Naruto-Start by eating the golden fruit

**Chapter: A New Beginning in Konoha**

The eighteenth year of Konoha marks a fresh start, with the village buzzing with more activity than the previous year.

While Konoha isn't officially holding a celebration, there's a notable reason for this increase in liveliness. Youya has established a winery, a food processing plant, and a cannery in the village. He has also ventured into silkworm breeding outside Konoha, expanded the steel plant, and assigned ninjas to clear fields and construct water conservation systems.

This initial phase requires a substantial investment with a long return cycle. Luckily, Tobirama is on the front lines and remains unaware of the transformations happening in Konoha; otherwise, he would likely demand a hefty sum of gold from Youya to distribute among the ninjas.

The ninjas on the front lines are working diligently. Youya acknowledges their efforts and agrees to provide rewards, but he knows he cannot simply hand out coins as Tobirama would suggest; doing so would set a bad precedent. Moreover, Konoha currently lacks sufficient funds for such recklessness.

However, this situation is not expected to last long. Youya envisions this year as a pivotal moment. He recognizes that the wealth in Konoha is concentrated within the Sarutobi and Shimura families, but these families tend to hoard their riches rather than invest back into the community. He understands that relying on these families for progress is unwise.

In the original timeline, the Third Hokage did little of substance during his tenure. His notable "achievements" seem superficial at best, including mentoring three students who eventually became known for their vices.

Despite appearances, the Third Hokage did make some moves, such as sending Shimura Danzo to the ANBU Root. This organization, while seemingly powerful, had little true influence under his leadership. Likewise, as a member of the Sarutobi clan, Hiruzen's focus appeared to be primarily on his son Asuma, leaving little for the rest of the clan.

Turning to other families, such as the Uchiha and Aburame clans, one can see a lack of ambition. The Akimichi clan, represented by Akimichi Tifeng, is tied closely to Tobirama but shows no significant progress. The Third Hokage, in contrast, invested in Namikaze Minato, a commoner, and groomed him despite his lack of a powerful background.

The overarching theme is clear: these families, while influential, do not dare to challenge the legacy of Hashirama and Tobirama. Youya realizes that without decisive action, he could end up in a similar predicament as the original Third Hokage.

So, what should he do? While Youya hasn't fully formulated a plan, one idea stands out: focus on empowering the villagers of Konoha, improving their livelihoods, and making them prosperous. As for the newly established factories, they will remain entirely under the control of Senju Tobirama. Youya knows that claiming to be the actual controlling shareholder would only lead to unwanted attention from the Konoha families. For now, he must grow and develop slowly.

In the spring of Konoha's eighteenth year, Youya undertook the project of revamping the village's streets, transforming them into a commercial district. By the summer, the commercial street was completed, attracting merchants eager to compete for one of the fifty shop quotas. The bidding for the land use rights alone brought in a staggering 300 million taels.

The reports from Tobirama on the front line left his expression unchanged, but the excitement about this first-year revenue was unmistakable. This was just the beginning, and the potential for future income was evident.

Notably, the Kirigakure family purchased ten stores, while the financially struggling Sunagakure managed to secure one, filling it with cacti, desert peppers, puppets, and ninja tools.

Upon learning that Sunagakure would be featuring puppets in their store, Youya's initial disinterest quickly shifted. After all, who could resist a two-dimensional, animated puppet?

However, upon visiting the store, he was met with a lineup of poorly crafted wooden puppets, devoid of any intricate design or artistry.

Pondering the situation, he pulled aside a young lavender-haired woman from Sunagakure.

"What can I get for you? Our desert peppers are quite delicious," she offered sweetly, assuming he was just another customer with limited funds.

Youya leaned in and whispered a proposal, causing her to recoil in shock. "You little brat! What do you think a puppet master is? Apologize at once!"

Youya maintained a serious expression. "Ten million taels."

The young woman was taken aback but fell silent. The dignity of her profession clashed with the enticing offer laid before her.

Swallowing her pride, she finally muttered, "How much?"

"Ten million taels."

"...Deal."

Despite her initial resistance, she couldn't ignore the lucrative offer. Youya nodded and handed her a sketch of the desired puppet.

"Make it exactly like this," he instructed.

"I know! I know!" she responded, her frustration evident. "I'll have it ready in a week. You can pick it up then."

"It's not just about picking it up. I want to take her home. She's my wife," Youya stated firmly.

The young woman's face twisted in disbelief. "What do you think a puppet is?!" she exclaimed, but the thought of the money quelled her indignation.

"Fine... Just come pick her up in a week," she begrudgingly agreed, her teeth clenched.

Youya, satisfied, produced a gold coin from his pocket. "This is the deposit."

Her eyes widened as she examined the coin, estimating its weight to be around 200 grams. Given the current spike in gold prices due to the war, her earlier indignation vanished.

With a bright smile, she pocketed the coin. "One week! I promise you'll be able to take her home!"

Youya left, content with the transaction. Meanwhile, a young man, busy outside the store, called out to her. "Sister, are you alright? We have customers waiting."

She waved him off. "Hey, just handle it yourself. Your sister has a big order to fill and won't be going out this week!"

"Ah?" he replied, bewildered.

In his mind, he couldn't shake the unsettling realization: Senju Tobirama must die. The protagonist can't ascend to the throne without his death. While abdication might be an option, as long as Tobirama lives, no one would be qualified to take that step.

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