The conference room was dimly lit, and the atmosphere was oppressive.
"...Seventh, Haruto Saito has used his position for personal gain by privately reducing taxes on his own businesses..." Koharu Utatane was listing Haruto's ten offenses, and she had now reached the seventh charge.
"Lady Koharu, that was just legal tax avoidance, not evasion," Haruto lazily retorted.
Koharu glanced at Haruto before continuing to read from the document. "Eighth, Haruto Saito has used his position to grant special approvals to small vendors who did not meet the requirements, allowing them to set up stalls in areas where they should not be operating, causing traffic congestion..."
"That's a food street, alright? A pedestrian street!" Haruto interjected again.
"Ninth! Haruto Saito has used his position to coerce employees of the Commerce Department into working for the First Bank of the Shinobi World..."
"I paid them, okay? What do you mean by 'coerce'? They worked for me in their off-hours. How is that my fault?"
"Tenth! Haruto Saito has used his position to relocate casinos, red-light districts, and entertainment businesses to his own industrial area, profiting over ten billion ryo from it..."
This was the most critical charge.
The other accusations were just padding.
But this charge... was simply too outrageous! Haruto's rapid accumulation of wealth was staggering.
"Everything was legal and compliant!" Haruto still tried to defend himself, but even he felt a bit powerless—because while it was legal, it was undeniably unethical. From a moral standpoint, it was indeed an abuse of power for personal gain.
"That concludes Haruto Saito's ten offenses!" Koharu declared firmly, her tone growing more severe. "Since taking office as the Minister of Commerce, Haruto Saito has been recklessly amassing wealth, using his position for personal gain! The nature of his actions is extremely egregious. Therefore, I propose that Haruto Saito be removed from office, investigated, and all illicit gains be confiscated!"
"I agree!" Homura Mitokado immediately echoed.
"Seconded!" said Hiashi Hyuga, the clan head of the Hyuga main family.
"Seconded!"
"Seconded!"
"Seconded!"
One after another, more than ten senior Konoha officials voiced their support, and finally, even Danzo Shimura added, "Seconded!"
His agreement carried immense weight. His position was even higher than Koharu's. The reason he had not led the charge himself was simply that he was not well-versed in administrative and economic matters—something Koharu could articulate much better.
Haruto scanned the room. The situation was serious.
Nearly half of Konoha's senior management was supporting this motion. Among them were three exceptionally influential figures: Danzo Shimura, Koharu Utatane, and Homura Mitokado.
However, several other prominent figures had abstained from the discussion—such as Uchiha Tokugawa, the head of the Uchiha clan; consultant Choza Akimichi; and the leader of the Jonin Corps, Shikaku Nara.
These individuals refrained from condemning Haruto largely because they had personal ties with him.
Haruto's strongest ally was Uchiha Tokugawa, as Haruto had already established a solid rapport with the Uchiha clan. Since taking office as Minister of Commerce, he had strengthened his relationship with Tokugawa and remained in frequent contact.
His friendship with Choza Akimichi stemmed from their involvement in the mission department, where they often collaborated on tax-related matters.
As for Shikaku Nara, Haruto also held an honorary advisory position within the Jonin Corps, particularly overseeing assassination operations. Because of this connection, they interacted often.
Interestingly, Koharu should have been one of Haruto's closest allies.
After all, they had worked together for half a year.
However, Koharu was simply "too righteous." If she found something even slightly unethical, she would turn against anyone in an instant. As a result, their working relationship was functional, but they had zero personal rapport.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, watched the proceedings unfold, his headache worsening.
Koharu had not given him a heads-up about today's motion, so he was caught off guard. Removing Haruto from office was one thing—Hiruzen was already considering it, as Haruto's relentless money-making had become excessive. However, seizing Haruto's wealth would be a major issue.
Haruto was not the type to suffer losses quietly.
When Konoha had fined him two billion ryo before, they had to compensate him with the Minister of Commerce position in return.
Now they were considering taking over ten billion ryo from him? What kind of price would Konoha have to pay for that?
And if they tried to force it… who knew what Haruto might do?
There was one undeniable fact—even Hiruzen himself was envious of Haruto's fortune.
"Haruto Saito, do you have anything to say for yourself?" Hiruzen finally asked, his tone stern.
Around the large conference table, over thirty pairs of eyes focused intently on Haruto.
Haruto slowly stood up. He first smiled at Hiruzen before suddenly slamming the table and exclaiming, "This is absurd! I, Haruto Saito, have always acted with integrity and have never harmed Konoha's interests! Lady Koharu, on what grounds are you impeaching me?"
"Let's not even talk about the other charges—explain the relocation of the special industries first!" Koharu countered. "Do you dare say you didn't use your power for personal gain?"
"How is it personal gain? Lady Koharu, tell me—what would have been the proper way to handle the relocation of these industries?" Haruto challenged.
Koharu had anticipated this and promptly replied, "Moving them to a more suitable location. Compared to the impoverished North District, relocating these industries to the West District near the central market area would have been far better..."
"Better in what way?" Haruto immediately shot back. "What you mean by 'better' is that the beneficiaries wouldn't be me, right? Let me ask you—when moving these industries, the surrounding area naturally benefits, right? Anyone could have profited. So why couldn't it be me?"
"Because you're the Minister of Commerce! Your actions set a terrible precedent! This was an opportunity to benefit the wider community, but you hoarded all the profits for yourself!"
"Oh, please! You think you're so noble? If you're so concerned about benefiting the public, why don't you oppose taxes that burden them? You act all righteous, but in reality, you're just jealous! Koharu Utatane, do you have any shame? We are in a time of war! The interests of Konoha come first, and you're talking about 'benefiting the public'?"
"You acknowledge that Konoha's interests come first, yet you keep hoarding wealth?" Koharu snapped, standing up in anger.
"Lady Koharu! Watch your words! I earn money through legitimate means—it's called making a profit!" Haruto sternly emphasized. "Furthermore, my wealth has never harmed Konoha. On the contrary, I have made significant contributions! As for relocating the special industries, I dare say I did it for Konoha's benefit!"
Everyone was dumbfounded by Haruto's audacity. His accumulation of wealth was staggering, yet he had the gall to claim he did it all for Konoha.
Bang!
"Haruto Saito! Then explain—how did moving those industries to your area benefit Konoha?" Koharu slammed the table, demanding an answer!
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