Danzo realized that with each system reward, his soul seemed to undergo a qualitative transformation.
His formidable will and mental strength subtly influenced those around him, especially after solidifying his chosen path. The feeling became even more pronounced. Danzo couldn't help but feel that the strengthening of his soul was the real reward, and the system's visible "rewards" were merely add-ons.
However, the system's mission completion criteria frustrated him.
Logically, Minato Namikaze and Kakashi should have acknowledged him highly, but for some reason, the system didn't recognize it.
Tsunade, on the other hand, had gone from disliking him early on to inexplicably completing the mission later.
"If only the system would show me a clear progress bar with percentage data," Danzo thought.
Now, he could only hope that "Itachi" would surprise him.
Hundreds of kilometers south of Konoha, a territory in the Land of Fire had been raided by bandits. The civilians were mostly unharmed, but the nobleman had been killed, and the estate burned to the ground.
The only survivor of the family was a young child, who soon inherited the land. He quickly rallied the surrounding villagers and built a new estate elsewhere.
Over time, wooden houses were erected around the estate, and streets were mapped out.
What started as a rest stop for passing merchants evolved into inns, restaurants, shops, and warehouses for rent.
Eventually, a merchant guild established a foothold, and many shrewd merchants began purchasing properties and warehouses in advance.
A town's patrol unit was also formed to maintain order and collect taxes.
In just three months, no one suspected a thing—until Minato Namikaze received the town's first income from land and shop sales: 1.6 billion ryo.
"It's only the beginning. The profits will only grow from here," Danzo said calmly as Minato stood in stunned silence.
"This... This is ridiculously profitable," Minato stammered after a long pause.
The intelligence Kakashi had sent back indicated that this was only the revenue from two-fifths of the shops. Future earnings from warehouse taxes and hospitality businesses would be substantial.
Minato's worries from the past few months were effortlessly resolved.
He had expected to wait half a year before seeing returns, but in just three months, the profits had far exceeded his expectations.
With money in hand, he could gradually implement the policies he had envisioned.
Danzo looked at Minato, who still hadn't recovered from his shock, and sighed inwardly.
With the wealth of the Land of Fire, Konoha's military strength, and the commercial push from the Root, not making money would be the real surprise.
"This world is full of contradictions," Danzo continued. "They claim it's a world where strength reigns supreme, yet the daimyo and nobles hold more authority. Despite having formidable armed forces and resources everywhere, they still rely on others for military funding and remain bound by political restraints."
"If you weren't opposed, the income would've doubled by now," Danzo added, his words tinged with temptation.
Sure enough, Minato snapped out of his daze, his eyes lighting up with curiosity and a hint of hope.
"This 1.6 billion ryo is just a fraction of the profits from three prosperous towns in the south," Danzo explained. "The commercial centers of the southern Land of Fire are still concentrated in those three places.
"If we attract rogue ninja… and Konoha can establish the town as the safest trade center in the south…"
As Danzo spoke, Minato's eyes grew brighter, though a hint of hesitation crept into his expression.
"This is already great, Elder Danzo. I can't risk turning Konoha against the Land of Fire," Minato said with a faint smile.
Danzo showed no disappointment at Minato's refusal.
"You're the Hokage. The decision is yours," Danzo replied.
"Mm…"
This was one of the things Minato liked most about Danzo—he never interfered excessively with his decisions.
In the end, Danzo declined Minato's invitation to the family dinner and concluded their discussion.
Just as he left the Hokage's office, a familiar figure followed behind him. A light floral scent wafted through the air, soothing him.
On a quiet path, Nonō Yakushi shared intelligence from the Land of Water.
"The Land of Water is growing more chaotic. The Yuki Clan…"
Most of the information came from the Yuki Clan in Kirigakure. They had gone from being indifferent to Danzo's early olive branch, to tentative cooperation, and finally to being left with no other choice—a clear reflection of Kirigakure's internal struggles.
"Use the Yuki Clan to reach out to others. Avoid exposing the Land of Rivers' involvement. Do it under the guise of a Land of Fire merchant guild."
"…And have Itachi return. Leave the town's management to Kakashi. The Root won't intervene in its operations."
"Yes, sir. One more thing…"
Nonō's return lightened the burden on Danzo's shoulders.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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