Can the Hidden Stone Village Be Industrialized?

Shi He transmigrates to Iwagakure and discovers that he's the illegitimate son of the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki.

The good news: His status is high, so he doesn't have to start as a Genin.

The bad news: Iwagakure is three months away from bankruptcy, and the Tsuchikage has dumped control of the finances on him.

"Lord Tsuchikage, I'm a combat ninja, not an accountant..."

"Then learn! Lose any more money and you'll be sent to the mines!"

Looking at the mountain of IOUs and shoddy explosive tags, Shi He sighed.

Fine, if making money was the job...

Step one: Trade a concrete formula for startup capital.

Step two: Sell chakra detonators to enemy nations.

Step three: Put the Tailed Beasts to work generating electricity and smelting steel.

When Iwagakure's first steam engine roared to life, the elders were horrified.

"Absurd! Ninjas can't work in factories!"

Shi He smiled and handed over a report. "GDP grew twelve percent last month, and we have plenty of money for the military. Care to complain some more?"

Later, at the Five Kage Summit, Onoki proudly showed off Iwagakure's steel army.

The other four Kage: "You call this a ninja village?"

This novel and its characters are entirely fictional. Any resemblance to actual events or people is purely coincidental. Do not imitate.