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He had manipulated Konan's Shinobi way with just a few well-placed words.
It's akin to saying, "I just wanted a hug," and you foolishly believing it…
Konan remained oblivious to the insidious machinations of the "Adult world," nor did she realize that her Shinobi way had been broadened by Gojo Kaigetsu's manipulative charm.
She stated, with a hint of reservation, "However, my Paper Ninjutsu can't achieve such precise printing. I can only create the basic lottery ticket and the coating."
Paper Ninjutsu couldn't execute intricate printing!
Ultimately, this stemmed from a lack of precise chakra control. If Gojo Kaigetsu were to combine his Six Eyes with Konan's Paper Ninjutsu—the entire financial system of the Shinobi World would collapse. Currency would become worthless—It was a pity the two couldn't be combined.
Perhaps in the future, when "Gojo Nan" was born, and when "Gojo Nan" could skillfully control her chakra, they could begin to manipulate the currencies of the Four Nations.
However—Konan's inability to perform fine printing was, in actuality, a boon for Gojo Kaigetsu! If Konan knew the intricacies, it would be exceedingly difficult for him to secretly adjust the winning probabilities.
Outwardly, however, Gojo Kaigetsu feigned disappointment. "Is that so? That's—unfortunate. But no matter. Just focus on printing the standard paper. My workers will handle the finer details."
He quickly brightened, flashing a wide smile, and gestured towards the workers below, who were toiling away. "Actually, this is for the best. If you could handle the fine printing, my workers might lose their jobs."
"Jobs are hard to come by these days. I can't have them unemployed."
——
Under the warm, yellowish glow of the setting sun, the slogans emblazoned on the walls of the production workshop shone brilliantly:
[Wearing a raincoat is a sunny day, turning on the electric light is daytime]
[Seize the sunny days, seize the rainy days, and treat drizzle as a good day]
[Under the moonlight as daytime, a sunny day is worth two days]
[Light rain, work hard, heavy rain, work fiercely, no rain, work desperately]
Konan observed all these slogans, which essentially treated individuals as mere cattle and tools. Konan anticipated that the expressions etched on the faces of these worker friends would reflect "dissatisfaction," "resentment," and "a yearning for a future Konoha Fifty-Something to rectify the factory's exploitative practices." But none of that was present!
"They—they're all so—enthusiastic about their work?" Konan asked, bewildered.
"Why not ask one of them yourself?" Gojo Kaigetsu suggested with a friendly smile. "I had no idea you were coming. We've been together all day, my every move under your observation. There's no way I could have informed them beforehand."
Together all day?
Konan experienced a flicker of unease, and subconsciously squeezed her legs together. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was subtly amiss.
Shortly thereafter—Gojo Kaigetsu casually grabbed a worker sporting goggles: "You, come hither! I have mandated that you work day and night. Do you harbor any complaints?"
The worker flinched, his back straightening instinctively. A declaration of loyalty tumbled from his lips. "Not at all! We're all striving for Konoha! We wish we could split every minute in two to contribute to the village! Anyone who complains deserves to be burned by the Will of Fire!"
Though crudely put, his words resonated.
Gojo Kaigetsu continued, "There's no bright light in this factory. Why are you wearing goggles?"
The worker scratched his head, a sheepish expression on his face. "So I can always be prepared for your inspection, Advisor Gojo. Your Will of Fire shines so brightly; I feared I'd be speechless if I looked directly at you…"
——
Gojo Kaigetsu escorted Konan back to the office and shrugged helplessly: "In their own words, the salary of 10,000 ryō per month is merely the necessary nutritional expenditure to maintain the proper functioning of their bodies, and they themselves have no desire for monetary gain. They do not even wish for a salary increase."
No one wanted to destroy the world without reason. If they did—it meant they hadn't interacted enough with society.
At least, that was Gojo Kaigetsu's belief. Nagato and Konan, holed up in their Akatsuki hideout, rarely interacting with the people of Amegakure, hadn't truly experienced society.
Their work exposed them primarily to the darkness of human nature. The more they experienced the light, the more their Shinobi way, the foundation of Akatsuki, would waver. Gojo Kaigetsu could sense it—Konan's resolve was weakening.
A silence fell between them.
Konan abruptly changed the subject, asking a question unrelated to their business venture. "They're just Average people, unable to even mold chakra. Would you care for such people?"
Gojo Kaigetsu paused. "I've never believed Shinobi to be inherently superior. We all serve Konoha, we all serve its people. When we die, our souls return to hell. And aside from those who committed sins in life, all souls are equal."
Konan fell silent again, her gaze fixed on the Konoha workers toiling away below. She seemed captivated by their fervor.
A village's true nature is reflected in how it treats its weakest, its Average citizens.
Years ago, Konan had visited Kirigakure. The common people there lived in abject poverty, forced into servitude by the elite. But in Konoha—judging by the workers in this Average printing press, they seemed oblivious to hardship, happily placing the yoke upon their own necks.
No one worked harder than them?
No—Uttering such a statement would be an insult to the "Shinobi way" of these Average workers!
They didn't perceive their work as hardship, as servitude to the village elite like Gojo Kaigetsu. Konan saw in these Average people, in Konoha's weakest, a shared dream, a collective will to achieve Konoha's greatness.
Indeed—Konoha, from its apex to its foundation, was shrouded in this pervasive atmosphere. Thus, within the newly established commercial district, Konan could witness those sincere and unadulterated smiles.
Konoha's people were—pure.
A wave of helplessness washed over Konan. Even as an enemy, she couldn't help but admire Konoha. To oppose such a village—could they truly prevail?
The power of a united people was a formidable force. They were just Average people, unable to mold chakra, but their collective will, standing against Akatsuki—even if Nagato could destroy their bodies with Shinra Tensei, he could never, ever extinguish the fire in their spirits—the Will of Fire.
Moving mountains was easy; shaking Konoha was not.
Their fervent spirit could not be extinguished. Konoha—was indestructible.
Even if the ultimate weapon could deter other villages, it wouldn't work against Konoha. It would only strengthen their resolve, fuel their hatred, and sow the seeds for the next war.
Gojo Kaigetsu's voice continued, oblivious to her internal turmoil. "Besides the Konoha Welfare Lottery, there are also Konoha Development Bonds, and several Hokage Tower-backed enterprises preparing for their initial public offering—Regarding the expenses, Konan…"
"I don't want any money," Konan interrupted firmly. "Use my share to invest in Konoha's welfare programs. Build more shelters, provide better meals for orphans, more winter clothing—Use it for whatever you deem beneficial to Konoha."
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