Chapter 29: The Technology of the Hokage World
At the gates of Konohagakure—those massive structures that would stand guard over the village for decades to come—two gatekeepers found themselves in an awkward situation. Today, Kakuzu was trying to leave, and they had no choice but to stop him.
"Kakuzu-sama, this isn't our decision. We wouldn't dare block your way on our own," one stammered.
"It's an order from the Assistant Hokage. It came just a couple of days ago. If you'd like, we could ask for his confirmation first?"
Kakuzu's gaze shifted to the side, lips curling into a faint smirk. The so-called "Assistant Hokage" was none other than Tobirama Senju. A few days earlier, Tobirama had installed a sensory barrier at the gates of Konoha—one specifically designed to react to anyone marked with his Flying Thunder God seal. The moment such a person crossed the boundary, Tobirama would sense it immediately.
It didn't take a genius to see this was aimed squarely at Kakuzu. Tobirama's goal was clear: to prevent Kakuzu from accumulating wealth and property in Konoha to the point of monopolizing the village's economy. If left unchecked, Kakuzu's financial empire might one day turn the entire village into his personal asset.
Kakuzu ran a hand through his hair, looking toward the Hokage Building in the distance. Sometimes, between sharp minds, words were unnecessary. A single glance conveyed everything.
This move was just the prelude, Kakuzu thought. No doubt a set of anti-monopoly regulations would soon be introduced to Konoha's policies.
"Forget it," Kakuzu finally said, his voice calm.
He turned back to the gatekeepers, eyes glinting with faint amusement.
"I heard the Assistant Hokage got scolded like a dog during the Senju clan's meeting for his dealings in the black market. Did you two hear about that?"
The gatekeepers exchanged uneasy glances, sweat forming on their brows. They didn't dare respond. Rumors about Tobirama's experiments and black-market activities had indeed been circulating, but talking about such matters—especially in front of someone like Kakuzu—was asking for trouble.
Kakuzu chuckled softly at their silence, then turned to head back into the village. There was no point in pressing them further. His current life of collecting rent wasn't particularly exciting, anyway. A new business venture was in order.
But what kind of business? Kakuzu wasn't one to wander the world selling goods like an ordinary merchant. His ambitions leaned toward manufacturing—something innovative and impactful. And after some thought, he'd found the perfect idea: glassmaking.
On a mountain ridge, Kakuzu held a piece of quartz in his hand. In modern terms, quartz could be refined into transparent glass of high quality. While rudimentary glasswork existed in this era, it was largely crafted from sand, resulting in a crude product that barely let light through.
Kakuzu estimated that with the right processes, it wouldn't take more than 15 years for quartz glass to revolutionize the glass industry in this world. This innovation would bring about a new era of clarity and craftsmanship. Even Sarutobi Hiruzen's crystal ball, used for dubious spying purposes, would look far better without the grainy imperfections of sand-based glass.
Once he'd reached this conclusion, Kakuzu set his plans into motion. He didn't need to produce the glass himself, he simply needed to fund and guide its development. Quartz glass was the future, and Kakuzu was determined to lead the charge.
In Konoha, he recruited skilled craftsmen and blacksmiths to create his first batch of quartz glass. When the work was done, the result was nothing short of extraordinary—smooth, transparent, and flawless. Compared to the primitive sand-based glass, it was a world apart. Even the craftsmen were amazed at its quality.
Kakuzu, however, kept the formula for quartz glass production a closely guarded secret. Not because it was particularly difficult to replicate—given time, others could undoubtedly figure it out—but because staying ahead of the competition was key. Innovation was his weapon.
Soon, Kakuzu's glass factory was ready to open its doors. He planned to dominate the market, setting a new standard for glass across the Fire Nation.
After a long day of preparations, Kakuzu stretched and began the walk back to his estate. Even from a distance, the sheer size of his property—a cluster of over a hundred houses—was striking.
Just as he approached, his footsteps faltered.
"Oh? Momoka-san, to what do I owe the pleasure?"
Standing at his doorstep was Momoka Senju, the third most influential figure in the Senju clan. Her presence here wasn't a casual visit—it was clear she had important business with him.
Momoka brushed her hair aside, revealing a face that was both delicate and commanding. Dressed in her ninja attire, one hand rested on her sword, while the other gently nudged a small child forward.
"My apologies for intruding, Kakuzu-san," she said, her voice firm yet polite. "I need to temporarily leave this child in your care."
Kakuzu's gaze shifted to the boy. He was small, perhaps five or six years old, with a lean frame and a ponytail that tied back his long hair—a common style in the shinobi world. His large, tearful eyes hinted that he'd been crying not long ago.
It seemed today's real protagonist was this child.
----------------
Please write several reviews for the fanfic to get a rating (1 last review to get a rating)
Read more than +100 chapters and support me on Patreon
Patreon(.)com/Jixo