The Price of Rebuilding

A tense silence filled the Hokage's office. Tobirama, Hiruzen, and the civilian councilor all turned their attention to Tetsuma, who had just entered the room with an audacious proposal.

Tobirama narrowed his eyes. "You want to privatize the orphanages?"

Tetsuma nodded without hesitation. "Yes. I'll build them, fund them, provide food, and hire Konoha's shinobi to maintain security."

Hiruzen exchanged a glance with Tobirama. Privatizing essential village infrastructure was unheard of.

The civilian councilor, however, perked up at the suggestion. "If we don't have to fund the orphanages, that frees up a significant portion of our budget…"

Tobirama raised a hand, silencing the man. "And what do you gain from this?"

Tetsuma chuckled, shaking his head. "I'm not doing this for free." His tone was firm but calm.

"I will also lend Konoha 500 million ryo. Enough to stabilize the economy and fund reconstruction. But—" He lifted a finger. "It will not be a gift. It's a loan."

Tobirama's expression remained unreadable. "With what conditions?"

"A 10% annual interest." Tetsuma's smirk was gone, replaced by a business-like seriousness. "The loan will mature in five years."

Hiruzen's jaw tightened. "You're asking the village to pay back 750 million ryo over five years?"

Tetsuma leaned against the desk. "Yes. I believe Konoha can manage that if it's handled wisely. And you know as well as I do, mixing personal feelings with business is a mistake. That's why I'm setting clear terms."

Tobirama sat back in his chair, studying his nephew. Tetsuma was clever. Ruthless, even.

A 500 million ryo injection into the economy could jumpstart the village's recovery. With the orphanages privately managed, Konoha's government wouldn't have to spend a fortune on them.

But at the same time, it put a significant portion of Konoha's assets under Tetsuma's control.

The civilian councilor nodded eagerly. "Hokage-sama, this could solve our problems."

Tobirama ignored him, instead locking eyes with Tetsuma. "And if Konoha cannot pay it back?"

Tetsuma met his gaze without flinching. "Then the village will owe me in other ways. But I doubt that will happen. With proper investments and economic growth, Konoha can easily repay the debt."

Hiruzen stepped forward. "What about the orphans? You would be responsible for thousands of children. If this is just a business move—"

Tetsuma cut him off. "It's not. Those kids lost everything in the war. I will give them a home. Better than what the village can provide right now."

Tobirama remained silent for a long moment.

Then, he exhaled slowly, his decision made.

"Fine. You have a deal."

Tetsuma's lips curled into a small smile. "You won't regret it."

I will have the money by the end of the week.