Naruto: Starting as the Third Hokage with Tears in His Eyes

Chapter 69 Using a barrier... to lock in spring?

As autumn deepens, a chill begins to creep into the air of Konoha Village.

On the training ground next to the Hokage Building, there was a thick layer of fallen leaves that rustled underfoot.

In stark contrast to this bleak autumn scene, the Muye Ecological Farm was bustling with activity and a bountiful harvest.

Inside the farm's meeting room, the atmosphere was not as cheerful as that of the crops outside.

"...That's the situation, Hokage-sama."

Farm manager Sakumo Hatake placed a thick report in the center of the conference table.

His expression remained serious as always, but there was worry between his brows.

"With your guidance and the concerted efforts of the major families in Nara, Akimichi, Inuzuka, and other regions, our farm's grain production this year will definitely achieve a historic bumper harvest. In particular, the excellent rice variety you provided is growing remarkably well."

"At the same time, our 'Konoha Dolphin' breeding program has also achieved initial success. The pork from these pigs is already on the market at Qufeng BBQ restaurants and has been very well received."

Shuo Mao's report was well-organized, detailed, and full of the rigorous style of the Dark Division.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, seated in the main seat, nodded in satisfaction.

Transforming Shuo Mao, a top assassin, into a super-farmer was definitely one of the best decisions he had made since transmigrating.

However, what Sakumo said next made Akimichi Torifu and the others present turn pale.

"but."

Shuo Mao then changed the subject, "With winter approaching, we are facing a very serious problem."

"The land is about to freeze."

"Most green vegetables will stop growing or even die because they cannot adapt to the low temperatures of winter."

"This means that our village's vegetable supply will drop significantly during the long winter months."

After Shuo Mao finished speaking, the conference room fell silent.

"What?!"

Akimichi Torifu's face instantly fell. He put down the roasted sweet potato in his hand, his expression more serious than ever before. "How can that be!"

"Without fresh vegetables, the taste of grilled meat is greatly diminished! The deliciousness of the meat juices will be masked by a bland saltiness! This is a desecration of food! A betrayal of the will of fire!"

He stood up, waving his arms excitedly, spitting as he spoke.

"Hokage! Sakumo! Shikaku! We must find a way to solve this problem! It concerns the nutritional balance of every villager in Konoha, the sustainability of our ninja's fighting power, and even the dignity of barbecue!"

Seeing Akimichi Torifu's heartbroken expression, as if the sky had fallen, everyone in the conference room was at a loss for words.

Nara Shikano yawned and said unhurriedly, "Insufficient vegetable intake can indeed easily lead to various diseases. This is especially true for growing children. Besides... pickling vegetables is really a bit of a hassle."

Everyone: "..."

You're just finding it too much trouble!

"Lord Hokage, look at this matter..." Sakumo turned his pleading gaze to Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Everyone present turned to look at the Hokage in the main seat.

They've been discussing this problem for days, but they still can't come up with an effective solution.

It is common knowledge that the ground freezes in winter, preventing crops from growing.

However, despite the worried expressions on everyone's faces, Hiruzen Sarutobi always wore a mysterious smile.

He didn't give an answer immediately, but instead slowly picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then asked Sakumo a question in return.

"Sakumo, what do you think barrier techniques can be used for besides defending against enemies?"

Barrier spell?

Shuo Mao was stunned.

Everyone present was stunned.

What does this have to do with planting vegetables in winter?

"Barrier techniques...are naturally used for defense."

Shuo Mao answered instinctively, "For example, the Four Purple Flame Array can trap enemies. And the perception barrier around the village can warn of intruders."

"That's right."

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded. "A barrier, in essence, is a space created by using chakra that is isolated from the outside world."

"Have you thought about this...?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi stood up, his gaze sweeping across the faces of everyone present. Then, on the huge farm planning map on the conference room wall, he used his finger to draw a huge circle covering the entire vegetable growing area.

"What if we use a barrier not to trap the enemy, nor to trap the tailed beasts, but... to cover this entire land?"

"Then, in this separate space, create a warm and spring-like environment."

"Then, won't the wind and snow outside be unable to get in?"

"Couldn't we use a barrier to lock spring inside forever?"

Using a barrier... to lock away spring?

boom!

These words were like a bolt of lightning, instantly shattering the fog in everyone's minds.

Nara Deer Antlers, a glint of light suddenly flashed in his perpetually sleepy eyes.

He seemed to have grasped something crucial, and his breathing became rapid.

Sakumo Hatake's body trembled, and a light flashed in his calm eyes.

They stared at the enormous circle that Hiruzen Sarutobi had drawn on the map, their heads spinning.

Barrier spells... can be used like this?

Using ninjutsu in agriculture?

They could almost see it: in the midst of a snowy winter, a huge and warm spring fortress stood on the outskirts of Konoha.

Inside, it was lush and green, with the fragrance of fruits filling the air.

Even in winter, the villagers can enjoy the freshest vegetables.

You can also enjoy nutrient-rich fruit juice.