Naruto: The rise of Uzumaki Kingdom

"The preparations for supplies should be fine, right?" Uzumaki Jun said with his hands behind his back, walking alongside Gato. "The first batch of refugees will arrive in a few days."

If Uzushiogakure fails to calm the refugees' fearful hearts immediately, things will become difficult later. After all...

First impressions are the most important. Perhaps just a small action could make these war-torn refugees fully devote themselves to Uzushiogakure.

"Everything is ready," Gato nodded. "All factories have been working overtime these past few days to produce supplies."

"The people's morale is very high. Especially after learning about the war outside, everyone is worried about their peaceful lives being disrupted. So they are voluntarily working overtime, wanting to contribute to the nation."

"Good," Uzumaki Jun nodded in satisfaction. It seemed the political education efforts of various departments over the past few years had been effective.

Especially for families with children, all citizens of Uzushiogakure were required to undergo compulsory education.

Although some children lacked the talent to become shinobi, after a series of reforms, the academy was no longer just a place to teach ninjutsu. It also covered basic subjects like mathematics, physics, chemistry, and politics...

Uzumaki Jun now understood that rather than waiting for people to voluntarily study science, it was better to use national policies to force them to learn.

Otherwise, in a shinobi world where scientists could achieve the same status as shinobi, it would take who knows how long.

The historical baggage was far too heavy. A mindset passed down for thousands of years couldn't be easily changed by him.

Though some might think these subjects were useless, under the guidance of national policies, most parents would still send their children to the academy.

They might not understand why Jun-sama was doing this, but they wouldn't question his decisions.

Moreover, ideological and moral education was a compulsory course in the academy. Whether for shinobi or scientific disciplines, it was part of the exams—especially patriotic education, which was explicitly designated as crucial. Anyone who failed would have to retake it.

"Double their wages for these few days," Uzumaki Jun thought for a moment and said. "Let them endure a bit more hardship for now."

There was still a long way to go. Uzushiogakure's industrial revolution had only just begun, so there was no need to exploit the workers' enthusiasm. Everything had to be taken step by step. Only by solving problems while developing could Uzushiogakure achieve stable and sustainable growth.

"Understood," Gato nodded. "I will arrange it."

These next few days required everything to be properly arranged—whether it was domestic defense inspections or supply preparations. The Second Shinobi World War was a critical moment for Uzushiogakure. If handled poorly, the Third War would be troublesome.

When airships appeared in the shinobi world, it signaled that distance was no longer an issue, and natural barriers could be conquered.

Especially for villages that relied on natural barriers for protection, airships posed an even greater threat. Who knew if one day an enemy village's airship might suddenly appear above their own?

So...

For some villages, airships might have benefits, but the dangers they brought were far greater.

"Probably during this time, some shinobi will come to Uzushiogakure to steal airship technology," Uzumaki Jun muttered as he walked to the entrance of the Uzushiogakure Public Security Bureau. "Muroto Jōmon must strengthen defenses."

Currently, surveillance cameras had been installed throughout Uzushiogakure, but they still hadn't found a way to replace chakra crystals with glass. They were still using a batch of chakra crystals Gato had purchased elsewhere.

Given Uzushiogakure's small territory, it was enough for now.

"The glass issue must be resolved," Uzumaki Jun sighed helplessly and entered the Public Security Bureau. He nodded at the officers who greeted him respectfully and asked, "Where is Bureau Chief Muroto Jōmon?"

Chakra crystals were far too expensive and scarce. For something natural like this, small quantities weren't a problem, but if demand increased...

Chakra crystals might become subject to external control.

Moreover, Uzushiogakure was developing rapidly. Once the population grew, this small island nation's territory might not be enough. If they had to reclaim land from the sea, chakra crystals wouldn't suffice.

"He's in his office. Please go in, Jun-sama."

Uzumaki Jun nodded and said, "Thank you for your hard work," before heading inside.

These past few days without Hibiki by his side had been quite inconvenient. Without someone to arrange and prepare everything for him, his work had been somewhat chaotic. But sending Hibiki away had been a necessary choice.

After all, Uzumaki Hibiki had been by his side these past few years, often reading books he had exchanged and immersed in socialist ideology. His cultural level was quite high—at least he understood Jun's thoughts and knew how to write this travel log.

This was crucial for silencing certain people.

...

"Jun-sama," Muroto Jōmon stood up and bowed when he saw Uzumaki Jun enter.

"At ease," Uzumaki Jun pulled over a chair and sat down. "I'm just here to assign some tasks."

"Patrols must be strengthened these next few days."

"You mean..." Muroto Jōmon narrowed his eyes. "Shinobi will..."

Uzumaki Jun nodded helplessly.

Some villages were so used to being bandits that when they saw something useful, their first thought wasn't to buy it but to steal it. So patrols had to be conducted 24/7 for the next few days.

"I will arrange it," Muroto Jōmon said solemnly. "The Chinoike Clan will protect the nation and its people."

"I trust you," Uzumaki Jun smiled. "But I'm worried about insufficient manpower." This time, he didn't give Muroto Jōmon any special kunai. After all, he couldn't solve all their problems for them. For Uzushiogakure to grow stronger, relying on him alone wasn't enough.

Though he wouldn't stand by indifferently, he needed them to feel a sense of urgency. Otherwise, with his help, they might not feel pressured, knowing they had someone to rely on...

"As for the Kamizuru Clan, have them stay alert too."

Uzumaki Jun was aware of the Kamizuru Clan's assistance—Muroto Jōmon had already submitted a report. He was moved that the Kamizuru Clan had voluntarily joined the defense of Uzushiogakure. It seemed...

They were gradually beginning to see themselves as citizens of Uzushiogakure.

But...

"Don't worry about the debt," Uzumaki Jun said helplessly. "I've already warned Kakuzu."

As for Muroto Jōmon borrowing money from the Kamizuru Clan...

Collusion between officials and merchants was unacceptable.

Fortunately, Kamizuru Seihō's political awareness was high enough to refuse outright.

"These next few days, he won't..."

However, before Uzumaki Jun could finish, he used the Flying Thunder God Technique and disappeared, leaving Muroto Jōmon stunned.

"Won't do what?"

...

"Zetsu!" Uzumaki Jun returned to his office and, upon seeing the black-and-white figure of Zetsu, said excitedly, "You're finally here."

"I've completed the tasks you assigned," Zetsu said suspiciously. "The filming is also underway."

Why was this Uzumaki brat suddenly so excited to see him?

Did something else happen?

"Those are minor matters," Uzumaki Jun patted Zetsu's shoulder and put on a serious expression. "Zetsu!"

"The organization has an arduous task for you!"

"You must carry it out diligently!"

"???"