The Shinobi World had finally calmed, and time passed quickly.
It had been a year and a half since Namikaze Minato became the Fourth Hokage.
His prestige in Konoha was quietly approaching that of the "Strongest Hokage," the Third Hokage.
This wasn't due to strength alone but rather his influence within the village.
Even the proud Uchiha clan had been won over by Minato's broad-minded nature and personal charisma.
His policy of treating everyone equally and the introduction of substantial financial investments helped resolve many of the political issues left behind by the Third Hokage.
Perhaps inspired by the commercial successes they had witnessed, Minato had spent the last year implementing policies that strongly supported Konoha's internal commerce and attracted merchants from outside the village.
Konoha's prosperity grew, bringing benefits to the various clans within the village. They wisely aligned themselves with the Fourth Hokage, recognizing the potential for further gain.
Externally, Konoha carried itself as a victorious nation, adopting a firm yet tactful diplomatic stance that left the other villages unwilling to underestimate their young Hokage. Even Iwagakure, known for its stubbornness, softened its stance on the Land of Grass after several diplomatic encounters.
At the same time, the Elders' influence waned as they appeared at the Hokage Office less frequently. However, Danzo remained an exception. To the outside world, he seemed more like the Hokage's chief advisor than a member of the Council of Elders.
Deeply trusted by the Fourth Hokage, Danzo's influence within Konoha only continued to grow. His decisive, pragmatic methods gradually gained the recognition of many shinobi clans.
...
In the Hokage Office, plans for the village's next phase of development were in full swing.
"This area needs barrier reinforcement, and I want it completed in two months. As for this street's layout…"
Minato was preparing to expand Konoha by another third. Craftsmen from across the Land of Fire had already been recruited.
The various clan representatives present were enthusiastic about the expansion since they would directly benefit from it.
"Along with allocating housing to those without homes, we'll attract around 1,000 families from the Land of Fire and establish three commercial streets…"
Minato had already finalized the details of the expansion with Danzo. Most of the meeting involved task assignments, but judging from the smiles on the clan leaders' faces, they were satisfied with how profits would be divided.
"Suddenly adding so many new villagers—won't the other villages take advantage of this?" Hyūga Hiashi voiced his concerns.
Since its founding, Konoha had consistently absorbed new villagers but never at this scale.
"Leave that to Root," Danzo calmly took on the task and continued, "As for incorporating new villagers, I suggest placing the 16 villages within 30 kilometers of Konoha under our administration. When Konoha needs fresh blood, we can select villagers from these settlements. This will help prevent spies from infiltrating while ensuring they quickly integrate."
"What about the Daimyō?" someone asked, skeptical about the plan.
"It's settled. We'll proceed as Elder Danzo suggested. I'll send a letter to the Daimyō," Minato said, finalizing the decision. He turned to Nara Shikaku, who stood quietly nearby.
"Prepare a detailed plan for regulating the surrounding villages."
"Yes," Shikaku responded.
The Nara clan's previous patriarch had stepped down three months ago, and Shikaku now led the clan. Being old friends with Minato, Shikaku, along with Yamanaka Inoichi and Akimichi Chōza, had naturally aligned themselves with the Fourth Hokage.
Minato, in turn, demonstrated his trust and inclusiveness. If anyone was destined to become a key figure in Konoha's future, Nara Shikaku was one of the top candidates.
As Minato's personal secretary, Shikaku had become involved in nearly every village matter within just three months. His contributions further enhanced Minato's reputation among the clans.
Even Danzo couldn't deny that Namikaze Minato had grown into a remarkably capable politician, far surpassing the Third Hokage in his vision for Konoha's future. Under Danzo's influence, social mobility was also gradually improving.
When the meeting finally ended, everyone left with satisfied expressions.
Once only Danzo remained, Minato's usual smile returned, though his exhaustion was evident.
"You should head home and rest soon, or Kushina will come looking for you," Danzo commented.
"Mm. Would you like to join us for dinner?" Minato offered.
"No, I still have matters to handle." Danzo declined for what felt like the hundredth time. He wasn't about to take the risk of trying Kushina's cooking with her fiery personality.
"Keep an eye on Shirakawa Town. Sarutobi seems to have sent people to investigate," Danzo added.
Despite the apparent peace, hidden conflicts had not ceased over the past year.
"Understood. I'll be careful." Minato wasn't too worried. He had a clear sense of priorities. Shirakawa Town was Konoha's financial lifeline. More than half of the village's policy funding now came from there.
Anyone who dared touch it was an enemy of Konoha.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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