him any trouble, these little devils turned that originally barren land into a treasure trove.
"Sir, should we send troops to wipe them out?" the captain asked tentatively. "They are very popular among the common people and may threaten your rule."
"Eradicate?"
Hanzo glanced at him as if he were a fool.
"If you kill them, who will build my roads? Who will pay my taxes? Are you going to do it?"
The captain immediately fell silent.
"The Land of Rain needs to recuperate and rebuild."
Hanzo rolled up his scroll and turned to look at the continuous rain outside the window.
"Since they're willing to be the sucker and clean up my mess, then let them do it."
"Relay my orders."
Hanzo's voice echoed in the empty hall:
"Send an envoy to contact that brat named Yahiko and tell him that Amegakure recognizes Akatsuki as an official partner."
"I can provide them with official trade licenses, and even temporarily grant them autonomy over that area."
"but……"
A cold glint flashed in Hanzo's eyes:
"In exchange, the people of Amegakure will use the roads they repaired free of charge. They will also have to hand over 40% of their profits to the village."
……
Xiao's organization base, meeting room.
Yahiko's hands trembled slightly as he looked at the letter of intent for cooperation stamped with the salamander seal in his hand.
"Lord Hanzo... he actually approached us for cooperation?!"
Yahiko felt like he was dreaming.
That's a demigod, the sky of the Rain Kingdom!
They used to avoid the Rain Ninja, but now Hanzo has actually acknowledged their status?
"Calm down, Yahiko."
Xiao Nan poured cold water on the idea, pointing to the "40% tax" clause in the terms.
"This is clearly treating us as tools to make money. Forty percent... that's outrageous."
"Give it to him."
Nagato, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke.
Those mosquito-coil-like eyes looked exceptionally deep in the shadows.
As Chejun once said: "Problems that can be solved with money aren't really problems. What we need now isn't money, but time and space."
Nagato looked at Yahiko, his tone firm:
"Once Hanzo acknowledges us, we will have a legitimate cause. We can recruit people and expand openly and legitimately."
"Consider this 40% tax revenue as protection money paid to him."
"When our roads cover the entire Land of Rain, when all caravans only recognize the banner of 'Akatsuki'..."
Nagato didn't continue speaking, but Yahiko understood.
That's what Chejun meant by "surrounding the cities from the countryside"—the final stage.
"good!"
Yahiko slammed his hand on the table, full of confidence and high spirits.
"Then sign! Tell Hanzo's messenger that our Akatsuki organization is willing to contribute to the prosperity of the Land of Rain!"
Jiraiya stood at the door, looking at his three disciples who had fully grown up and were beginning to vie for power in the vortex of politics and interests, and smiled with satisfaction.
Then, he touched the manuscript in his arms with a touch of melancholy.
"It seems that the ending of 'The Tale of the Rooted Ninja' will be even more exciting than I imagined."