Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Log Horizon. This is a fanfiction used to help with my writing skills and the fact I enjoy writing stories like these. All I own is the ideas and sub-plots used to make this fanfiction and explore Log Horizon and Naruto in a different way. Also, don't own any of the games and anime I make reference to in this story, but still got to give homage to video games since this is technically a video game fanfiction as well.
"Hai. This is why I asked we did not share the discoveries my guild made." Shiroe said, pulling out several reports from his bag and put them on the table. He pushed them to the guild leaders and ninja. "The alliance's goal in Akiba is to raise 5 million gold." Everyone, even Jiraiya was shocked.
However, Shiro help up his hand to stop any questions. "The money itself is not the goal, but how we raise it. We are all small guilds, so our voices is small, but greatly scattered. So, by showing we can making such a profit, all the guilds will have to listen to us. Also, we will be using this to set up a clear example of a working economy model that can grow and in turn bring life back to Akiba. That is the true objective of the goal, though it will allow us to ensure no trouble once we have those funds."
"The economy model is simple. Due to Crescent Moon Alliance having an efficient work system and friendly demeanor overall, they will be the ones allowed in the Alliance to make a restaurant and sell food made through the Real Food Preparation. Originally, Shiroe and I were planning to only ask for Crescent Moon Alliance help till hearing you four made an alliance. Hence we will jump up a level, but keep the alliance a secret. Crescent Moon Alliance's restaurant will our main front. However, along with it, Radio Market, Grandeur, and Log Horizon will open up shops in a small market made at Log Horizon's guild hall. We just bought a new part of it and it is close to the north border of the city. West Wind Brigade would help with gathering resources for the shops and restaurant. Along with the shops and restaurants, Shiroe and I have figured out how to do quests and will be making those quests available for all five guilds, which will be done through that same area the small market will be at."
"Why there and not in the main market?" Akaneya asked. "If you are looking for profits, it would be best to be where everyone in Akiba is at."
"The object is not the money itself, but the execution." Shiroe answered, "Also, it would not fare well if they realize Log Horizon's objective since we already prepared in case the other guild's figured out what they can do."
"Log Horizon's objective?" Jiraiya asked.
"Total control of Akiba! Just like any true Overlord would do!" Naruto laughed maniacally before Shiroe jabbed him hard in the ribs. "Owowowowow." Naruto held his ribs in pain.
"Please keep your game chuuni to a minimum. It's annoying." Shiroe sighed.
"Come on! Tell me you couldn't resist it either! I had to pull a Disgaea pun there!" Naruto growled, glaring back at Shiroe.
"Because of that, you're explaining."
"Alright, alright." Naruto sighed.
This kid is nuts. Jiraiya thought, giving a look of disbelief at the man.
"With forming Log Horizon and seeing even with being in a guild, the in-game money I earned from working for the game was still locked. So, instead, I went ahead and purchased all of Akiba's Cathedral, Trade Building, and other facilities including the very city itself. We saved buying the Guild Hall Building till it is time to launch the last part since everyone sees the main menu of it every day and people would see if we bought it right away unlike the other facilities." Naruto happily chimed with a smile.
"Eh?" Everyone blinked, their faces completely blanked while looking at the happy Naruto.
"Hold up! You own every major building in Akiba?" Henrietta shouted, absolute horror on her face. "If it's your private property, you can control the settings and can possibly blacklist people from using them! If you blacklist people from the Cathedral-"
"Correct. Though, no idea if it would result in true death, you can prevent them from reviving at the Cathedral. If they can't get to another city's Cathedral, they would most likely die for sure or end up in limbo till taken off the blacklist. If a guild like Hamelin, which has no problem enslaving beginners to make a profit gotten a hold of the Cathedral, what would you think would happen?" Naruto asked, a sick grin on his face.
They have total control over the city with just those buildings! Jiraiya thought, feeling the tension in the air. Even he felt like trembling and looking at his Sensei, finding Hiruzen with a stone hard face he only seen when the Hokage was serious. And Konoha and Suna is now just like that. If we don't buy up the Shrine and other important buildings, we could be totally dominated without even military force!
"So, you're blackmailing us?" Woodstock W asked, grimacing at Naruto.
"Nope. This is just to protect the people of Akiba and my friends. I plan to not blacklist anyone until we set up a proper order here in Akiba and even then, I plan to transfer those buildings to whatever system we make in the coming months once they have the funds. Right now, the upkeep cost for all of it is up to 10 million ryou a month." Naruto sighed, comical tears going down his cheeks. "With owning the city of Akiba, I found I can't blacklist people, but instead gain back a portion of the upkeep costs of all the buildings in Akiba. However, even that is not enough to help offset the costs and I will be out of the savings I developed within a year or a year and a half. Two if I penny pinch hard."
"Hence why you want to make the trade alliance instead of the guild alliance?" Soujirou Seta finally spoke up, but oddly pale and tired. "With ensuring enough money coming into Akiba, we can both stop the problems of big guilds and guilds like Hamelin and ensure the safety of Akiba?"
"That is roughly it. However, it is to also set up laws to ensure human rights for both Adventurers and the People of the Land." Shiroe answered, "Konohagakure and the other shinobi villages already have their own system set up. However, with what we just exposed, your system could easily be broken apart and end up in a worse situation than Akiba."
"Hence you want Sunagakure and Konohagakure to know and be examples and use the rumors caused by it to allow the systems to adapt and prevent such a mess like you're all in now." Hiruzen sighed, a bright tired smile coming onto his face. "I guess I cannot look to you as my potential candidate for Hokage anymore, Naruto. It's really sad as I pushed you to become a shinobi for your fine skills that many shinobi don't have. However, it seems you have forged a different path and I am glad you are taking to protect those around you seriously."
"Thank you for understanding, Old Man." Naruto sighed a slight bow, soberly smiling at Hiruzen with understanding. "Akiba is like my home as well as Log Horizon. However, Konoha is also my home as well, even though I might not be returning to it. The only reason we do not have a direct represent for Sunagakure is due to the limitations of the private chat room and my Hydra Link." Naruto let out a groan. "I can't establish a connect to those who don't trust me unless I have either myself or one of my avatars to touch the person to allow it to work. I can force it once I do touch a person, but I get major backlash the more a person fights it. But, this also results in making it so I can't allow the chat room to reach outside other servers without using Hydra Link, hence Konoha is the only village I can do it with due to the Hokage is in one of my main characters."
"I understand." Baki answered, "I am sorry to interrupt, but I am guessing you wish for Konoha to make a trade treaty with Suna to make up for it, correct?"
"Hai. As I said before, trading in the private chat rooms is limited, the limit is reset every day. Hence, we'll use the trading for high quality items to offset the limit. Part of the deal for Konoha is to also research the Intra-City Transport Gates. All the major villages should have one and I put an image of what it looks like in the book I handed ya, Old Man. Those gates have not work since the Catastrophe, but if we can get them to work, we should be able to travel between the major villages. I plan to really study them once we get things settled in Akiba."
"But, if you tried that now without a system in place, it would be chaos." Jiraiya chimed, smiling. "Tell me, how do these gates work?"
"Sadly, I am still working on that. The gates allowed players to travel to other player cities, be it in the same server or a different server in another country. At most, my guess is whatever caused the Catastrophe most likely used the power source of the Transport Gates to cause the players to fuse with their avatars since their bodies did disappear from Earth." Naruto groaned, scratching his head. "However, I know it at least works on the fundamentals of magic which is the power source. It's more closer to ninshu than ninjutsu, but since ninjutsu is being replaced by spells and skills, studying those can help figure it out."
"You know of ninshu?" Jiraiya asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Hey, I was writing back stories for all the Noosphere. Including covering the Sage of the Six Paths. So, I had to gather a lot of references and such. Though, well worth the bounty I got from it as it has allowed me to prove several hypotheses including being able to make new magic spells and skills." Naruto sighed, smiling. "I know a lot more than people think for a twelve year old."
"Now, do you all agree to the trade alliance?" Shiroe asked, putting out several documents. "Along with the plans, we will also be agreeing to not tell anyone outside our guides the secrets told here today. Sunagakure and Konohagakure have to agree on the same. If Sunagakure leaks the direct information, than it will void a possible treaty with Konohagakure."
"Understood." Baki said, nodding in understanding.
"In return, we will work together to get Akiba to stop rotting and ensure the safety of both Akiba and Konohagakure both short term and long term. This will be done through trading services, items, and information between the five guilds and ninja village. If a new alliance is made in Akiba, we will redo the trade alliance to adjust the conditions. Also, by then, we might include Sunagakure and other villages. If any guild or village goes against the alliance, it will be broken and the only requirement of the broken alliance is to keep all that is said here a secret and to allow the guilds to keep their business going to revive the main goal to revive Akiba's life and protecting Konohagakure for the village. During the deal, as mentioned, Log Horizon will be restricted to being unable to blacklist anyone within the Alliance and Akiba until the Guild Hall Building is purchased and in this, no one of the alliance can be blacklisted once this right is gained my Log Horizon." Shiroe finished, pushing the documents to the guild masters and the Hokage. "All the details of the alliance are on these contracts which a copy with each person's signature will be kept with each guild master and the Hokage. If you decline, there is another agreement in the back that allows you to at least use the information we given you to do your own with promising not letting the information leak to others and staying out of the way of the alliance. This includes you, too, Hokage-san, if you think this will be dangerous to Konohagakure."
"For once, I am glad to sign a deal with the devil." Hiruzen chuckled, looking over the documents before picking up the pen also on the papers. "I, Sarutobi Hiruzen, gladly accept the alliance for Konoahgakure.
"Devil?" Shiroe asked, a little pale.
"Indeed. His title of Villain in Glasses fit well." Woodstock W sighed, "I'm just glad he's a good guy and on our side. Grandeur accepts the alliance as well." Woodstock W said, signing the contract in front of him.
"I happily accept the invitation for West Wind Brigade." Soujirou Seta chimed, signing as well.
"Radio Market is in. With both the Villain Brothers, we don't stand a chance against Log Horizon. It is better to work with them than against them." Akaneya chuckled.
"Crescent Moon Alliance also accepts! We already owe Log Horizon for saving one of our members." Maryelle chimed, signing with getting a nod from Henrietta.
"Then the Hidden Leaf Trade Alliance has been made!" Naruto chimed while Shiroe signed Log Horizon's document. "Alright! Now for some finishing business and then we can enjoy some snacks and chat!" Naruto grinned.
"Naruto… You need to work on your charisma." Hiruzen sighed, shaking his head.
"But, this kind of stuff is boring!" Naruto whined, glaring at the Hokage. "You were only trying to get me through the academy so you could have me deal with your paperwork and negotiations."
"Seen through completely." Hiruzen smiled, not denying it one bit, "But, still it was worth trying. Though, I still don't get how you failed the Genin Exam twice."
"I suck a chakra control and can't do the Bunshin. It even rejected me from learning it here. You made it so specialized people like me can't pass!"
"Ah, maybe it is time to change the exam a bit, especially since now we can't purely rely on military anymore." Hiruzen laughed, grinning back at Naruto.
The hell. Jiraiya thought, watching as Naruto puffed his cheeks at the Hokage. Heh. Like grandfather like grandson, I guess this really is Naruto. He picked up some of Sensei's antics from being Hokage. Jiraiya thought, remembering the times he been forced to help the Hokage with his world. He noticed the smiles on everyone else's face. Odd, I expected them to be surprised… Oh, that's right. They are no longer apart of the world they know. The only family they have now is their guild. In a sense, they probably understand Naruto better than anyone can in Konoha. "So, what is this extra business we need to discuss?" Jiraiya asked before grinning. "Possibly publishing my books in Akiba?"
"Jiraiya, no one wants to read that smut." Tsunade growled.
"Actually, that is a good idea. Ah, not just the Jiraiya-san's books, but having several books." Shiroe said, adjusting his glasses. "Boss is working to get the main manuscript of several volumes of Village Hero Ninja done so we can use the Copy Spell skill we developed for Scribes to publish it in Akiba and sell it in Log Horizon's shop"
"Perfect! I can easily hook you up with Icha Icha series and my first book The Tale of the Utterly Gutsy Shinobi. Maybe the first one will do better in Akiba since it never sold well in this world." Jiraiya sweated at the glares he was getting from Tsunade.
"Maybe you're first book, but your Icha Icha-"
"Ma, ma. There is plenty of adults who played Elder Tales, so having something like that is good." Naruto said, grinning even with getting a death glare from Tsunade. "If I tried writing something like that, it would be horrible, so better have a good one brought over instead of letting someone write horrible smut."
"More like if you wrote it, people would die from shock with the fact you have no sexuality" Shiroe smirked, adjusting his glasses while focusing ahead at the documents. Jiraiya noticed the black hair woman in the group blushing deeply while the armored man nodded.
I wonder what that meant? Jiraiya thought, sweating like the other guild masters and ninja.
"Ah, yes, Old Man, have the scroll I asked for?" Hiruzen pulled out a scroll from his bag and tossed it to Naruto. "Thanks. With these examples, we will be able to set up a commission system for quests. Oh,almost forgot to ask. In the book I gave you is how to wipe the game code for Elder Tales off my computer completely. You should get that wiped as soon as this meeting is over."
"Wait! Isn't that important to have!" Jiraiya shouted, realizing exactly what Naruto said. "With that, we could-"
"Every employee of the Noosphere side of Elder Tales has been killed. I have been made mute due to knowing it and I have no clue if my strikes will clear over time and gain my voice back." Naruto said, his face turning tone cold as his voice. "Also, it is best I bring up this point as well since I have a sneaking suspicion it is related to the deaths. In the videos, the fake me said 'Rumors from my fellow scholars in both worlds have found legendary heroes falling and mysterious things happening.'"
"Legendary heroes?" Maryelle asked, pouting. "What do you mean by that?"
"Wait… You think something is happening to the Ancients?" Akaneya asked, Woodstock W and he was shocked at Naruto.
"Ancients?" Hiruzen asked, raising an eyebrow as the tension increased in the air.
"They were heroes born just before the Adventurers. However, when you put facts to paper, the only thing truly connected to the game now is the Ancients. In a sense, they are fake and this world will likely try to eliminate them now that the Adventurers are taking their place." Naruto said, his eyes becoming dark like his aura. "Genius monsters. They are a new rank of monster that was going to be introduced in the expansion, but that was halted due to AI issues. However, given what the fake me said, it lines up that the Ancients might be taken down by them and the Geniuses are awake not just here, but also in Noosphere, eliminating the threats of Noosphere from how the employees were killed."
"Since I only heard about the Genius monsters and their related quests, it is best to say this is just a theory. However, with what has happen, we must keep our ears and eyes open as they could be a big threat to our families and loved ones. That is why I am asking the Old Man to wipe all the game code off my computer, don't even copy it. If you do, you could result in Konoha being wiped out by that possible threat and I would never be able to forgive myself. However, my computers will still have important data on it if you use the method I put in that book. Just please do it. I know it could help, but it's too big of a risk." Naruto asked, his voice waving slightly.
"I understand and completely agreed. I will wipe it as soon as possible."
"Sensei! You can't-"
"I am the Hokage and my word is final for Konoha." Jiraiya froze with the cold look Hiruzen gave him. "Naruto is right. From what Suna put in their reports, it is clear monsters killed those employees and they could easily wipe out ninja if they focused on them. I will not let such a risk to Konoha. We might be able to revive, but we have no idea what that price for revival is or the effects of dying over and over again have one our forces."
Sensei… Jiraiya was wide-eyed before hearing a cough and seeing Shiroe standing. What does he want to say now in a time like this.
"I agree with the wipe. Anyone who sees that code not to destroy it will get a strike, just like Boss did. We still have no idea what three strikes will result since that in the game meet banishment from the game itself." Jiraiya looked at Shiroe, seeing his seriousness. "I rather not Konoha carry that risk."
"And I will not carry it. Even though a ninja will always face risks, we must understand which risks to leave be. This is one of them." Hiruzen sighed, "So, is there anything else to discuss?"
"Ah, yes! What should be name the market?" Naruto chimed, perking up. "How about Leaf Air Market or Sunset Ateliers?" Naruto grinned.
"Shut up, chuuni." All the guild masters and second-in-commands, including Shiroe, instantly said.
"What? Why?" Naruto comically cried, "We need a brand since we will be outside the main market! Especially since part of the reason is so we have more People of the Land to help create a proper economy with them including for quests!" Naruto whined, sulking.
"It's kind of clear you're the one who made the Hidden Leaf Trade Alliance name." Hiruzen chuckled, only making Naruto sulk more. "Ah, can I request Konoha to be represented in the market as well? I see several Konoha citizens here who ended up trapped in the game, so I see no harm of them making a shop to represent us."
"No problem. We are hoping for Grandeur and Radio Market to make smaller shops that are run within the guild, so we could do the same." Shiroe said, smirking at Naruto's suffering. "However, Boss is right we need to properly brand the market place. Since Log Horizon will be hosting it on our property, I would like to discuss the rules as well with you all and allow it to be made here by everyone instead of me setting it all myself. Let's get the name out of the way before Boss tries more bad naming."
"Hm. Can I suggest something?" Soujiro Seta raised his hand. "How about Santa's Workshop?"
"Santa's Workshop?" Jiraiya asked, noticing his confusion matched with every ninja there. However, the horrified look on Naruto's face and the evil smiles on the guild masters and their second in commands gave Jiraiya an idea it was an inside joke. And Naruto's about to get it. I guess this is their chance of payback for him buying up everything.
"Hell no! I still don't get who the fuck it is!" Naruto crossed his arms in denial.
"Log Horizon votes yes for Santa's Workshop." Shiroe said almost robotically, biting his lip to keep from laughing.
"Nani! Traitor!" Naruto shouted at Shiroe
"Crescent Moon Alliance will agree if we get Boss to dress up as Santa Claus!" Maryelle chimed while Henrietta was snickering.
"Radio Market agrees." Aykaneya chuckled along with Woodstock W.
"So does Grandeur. Maybe bringing in some Christmas joy early will do Akiba some good." Woodstock W snickered.
"West Wind Brigade completely agrees!" Nazuna chimed before her guild master could answer. "Include the beard if we really get him to dress up!"
"Hell no! I am not putting that costume on again, especially now trapped in this body!" Naruto screamed.
"Konoha also agrees in exchange for explaining who this Santa Claus is and I get pictures of him in the costume. I'll get a camera ready for the first trade, too." Hiruzen grinned, raising his hand.
"Not you, too, Old Man!" Naruto cried before flopping into his seat sulking. "You all are too cruel…"
"Alright, Santa's Workshop it is. Oh, Santa Claus is a folklore character who brings good kids presents in December to open on the holiday Christmas. He is a fat, jolly old man who wears red robes."
"Wait! You mean the reason I got this nickname due to I happen to give away items in December to clear my inventory to craft more!" Naruto whined, glaring at Shiroe. "And how the hell do I look like a fat man? Why the hell would you call me that?
"Yep. Hence why you are also known as Santa Claus!" Maryelle chimed, "You give presents away just like Saint Nick! Plus, you can be the Adventurers' version of Santa Claus that is fit and healthy. All you need is a beard and red suit and you be perfect!"
"Hell no! I am not wearing that damn costume again!" Naruto snorted before seeing everyone smirked.
"Sadly, Boss, you're second in command and a lot of these guilds agreed to this if you wear it." Shiroe said, still fighting from laughing. "You will have to wear it. Think of it as karma for your chuuni nickname habit."
"You guys suck. Just plain suck." Naruto groaned, hitting his head as almost everyone began to laugh.
"Alright. Ignoring my support's suffering, let's agree on the basic rules for the market." Shiroe said, pushing the meeting along.
Heh. Maybe this will be fun after all. Jiraiya thought, seeing Naruto sob over his future despair. Though, kid how did you know of ninshu? The reports I got showed you did not research it at all for the game… So, where did you learn stuff of the Sage of the Six Paths and why? Jiraiya pondered, listening as the meeting went into basic decision making and chatter that was oddly nice and relaxing compared to what Jiraiya expected.