Chapter 101: [100] Land of Rivers
The emerging power in the Land of Rivers bore little resemblance to a traditional ninja village.
Yet, the daimyo of the Land of Rivers sanctioned its existence. This faction leaned heavily toward commerce, though its strength was formidable.
Positioned between the Lands of Wind and Fire, it drew scrutiny from both nations. Their investigations, however, struggled to penetrate the faction's upper echelons.
Even deploying shinobi skilled in genjutsu proved futile. They couldn't get close to the leadership, and some perished in the attempt.
Incensed, Sunagakure once dispatched a Jonin-led team, only for the outcome to stun both nations. The Jonin returned, his face grim, reporting that one of the faction's leaders possessed at least Kage-level strength.
Kage-level power was a rarity in any village, prompting curiosity and caution from Wind and Fire. Neither dared to act rashly.
The faction soon established itself firmly in the Land of Rivers. In one region, towering skyscrapers rose, distinct from the region's traditional Japanese-style architecture.
These were built from blueprints provided by Tengen.
Indeed, this commercial empire in the Land of Rivers was the brainchild of Tengen and Kakuzu.
Named "Gen" After a character in Tengen's name, the faction reflected his vision. Kakuzu didn't mind, as long as profits flowed. Tengen's superior strength further cemented his indifference to the name.
The choice of "Gen" Held dual meaning: Tengen's identity and the concept of primordial energy, the essence of all creation. Tengen aimed to expand this empire across the entire ninja world.
In mere months, ninja labor accelerated construction, erecting skyscrapers that awed onlookers with their dozens of stories.
The headquarters resembled the modern cities of Tengen's former world, a feat enabled by the ninja world's skewed technology and supernatural forces.
As the headquarters took shape, Gen launched a slew of products, swiftly dominating the Land of Rivers' market and creeping into Wind and Fire.
Their catalog was vast, daily essentials, household goods, and more, catering to every need.
Catchy advertising slogans left lasting impressions, squeezing out rival brands.
Gen boldly enlisted ninja world celebrities for endorsements, a novel tactic that set them apart.
After probing Gen's supernatural defenses, the great villages ceased their overt actions.
Competing merchants stood no chance, lest they face annihilation.
Atop the first completed skyscraper, in the highest office, resided Gen's enigmatic supreme leader, unseen by all.
Kakuzu, the second-in-command, was a known figure.
Thus, the elusive leader was simply called "Gen" by outsiders.
Rumors swirled that this mysterious Gen wielded power beyond Kage-level, capable of crushing a ninja village single-handedly.
Mere speculation, perhaps, but over time, such tales blurred the line between fact and fiction.
On the top floor, Tengen gazed out the window at the rising skyline. "Kakuzu, you've done well. In just a few months, you've achieved this much."
Over these months, not only had the Land of Rivers' headquarters taken form, but their products had flooded the market, captivating nobles and commoners alike.
Their revenue stream was robust enough to sustain operations, and this was just the Land of Rivers, with minor inroads into neighboring nations. The potential profits from dominating the entire ninja world were staggering.
Kakuzu's heart burned with anticipation.
"Your guidance made it possible." Kakuzu said with a smile.
Alone, he couldn't have managed. While laborers were easily hired, Kakuzu was a novice in commerce. Tengen's frequent assistance shaped their strategy.
Tengen even provided sealing techniques to control local ninja forces, ensuring loyalty, willing or not.
For Tengen and Kakuzu, compliance was enough.
This ruthless efficiency fortified Gen's defenses in record time. Building such a force from scratch would have been impossible.
"You've changed a lot since a few months ago, Kakuzu." Tengen said, eyeing his business-elite attire with a grin.
"It feels good." Kakuzu chuckled.
"Hm." Kakuzu paused, pressing a device on his gear. "What's the issue?"
"Second Leader, another group of ninja tried sneaking in." a subordinate reported.
"Take Bumblebee and deal with them." Kakuzu ordered.
"Yes, Second Leader." the ninja replied via radio.
Cutting the signal, Kakuzu turned to Tengen. "That Bumblebee summon of yours is bizarre, a mechanical lifeform."
"Is it? As long as it's useful. If it's heavily damaged, let me know." Tengen said.
"Got it." Kakuzu nodded. "The ninja world's getting restless lately."
"Indeed. The great villages are stirring." Tengen said, his gaze thoughtful.
"Stirring, huh." Kakuzu agreed.
"Hm." Tengen's eyes shifted. "Kakuzu, I'm heading back."
With that, he vanished.
Space-time ninjutsu, Flying Thunder God Technique.
***
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