Chapter 266 Shopping Mall
Chapter 266 Shopping Mall
Construction of the arena on the edge of the Death Forest is in full swing, while in another vast area just a few streets away...
This area was originally an old, dilapidated neighborhood on the edge of Konoha Village, with low, run-down houses, narrow, muddy streets, and even a drainage system that was frequently clogged.
But now, as far as the eye can see, this land has been completely leveled.
The villagers who originally lived here, after receiving the demolition compensation approved by Nishikawa Tetsu and signing the relocation agreement for the future fully furnished elevator apartment, not only had no complaints, but also looked forward to the early completion of the new houses every day. Many of them even took the initiative to join the construction team's logistical support work.
"Money makes the world go round; our ancestors were right."
Nishikawa Tetsu stood atop a makeshift watchtower, holding a huge blueprint in his hand, looking down with satisfaction at the flat yellow land.
This area is the new center he planned for Konoha.
"Vice Minister, the foundation survey and load-bearing tests have all been completed."
Yoshida Kazushima, the new secretary assigned to Nishikawa Tetsu by the finance department, is currently giving a report.
"According to your plan, this area will be divided into four core sections: residential area, administrative area, commercial area and ecological park."
Yoshida pointed to the area on the drawing that was divided into neat grids.
"We plan to build high-rise apartment buildings with elevators in the residential area. This will not only save a lot of land resources, but also allow villagers to enjoy the convenience of centralized heating, unified water supply, and 24-hour power supply. Those villagers who were relocated will be the first lucky ones to move in."
"It's not just luck, it's a matter of investing heavily in a promising future," Nishikawa Tetsu corrected. "We want the whole village, and even the entire ninja world, to see that by following Konoha's lead, life will take a qualitative leap."
He moved his finger to the most prominent group of buildings in the center of the blueprint.
"But the real highlight is here."
"Administrative district".
Nishikawa Tetsu's tone became serious.
"As the village expands and the number of outsiders increases, such as the delegations from various countries coming to participate in the Chunin Exams and the surge in tourists, the original Hokage Building can no longer meet the needs of efficient office work. In fact, it was already somewhat stretched before that."
"Therefore, in this new center, we will establish a comprehensive administrative hub."
He pointed to the modern and magnificent building complexes on the blueprints.
"The Hokage Building branch, the police department's command center, the Ministry of Finance's new office location, and the Science Research Institute's technology demonstration and licensing center will all be located here."
"We want to create a one-stop service platform. Whether it's posting high-level missions, handling cross-border trade disputes, or buying and selling technology patents, you won't always need to go to the Hokage Building; you can get everything done here."
Yoshida nodded repeatedly as he listened. As someone who actually did the work at the Ministry of Finance, he knew all too well how much communication costs this centralized office system could save.
"This is not just an increase in efficiency, but also a concentrated display of power," Yoshida exclaimed. "It allows outsiders to feel the oppressive atmosphere of the Konoha state apparatus as soon as they enter this area."
"That's right, but just having a sense of pressure isn't enough; we also need to have a sense of attracting money."
Nishikawa Tetsu smiled and slid his finger toward the vast area adjacent to the administrative district.
"Business district".
This is the true core of Nishikawa Tetsu's plan, and also the treasure trove from which Konoha will continuously generate wealth in the future.
"Yoshida, what do you think are the problems with the current shopping district?" Nishikawa Tetsu asked.
Yoshida thought for a moment and replied, "Although it's lively, the shops are too scattered. There might be a ramen shop next to a ninja tool shop, and you might have to walk three streets to buy clothes. Moreover, for wealthy nobles and multinational merchants, there's a lack of sufficiently high-end, private, and concentrated shopping venues."
"Spot on."
Nishikawa Tetsu snapped his fingers.
"Therefore, in this new commercial district, we will abandon the traditional street-front shop model and introduce a new concept that has never been seen in the ninja world before - a large-scale integrated commercial complex, or a shopping mall."
He drew two huge circular buildings on the blueprints.
"We will build two giant shopping malls. This is not simply about piling up shops together, but about creating a consumer empire that is always warm and integrates shopping, entertainment, and dining."
Nishikawa Tetsu's eyes have completely transformed into the shape of coins.
"The first and second floors are the boutique retail area. The latest scientific ninja tools from Tianxi Ninja Tools, new appliances from Konoha Home Appliances, and even custom-made weapons imported from the Land of Craftsmen are all on display here. We want to make those ninjas from other villages unable to tear themselves away when they see these things!"
"The third floor is a high-end dining and leisure area. We want to bring together Ichiraku Ramen, Akimichi's top-quality yakiniku, and even a seafood chef we brought in from the Land of Water. It not only has to be delicious, but the environment also has to be great, with music and views."
"And the fourth floor..."
Nishikawa Tetsu's smile became somewhat meaningful.
"This is specially designed for wealthy ladies and the rich. The flagship store of the Yanjiu Institute will be located here. Nono will bring over skincare products and spa services that can make people look younger. We want those rich people to be unable to leave without emptying their wallets once they enter!"
Yoshida gasped in shock.
"This...this is practically a black hole that devours gold!"
"This is not just a shopping mall; it's a lifestyle that offers a game-changer."
Looking at the blueprint, Nishikawa Tetsuya seemed to already see the bustling crowds and the influx of gold coins in the future.
"Imagine the ninjas from Sunagakure, Iwagakure, and even Kumogakure who came to participate in the Chunin Exams, after enduring battles in the wind and sun outside, walking into this shopping mall with its year-round spring-like climate and bright lights."
"Eating delicacies they may never have tasted in their lives, looking at high-tech ninja tools that their village could never build, watching their female companions lingering in beauty salons..."
Nishikawa Tetsu turned his head and looked at Yoshida.
"What do you think they'll feel when they return to their village, which doesn't even have electricity?"
Yoshida fell silent, a deep chill rising up his spine.
This isn't just about making money; it's about destroying someone's spirit!
This is using the huge gap in material wealth and civilization to completely break down the psychological defenses of other ninja villages and destroy their sense of identity with their own villages.
Thank goodness, thank goodness we are people of Konoha.
"Vice Minister, your methods... are truly brilliant," Yoshida exclaimed sincerely.
"Not at all, I'm just trying to promote peace and development in the ninja world, and I'm doing this entirely according to the Hokage's wishes."
Nishikawa Tetsu waved his hand modestly.
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