Chapter 244 Compilation
Chapter 244 Compilation
The successful completion of the first phase of the project not only made the capital city as bright as day at night, but also satisfied the vanity and wallet of the Fire Country's daimyo.
To celebrate this historic moment, the daimyo hosted an extremely lavish private banquet in his newly renovated villa, and specially invited the two great contributors to the project—Nishikawa Tetsu and Yahiko.
Inside the banquet hall, courtesans danced gracefully to the music.
"Nishikawa Toru, Yahiko, relax, don't be shy."
Daimyo was in a great mood today and drank a few extra cups of sake, his face glowing.
"Without you all, where would the capital be today? The name 'City That Never Sleeps' has already spread far and wide, hahaha!"
"Your Excellency is too kind. This is all thanks to your wise decisions and strong support." Nishikawa Tetsu picked up his teacup and drank it all in one gulp.
Yahiko also had a drink. Although he was still not quite used to this kind of occasion, his movements were much more relaxed.
After five courses of food, the bystanders withdrew, and the magistrate waved his hand, signaling the two to approach.
"Now that the first phase of the project is complete, it's time to officially set up the framework of the Fire Country National Grid Group."
The daimyo put down his wine cup, tapped his palm lightly with his folding fan, and lingered on Nishikawa Tetsu for a moment, his gaze revealing a hint of probing and expectation.
"Although I invested a lot of money in this group, Konoha also holds a significant number of shares, so it's a joint venture between us. I'm a reasonable person and don't like to make decisions unilaterally."
"Nishikawa Tetsuya, you came up with the concept of this power grid, and the technology also comes from Konoha. I think the position of the first president is rightfully yours."
Upon hearing this, Yahiko turned to look at Nishikawa Tetsu, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. The Daimyo had essentially handed over the future energy lifeline of the Land of Fire directly to Nishikawa Tetsu!
However, Nishikawa Tetsuya showed no excitement whatsoever; instead, he shook his head with a wry smile.
"Your Excellency, I appreciate your kindness."
Nishikawa Tetsu stood up and bowed respectfully.
"But I am, after all, a ninja of Konoha, and also the vice president of the Science Research Institute and the vice minister of the Finance Department. My main focus must be on technological research and development and village affairs. If I were to also serve as the president of the power grid group, I would probably be too busy to manage both."
"Moreover, the management of a business group requires extremely meticulous and professional coordination skills. In this regard, I have a more suitable candidate to recommend to you."
"Oh?" The daimyo was somewhat surprised, but also breathed a sigh of relief—after all, he was still a little apprehensive about entrusting such an important position to a ninja.
"Who is it?"
"Nara Shikamaru."
Nishikawa Tetsu did not hesitate to give his name and began his recommendation:
"Senior Shikamori comes from the Nara clan, the strategist family of Konoha."
"He has an extremely keen business sense and is very good at coordination."
"The fact that the first phase of the project was completed so smoothly and within budget is not only due to the tireless efforts of Xiao's workers, but also thanks to his meticulous planning behind the scenes."
"He not only understands technical coordination, but also knows how to negotiate with various forces. He is steady and never makes mistakes. If he were to be the president, he would definitely be able to manage the group in an orderly manner and ensure that every penny is spent wisely."
Nishikawa Tetsu didn't say one more thing: Shikamori wasn't a ninja, even though he was born into a ninja clan.
He was certain that the Daimyo would thoroughly investigate the backgrounds of all the Konoha personnel who had come to the capital.
Sure enough, the daimyo stroked his chin, indicating that he had heard of the Nara clan's reputation.
"Since you strongly recommend him, I'll trust you this once. He's the one for president."
"Thank you, Your Excellency." Nishikawa Tetsu smiled slightly.
By promoting Shikanobu, not only could he free himself from complicated affairs, but more importantly, he could keep the financial power firmly in the hands of Konoha's loyalists.
"The president has been decided, so what about the personnel structure?" the daimyo continued. "Such a large corporation needs a lot of manpower. I plan to squeeze in those idle staff from the Ministry of Internal Affairs..."
"Absolutely not, Your Excellency!"
Nishikawa Tetsu immediately interrupted the daimyo's idea of sending in relatives, saying that the so-called "idle personnel" were actually the daimyo's relatives who were just loafing around doing nothing.
"The State Grid Corporation of China is not an ordinary commercial company; it is a strategic institution that concerns the national economy, people's livelihood, and even national security."
"If the system is filled with people who don't understand technology and just draw salaries without working, the consequences would be unimaginable if the power grid malfunctions."
Nishikawa Tetsu's expression became unusually serious.
"I suggest that all formal employees of the power grid group must be included in the national staffing system!"
"Standardized positions?" Da Ming was taken aback; this term was still relatively new in this era.
"That's right."
Nishikawa Tetsu explained, "No matter what, the power grid is a public institution that serves the people under the banner of the state. Giving them formal employment status will not only enhance their sense of responsibility and honor, but also ensure the stability of the workforce."
"As for the selection, I suggest starting from two aspects."
Nishikawa Tetsu raised two fingers:
"First, we will draw personnel from the existing officials of the Daming Prefecture."
"But not those in high positions, but those talented and capable low-ranking officials who are not successful because they lack connections."
"Secondly, we will recruit openly from the entire society!"
Nishikawa Tetsu's voice carried a inflammatory quality:
"Although the Land of Fire is prosperous, there are still many civilians and even retired ninjas who cannot find decent jobs."
"Open recruitment can not only select truly skilled technical personnel, but also greatly solve employment problems."
"Moreover, the power grid is to be extended to the entire Fire Country."
"From now on, for every region where a power grid is laid, a branch will be established locally, and locals will be recruited for maintenance. In this way, your grace, Daimyo, can extend along the power lines to every corner of the Land of Fire!"
"Great! Excellent, reaching every corner!"
Daming slapped his thigh excitedly, his eyes gleaming with ambition.
He was increasingly admiring Nishikawa Tetsuya, who used his official position to win people's hearts and used employment opportunities to stabilize society. This kid was a natural-born official.
"but……"
Nishikawa Tetsu then changed the subject, bringing up the last and most important point.
"Since it is a state-owned group with such great power and funds, it must not be allowed to escape supervision."
"The power grid group's finances and major personnel appointments must be subject to dual auditing and supervision by the Daimyofu national authorities and Konoha Village."
"Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Only transparency and oversight can keep this goose that lays golden eggs healthy."
Daimyo gave Nishikawa Tetsu a deep look.
This young man not only drew him a huge business empire, but even prepared chains to prevent this behemoth from turning on its master.
"Nishikawa Toru".
Da Ming raised his wine glass.
"The Land of Fire is fortunate to have you and Konoha."
"Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
The atmosphere of the banquet was once again brought to a climax.
Meanwhile, Nara Shikamori, who was working late into the night at the office checking the supply list, suddenly felt a chill down his back and sneezed several times in a row.
"Strange, the air conditioning isn't on..."
Lu Shou rubbed his nose, glancing at the golden abacus, but didn't pay much attention.
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