"Naruto-kun, please enlighten me." Kakuzu said earnestly. Financial security and profit-making were his areas of expertise, but beyond that, he struggled to come up with more ideas.
Naruto gave a subtle hint, "The most important factor is, of course, the tourists passing through."
Zabuza frowned slightly, somewhat puzzled, "Why pay attention to ordinary people?"
"Ah, I see!" However, Kakuzu's eyes lit up with sudden realization.
"You get it? What is it?" Zabuza asked, still confused.
Kakuzu explained, "As you mentioned, they're ordinary people, but they come from all over the world. They represent the majority of the global populace. Unlike the expensive commissions from Shinobi, most of our current business also targets the average person. The hallmark of the general market is low unit prices but a vast customer base. By analyzing the daily influx of tourists, we can infer the needs and trends of different countries. In this age of limited information exchange, this gives us access to first-hand intelligence. With that, we can craft targeted strategies to make enormous profits."
"Exactly."
Naruto nodded approvingly, 'Talking with intelligent individuals like Kakuzu made explanations easy. He managed to grasp the concept instantly.'
If it were in his previous life, when everyone had a mobile phone, this method would not be advisable. But this is the Naruto World, and there are many business opportunities by taking advantage of the information gap.
This method wasn't overly complex, and many could think of it eventually. Even if no one else did, once Kakuzu implemented it, others would inevitably imitate it.
But Naruto had an unrivaled advantage… capital. With substantial initial funding, he could outpace any competitor in every domain.
After thinking for a while, Naruto added, "Greed knows no bounds. It's true we have wealth, but if we become a monopolistic powerhouse, we'll inevitably attract jealousy and endless troubles."
Kakuzu nodded slightly, acknowledging the concern, "That's indeed an issue. Should we perhaps cultivate more subordinates, establish various industries under different names, and create the illusion of competition to confuse others?"
Naruto waved his hand and said, "That's just a temporary measure. While such diversity might deceive the general public, it likely won't fool those in higher positions. Actually, I have a strategy."
"Please share your wisdom, Naruto-kun."
Kakuzu humbly requested. Every conversation with Naruto left him with newfound inspiration. The innovative perspectives Naruto brought often made Kakuzu feel enlightened, as if stepping into a higher realm of understanding.
Naruto explained, "Training loyal subordinates is bound to encounter cultural and logistical challenges. Instead, we should target savvy tourists, indoctrinate them with our vision, and offer them financial backing and business plans. When they return to their home countries, they can establish branches on our behalf. We'll act as the central hub of the supply chain, providing products and technology while only taking a cut of the profits. This way, we not only make money with minimal effort but also avoid attracting undue attention. After all, this model contributes to the development of their countries, and they profit as well."
This strategy is inspired by marketing techniques Naruto had seen on TV in his previous life. It leveraged the idea of appointing agents to develop local networks.
Once the system was stable, it could run itself indefinitely. If Kakuzu successfully implemented it, every nation's people would eventually become Naruto's workers!
"This is brilliant!"
Kakuzu exclaimed, trembling with excitement. The plan was highly feasible, and its brilliance lay in how a tiny fraction of the profits could secure an army of free labor.
Furthermore, these agents, driven by their own financial interests, would actively uphold Naruto's system.
The interwoven network of diverse industries under a unified banner could form a perfectly sustainable and mutually supportive ecosystem.
Once the initial framework was established and operations formed a seamless loop, an invisible empire would emerge… Naruto's business empire.
"Sigh…!"
Kakuzu exhaled deeply.
Previously, his dream of monopolizing the world's economic lifelines had seemed like a mere fantasy. After all, money alone wasn't enough, as it couldn't win hearts and minds. A single financial crisis or economic bubble could bring everything crashing down.
But with Naruto's vision, the foundation of a true business empire was unshakable. Even in adversity, the masses, whose livelihoods would be tied to Naruto's system, would rally to support him… not for loyalty, but for self-preservation.
This was not just about controlling the economic arteries of the world. Naruto's business empire would become the embodiment of the world's economy.
"Naruto-kun's genius is awe-inspiring! I'm completely humbled!" Kakuzu exclaimed, overwhelmed. He dropped to his knees in gratitude, unable to contain his admiration.
Naruto had laid out everything… capital, strategies, and a clear plan. All Kakuzu needed to do was execute it methodically.
Even if he didn't achieve greatness, as long as he avoided significant mistakes, the business empire would inevitably come to life with time.
How could Kakuzu not be excited when his ultimate dream was being planned so smoothly?
At this moment, even If Naruto were to ask him to bow and call him 'Father', Kakuzu would comply without hesitation.
To him, being Naruto's 'son' would be the highest honor!
"That's not necessary, Kakuzu! Get up quickly."
Naruto said, rushing forward to help him up.
He was just offering a suggestion and didn't expect Kakuzu to react so dramatically. Naruto wasn't even sure which part of his plan had moved Kakuzu so deeply.
Of course, if Naruto knew Kakuzu's thoughts, he'd likely spit out a mouthful of tea in disbelief and said speechlessly, 'With your wild imagination, it would be a waste if you didn't use it to write novels.'
Zabuza, who had been silently observing, finally understood why Naruto trusted Kakuzu so much. Kakuzu's reverence for Naruto surpassed even that of a loyal servant. A person like Kakuzu would never betray Naruto, as he was far too invested.
"Alright, I've said everything I needed to. Since everyone's here, we'll start moving the base over the next two days."
Naruto concluded.
Over the next three days, the group worked tirelessly. As the saying goes, 'many hands make light work', and with enough money, almost anything becomes possible.
In just three days, the base was successfully relocated to the Rose Street district in the Land of Hot Water. Naruto acquired ten adjacent properties, including a five-story wooden tower at the center, exuding an air of grandeur.
At the heart of the building, a massive plaque read:
Hall of Fame!
Looking at this place, which is entirely his own, Naruto felt a wave of emotion.
In his previous life, he had been just an ordinary worker dreaming of owning his own business. After his unexpected demise thanks to a cola-induced choking incident, he now found himself fulfilling that dream in his favorite fictional world.
The reason he chose this name was because it represents Naruto's determination to become famous in all industries and become the only 'Daimyo' in the business empire!
The base relocation benefited not only Kakuzu and Zabuza's people, but also Hana.
The arrival of new forces in the Land of Hot Water may not be smooth, and Naruto does not want to break up the duo, so he told the local tyrant, Hidan, to stay here.
Publicly, Zabuza was presented as the rebranded 'boss' of the operation, while Kakuzu ran the show behind the scenes. Hidan, meanwhile, handled any underhanded tactics or shady players that might pose a threat.
The only one dissatisfied with this arrangement was Nana. She really wanted Kisame to stay, but unfortunately, Kisame had always wanted to follow Naruto.
In fact, with Kakuzu and Hidan assigned elsewhere, there were fewer competitors vying for Naruto's attention. Kisame wanted to seize this opportunity to shine, knowing that the fewer people there were, the greater his chance to stand out.
However, that evening, when everyone was preparing to celebrate the successful base relocation, an unexpected message arrived from Pain.
"Everyone, gathers immediately and prepare for an emergency meeting..."