The return of the Uzumaki Clan and the formal integration of the two clans injected powerful vitality into this nascent nation.

Not only was the population base valuably supplemented, but more importantly, the Land of Whirlpools finally filled the crucial gap of Sealing Technique, making the nation's foundation more solid than ever before.

However, behind the prosperity, new problems emerged.

With the comprehensive rollout of urban construction and the continuous increase in population, the consumption rate of the strategic supplies Qi had stored in the Kamui Dimension far exceeded expectations.

At a resource statistics meeting of the Department of Internal Affairs, Uchiha Itachi submitted a detailed report.

The report pointed out that at the current rate of consumption, if external resources were not sought, construction in the Land of Whirlpools would stall within six months due to the depletion of basic materials such as timber, stone, and iron ore.

" We cannot only give without receiving. "

Qi pointed out the core of the problem incisively at the meeting.

" A closed nation, no matter how advanced its internal technology, will ultimately perish due to resource exhaustion. We must establish our own economic cycle and build connections with the outside world. "

" But, Qi. "

Fugaku voiced his concerns.

" We are currently being viewed with hostility by the Five Great Nations, especially the Land of Fire and the Land of Water. Any power that engages in large-scale trade with us will likely face their suppression. I fear this path will not be easy. "

" Therefore, our first trading partner cannot be one of those great nations or daimyo. "

Qi walked to the massive map of the Shinobi World, his finger moving slowly across it before finally pointing at an island nation located southwest of the Land of Whirlpools, separated from the Land of Fire by the sea.

" The Land of Waves. "

" This country has no Ninja village, has long been closed off, and its political situation is chaotic. Most importantly, according to intelligence we previously obtained from rogue Ninja, the country is currently controlled by a business tycoon named 'Gato'. The Gato Company has monopolized the Land of Waves' maritime transport and is cruelly exploiting the citizens, leading to immense suffering. "

A strategist's glint shone in Qi's eyes.

" A perfect entry point. "

He began to analyze: " What does the Land of Waves need most right now? It needs cheap daily necessities to break Gato's high-price monopoly, and powerful military protection to escape the oppression of the Gato Company. And what does our Land of Whirlpools need? We need large quantities of timber and stone, which are abundant in the Land of Waves, as well as a stable, secure foreign trade port to serve as our first stepping stone to the outside world. "

" Our needs are perfectly complementary. "

" I have decided to open the Land of Whirlpools' first foreign trade route. The target is the Land of Waves! "

This decision made everyone present feel a surge of excitement.

This marked the official transition of the Land of Whirlpools from the stage of " internal construction " to the new stage of " external expansion ".

" But, Qi. "

Izumi asked with some concern.

" Since we are going to the Land of Waves, we will inevitably come into conflict with that Gato Company. Are we sending Ninja troops directly? "

" No. "

Qi shook his head.

" What we are sending is not a Ninja troop, but a caravan composed of ordinary clansmen. "

" The ships will not carry any weapons. They will only carry the high-quality, affordable iron farm tools and fishing nets produced by our Land of Whirlpools, as well as the first batch of grain harvested after we improved our land. "

" We want to use commerce, not force, to knock on the world's door. We want the people of the Land of Waves to see that we are partners here to help them improve their lives, not new oppressors. "

The corners of Qi's mouth curled up slightly.

" Of course, behind commerce, there must also be a sword. Shisui. "

" Here. "

The captain of the Kage Guard Squad responded immediately.

" You will personally lead an elite squad of the Kage Guard Squad and use a concealment barrier to quietly follow behind the merchant ships. You are responsible for protecting them from the shadows. "

Qi's gaze became sharp.

" What our ships carry is not just cargo, but the reputation of the Land of Whirlpools. Remember, we are merchants, not bandits. But if anyone wants to rob us, let them know that the entire nation stands behind us. "

With the plan finalized, the entire Land of Whirlpools began to operate efficiently for it.

The R&D Department worked through the night to produce a batch of sharper and more durable farm tools, the Ministry of Education organized manpower to pack the grain, and the Military Department selected experienced clansmen to form the caravan.

A week later, the first foreign trade caravan in the history of the Land of Whirlpools held a simple send-off ceremony at the newly built port.

Three medium-sized cargo ships, loaded with brand-new farm tools and bags of plump grain, raised sails bearing the " Uchiha-Uzumaki " emblem amidst the cheers and expectations of hundreds of citizens, and slowly sailed toward the azure sea.

Several kilometers behind them on the sea, a seemingly ordinary fishing boat followed silently.

On the boat, Shisui and his team members were monitoring every movement around the merchant ships through telescopes.

The voyage went smoothly.

Three days later, when the Land of Waves' iconic, unfinished cross-sea bridge appeared on the horizon, all the caravan members let out a cheer.

However, at this very moment.

An unexpected change occurred.

From the direction of the Land of Waves' port, several ships with black hulls and skull flags rushed out aggressively, forming a semi-encirclement formation and arrogantly blocking the path of the Land of Whirlpools' merchant ships.

The ships were filled with rogue samurai holding swords, their faces ferocious.

On the leading large ship, a short, stout man wearing sunglasses was eyeing these unfamiliar cargo ships with an arrogant look.

He was Gato.

On the " fishing boat " in the rear, Shisui put down his telescope, his eyes calm.

He issued an order to the team members beside him.

" Prepare to act. Remember the Uzukage's instructions: our goal is to display power, not to commit a massacre. Intimidation is the priority; unless you encounter lethal resistance, do not take their lives. "

" Yes! "

The figures of three Kage Guard Squad members instantly vanished from the deck.