35: Chapter 35 The Apocalypse Chamber of Commerce Takes RootThe stench of bloodshed in the coastal town had not yet dissipated when a new order descended like an iron curtain.
The name "Tianqi Chamber of Commerce" spread rapidly like a plague at key points in the Land of Waves.
The dockworkers noticed that the previously domineering overseers had become unusually "well-behaved" and would even show stiff, strange "concern" for injured workers.
Black market transactions continue, but with an added invisible layer of oversight; any attempt to disrupt the new rules will quietly disappear.
In the center of the town, a secluded mansion that originally belonged to Kado has now become the temporary headquarters of the "Apocalypse Merchant Guild".
Inside the study, the candlelight flickered.
Naruto stood by the window, having changed into simple dark clothes, gazing at the silent night and the faint fishing lights on the sea.
Tsunade sat on the sofa to the side, unusually not holding a sake bottle, but holding a rough report on the recent movements of the Daimyo's Mansion in the Land of Waves, presented by the surrendered people.
"That cowardly daimyo has summoned his treasurer and chief bodyguard in the past few days.It seems he has heard some rumors and can't sit still."
Tsunade tossed the report onto the coffee table, her tone dismissive."They're probably figuring out whether to befriend us or try to contact outside help."
Naruto didn't turn around, his voice resolute: "He doesn't dare to ask for help.Gato was able to sideline him back then because he knew about his cowardice and the indifference of the surrounding major powers towards this small island."
"Now that Kado is dead, and we have arrived who are even more powerful than Kado and have demonstrated superb medical skills, his first reaction will only be fear and a sense of relief."
He slowly turned around, the candlelight flickering in his pupils."We need a compliant Land of Waves that can provide official cover, not a rebellious land that needs constant suppression.Therefore, this step in Daimyo Prefecture must be taken carefully."
"What do you plan to do?Just barge in?"
Tsunade raised an eyebrow.Although she preferred direct methods, she also knew that using force on the ruler of a country, no matter how minor, would likely cause a lot of trouble later on.
"No." Naruto's lips curled into a smile."Let him come over himself and hand us the reins.Fear and greed are the best whips to drive mortals."
He walked to his desk, picked up his pen, and quickly wrote two letters.
The letter, written in a respectful tone and in the name of the "Tianqi Chamber of Commerce," stated that it had heard of the daimyo's concerns about national affairs and that the chamber was willing to offer "strategies for national stability" and "secret medicines for strengthening the body," and invited the daimyo to discuss cooperation in three days.
The other letter was even shorter and more cryptic, written to Konoha Village and delivered precisely to Yamanaka Inoichi through the "tanuki" (raccoon dog) channel.
The letter to the daimyo was a calculated move, a show of goodwill tinged with aggression.
The letter to Yamanaka Inoichi was a hidden move.
The letter did not mention any sensitive information, but rather, in the tone of an anonymous old friend, it subtly implied that the country of Wave Kingdom was seeking long-term partners for "high-quality, stable and highly competitively priced medicinal herbs and marine resources," and attached a sample list and preliminary price quote that would tempt any businessman.
Naruto knew that the Yamanaka clan, who controlled one of Konoha's logistical lifelines, and their network of connections, were like a straw that quietly absorbed nutrients into the great tree of Konoha.
When you weave a web in the dark, every seemingly useless thread may become an iron chain that strangles your enemy in the future.
"Let's go, Grandma."
Naruto handed the letter to a former subordinate of Gato, who was waiting outside with a look of awe in his eyes.Now a errand boy on the outermost edge of the merchant guild, he said to Tsunade, "Let's go and give this Daimyo some reassurance."
Three days later, in the Daimyo Prefecture of the Land of Waves.
The mansion maintained its outward luxury, but a palpable sense of unease permeated the air.The guards gripped their weapons nervously, their eyes frequently glancing towards the gate.
Inside the reception room, the daimyo of the Land of Waves, a slightly overweight, pale-faced middle-aged man, was nervously wringing his hands.
Standing beside him were a nervous treasurer and a solemn-looking chief bodyguard.
When Naruto and Tsunade appeared at the doorway, all eyes instantly turned to them.There were no entourages, just the two of them.
Naruto was still dressed in dark casual clothes, with an indifferent expression.
Tsunade changed into a slightly formal tea-green dress, her long golden hair was tied up, she lost some of her usual laziness and gained more of the composure and imposing presence of a strong person.
"Mr.Mr.Daming, this is the Tianqi Merchant Guild." the attendant stammered as he introduced.
"No need for formalities," Naruto interrupted directly, his gaze falling on the Daimyo."I presume you already know why we are here."
His directness caught the daimyo off guard, causing him to break out in a cold sweat."Yes.yes.I appreciate the kindness of your guild.But this matter of state."
"State affairs are very simple."
Naruto walked to the main seat and sat down, his movements as natural as if he were the master of the place.
Tsunade stood with her arms crossed, leaning against a pillar, seemingly casual, yet an invisible aura enveloped the entire hall.
"The Chamber of Commerce needs the stability of the Land of Waves as a guarantee for its business activities.In return, we will ensure that the Land of Waves is no longer troubled by pirates, bandits, or internal turmoil.At the same time, Lady Tsunade will regularly provide medical care for you and important officials."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the finance official and the chief guard before finally settling on the daimyo's greasy face: "Of course, to ensure smooth cooperation, the customs, taxation, and security management of the Land of Waves will require the assistance of professional consultants from the Chamber of Commerce.You may simply enjoy your privileges as usual."
This was practically a blatant demand for power!The man's face turned deathly pale, his lips trembling as he tried to refuse.
Just then, Tsunade softly hummed in response.
Bang!The sturdy sandalwood tea table in front of the daimyo suddenly cracked open with a neat fissure, as if it had been sliced by an invisible blade!
silenceA deathly silence!
The lord was so frightened that he slid off his seat and collapsed to the ground.The treasurer and the chief guard also froze in place, not daring to move.
They didn't even see how Tsunade made her move!
"It seems that you have agreed to our cooperation proposal."
Naruto spoke as if nothing had just happened, "The details will be handled by the Chamber of Commerce.I hope we can have a pleasant collaboration."
He didn't look at the slumped-to-the-ground daimyo any longer, got up and walked outside.
Tsunade glanced at the cracked coffee table, a mocking smile playing on her lips, and followed.
From entering Daming Prefecture to leaving, it took less than a quarter of an hour.
There was no fierce conflict, no lengthy negotiations, only absolute military deterrence and declaration of will.
You see.true power often doesn't need to make a fuss; it only needs to be there to suffocate all dissenting voices.
As we left Daming Prefecture, the setting sun painted the sea a golden-red hue.
The sea breeze, carrying a salty, fishy smell, blew in, ruffling Tsunade's golden hair.
"Tsk, I didn't expect it to go so smoothly."
Tsunade stretched her body, her curves tracing a breathtaking arc in the setting sun.She looked at Naruto beside her, her eyes filled with the exhilaration of completing a stage of the challenge.
"Kid, shouldn't we have a proper celebration?I know a new tavern opened over at the docks, and they say it has good wine imported from the Land of Water."
Naruto didn't answer immediately.He stopped and looked at the town and the bustling dock where the lights were gradually coming on in the distance.
Their mark has already been initially left there.
"Of course we should celebrate."
Naruto turned his head, the afterglow of the setting sun casting a golden glow on his profile."However, Granny, the Land of Waves is just our first foothold.Our foundation is not yet secure, so it's too early to relax."
"We need talent, all kinds of talent.Ninjas, merchants, craftsmen, information brokers.We can't accomplish anything great with just those mediocre people who were originally under Gato's command."
"Over the next period of time, we will use the Land of Waves as a base to attract, screen, and invite the people we need."
He deliberately emphasized the invitation, and Tsunade naturally understood the deeper meaning behind it.
"Oh?" Tsunade crossed her arms and looked at him with interest."Easy for you to say.Talented people aren't like cabbages; they're not so easy to find."
"So, we need a signboard." Naruto's lips curled up slightly as his gaze fell on Tsunade.
Tsunade paused for a moment, then chuckled, "You brat, trying to scheme against me again?"
"It's not scheming, it's partnership."
Naruto corrected her, taking a step forward to close the distance between himself and Tsunade, the sea breeze ruffling their hair.
"You are an indispensable part of the 'Apocalypse Chamber of Commerce'."
Without your strength, all of this is nothing but castles in the air.
He was very close, so close that Tsunade could clearly see her own reflection in his eyes—a distance that went beyond that of ordinary partners.
Tsunade's heart also involuntarily quickened a few beats.
Instead of backing down, she slightly raised her chin, her amber eyes meeting his gaze with a hint of provocation: "The other half?Kid, just how big are your ambitions?"
Naruto reached out and naturally brushed away a strand of golden hair that had been blown by the sea breeze to her lips, his fingertips tracing her warm cheek.
"Big enough…" His voice was low, like a whisper in the sea breeze, carrying a strong sense of confidence, "big enough to hold all your past and our entire future."
These words struck Tsunade's heart like a heavy hammer.
She looked at Naruto and for a moment forgot what to say.
As the sun completely sank below the horizon, the last rays of sunlight elongated the two figures, making them appear as if they were merging into one.
After a brief silence, Tsunade was the first to look away, clearing her throat lightly to cover her mouth, her ears turning slightly red."Smooth talker.Let's go, even a celebrity needs to eat and drink."
"Let's go try the wine from that Water Country first."
She turned and walked towards the dock, her steps still brisk.
Emotions are the most complex weapon, and also the best adhesive.
He needs Tsunade's power, and he also needs her heart, at least partially, that is with him.
[Ding!Successfully intimidated and controlled the Daimyo's mansion in the Land of Waves, gaining initial control of the state apparatus, and earning Villain Value +2000!]
[Ding!Your relationship with Tsunade has improved, gaining +500 Villain Points!]
[Ding!Established a strategy based in the Land of Waves, gaining +300 Villain Value!]
[Current villain value: 15853 points]
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