A month later, Jiraiya left Konohagakure, saying he was heading out for "research." In truth, he found himself caught between the Third Hokage and Namikaze Minato, which made him feel incredibly uncomfortable.
Unable to convince either side, he accepted a secret mission proposed by Danzo to track down Orochimaru.
When the Third Hokage learned of Jiraiya's departure two days later, he was so furious that he didn't sleep that night.
With the support of Danzo and the Uchiha clan, coupled with Minato's 100% approval rating, the Hokage's orders now flowed through the village smoothly. Even the Third Hokage and the Elder Council were spending noticeably less time in the Hokage's office.
These signs made it clear: Namikaze Minato wasn't just a powerhouse in terms of strength, he was also proving himself a capable Hokage in administrative matters.
However, a new challenge had appeared—Konohagakure's finances.
Although Konoha was wealthier than most villages, it had an equally large expenditure. Beyond the standard quotas allocated to the various clans and departments, there were new financial burdens.
Minato had recently proposed increasing the number of civilian students admitted to the Ninja Academy, with a 20% reduction in tuition fees. He also calculated the compensation for those who died or were injured in the war.
All these expenses indicated that, within six months, Konoha's expenditures would exceed its income.
Additionally, the Uchiha Clan's reinstatement to their old grounds would be another significant cost.
Typically, the solution to such issues would be to either cut costs or seek more revenue. This could involve reducing the allocations to the various clans and departments, securing more external missions, or requesting additional funds from the Daimyo.
The first two options weren't feasible due to various constraints.
Minato had already asked Koharu Utatane to travel to the Land of Fire and lobby the Daimyo for more funding, particularly for war compensation. Koharu had agreed, but the Daimyo ultimately refused. The reasons were self-evident.
After several days of worry, Minato finally summoned Danzo and asked:
"Danzo-sama, why isn't Root's budget listed in the financial allocations?"
Danzo gave Minato a thoughtful glance and replied calmly, "The Third Hokage believed Root had become too large and unwieldy, so he cut its funding. I simply found my own means."
Minato's eyes lit up. "How did you resolve it, Danzo-sama?"
"If internal funding is insufficient, you seek external means—capturing rogue shinobi for bounty or dabbling in small business ventures."
Disappointment flashed in Minato's eyes. These methods were nothing more than drops in the bucket for the village's needs. What he didn't realize, however, was just how large Danzo's "small ventures" truly were.
Danzo's tone then shifted slightly. "If you compromise with the Third and reinstate the Uchiha's restrictions, he might help resolve this. Many of the large clans would grant him some leeway."
Minato gave a wry smile. "Danzo-sama, let's not joke about that."
Minato was well aware of the core issue—the Uchiha Clan was only part of the conflict. The real problem was the fundamental difference between his and the Third's political philosophies.
The only way the Third Hokage would offer support was if Minato became his puppet and governed Konoha according to the Third's vision. That was something Minato would never accept.
"Then you'll have to find another way," Danzo said flatly.
Minato's eyes lit up again. "Danzo-sama, do you have any advice?"
Danzo, in Minato's eyes, was a wise elder with a unique perspective on everything. More importantly, Danzo was willing to offer help without seeking control over the Hokage's authority.
"Seek external solutions," Danzo said, grabbing a map from the Hokage's desk.
"Look at these towns around Konoha. This one, and this one—both are bustling trade hubs. Securing just two of them would be enough to feed Konoha."
Minato's eyes widened. "Danzo-sama, you must be joking!"
"Do I look like I'm joking?" Danzo's expression was serious.
The atmosphere turned tense. This proposal struck a nerve with Minato. If the Third Hokage heard such a suggestion, Danzo would likely be arrested under charges of treason against the Land of Fire.
In the shinobi world, the Daimyo managed towns and cities, while the ninja villages handled military defense and various missions. This balance had been in place even before the founding of the ninja villages, and no one questioned it.
Minato gave a small laugh to break the tension. "Danzo-sama, your perspective is certainly… unique. But let's not speak of this again."
"You're the Hokage. The decision is yours," Danzo replied indifferently.
The two briefly discussed other administrative matters, though the earlier conversation left a lingering awkwardness. Danzo soon excused himself and left the Hokage's office, ending the discussion.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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