Naruto: Starting by Marrying Uchiha

The Land of Rivers! A small nation situated south of the Land of Wind and the Land of Fire.

Due to the great war between the two major ninja villages, this small nation, which originally relied on external resources, has now become a living hell.

And the Starting Point Orphanage was established in this small country.

As for the location, Hyuga Aotsuki chose a vast but desolate area by the sea, devoid of resources.

If it were a fertile land or resource-rich, it would have already been occupied by others.

Shinko Island! That's the name of this island, which spans several dozen square kilometers.

On the island, there are only a few simple wooden huts.

Today.

A caravan consisting of dozens of horse-drawn carriages arrived on the island.

Upon closer inspection, one would notice the wheels of these carriages deeply embedded in the ground, indicating they were fully loaded with goods. 

The streaks of crimson also hinted at the challenges faced along the way.

They fought their way here! The allure of their caravan drove the bandits and refugees along the route into a frenzy.

Even knowing they might die, they rushed forward one after another.

Yes, this is the hellish ninja world, and it's the reason why Takashi, despite not being attached to the Leaf Village, is reluctant to leave.

It's like before crossing over, having experienced the prosperity of a big city, who would want to return to the countryside where there's no electricity, no internet, and even food is a problem?

So, unless absolutely necessary, he doesn't want to leave the Leaf Village.

"Finally here!"

Honda Masaru looked at the wooden huts in front of him and let out a gentle sigh of relief.

He couldn't understand why Takashi wanted to establish an orphanage in such a desolate place.

But that didn't stop him from cooperating.

If money was needed, he provided money; if effort was needed, he put in the effort.

There was no choice; Takashi offered too much.

Their previous collaboration had allowed the Honda Trading Company to expand rapidly.

Most importantly, they now had access to hire ninjas.

Being able to consistently hire ninjas meant that as long as they didn't encounter Sand Ninjas, their trade routes were incredibly safe. 

Additionally, being a supplier to the ninja army brought in significant profits.

Having gained so many benefits, it's no wonder he was almost blindly obedient to Takashi.

The supplies this time were purchased with his 'advance payment.'

"Quickly, unload the goods from the carriages!"

Several managers from the trading company swiftly directed the caravan members to unload the goods.

Takashi also stepped out from one of the carriages.

He hadn't been idle along the way, continuously studying puppet technique knowledge.

Even though it was just basic knowledge, there was plenty of room for application.

At this point, he had grasped some fundamental knowledge of puppet techniques.

At the very least, he could create simple puppets capable of basic movements without any issues.

In the Sand Village, this might be considered the level of a genin studying puppet techniques.

However, his standards weren't high; this level of puppet technique was sufficient for his needs.

"Takashi-kun!"

Hyuga Aotsuki, who had arrived a step ahead, approached with a timid figure in tow.

It was Guren! Compared to her previously emaciated appearance, she now looked much healthier, and her delicate features were more apparent.

"Let's go!"

Takashi smiled at Guren, who was secretly glancing at him, and then signaled Hyuga Aotsuki to lead the way.

Meanwhile, Yamakawa Koji stayed behind to oversee the work here.

Under Hyuga Aotsuki's guidance, Takashi entered the place he had only visited once before (when he first brought Guren).

But now it should be called the 'Starting Point Orphanage.'

This time, the Honda Trading Company brought along some craftsmen who would construct more buildings here.

Of course, these were just the visible structures.

The real laboratory wouldn't be entrusted to them.

Creak!

Opening the wooden hut, they followed a sloping passageway down into the underground.

A vast underground space.

Here, there was not only a fully equipped operating room and library but also a cultivation room where numerous plants were growing.

During her time here, Guren hadn't been idle.

Taking care of these plants was her job.

The reason the space was so large was that it was originally an underground cavern.

Otherwise, even with ninja techniques, creating such a large underground laboratory wouldn't have been possible so quickly.

Though small, it was complete! This vast underground cavern would become an extremely important base for Takashi.

"Well done, you've worked hard during this time."

Takashi praised Hyuga Aotsuki, who stood beside him with a face full of obedience, clearly wanting to be praised.

Despite having Kage-level strength, she was willing to work quietly for him without a word of complaint. Not praising her would be unfair to her efforts.

"As long as it's your command, Takashi-kun, I'm willing to do 'anything'!"

Hyuga Aotsuki replied, her words filled with unwavering loyalty.

Yes, she didn't know when it started, but she seemed to have become shaped for Takashi, living entirely for him. Hmm, much like Orochimaru and his subordinates in the future.

But Takashi thought about it for a long time and couldn't recall ever manipulating her.

It can only be said that self-strategy is the most lethal.

"Alright, I'll remember to reward you later!"

Takashi thought he should prepare a gift for her another day.

After inspecting the transformed underground space, he was extremely satisfied.

From now on, the surface would be the starting point orphanage, and the underground would be his laboratory.

Takashi had another purpose for coming this time.

Healing potion!

He urgently needed it, so he came here specifically to concoct a batch.

Injured!

There were quite a few over at Kikyo Mountain.

Previously, he had detained the remaining troops, and there were many injured among them. If not resolved quickly, they would have to be sent back to the village for treatment.

Of course, during this time, he also took the opportunity to create his first 'puppet.'

It resembled a plowing ox (roughly like this, but it could be opened on top for someone to stand and pedal).

However, it was entirely made of wood!

Steel was a luxury in the ninja world.

But after being 'enhanced' with puppet techniques, both the material and other aspects were much stronger.

Puppet techniques!

Takashi didn't need advanced control skills; he just needed the basic ability to enhance material performance with chakra and amplify various aspects.

This was practically a 'divine skill.'

Mechanical principles + puppet technique enhancement!

It was enough to amplify a person's strength tenfold or more.

And this was without a power core; with one, it would be even more incredible.

However, with this hand-crafted version of the 'wooden ox,' Takashi's first phase plan with the United Fruit Company could be launched.

Farming!

He couldn't stand the incredibly backward productivity of the ninja world.

So, the first core product of the United Fruit Company was this thing.

Manufacturing required knowledge of puppet techniques and chakra, but using it required none, and it was extremely durable.

After creating the product, Takashi immediately called Honda and the association's managers to test it.

On an open field on Shinko Island.

A wooden ox, with a meter-wide plow attached behind it, moved slowly forward, while two people pedaled on its back.

No chakra, just manpower!

This left Honda and several managers dumbfounded.

If they hadn't seen it with their own eyes, they wouldn't have believed that the strength of two people could surpass the efficiency of several plowing oxen.

"How is it?"

Takashi asked proudly.

Creating this thing wasn't technically difficult; any skilled puppeteer could 'craft' it.

The key was the creativity! Who would have thought to use puppet techniques to make something with no combat ability?

"Very impressive!"

Honda praised decisively.

As a businessman, he immediately realized the value of this thing.

At the very least, it was much more useful than plowing oxen, which only nobles and samurai had.

And this thing didn't need feeding, didn't get sick, didn't need rest... and so on.

The manpower consumption... there were plenty of people in the ninja world.

However, there was one crucial issue that needed solving.

"Can these puppets be mass-produced, and what is the cost?"

Honda was somewhat concerned.

If the quantity was small and the price high, it would be meaningless.

"I'll divide the blueprints into multiple parts. You can directly place orders with the Sand Village to have them handle the processing and manufacturing. 

They can be mass-produced, and the cost per unit will not exceed 500,000 ryo!"

When Takashi crafted the wooden ox, he naturally considered these aspects.

Even as a beginner in puppet techniques, he could craft it, let alone specialized puppeteers. With entry-level skills, they could craft all the parts of a wooden ox in one or two months.

And if they only crafted individual parts, the speed would be even faster.

Assembly line manufacturing, anyone? "That's fantastic!"

Honda couldn't contain his excitement after hearing this.

With these 'wooden oxen,' vast tracts of uncultivated land could be opened up, representing endless profits.

After settling these matters, Takashi also prepared to return to Kikyo Mountain.

He had to go back; they had urged him countless times, almost to the point of coming to drag him back.

(End of chapter)