She was now curious about what this path truly entailed.
"We'll head to the Department of Transportation first."
Shizune thought for a moment before speaking. "I happen to have some business with them."
Konan, of course, had no objections.
Ever since Konoha's departments had been restructured, the Hokage Building itself had also undergone renovations.
Shizune led Konan to the office of the Department of Transportation.
She raised her hand and knocked on the door.
"Lady Shizune."
The door was opened by Aburame Torune.
Ever since Aburame Shibi took over as the head of the Department of Transportation, many members of the Aburame clan had joined the department.
In normal circumstances, nepotism would lead to problems.
However, this was the ninja world, where strength was paramount.
With Shinho overseeing everything, none of them dared to act out of line.
"Is Uncle Shibi here?"
Shizune smiled as she asked.
Given her relationship with Shinho, Aburame Shibi was essentially her honorary father-in-law.
Since their relationship wasn't public knowledge, she addressed him as "uncle" instead.
"The clan leader went to the transportation hub."
Torune replied.
"I see."
Shizune glanced around the office of the Department of Transportation.
Aside from Shibi, most of the staff were present.
She then pulled Konan forward and introduced her to the group.
Although Konan was an outsider from another village, since it was Shinho's order, everyone gave her a warm welcome.
Konan, on the other hand, was a bit uncomfortable with the attention.
"The Department of Transportation is responsible for the construction and maintenance of roads, with the railway being the most critical element."
Shizune explained as they walked.
Konan listened intently.
It was her first time being exposed to such knowledge, and everything felt novel to her.
"What is its purpose?"
Konan asked.
"To make money," Shizune said proudly.
"A lot?"
Konan was skeptical.
After all, any member of the Akatsuki could easily earn millions or even tens of millions of ryo from a single high-level mission.
"You'll find out soon enough."
Shizune smiled mysteriously. "I guarantee you'll be shocked."
Konan glanced at her, intrigued but not overly hopeful.
The two of them soon arrived at the transportation hub.
Konan was stunned by what she saw.
The hub was bustling with people.
People came and went, laughing and chatting, their faces filled with anticipation for the future.
Konan felt a wave of unfamiliar emotion wash over her.
Such a scene would never occur in the Land of Rain.
No, this wasn't limited to the Land of Rain.
It was the same in all other nations.
How was Konoha able to achieve this?
Was it all thanks to trains and airships?
"Shinho once said something: 'To prosper, you need to build proper roads first.'"
Shizune handed her the latest financial report from the hub's records.
Konan glanced at the numbers, and her pupils immediately widened in shock.
So much money!
Especially when it came to Konoha Jewelry. Even a casual glance revealed transactions worth billions of ryo.
Shizune was satisfied with Konan's stunned expression.
Ninjas from other villages really hadn't seen much in terms of economic systems.
But Shizune knew this wasn't entirely Konan's fault.
She herself had been just as astonished when she first saw the figures.
"This is only from Konoha Jewelry."
Shizune added, "The Department of Commerce is already taking steps to control the banking and mining industries. The profits will only increase."
Konan fell silent.
She suddenly realized that all the dangerous missions and battles the Akatsuki went through to earn money didn't even come close to the annual profits of Konoha Jewelry.
It was like a dimensional difference.
"Shizune."
At that moment, Aburame Shibi approached them.
"Uncle Shibi, let me introduce you."
Shizune gestured toward Konan. "This is Konan, the new Hokage secretary."
Aburame Shibi was momentarily stunned but quickly greeted Konan politely.
He hadn't expected a ninja from another village to become the Hokage's secretary.
But for a long time now, he had refrained from questioning Shinho's decisions, so he didn't say much.
"There's something I need the Department of Transportation to handle."
Shizune opened her hand to reveal a Hole Earth Gu.
"Is this a Gu that Shinho gave you?"
Aburame Shibi asked curiously. "What does it do?"
"It works in pairs. When placed in two separate locations, they form a portal that allows instant transportation between them."
Shizune explained.
"What?!"
Aburame Shibi was visibly shocked. "A space-based Gu worm?"
Konan also showed a rare look of surprise.
The significance of space-related abilities was self-evident.
In the past, Minato Namikaze had built his legendary reputation using the Flying Thunder God Technique.
"This Gu worm should be placed in the capital city of the Land of Fire."
Shizune reminded him, "And It must be heavily guarded."
"Understood."
Aburame Shibi replied solemnly.
"I'll leave it to you, Uncle Shibi."
After handing over the Hole Earth Gu, Shizune led Konan away to continue their tour.
After they finished inspecting the transportation hub, they returned to Konoha.
"The Ninja World Alliance?"
Konan's gaze fell on the bulletin board and she couldn't help but read aloud.
"More accurately, it's an anti-Konoha alliance," Shizune corrected.
Konan fell silent.
She hadn't expected Black Zetsu and Uchiha Madara to cooperate with Kumogakure and the other villages.
It seemed they still hadn't given up on the Eye of the Moon Plan.
Nagato might be in danger.
The core of the Eye of the Moon Plan was the Rinnegan.
The so-called anti-Konoha alliance was clearly aimed at reclaiming the Rinnegan.
But when Konan thought of Shinho's immense power, she felt a sense of relief.
Moreover, now that Nagato's legs had been healed, his strength would be even greater than before.
The only real challenge was the sheer number of ninjas in the anti-Konoha alliance.
"This kind of thing is best left to Shinho to handle."
Shizune dismissed the issue with a wave of her hand. "Let's head to the last department, the Department of research and development."
Research and development?
Konan was puzzled but chose not to ask further.
They soon arrived at the research building where Orochimaru worked.
"The research and development Department has two major achievements so far."
Shizune began explaining, "One is limb regeneration, and the other is the Cursed Seal Corps."
Konan was taken aback.
Compared to the cursed seals, the concept of limb regeneration was even more astonishing.
"White Zetsu?"
Konan noticed something familiar.
Could White Zetsu be used in such a way?
So, the technique used to heal Nagato's legs came from this limb regeneration research?
If she had known earlier, she would have captured a White Zetsu for study.
Unfortunately, by now, all the White Zetsu had fled along with Black Zetsu and Uchiha Madara.
The two of them returned to the Hokage Secretary's Office.
"How do you feel after today?"
Shizune handed Konan a glass of water.
"It was a fascinating experience."
Konan answered honestly.
"Let me show you one last thing."
Shizune opened a drawer and took out a book.
"The Newly Compiled Will of Fire?"
Konan frowned slightly.
She had, of course, heard of the Will of Fire.
But showing it to her seemed a bit inappropriate.
She was only temporarily working in Konoha, after all.
"Just read it."
Shizune said with an expectant smile.
Konan didn't quite understand why Shizune had that expression.
After pondering for a moment, she opened the book in her hands.
"This is...?"
Konan's face showed surprise.
"Take your time."
Shizune chuckled, clearly anticipating this reaction.
Konan didn't respond.
She sat on the sofa and began reading.
The birth of nobility.
The essence of a ninja.
How to build lasting peace.
These ideas filled her mind one after another.
Konan felt as though a new door had been opened before her.
She suddenly realized the limitations of Nagato's plan.
His approach was far too narrow.
Collecting the nine tailed beasts, inflicting pain upon the world, and intimidating people into avoiding war, that was Nagato's vision.
But that plan would only work temporarily.
Once Nagato passed away, the world would inevitably fall back into chaos.
As for Black Zetsu and Uchiha Madara's Infinite Tsukuyomi, it was nothing but a self-deceiving illusion.
Neither Konan nor Nagato had ever truly intended to carry out that plan.
The sun outside the window gradually dipped lower, and twilight began to fall.
Konan closed the book.
She stared at the wall opposite her.
But in truth, her eyes were unfocused, she was in a daze, lost in thought.
The impact of this book was immense, no less than seeing Nagato himself lose to Shinho Aburame.
"Finished reading?"
Shizune looked up and asked.
"Did the Hokage write this?"
Konan took a deep breath and asked.
"Yes, he wrote it."
Shizune smiled. "All of Konoha's changes are thanks to him."
Konan pressed her lips together slightly.
How incredible.
If they had met Shinho back then, perhaps everything would have turned out differently.
"He's working on a second book now, one about the Land of Fire. It's even more complex."
Shizune added, "As the Hokage's secretary, you'll be able to read it before anyone else."
Konan felt a spark of anticipation in her heart.
"Time to clock out."
Shizune stood up.
"Thank you for today."
Konan said sincerely, "I've learned a lot."
"It's nothing."
Shizune waved her hand dismissively. "All of this is thanks to Shinho. I only showed you around."
Konan looked down at the Newly Compiled Will of Fire, lost in thought.
What kind of Hokage was Shinho, really?
How could he come up with these ideas?
Konan was incredibly curious.
"Let's go get Shinho."
Shizune closed the office door and led Konan back to the Hokage's office.
She raised her hand, knocked twice, and then pushed the door open.
"Time to go home, Hokage-sama."
Shizune said with a smile.
Konan noticed a subtle change in her demeanor.
Were the two of them... close?
Shinho looked up and couldn't help but brighten at the sight.
Konan was now dressed in the same uniform as Shizune.
Her long, soft blue-violet hair fell gracefully to her shoulders. Her features were delicate and coldly elegant, and her figure was flawless.
The neckline of her blouse was slightly open, revealing a hint of pale skin.
The fitted blazer accentuated her curves, not as exaggerated as Tsunade's, but with its own understated allure.
Beneath the pencil skirt, her long legs were clad in black stockings, and her feet were slipped into high heels.
Standing side by side with Shizune, they wore the same uniform, yet exuded completely different charms.
Shinho felt a wave of appreciation.
This is what it means to be Hokage.
"How did you feel after spending a day exploring Konoha?"
Shinho asked as they walked.
"It's hard to describe."
Konan tilted her head slightly and, after a few seconds of thought, replied.
"Then keep observing," Shinho said with a smile.
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