Chapter 198 Snow Country

   "Is this the kingdom of ghosts?"

  In Tsunade’s impression, Oni’s Country is just a neutral country located in a secluded place in the Ninja World.

  But because it is a neutral country, this is one of the few paradises in the ninja world.

  In Konoha's records, it has the same meaning.

  Peace, but didn't have much sense of presence in the ninja world before.

   The difference from other Ninja countries is that this is an unknown country.

  The daimyo and aristocratic system existed thousands of years ago and is still being followed today.

  A country without the jurisdiction of a daimyo, like the country of ghosts, is unique in the ninja world.

  The root of all this lies in the witches of the past in the kingdom of ghosts.

  According to legend, every priestess leader in the Kingdom of Ghosts has the mysterious power to suppress monsters and predict the future.

  Monster? From Tsunade's point of view, it might be something like a tailed beast.

   After all, tailed beasts are also called monsters by the world.

  The monsters in the kingdom of ghosts must be similar to tailed beasts.

  The so-called suppression of monsters by the witches in the country of ghosts should be to seal the monsters in the body and become a sealing method similar to Jinzhuli.

   It's just that after arriving in the land of the Oni Land, Tsunade knew that the records about the Oni Land in Konoha should be completely updated.

  The roads extend in all directions, and business travelers come and go in an endless stream.

   Even civilians walking on the road can wear bright and clean clothes.

   This is naturally nothing among the leaves, but looking at the entire Fire Nation, most of the civilians are wearing coarse clothes, their complexions are sallow, and the taxes are very heavy. Most of their faces are lifeless and lifeless. And once a certain place becomes rich, it will be attacked by bandits. Even if people continue to entrust missions to Konoha, the task of exterminating bandits can appear in Konoha thirty or fifty times a year.

  The country of ghosts is different. The villages and towns here are well-planned, there are many shops, and the residential and commercial areas are neatly arranged, giving people a pleasing feeling.

  The most important thing is that there are guards in every township, armed with sophisticated weapons, strong in physique and full of energy. They have obviously undergone militarized training, and they are not random security agencies.

   There is no shortage of important institutions that are beneficial to people's livelihood, such as schools and medical care.

  It cannot be compared with Konoha in terms of resources, but the integrity of the organization seems to be no worse than Konoha.

   But this is just a town, not a city in the kingdom of ghosts, let alone the capital.

  Even townships are like this, those cities that are more affluent, Tsunade can't imagine what it will be like.

   "Master Tsunade, the food here is delicious. Do you want me to buy some more to take with you? There is still a long way to Ziyuan City."

   Shizune, who was following Tsunade, took the takoyaki bought from the roadside and ate it deliciously.

   Already Shizune is a young girl with a long appearance. She has learned medical ninjutsu from Tsunade all these years. It can be said that she has mastered Tsunade's true teachings. Among the many medical ninjas in Konoha, few can surpass her.

   This time Tsunade went out to Konoha for 'business', and she was the only entourage.

   Originally Minato wanted to send two more guards to follow, but Tsunade flatly refused.

   "Just eat it yourself."

   Tsunade's focus is not on the delicious snacks of the ghost country, but also on the gorgeous and luxurious goods.

  Her purpose at the beginning was to ask the witches in the kingdom of ghosts and ask about the prophecy.

  The other thing is that I want to visit Ziyuanhua Pharmaceutical Company in the Oni Land, hoping to verify my medical ninjutsu knowledge, or I hope that the Oni Land can further reach a cooperative relationship with Konoha in this regard.

   This desire became stronger after coming to the kingdom of ghosts.

  Even so serious in his eyes.

   This country is... strange and powerful.

   But what is the specific strangeness, and what is the difference in essence compared with the Land of Fire? Tsunade couldn't figure it out for a while.

   It can only be said that a country without a name is so unique.

   "Is there something on Tsunade's mind?"

   Mute the sound to slow down the eating action.

   "No, I'm just surprised that the system here is so perfect."

   "Really? Isn't this normal? Konoha is more prosperous than here."

   Mute didn't feel anything strange.

  Although this small town is good, it is still much worse than Konoha.

  Whether it is size or population, it is far less prosperous than Konoha.

   Tsunade was a little speechless and smiled wryly.

  In these years, she has always brought Shizune with her, and she didn't go out to perform a few missions. She only cared about teaching her medical ninjutsu, but forgot the most important social practice.

  Comparing Konoha Village, one of the most prosperous villages in the Land of Fire, with a little-known town in the Kingdom of Ghosts, Konoha has already lost.

   "How about comparing it with the villages and towns in the Land of Fire?"

"Well…"

   Mute is not stupid, and quickly thought of the key.

  The prosperous areas of the Land of Fire are limited to a few places, and Konoha is just one of them.

  Where in the country of ghosts along the way, there are no bandits running rampant in any area, and the streets are occasionally chaotic, and security personnel will soon come to stop and suppress the offenders.

   "Remember when we entered the ghost kingdom?"

"Remember."

  Mute nodded.

  The gates to the kingdom of ghosts are strictly controlled by soldiers.

   Conduct extremely harsh inspections on the people who come and go.

  If you don't have a clean ID, you will be blocked and unable to pass.

  She and Tsunade also went through a series of strict reviews before they were allowed to enter. They were also given two short-term residence permits, which were valid for one month.

   More than one month, you will be 'invited' to leave the country.

  If you want to continue to stay in the Ghost Country, you must go to the corresponding official agency to apply for a long-term residence permit.

  If you enter illegally, or do not leave after the expiration date, special personnel will come and invite you to drink tea.

  Residence, entry and exit are all managed very strictly.

   This also means that there will be no unidentified people in the Kingdom of Ghosts.

  Ninjas who are wanted and defected cannot survive in this kind of country.

   "Let's go."

"oh."

   Not knowing what Tsunade was thinking, Shizune trotted after holding a lot of snacks and snacks.

  ◎

   It took half a day to arrive at Ziyuan City by carriage.

  As the capital of the ghost country, it is naturally more prosperous and majestic than the towns encountered on Tsunade Road.

  The planning of the entire city, the buildings and greening are arranged in an orderly manner without any clutter, and it looks clear at a glance.

  Different from Tsunade's focus, Shizune was completely attracted by the food on the roadside, as well as the tall and clean buildings, and he was dizzying.

   Tsunade took a deep breath.

   I underestimate this country a bit.

   No, it should be said that all countries have underestimated the country of ghosts.

   Tsunade has never been to the kingdom of ghosts before, and his understanding of the kingdom of ghosts is limited to the things in books and some fragmentary information obtained in recent years.

  With the rise of Ziyuanhua Pharmaceutical Company, people's impression of the ghost country is no longer limited to the word witch, and the pharmaceutical industry is also developed.

  Looking at it now, it's not just that.

   In terms of development in other aspects, the Kingdom of Ghosts is not far behind, as evidenced by the big businessmen who come and go.

   For some personal reasons, Tsunade has very close contacts with businessmen from various countries. Many stores in Ziyuan City are marked with the famous brands of international companies. Behind these companies are those well-known businessmen who are behind the scenes.

  Businessmen are mercenary. If they don't get any real benefits in the ghost country, it will be very difficult for them to stay in the ghost country.

  Now they are gathered in the ghost country for only one reason. The ghost country can bring them huge benefits, so they have to come here to cooperate with the ghost country's chamber of commerce.

   Therefore, Tsunade is not surprised that one day the Kingdom of Oni will surpass the Country of Fire economically.

  Perhaps, the GDP of Ghost Country in recent years is already very close to that of Fire Country.

  By taking advantage of the third Ninja War, Ziyuanhua Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. aggressively expanded its branches, and its brand was deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. It collected a lot of funds from various countries in the ninja world. Even Konoha, which had a relatively complete medical structure, became inert because of Ziyuanhua Pharmaceutical Company.

  This is the case for Konoha with a relatively complete medical structure, not to mention the rest of Shinobi Village, the inertia is probably more serious than Konoha.

  If one day Ziyuanhua Pharmaceutical Company no longer supplies medicines, the consequence is just thinking about it, and Tsunade's back is covered in cold sweat.

   Fortunately, the Kingdom of Oni is a neutral country, not a member of the Five Great Powers. It has no ambition to expand its territory, will not favor any side, and treats all countries equally.

  It is better for this kind of country to remain neutral. Tsunade thought to himself.

  From a personal standpoint, she appreciates the various wild and unconstrained policies of the Ghost Kingdom, but she is a Konoha ninja, and the entire Fire Kingdom stands behind her.

  If the kingdom of ghosts continues to develop at this terrifying speed, sooner or later it will affect the country of fire, affect the total production value of the country of fire, and then affect the development of Konoha.

  Once the GDP of the Land of Fire decreases, the funds supplied to Konoha will decrease, which is something Tsunade does not want to see.

  However, how to report this matter to Konoha, Tsunade thinks it is better to report to Minato, the newly appointed Hokage after meeting the shrine maiden.

   Tsunade found the diplomat of the ghost country who met him in Ziyuan City.

   Tsunade’s visit to Oni Land this time is with Konoha’s official documents, which is a diplomatic event.

  If you don’t do this, Tsunade won’t be able to meet the shrine maiden from the kingdom of ghosts.

  The priestess of the ghost country is no less noble than the daimyo of a country, and is the king of a country.

  The process of meeting the witch is very cumbersome.

   Tsunade is not from the country of ghosts, so without this method, if you want to see the shrine maiden, you can only see the mood of the other party.

   Even if the other party is unwilling to interview him, Tsunade can't find a reason to refute.

  With Konoha's official documents, there is no need for so much trouble.

   "Your Excellency Tsunade, I am very sorry, His Highness Maitreya is temporarily unable to meet anyone."

  The diplomat of Oni Land handed back Konoha's document, and replied to Tsunade with an apologetic expression.

   "What does this mean? Why do you say that you can't see anyone temporarily?"

   Tsunade was taken aback.

   "His Royal Highness Maitreya has withdrawn the maids and guards from the shrine palace since May of last year, and issued an order that no one will be allowed to approach the shrine where she is within 19 months."

   "Did something happen?"

   "The people in the military may know that, after all, as soon as the order is issued, the army will surround the shrine and prohibit anyone from entering. But in my opinion, it should be related to monsters. His Highness Maitreya does not want the disaster of monsters to affect ordinary people."

  The diplomatic official replied like this.

  Monster? Tsunade frowned.

  Is it a monster that has been passed down from generation to generation in the kingdom of ghosts?

  In Konoha's classics, there is indeed a record that every few decades, there will be a disaster caused by monsters in the kingdom of ghosts. Every time a disaster occurs, it is sealed by the witch herself.

  Could it be said that the ghost country has reached the moment when monsters once again cause disasters in decades?

   It seems that the timing is not right. Tsunade sighed inwardly.

   "If Your Excellency Tsunade has any important matters to discuss with His Highness Maitreya, please come back in a few months after His Highness Maitreya lifts the ban."

   "That's right. However, I heard that the kingdom of ghosts is now ruled by the military. Is there such a thing?"

   "I don't know much about this matter, but the actions of the military have always been instructed by His Highness Maitreya himself."

   Diplomats answered with impeccable answers.

   "Then can I visit it?"

   "This requires the instruction of His Highness Maitreya. The will of the military is determined by His Highness Maitreya."

   To put it simply, it means refusing Tsunade to investigate the Oni Country military.

   As for the will of the military, whether it is determined by Miko Maitreya, Tsunade is not an insider of the kingdom of ghosts, so naturally he doesn't know.

   It's just that many places in this country reveal a mysterious and weird feeling.

   Tsunade wants to collect more information about this country.

   She already has a general understanding of the prosperity and benefits system of the ghost country.

  The remaining most important military forces need to be carefully understood.

   But from the current point of view, the people of Ghost Country will not allow her to investigate the military's reality in the official capacity of Konoha.

   That’s right, how can a country’s military strength be known to outsiders casually.

  For now, I don’t know much about this country, so let’s investigate slowly in the future. Anyway, the neutral country is destined not to be the enemy of the Fire Nation.

   "Let's go, mute."

   Leaving the residence of the diplomat, Tsunade said something to Shizune.

   "Don't Tsunade-sama go to Ziyuanhua Pharmaceutical Company?"

"No."

   It is no longer necessary.

  The Kingdom of Ghosts has strict censorship in all aspects, and the technical protection of Ziyuanhua Pharmaceutical Company is even stricter. So far, there has been no theft.

  Otherwise, those barbarians in Yunyin Village would not have remained silent until now.

   It may have been tested early, but the people who were sent over have most likely evaporated.

   "Shall we go to another country next, Tsunade-sama?"

   "Well, but before going to other countries, I need to go somewhere else."

   Tsunade smiled.

"Where?"

   "Aster Flower Chamber of Commerce Headquarters."

   "Aster Flower Merchant Guild? What are you doing there?"

   Mu Yin looked bewildered.

  It is a place where businessmen only go to talk about work. Tsunade is not interested in doing business. Going to the headquarters of the Aster Flower Chamber of Commerce is of little significance to Shizune.

   "The Ziyuan Flower Chamber of Commerce is one of the few super-large chambers of commerce in the ninja world. I have already studied it, especially in terms of loans. The business chain is complete, the interest is not high, and it has an excellent reputation in the industry."

   "Loan, loan!? Tsunade-sama, don't you mean to..."

   Jing Yin suddenly thought of something, and had a bad premonition in his heart.

   "That's right!" Tsunade showed a bright smile on his face: "The official business is done, and then it's my turn to personal affairs. This is the top priority, Shizune, don't say something frustrating at this time, or I will throw you back to Konoha."

   "But like this, why do you need a loan? Master Minato, didn't you give us 500,000 taels of public funds?"

  And what is the most important thing, in Jing Yin's view, it is just gambling that is easy to teach children.

   I really don’t know where Tsunade-sama’s bad habits came from, and I should really teach him about the root of all evil.

   Shizune thought angrily.

   "Cut, what is five hundred thousand taels worth? Throw a few dice and it will be gone. That boy Minato is real, he only gave me five hundred thousand taels of public money. I must chew some of his ears at Kushina's in the future."

   Tsunade complained on the street, caring about no one else.

   Shizune couldn't laugh or cry, I don't know what to say Tsunade is good.

   Now that Konoha is in ruins, and has not been buffered from the shadow of war, how can there be so much money squandered.

   Besides, five hundred thousand taels is not a lot. They usually live frugally, which is enough for them to travel for a long time.

  ◎

   Tsunade left within a week after arriving in Oni Land.

  Subsequently, Tsunade also wrote a letter, writing down what he saw and heard in the ghost country in detail, and sent it back to Konoha through a secret channel.

   Within a few days, Minato received a letter from Tsunade.

   "The Kingdom of Demons..."

  Although Tsunade wrote a lot of opinions about the kingdom of ghosts in the letter, Minato, who lacks sufficient knowledge, still doesn't understand where Tsunade's focus is.

  However, Minato can see that Tsunade attaches great importance to the kingdom of ghosts.

  So Minato sent people to find Lu Jiu.

  The other party was born in the Nara family, with a flexible mind and a good grasp of the overall situation.

  During the third Ninja World War, and also at the meeting, many refreshing strategies were proposed to reduce the loss of Konoha.

  Shikahisa picked up Tsunade's letter and quickly scanned it.

   "How is it, Shikahisa? What do you think of Tsunade-sama's proposal?"

   "Well... How should I put it, although I can't imagine the specific intentions of Master Tsunade, there are some things that are worth learning from. For example, this kind of children's mental health care center helps children's physical and mental health, and prevents children from going astray in the future due to excessive mental trauma."

   Lu Jiu gave a sharp answer.

   At the same time, he also has a heart for the kingdom of ghosts.

  Children's mental health care, there are also medical ninjas who are as powerful as Tsunade in the Oni Land, and they have seen the essence of things that many people have not noticed.

   Those children who have not grown up are the real future of the country and the village.

  It can be said that children's psychological medicine is very important for the profession of ninja.

   "Is that so? Let me ask the daimyo for instructions."

  Konoha’s development funds all come from the fire country daimyo and nobles. Without their assistance, Konoha’s development cannot be said to be completely stagnant, but most industries will stagnate.

  For example, during the Second Ninja World War, the medical reform proposed by Tsunade would not have been possible without the help of daimyo.

   It just so happens that he also needs a sufficient performance to stabilize his position and make more ninjas in the village trust his ability to govern.

   "Wait, not now."

   Lu Jiu interrupted.

"Why?"

   "Because the funds involved are too huge. Konoha currently has a lot of funds, because of the follow-up effects of the war, they are all invested in cultivating ninja strength and pensions, and there is not much development funds."

"How much do you need?"

   Minato paused slightly, and asked Lu Jiu.

   "The initial investment is the sum of Konoha's ten-year military expenditure."

   Lu Jiu gave an almost desperate figure.

  Minato trembled as he picked up the pen.

"so much?"

   "If you want to complete all the reforms mentioned in Tsunade-sama's letter, the investment in the early stage is only a lot. As for the later stage, it is an astronomical figure. And money alone is not enough, you need a suitable system and professionals. There are none of these Konohas, and this will be another huge expense."

   Lu Jiu's face was heavy.

  What Konoha needs now is to cultivate his health and rest. Because of the impact of the war, Konoha is still struggling at this moment. How can he have any spare money to develop other industries.

   "The neutral country, the ghost country, is so rich."

   "It should be related to the previous war."

   Lu Jiu thought for a moment and answered.

   "War?"

   "Yes. In Konoha, there are now a total of six branches of Ziyuanhua Pharmaceutical Company. The medicines are of excellent quality and complete in variety. Whether it is medicines for ninjas or medicines for ordinary people, they are all available. Take breast enhancement medicine and beauty medicine for example... cough cough."

  Shikahisa gave Minato a look.

  Opening up the market with ninja wars, from military to civilian use, Ziyuanhua Pharmaceutical Company has completed all layouts, thoroughly rooted in ninja countries, and become a giant in the pharmaceutical industry.

   Even Konoha should be polite to Ziyuanhua Pharmaceutical Company now.

  Minato smiled wryly.

   Indeed, the so-called breast enhancement drugs and beauty drugs are not very attractive to men. However, for women, even many female ninjas in Konoha have become obsessed with this drug, which can be seen.

  Body and face are the lifeblood of a woman.

  In his family, Jiu Xinnai bought several bottles of such high-end medicines to contribute to the construction and development of the ghost country.

  This is just Konoha, the other four ninja villages, and important towns in other countries, the situation is similar.

   "I see, the reorganization matter, let's discuss it at the Jnin Conference in a few years. The daimyo also needs to obtain consent."

  After sitting in Hokage's seat, Minato understood how heavy the burden on Hokage was, which was completely different from what he thought when he was a child.

  Hokage doesn’t just do what he wants, especially the pressure exerted by the daimyo can make it difficult for Konoha to move.

   Moreover, the interior of Konoha is not calm now.

  Although Nemo and Danzo had successfully restricted the movements before, Minato knew that he and Hirzen III had already torn their faces.

  The recruitment of personnel from Anbu has not been effective for a long time.

  There are still very few people who can use it.

  Inokacho needs to stay by her side to guard against the counterattack of the third Naruto Hiruzen. The only thing that can be used in her hand is Kakashi.

   Now he can't even solve Konoha's internal affairs. The various attractive restructuring policies mentioned in Tsunade's letter may not be officially implemented even after a few years.

  Because of dealing with the internal affairs of Konoha, I have to drag the daimyo for a long time, which is more difficult than dealing with the internal affairs of Konoha.

   Minato began to have a headache.

   Lu Jiu saw Minato was distressed, and was about to offer some words of relief when there was a knock on the door.

   "Come in."

  Shuimen pack up his mood and let the person who knocked on the door come in.

  A Chunin enters and presents a scroll.

   "Master Hokage, this is an urgent letter from the Land of Snow."

   "Snow Country? Where is the messenger?"

   Minato reacted.

   "He is being rescued in the hospital, and he was covered in injuries when he came."

   Chunin replied.

   "It seems that something happened inside Snow Country."

  Lu Jiu stroked his chin, guessing.

   Minato opened the scroll, and after reading the above content, his face was solemn, and he said to the Chunin:

   "Call Kakashi who is on vacation, I have an important task for him."

   "Yes, Hokage-sama."

  The Chunin continued respectfully.

   "It seems that Kakashi's vacation has been wasted again, and he has just recovered from his injury."

   Lu Jiu showed a smile on his face.

  Minato sighed, and looked out the window at the scenery of Konoha.

   "No way, there are too many restrictions on me, Kakashi is the only candidate."

   "Indeed. But the Snow Country is adjacent to the Oni Country. After Kakashi completes the mission, let him go to the Oni Country to investigate. I am also curious about this country."

  Hearing Shikahisa's suggestion, Minato nodded, he thought so too.

  (end of this chapter)