Autumn was deepening, and a hint of chill began to permeate the air of Konoha.
On the training ground next to the Hokage building, a thick layer of fallen leaves crunched underfoot.
In stark contrast to this bleak autumn scene was the fervent harvest scene in the Konoha Ecological Farm.
However, the atmosphere in the farm's meeting room was not as joyful as the crops outside.
"...That's the situation, Lord Hokage."
Farm Manager Hatake Sakumo placed a thick report in the center of the conference table.
His expression was as serious as ever, but there was worry between his brows.
"Under your guidance and with the full cooperation of the Nara, Akimichi, Inuzuka, and other major clans, our farm's grain production this year will definitely achieve a historic harvest. Especially the superior rice seeds you provided, the growth is amazing."
"At the same time, our 'Konoha Pork' breeding plan has also achieved initial success. The pork that has been slaughtered is already on the market in Torifu's barbecue restaurant and has been widely praised."
Sakumo's report was well-organized, detailed with data, and full of the rigorous style of the Anbu.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, sitting at the head of the table, nodded with satisfaction.
Transforming Sakumo, a top assassin, into a super farmer was definitely one of the most correct decisions he had made since transmigrating.
However, Sakumo's next words made the faces of Akimichi Torifu and the others present sink.
"But."
Sakumo's tone shifted. "With winter approaching, we face a very severe problem."
"The land is about to freeze."
"Most green vegetables, unable to adapt to the low temperatures of winter, will stop growing or even wither and die."
"This means that during the long winter months, the supply of vegetables in our village will drop drastically."
As Sakumo's voice fell, the meeting room fell silent.
"What?!"
Akimichi Torifu's face instantly collapsed. He put down the roasted sweet potato in his hand, his expression more serious than ever. "That won't do!"
"Without the accompaniment of fresh vegetables, the taste of the barbecue will be greatly reduced! The deliciousness of the meat juices will be covered by the monotonous salty taste! This is a blasphemy against food! A betrayal of the Will of Fire!"
He stood up, waving his arms excitedly, spit flying.
"Lord Hokage! Sakumo! Shikaku! We must find a way to solve this problem! This concerns the nutritional balance of every villager in Konoha, the sustainability of our ninja's combat effectiveness, and even the dignity of barbecue!"
Looking at Akimichi Torifu's heartbroken expression, as if the sky had fallen, everyone in the meeting room didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
Nara Shikaku yawned and said unhurriedly, "Insufficient vegetable intake can indeed easily lead to various diseases. Especially for children who are growing, the impact is greater. And... pickled vegetables are really a hassle."
Everyone: "..."
You just find it troublesome, don't you!
"Lord Hokage, look, this matter..." Sakumo cast a pleading look at Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Everyone present also looked at the Hokage at the head of the table in unison.
They had been discussing this problem for several days, but they couldn't come up with an effective solution.
It was common sense that the land would freeze in winter and crops couldn't grow.
However, facing everyone's frowning expressions, Sarutobi Hiruzen always wore a mysterious smile on his face.
He didn't give the answer immediately. Instead, he leisurely picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then asked Sakumo a question in return.
"Sakumo, what do you think barrier ninjutsu can be used for besides defending against enemies?"
Barrier ninjutsu?
Sakumo was stunned.
Everyone present was also stunned.
What did this have to do with growing vegetables in winter?
"Barrier ninjutsu... naturally, it is used for defense," Sakumo answered subconsciously. "For example, the Four Violet Flames Formation can trap enemies. And the sensory barrier outside the village can warn of intruders."
"That's right."
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded. "The essence of a barrier is to use chakra to create an independent space isolated from the outside world."
"Then have you ever thought..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen stood up. His gaze swept over the faces of everyone present, and then, on the huge farm planning map on the wall of the meeting room, he used his finger to draw a huge circle covering the entire vegetable planting area.
"What if we use a barrier, not to trap enemies, nor to trap Tailed Beasts, but... to cover this piece of land."
"Then, in this independent space, create an environment as warm as spring."
"Then, wouldn't the wind and snow outside be kept out?"
"Couldn't we use a barrier to lock spring in here forever?"
Using a barrier... to lock in spring?
Boom!
These words were like a bolt of lightning, instantly clearing the fog in everyone's minds.
Nara Shikaku, in his always sleepy eyes, suddenly flashed a sharp light.
He seemed to have grasped something crucial, and his breathing became rapid.
Hatake Sakumo's body shook, and a light burst from his calm eyes.
They looked at the huge circle Sarutobi Hiruzen had drawn on the map, feeling their heads buzzing.
Barrier ninjutsu... could be used like this?
Applying ninjutsu to agriculture?
They seemed to have already seen a huge and warm spring fortress standing on the outskirts of Konoha in the snowy winter.
Inside, it was lush green, with the fragrance of melons and fruits.
Villagers could eat the freshest vegetables even in winter.
They could also drink nutritious fruit juice.
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