Naruto: Did i Just Get Reincarnated as Gojo?-Chapter 250: Opportunity Arises: Clans Consider Oceanic Trade Stocks

~ Support & Read 10 Advanced Chapters on My Patreon!

<><><><>

Thump, thump...

An opportunity for wealth presented itself.

If oceanic trade proved consistently profitable, their clansmen wouldn't need to risk their lives on missions. Simply holding a stock certificate could guarantee a comfortable life.

Of course, maintaining some level of Shinobi training was still necessary. If the East Konoha Ocean Shipping Company went bankrupt, they'd have to return to their old ways, completing missions for clients.

Gojo Kaigetsu leaned forward, his hands resting on the table, surveying the faces of the thirty representatives. "Come now, gentlemen—who wants to purchase the first share?"

Uchiha Fugaku instinctively raised his hand to support his friend's endeavor. Hyūga Hiashi also prepared to act quickly.

Two Million shares, five hundred Ryō each, totaling one billion Ryō. While a significant sum, it wasn't insurmountable for the Uchiha or Hyūga clans.

The Uchiha had profited immensely from their role in establishing Otogakure. Many nobles, fearing asset seizure, had preemptively offered them money and treasures, amounting to hundreds of Millions of Ryō.

The Hyūga, having suppressed the border towns in the Land of Lightning, had also gained considerable wealth. The first great clan and the wealthiest clan in Konoha—they weren't lacking funds!

If Gojo Kaigetsu needed manpower, the Uchiha would provide Shinobi. If he needed money, the Hyūga would buy stocks! They were prepared to buy out the entire East Konoha Ocean Shipping Company! Like nobles supporting the emperor's extravagance, it was all about loyalty!

However, at Gojo Kaigetsu's subtle gesture, Fugaku and Hiashi lowered their hands.

They understood his unspoken message:

"I need a market where all clans participate. If only the two of you buy in, both the risks and rewards are contained. It becomes a private affair. What's the point?"

Setting aside loyalty, after a moment of contemplation, the first representative raised his hand—Nara Shikaku's cousin, Nara Shikakane.

With Shikaku stationed in Kirigakure as Konoha's ambassador, Shikakane managed the Nara clan's assets in Konoha.

He was also likely the most informed individual regarding the Land of Water, outside of the Hokage Tower.

Shikaku frequently relayed intel back to the clan. As such, Shikakane had a deep understanding of "oceanic trade."

The profits were staggering—practically extortionate.

Some wealthy merchants from the Land of Water, seeking greater influence within the islands ceded to Konoha, had presented Shikaku with two treasures acquired through Oceanic trade—two Devil Fruits.

One had been presented to the Hokage Tower, the other sent back to the clan for a young member to consume.

After consuming the Devil Fruit, the clan member, who possessed Water Release affinity, had experienced a significant enhancement in their chakra nature transformation efficiency.

This was—remarkable. For a Shinobi, it was priceless; for a civilian, it was a key to entering the Shinobi world.

If sold on the open market, Shikakane estimated each Devil Fruit could fetch at least 100 Million Ryō!

Meaning—

If the East Konoha Ocean Shipping Company had enough large vessels to reach various distant nations, they could potentially bring back more Devil Fruits.

While not a guaranteed outcome, it was a matter of probability—Business involved risks. Shikakane, representing the Nara clan, was willing to take that risk!

Shikakane raised his hand, extending five fingers. "The Nara clan will purchase five hundred thousand shares of the East Konoha Ocean Shipping Company!"

He then produced a pen and decisively signed his name on the first stock certificate.

"Excellent! Worthy of the Nara clan! Shikaku has a fine cousin!" Gojo Kaigetsu's smile bloomed like a chrysanthemum.

He took the signed certificate and stamped it with his advisor seal.

The moment the seal was applied, the transaction, worth 250 Million Ryō, was complete.

"This is a long-term venture," Gojo Kaigetsu reminded him. "Everything must be done according to regulations. Please take the remaining shares to the KSE in the New Konoha Village to complete the transaction. The staff will know what to do upon seeing my seal."

"Yes, Advisor!"

Accepting the stock certificate, Shikakane's expression was complex.

As the Advisor had said, it was a long-term venture, requiring adherence to regulations—But certain ambiguous, sensitive issues remained unaddressed.

For instance, if he, Shikakane, were to be—removed—under false pretenses, would his shares pass to his immediate family, be absorbed by the Nara clan council, or be confiscated by the Hokage Tower?

The Hokage Tower wasn't a charity—As the village's highest authority, they could theoretically render these shares worthless with a single decree.

To truly ensure investor confidence, shouldn't these matters be clarified?

Shikakane looked at Advisor Gojo's amiable smile and shivered.

These were taboo topics, too sensitive to raise! He didn't want to face—consequences. Loyalty!

However, Shikakane was farsighted. Possessing these shares didn't just mean waiting for dividends. The Advisor had mentioned that stocks could be freely traded on the KSE.

Meaning—they could profit from price fluctuations, make quick money—stock trading!

The possibilities were vast. If one were unscrupulous, they could spread positive rumors: "According to inside information from the Nara clan, stationed in the far east, this voyage has brought back a massive haul of Devil Fruits!"—driving up the stock price.

Conversely, to acquire more shares at a lower price, they could spread negative rumors: "Oceanic trade venture ends in disaster!"—driving the price down.

False information competing with real information, a race against time...

The potential for manipulation—was immense.

Shikakane's eyes flickered. He instinctively looked up, meeting Gojo Kaigetsu's smile. It was as if those eyes behind the dark cloth could see through his thoughts—dangerous.

Updated from freewёbnoνel.com.

Cold sweat soaked Shikakane's clothes. He shivered, abandoning his schemes.

Profit was secondary. If Advisor Gojo discovered he was manipulating the stock market, disrupting the system he'd created, the Nara clan might be—eliminated.

However, from a positive perspective, high-risk, high-reward ventures could be listed on the KSE, allowing them to raise capital from Konoha's villagers, spreading the risk.

With the Nara clan leading the way, the conference room buzzed with activity. Clan representatives eagerly raised their hands, quickly snapping up the remaining 2 Million shares of the East Konoha Ocean Shipping Company.

These shares would be distributed among their clan members. Those needing cash would turn to the KSE—a virtuous cycle.

Gojo Kaigetsu wasn't concerned with who ultimately held the shares; he only cared that the cash flowed into Konoha's coffers. As for manipulation and speculation...

The newly appointed, part-time director of the KSE, would handle it.

The beginning is always the hardest. Issuing stocks was like Gojo Kaigetsu exploring a new path.

At first, the passage was narrow, barely allowing passage, but after pushing through—it opened into a wide expanse.

After distributing the first stock, few more remained—Gojo Kaigetsu's planned "Konoha Original Stocks."

He promptly presented the other stocks:

["Howay Technologies Inc: Focusing on electronic communications."]

["Mutai Liquor Inc: Brewing."]

["Muda Real Estate Inc: Responsible for the development of New Konoha Village and Otogakure..."]

Shares in companies like Mutai Liquor were quickly snatched up.

Brewing—what risks could there be? Shinobi lived dangerous lives; they needed alcohol. It was simply a matter of how much they drank. There was a guaranteed market. And once Konoha's forces conquered the four nations and seized their markets, the stock price would soar!

However, companies like [Muda Real Estate] and [Howay Technologies] received less interest. Only the Uchiha and Hyūga made significant investments; the other clans purchased only symbolic amounts.

Real estate required immense capital. While the potential returns were substantial, it would take time to recoup the initial investment. For those new to the concept of stocks, such hesitation was understandable.

As for Howay Technologies, electronics were still too advanced for the current Shinobi World. The concept was difficult to grasp. Shinobi barely used televisions, let alone computers, except for a few research-focused individuals. Explaining electronic technology to them was—challenging.

Furthermore, widespread adoption of electronic technology required significant investment—signal towers, power grids—all requiring advanced chakra-based tools.

In short, it would take time.

After all, this was business. He couldn't hold a kunai to their heads and demand loyalty and investment.

This was a civilized village.

Gojo Kaigetsu wasn't angered. He simply smiled and collected the remaining stocks, planning to release them into the market gradually. Konoha lacked many things, but wealthy individuals weren't one of them.

Throw a brick from the Hokage Tower, and you might hit—well, perhaps not. Shinobi were resilient. And those working in the Hokage Tower were mostly dedicated, hardworking individuals, not wealthy elites.

Immigrants flocked to Konoha, eager for a better life. Even after paying the hefty residency fees, they still had money to spare.

Tonight, he'd dispatch Root operatives and immigration officials to—pay them a visit. The remaining stocks would likely be sold soon enough.

The Konoha stock distribution meeting concluded...

<><><><>

Support & Read 10 Advanced Chapters.

https://p-atreon.com/dragonnx

(Just remove the hyphen to access Patreon normally.)

There is 9 Exciting Fanfics already available on my Patreon!