When Naruto returned to the Land of Waves, the entire nation was engulfed in a wave of construction fervor. At a glance, the Land of Waves seemed to be ablaze with energy.
Although Naruto had been gone for less than a month, the country had undergone a dramatic transformation. The once gloomy and lifeless atmosphere had been replaced by a vibrant and dynamic spirit.
Throughout the Land of Waves, residents could be seen bustling about, and several transport vehicles carrying various materials moved through the towns. Workers then used carts to transport the building materials to where they were needed.
This was almost unheard of in the previous Land of Waves. Back then, whether in the central urban areas or the rural outskirts, the roads were naturally formed dirt paths. They were not only unsuitable for vehicles but also treacherous for pedestrians, who often slipped and fell.
As the saying goes, 'To get rich, build roads first.'
Well-maintained and convenient roads are the cornerstone of a nation's development. In less than a month, the roads in the Land of Waves had undergone a basic renovation. The once uneven, muddy dirt roads were now covered with a layer of evenly spread gravel and fine sand, making them more stable. Many of the main roads had even begun to be paved with bricks and cement.
While the roads were being repaired, Academy, hospital, and factories were also under construction, with many Ninja assisting at these important sites. When steel needed to be smelted, several Uchiha Ninja skilled in Fire Release would use their Ninjutsu. When foundations needed to be laid, other Uchiha Ninja who had learned Earth Release would come to help.
Currently, the only Ninja in the Land of Waves were from the Uchiha Clan. This arrangement had significantly improved the Uchiha Clan's reputation in the Land of Waves. Even though they maintained their usual cold and aloof demeanor, they were warmly welcomed by the people whenever they walked the streets.
In just half a month, the Uchiha clan had developed a sense of belonging to the Land of Waves. At least, they no longer felt as stifled as they had in Konoha.
Whether in the urban areas or the rural towns, every corner of the Land of Waves was filled with a vibrant, upward energy. Even while working, the people wore bright smiles on their faces, their eyes shining with hope and anticipation for a better life.
Because they knew that as long as they worked, they could eat well, dress warmly, and their lives would gradually improve.
This wave of construction was like a spring breeze, warm and full of vitality, breathing new life into the Land of Waves. It not only transformed the nation's appearance but also awakened the people's inner longing for a better life.
Seeing this scene and the current talent pool, Naruto was confident that within five years, the Land of Waves' industrial and living standards would surpass those of the Five Great Nations, becoming a top industrial power in the Ninja World.
The Ninja World was never lacking in productivity, and it just needed someone to harness it correctly.
After returning, Naruto once again summoned the current top leaders of the Land of Waves.
In just a short time, the people present had undergone significant changes, especially the members of the Uchiha Clan. Their previously icy and stern expressions had softened somewhat.
Nono had also changed noticeably, primarily due to the arrival of Kabuto, which had brought her great joy. Taking advantage of the fact that the hospital had not yet been completed, she had opened an orphanage in the Land of Waves.
Many children who had previously been begging on the streets or relying on the kindness of strangers were now taken in by her. Additionally, children whose parents were too busy working to care for them were also sent to her for fostering.
Having once again become the director of an orphanage, Nono exuded even more warmth and approachability.
As for Gato, if a puppet were to change, it would turn into a horror story.
Naruto didn't waste much time and quickly introduced the new members.
"I won't introduce Orochimaru in detail. I'm sure you all know him."
There weren't many surprised reactions, as Nonō and Izumi had already known. Only Inabi's expression hadn't quite recovered.
Naruto then turned to Kakuzu.
"His name is Kakuzu. He used to be a Ninja in Takigakure. He's someone who once fought against the Shodaime Hokage, Hashirama Senju." Naruto subtly hinted at Kakuzu's strength.
"In the future, he will be the financial overseer of the Land of Waves, and he will also be responsible for the Financial Affairs Bureau. Any funding requests you have will need his approval."
Hearing this, Kakuzu's eyes lit up. He hadn't expected Naruto to actually put him in charge of a nation's finances. He had never managed such a wealthy account before.
The others, however, were still processing what Naruto had just said?
'He fought against the Shodaime Hokage?'
'Are you kidding? Then this Kakuzu is probably older than even Sandaime Hokage.'
Naruto didn't elaborate further, letting them fill in the gaps themselves. It would make future work easier.
"Nono, you and Gato will organize the financial situation of the Land of Waves and then hand over the relevant work to him."
"Understood."
"Understood."
Both Kakuzu and Nono agreed at the same time.
"Next, these two are Uzumaki Kaho and Uzumaki Karin, my clansmen. They have considerable talent in Medical Ninjutsu, so Nono, you'll be responsible for them."
Naruto looked at Nono again. He realized that Nono was an incredibly capable secretary. Many tasks he only needed to brainstorm and mention, and Nono would handle them.
Nono had no objections. She quite enjoyed her current life, which is far removed from the cruelty of Ninja life and the deceit of espionage. Every day, she completed Naruto's tasks and spent time with the children. Compared to her past life, this was like heaven.
"These three are Mui, the former warden of Hozuki Castle, and his juniors, Muku and Ryuzetsu. Then..."
Naruto paused for a moment, and suddenly felt a little embarrassed, and then said: "Nono, could you also find some people to set up a temporary prison for those who cause trouble? Also, allocate some resources to help Orochimaru establish a research base. The specific requirements will be up to him."
"Understood."
Nono simply smiled calmly. This wasn't a big issue. After all, the Land of Waves had a decent population, and the people were hardworking. Given the current scale of construction, it was still manageable.