Naruto: A New Life with Tsunade

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The Execution Grounds in the Land of Waves

At the crowded execution grounds in the Land of Waves, a three-tiered arena buzzed with anticipation. People gathered in droves, their collective anger and anticipation creating a tense atmosphere. All eyes were locked on the condemned figure of Gato, the merchant tyrant whose once-commanding presence was now reduced to a quivering shadow.

From the sidelines, Natsume, using the alias "Takashi," observed the scene in silence. Half a month had passed since he had entrusted his development plans to Mihashi, who now stood beside him, awaiting further instructions. While Natsume didn't claim to be a politician, his strategic mind and ability to inspire loyalty had been invaluable in restoring order to the fractured nation.

Since Gato's empire collapsed, Mihashi and his team had taken control of Wanli Sunshine Shipping, Gato's sprawling enterprise. By monopolizing the shipping trade, they completed the first step toward rebuilding the Land of Waves. However, the next phase—earning the people's trust and establishing a stable governance—would be even more challenging.

The people's hatred for Gato made this task easier. The tyrant had devastated their lives: destroying livelihoods, confiscating property, and even executing Kesha, Tazuna's adopted son, for daring to lead a rebellion. With Gato's downfall imminent, the spark of hope began to flicker among the crowd.

On the raised platform at the center of the arena, Tazuna, the renowned bridge builder, addressed the restless masses. Natsume harbored little personal affection for the man, but he understood the value of Tazuna's reputation as a local hero in rallying support.

"Citizens of the Land of Waves!" Tazuna's booming voice echoed over the crowd. His weathered hands gripped the platform's edge as he surveyed their expectant faces. "Why does this man stand before us today? Why does Gato deserve death?"

The crowd responded with murmurs of agreement, their voices carrying the weight of shared suffering.

"Because he stole our livelihoods! He burned our ships, plundered our homes, and crushed our spirits under the weight of his greed!" Tazuna's tone grew firmer, his words striking a chord. "But today, we take back what is ours. Today, we end his reign and begin the path to a brighter future!"

The murmurs swelled into a thunderous roar of approval. Tazuna raised his hand, silencing them before continuing.

"With Lord Takashi's arrival, hope has returned to the Land of Waves. Together, we will rebuild! Jobs will be plentiful, the trade routes will reopen, and prosperity will return to this land!"

Natsume watched the crowd's shifting expressions. The anger that had simmered moments ago was now morphing into cautious optimism. Tazuna's speech had hit its mark.

"And speaking of jobs," Tazuna added, his voice growing lighter, "Wanli Sunshine Shipping is hiring! We need workers for bridge construction, fishing, and trade. There is work for everyone. Let us rebuild this land, together!"

The promise of jobs ignited cheers among the crowd, their despair replaced with hope for the future.

Turning back to the executioner, Tazuna's face darkened. "End it."

The executioner stepped forward, raising his blade. With a clean stroke, Gato's head rolled to the ground. The crowd erupted in cheers, a cathartic release of their pent-up anger and sorrow.

Natsume turned to Mihashi. "The people are yours now," he said, his tone measured. "Don't squander this opportunity. Build their trust, but maintain order. Fail me, and I will find someone who won't."

Mihashi bowed deeply, determination etched into his expression. "Yes, Lord Takashi. I won't let you down."

Satisfied, Natsume left the execution grounds, his mind already focused on his next destination: Kirigakure, the Hidden Mist Village.

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Kirigakure, the Hidden Mist

Three days at sea brought Natsume to the fog-laden harbor of Kirigakure. The air was thick with moisture, the oppressive mist concealing much of the village. As the ship docked, he was greeted by Terumi Mei, the Mizukage assistant a striking woman with reddish-brown hair and piercing green eyes.

"Welcome to Kirigakure, Lord Takashi," Mei greeted him, her tone polite but edged with caution.

Natsume, still masked, nodded slightly. "Lead the way."

Mei gestured, and together they began their trek toward the village center. As they traversed the narrow streets, Natsume took in the dismal state of the Hidden Mist. Once infamous as the "Bloody Mist," its aura of danger had faded, replaced by an air of stagnation and defeat. The villagers moved about their business, their expressions tired and resigned.

"Our village has seen better days," Mei admitted, her voice calm but laced with bitterness. "Years of internal strife have left us isolated. Trade is nearly nonexistent, and our allies have turned their backs. So tell me, Lord Takashi—why invest in us now?"

Natsume chuckled softly, the sound echoing eerily from beneath his mask. "Where others see ruin, I see potential," he replied. "Kirigakure's struggles make it a blank slate. With the right investments, this village can reclaim its former glory. A profitable partnership for us both."

Mei studied him, her sharp emerald eyes narrowing. She had dealt with many opportunists, but something about Natsume felt different. His confidence wasn't rooted in arrogance but in calculated precision.

"I admire your ambition," Mei finally said, her tone softening. "If your intentions are genuine, Kirigakure will do its part to ensure your trust is rewarded."

"Good," Natsume replied simply. "I wouldn't expect anything less."

As they approached the Mizukage's office, Mei glanced at her mysterious guest, a flicker of hope stirring within her. For the first time in years, she dared to believe that Kirigakure might rise again.

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Natsume was received with great respect upon his arrival in Kirigakure. The Mizukage ensured he stayed in one of the finest accommodations the village could offer, complete with meals that were considered delicacies in the Land of Water.

But none of it impressed him.

The room, while comfortable, couldn't compare to the opulence of the Gunma Casino—a project he had personally overseen and designed. The seafood-based cuisine, though exquisite by local standards, quickly felt monotonous to his more refined palate.

Terumi Mei, the future Fifth Mizukage, had been occupied with her duties and hadn't given him much attention. After escorting him to his quarters on the first day, she hadn't returned until the fourth.

"Lord Takashi," Mei greeted him with her usual composed elegance, "I trust Kirigakure has been to your liking."

Natsume's reply was blunt. "It's underwhelming."

Mei's brows furrowed slightly, though she masked her reaction well. During his stay, Natsume had wandered the village, quietly observing. What he saw disappointed him.

No wonder people dream of Konoha, he thought. Despite Kirigakure's abundant natural resources, its lack of development and lingering scars from the Bloody Mist era were painfully apparent.

"It's the limitations of the times," he muttered under his breath, his tone tinged with frustration. Mediocrity irritated him. While he had initially come to Kirigakure with modest expectations—perhaps to influence minor events—Terumi Mei's personal interest in meeting him had sparked a more ambitious idea.

Perhaps I could do something more substantial.

The thought intrigued him. If he could reshape Kirigakure's economy through strategic investments, he might influence not just the village's future but the balance of power in the ninja world.

"Kirigakure has deep-rooted traditions," Natsume began, his voice calm but firm. "Do you plan to change that?"

Mei's eyes narrowed slightly. "What are you suggesting?"

Natsume offered a small, knowing smile. "Your village carries the weight of its past. I'm not here to dwell on that. Instead, I see potential—potential in you."

Mei's expression softened slightly, though her wariness remained. His words were unexpected but struck a chord. A perceptive man, she thought. More than just a businessman.

"Change doesn't happen overnight," Mei said cautiously.

"You're young," Natsume remarked, his smile widening slightly. "The future belongs to you. With the right tools, you can shape it."

Mei regarded him thoughtfully. "I'm listening. What exactly are you proposing?"

Natsume retrieved a scroll and unfurled it on the table between them, revealing a detailed map of the Land of Water, its islands and waterways carefully outlined.

"I want to invest in the Land of Water's geography," he began, pointing at the map. "Specifically, its waterways."

Mei's brow furrowed. "Shipping and trade routes fall under the daimyo's jurisdiction, not mine. If you're looking for commercial contracts, you're in the wrong place."

Natsume chuckled softly. "This isn't about conventional trade. I'm proposing something far more ambitious—establishing new trade routes while employing Kirigakure's shinobi to oversee and protect them."

Mei's interest was piqued, though her expression remained measured. Shinobi commissions traditionally revolved around escort missions, surveillance, or assassinations—not construction or logistics. His idea was unconventional.

"And the compensation?" Mei asked, her tone sharp but curious.

"Jōnin will earn A-rank mission pay, Chūnin will receive B-rank, and Genin C-rank," Natsume replied smoothly. "The total payout will depend on the scale of the operations."

Mei's eyes widened slightly. With Kirigakure's economy in a downturn, many shinobi had been left idle. This proposal could revitalize the village's economy.

"How many shinobi would you require?" she asked, carefully masking the growing excitement in her voice.

"A significant number," Natsume said, gesturing at the map. "I plan to construct five major waterways—one to connect the Land of Water's islands and four extending outward to link neighboring nations."

Mei studied the map closely, realization dawning. "You aim to control sea routes," she said quietly.

"Precisely," Natsume confirmed. "This will disrupt current shipping networks controlled by foreign powers. That's where Kirigakure comes in. Your shinobi can protect the operations and maintain order."

Mei leaned back in her chair, her mind racing. The benefits were enormous. This venture wouldn't just create jobs but could also position Kirigakure as a formidable economic and military force.

"Foreign powers won't stand idly by," she warned. "Many of the shipping companies you'll be competing with are backed by other nations."

"There will be resistance," Natsume acknowledged, "but also opportunities. Controlling these waterways would allow Kirigakure to project its influence far beyond its borders. Imagine warships patrolling these routes, enhancing your defenses and expanding your reach."

Mei's eyes widened at the implications. Kirigakure had always been limited by its geography, its military actions constrained by the seas. A dominant naval presence could change everything.

"You're either a visionary ally or a dangerous enemy," Mei said, her voice low.

Natsume's smile deepened beneath his mask. "Fortunately for you, I prefer to be an ally."

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