The capital of the Land of Fire.
Council Hall.
Hiruzen walked slowly into the chamber.
On both sides stood the powerful nobles and bureaucrats who controlled the major central institutions and regions of the Land of Fire.
The moment he entered, the Fire Daimyō, Kujō Gen, hurried down from the high seat, practically jogging over. He grabbed Hiruzen's hand and deliberately raised his voice: "Brother! You finally made it…"
"These past few days, some people colluding with foreign forces have been stirring things up with ulterior motives—I've been furious!"
"Things on your side are alright, right?"
When a small faction of nobles led by En Masamune had launched accusations against Konoha, Kujō Gen had been enraged.
He had been deeply worried that Hiruzen would take it as a sign of his incompetence.
Or worse—suspect that it was somehow connected to him, part of a conspiracy targeting Konoha.
After all, for a long time, the relationship between nobles and shinobi had been both cooperative and adversarial—highly sensitive.
He was just about to achieve something great and cement his legacy—if an unexpected crisis like this ended up ruining everything…
Who could he even complain to?
Fortunately, Gen discovered that his brother was truly benevolent.
Hiruzen had even written to him personally:
[We are family—bound by blood and by the future, unbreakable. Use this opportunity to flush out the rats hiding in the shadows. I can hold the line on my side…]
[As for this incident, I'll come in person to back you up and speak with the major nobles.]
Overjoyed, Gen had summoned all his trusted aides to the capital, eagerly waiting day and night for Hiruzen's arrival…
"My side is probably quite lively right now, but everything is still within control…"
Hiruzen said with a smile as he followed the Daimyō up toward the raised platform and imperial seat.
"Oh?"
Hiruzen's eyes flickered slightly—he noticed the so-called imperial seat was not of the usual design.
Instead, it was the same long rectangular seat that could accommodate two people—the one he had used during private talks with the Daimyō in the palace chambers.
"Brother, you sit first!"
"We agreed—we'd sit here together!" Gen said openly, patting the seat firmly, completely unconcerned by the murmuring among the nobles below.
"You're thoughtful, my good brother."
"But this is your domain, and this is official business…" Hiruzen chuckled inwardly, gesturing for Gen to sit as he spoke softly.
He himself stepped behind the seat, placing both hands on the backrest.
"Everyone…"
"I am the Hokage of Konohagakure—Sarutobi Hiruzen."
The moment he spoke, it felt as though the air itself froze. An invisible weight pressed down on the nobles, making their hearts tighten and their bodies instinctively bend.
The noise vanished instantly.
No one dared to move.
And no one could tell whether this pressure came from some profound ninjutsu—or simply the overwhelming presence of the Hokage himself.
'Earth Release: Weighted Rock Technique… I've already refined its gravity field control to a fairly precise level…'
Hiruzen silently noted, completing the final part of today's training—using the nobles as test subjects to gauge his control over the jutsu.
"Regarding the turmoil caused by the failed mission of Uchiha Yashiro from Konohagakure, I believe all of you here have been paying close attention."
"Whether you stand with the Daimyō, or harbor other intentions."
"Those who are present here today—I personally regard you as my companions, because you are all pillars of the Land of Fire, carefully selected and recognized by the Daimyō."
The nobles couldn't help but nod slightly, listening more intently.
This… felt like a Hokage with real education?
The Daimyō's expression brightened—so this was what it felt like to have his big brother backing him!
Gen understood clearly.
Within a single year, he had swept aside opposing nobles and united eighty percent of the Land of Fire's aristocracy under his banner. While the powerful social influence of the "Sage Region Pills" had played a role, invoking Sarutobi Hiruzen's name had been equally crucial.
Hiruzen's voice remained calm and steady: "To resolve this incident—and to prevent similar situations in the future…"
"We must identify the problem at its source."
"So then—where is the source?"
"I believe it lies in the long-standing, complex relationship between shinobi and nobles—and in the very origins of the shinobi code."
"Daimyō-sama, would you join me in analyzing why the shinobi code has been upheld and implemented across the ninja world for hundreds of years?"
A chill ran through the nobles.
The atmosphere grew heavy without them even realizing it.
Those who could sit in this council chamber—if not all, then at least ninety-nine percent—had a certain level of insight.
Even those who had once openly criticized shinobi understood one thing deep down:
'Shinobi possess overwhelming violence, yet have not placed themselves above us—this is a fragile, accidental equilibrium born of many complex factors.'
Even after centuries of inertia, that fragile balance would one day inevitably break.
The nobles grew tense.
Was that day… about to arrive? The day shinobi would overthrow everything through force?
Gen also felt a flicker of panic—this topic was far too sensitive.
But when he turned and met Hiruzen's calm yet resolute gaze, his heart settled.
'If brother truly wanted to use force… how could I still be sitting here?'
With that thought, Gen spoke seriously: "From the perspective of non-shinobi groups, it's because shinobi possess uncontrollable violence and are a destabilizing factor for the state. Therefore, the shinobi code is used to restrict their thinking—turning them into tools."
Hiruzen was momentarily stunned.
That was… brutally honest.
The nobles below erupted—Daimyō, why would you say that so directly?!
Some things should at least be dressed up! Wouldn't that only worsen the conflict?
"Daimyō-sama has put it very well. I believe many of you think the same, correct?"
Hiruzen coughed lightly, suppressing the noise before continuing: "I have no intention of criticizing past practices. Historical problems always have their causes—judging them from a modern perspective inevitably creates distortion."
"In truth, I understand your thinking."
The nobles froze.
Was that really something a Hokage would say?
"In the past, shinobi possessed all kinds of powers—but their use was extremely singular."
"That use was… killing."
"No matter how powerful a shinobi was, no matter what kind of might they wielded, their talents were almost always used to wage or sustain endless war."
"So your desire to impose limits on shinobi aligns with your instincts as rulers."
"In governance, there is an iron rule: the more dangerous and uncontrollable a resource is, the more it must be standardized, tool-ified, and stripped of individuality. Risks must be isolated through rules, and power must be locked into fixed scenarios."
"Am I right?" Hiruzen said with a faint smile.
"After all, I manage Konoha. While its population is not as large as your domains, I am still a ruler in my own right. In that sense, we can be considered peers."
The nobles' expressions changed drastically.
Just from that speech alone…
This was no longer a shinobi—this was a seasoned grand noble with immense governing experience!
Gen looked up at Hiruzen.
This—this was exactly why he trusted him so deeply… even admired him.
In Gen's eyes, Hiruzen was fully capable of becoming a Daimyō himself.
And yet he restrained the desire to control everything, choosing instead to support him as a partner.
What an extraordinary character!
"But everyone—shinobi have changed. At least, the shinobi of the Land of Fire have changed!"
"I believe you have all taken the 'Sage Region Pills' produced by Konoha. Their effects—nourishing the body and eliminating ailments—are something you have personally experienced."
"Konoha's shinobi are no longer just one-dimensional instruments of killing. They are now highly skilled technical professionals capable of applying ninjutsu in the medical field—and this is only the beginning."
"We will continue researching how to apply ninjutsu to civilian sectors, including but not limited to medical care and rehabilitation, agricultural production, infrastructure construction, disaster response and rescue, water management, and other areas."
"Of course, because of the militaristic aggression of the other hidden villages, Konoha can only carry out limited development with its surplus capacity while preserving its own combat strength. After all, military power remains the primary guarantee of security."
The nobles nodded instinctively, and quite a few of them were already listening with complete concentration.
The panic in their hearts gradually faded. The Hokage did not seem to be overturning the table—he was reasoning with them.
And in truth, similar thoughts had surfaced in their minds before as well.
The formidable medicinal effects of the "Sage Region Pills" had allowed the nobles to personally experience the power of chakra.
Shinobi were no longer bombs that might go off at any moment, but masters of advanced technology whom the nobles needed to court and find ways to approach.
The nobles did not need excessive violence, but they had a rigid need for these medical resources.
The relationship of supply and demand between the two sides had already been quietly and firmly established.
"Then under this kind of transformation, to continue seeing shinobi merely as uncontrollable tools of violence is clearly an outdated way of thinking…"
Hiruzen changed tack. "The tool-like orientation of the shinobi code should also be revised."
"There is no need for everyone to panic."
"Shinobi do indeed wield powerful force, but their numbers are limited. To properly govern the vast Land of Fire, it is necessary to reach deep cooperation with all of you…"
"As Hokage, I recognize the contribution made by the millions-strong grassroots administrative organizations under your leadership to the stability, prosperity, and productive order of the Land of Fire."
"What we should establish between us is a deeply symbiotic relationship—a tightly bound whole in which you are in us and we are in you, inseparable from one another."
"That distorted relationship of mutual opposition, wariness, and reluctant cooperation from the past ought to be swept into the dustbin of history!"
The Daimyō's eyes lit up, and he said loudly: "Brother, I've wanted to solve this problem with you for a long time!"
This could be said to be the nobles' greatest pain point.
The great nobles, well-read and versed in the classics of governance, were capable of clearly understanding the relationship between violence and power.
Ever since the system of one country, one village had come into being, they had always known that shinobi and nobles could not go on grinding each other down like this forever…
The main reason shinobi could not move against the nobles now was the fierce confrontation among the various hidden villages, which required a stable rear.
If they acted, not only would they themselves fall into internal strife, they would also hand their enemies the secular legitimacy to join forces against them.
But anyone with clear eyes knew that this balance would eventually be broken.
And when that day came, the nobles felt as though a kunai were hanging above their heads day and night. In ordinary times, they could pretend not to see it out of habit, but in the dead of night they would always find themselves wondering…
When would it fall?
If a stable new order of symbiosis could be born, that too was something the nobles hoped to see.
Hiruzen pressed down lightly on Gen's shoulder in approval.
"At present, Konoha has already expanded the production of 'Sage Region Pills' by fifty percent, and the medicinal efficacy contained within them has also been increased by thirty percent…"
"The number of people who can receive restorative treatment has increased even further."
"We have also developed organ repair techniques, prosthetic limb reconnection techniques, and made major breakthroughs in fields such as cosmetics."
Hiruzen placed a scroll into Gen's hand.
"With the reputation of the 'Sage Region Pills,' none of you need doubt the quality of our products."
"Additionally, although the medicinal power of the 'Sage Region Pills' has been upgraded this time, we will reduce the price by one percent…"
Cries of surprise rose from the nobles.
Better product, same price?
"I said before that I regard all of you as companions."
"To be sure, Konoha will earn some profit from the 'Sage Region Pills' project, but we will only earn reasonable profit. Once the process becomes more refined, the cost will naturally come down somewhat."
"The essence of the 'Sage Region Pills' is also to encourage the outstanding builders of the Land of Fire. On this point, the Daimyō and I are in full agreement."
Hiruzen spoke leisurely.
A one-percent price cut, yet it would leave the nobles with the impression that Konoha was exceedingly sincere and generous with its materials…
Some might even feel that the Hokage was almost too straightforward—this was such a monopolized product, yet he still considered their wallets…
For a moment, the way the nobles looked at Hiruzen changed.
This shinobi…
No, the Hokage of Konoha—he was different!
The Daimyō knowingly added: "As for the allocation quotas for the 'Sage Region Pills,' I already discussed them with all of you a year ago, and they were set according to governance performance assessments."
"Hokage-sama and I hope that all of you can serve the people and solve their problems without worries hanging over your heads, using this advanced technology to safeguard everyone and help the Land of Fire grow strong as quickly as possible."
"But let me be blunt here…"
"If anyone obstructs or sabotages the development of the Land of Fire! If anyone thinks only of throwing their weight around and ends up hindering this unprecedented opportunity, then I can only come down on them with a heavy hand!"
Hiruzen said with a genial smile: "All of you are thinking about the continuation of your families, so your thinking must naturally keep pace with the times as well."
"What do the people of the Land of Fire really want? Nothing more than enough food to eat, warm clothes to wear, a roof over their heads, a stable environment, and perhaps a bit of spare money in their hands. With that, they will be satisfied."
"If you give them these things, they will naturally support you. That is the long-term path to family continuity."
"On that basis, Konoha will keep a batch of 'Sage Region Pills' in reserve."
"If someone works hard but still fails to place near the top of the performance rankings, yet they themselves or a family member need restorative treatment, they may submit a report to the Daimyō…"
"On my side, I can coordinate expedited allocation or transfer of 'Sage Region Pills' and open a special channel."
At these words, the eyes of some of the relatively smaller nobles, or those with poorer territories, lit up as well.
Hokage-sama…
He had truly considered everyone!
"And for all of you who obtain 'Sage Region Pills,' when you require Konoha's advanced medical treatment, as contributors to the Land of Fire, you will also receive priority in the queue."
The nobles were practically rubbing their hands in anticipation by now.
Organ treatment, regrown limbs… it sounded like a second life!
As for the cost, it would surely be expensive.
But compared to one's life, what was money?
Hiruzen continued: "Now then, returning to the matter of Uchiha Yashiro…"
"According to our investigation, this was an extremely low-probability incident accidentally triggered by a powerful individual."
"But it has also served as a wake-up call for us. Shinobi and all of you as governors were always two inseparable sides of the same whole—the tightly united limbs that together make up the Land of Fire."
"So I intend to make the following adjustments to the rules governing Konoha's future missions."
"First: in response to this incident, escort-type missions involving transported goods will in the future have their 'value' clearly marked. If damage is caused, Konoha will provide full compensation."
"Second: regarding commissioned missions. Previously, such missions required a deposit, and if the shinobi died or the mission failed, it was treated as a case of 'the person dies, the debt dies with them,' and the deposit would not be refunded."
"In the future, if a commissioned mission fails for reasons not stemming from Konoha's subjective fault, we will return double the deposit. But if the client concealed information or the mission failed because it exceeded the agreed scope, then the deposit will not be refunded."
"Third: as for compulsory military missions, on this point I ask you to trust Konoha's shinobi. Every shinobi of Konoha will yield not one inch when it comes to defending the security of the Land of Fire. This is not a matter of money."
"Konoha will establish a public compensation fund to protect your interests."
Seeing the moment was right, the Daimyō immediately followed up: "It's just that… Hokage-sama, while you are showing everyone such consideration, I do have some thoughts…"
Hiruzen raised a brow. "Please, Daimyō-sama, go ahead."
"In truth, everyone present here can be considered quite wealthy…"
"Konoha's technological progress—anyone with clear eyes can understand it. I was thinking, rather than yielding profit at this stage, wouldn't it be better to increase investment to accelerate research and production?"
Most of the nobles showed expressions of agreement.
Did they lack that one percent price reduction? No.
They had already sensed the Hokage's sincerity—and what they wanted was better medicinal effects…
"I only wished to express my sincerity to all of you."
Hiruzen let out a light sigh, his expression weathered.
"Hokage-sama, we have already seen your sincerity!"
"Hokage-sama, we don't need a price reduction. I believe this is a critical stage for the development of the Land of Fire. Prices should be adjusted if necessary—who here lacks that bit of money? Think bigger!"
"I want to donate! Hiruzen-sama, I'm willing to contribute to Konoha!"
Many nobles eagerly stood up, trying to leave an impression in front of Hiruzen.
Those who understood had already seen Konoha's position as a future medical giant.
And they could also see that in the future, Konoha would bring disruptive influence to every sector…
To haggle over such petty profits would be foolish.
The Hokage had already given them face—were they really going to keep putting on airs?
He had already taken a step back. That was more than enough.
"I propose making research donations to Konoha. I personally will contribute three hundred million ryō!" Gen declared boldly.
Quite a few nobles' eyes lit up, and they loudly followed suit, calling out their own pledged amounts.
Hiruzen raised his hand to stop them. "No… no need for this, Daimyō-sama. This could easily turn into a competition of vanity and place everyone under pressure."
"If possible, I would like to set a cap at one million ryō. The amount doesn't matter—Konoha will be grateful for the gesture alone."
"If all of you govern the Land of Fire well and stimulate economic activity, the increased tax revenue being allocated again to Konoha will be far more meaningful than individual donations, and will form a long-term positive cycle."
"As Hokage, I sincerely hope to share both honor and hardship with all of you—to bind the entire Land of Fire into one unified force, from shinobi to nobles to commoners, so that one day everyone can show a smile from the bottom of their hearts."
Hiruzen gave a slight bow.
The nobles rose in a wave, bowing deeply toward Hiruzen.
Whether they believed him fully, or still held doubts…
At least in this moment, this man bearing the name of Hokage deserved their respect.
Gen took a deep breath.
This was exactly what he admired about his brother…
A crisis, in his hands, could be turned into a driving force for reform!
"As for Yashiro's matter…"
"Since everyone agrees, we will coordinate with the En family to compensate under the new agreement."
Hiruzen spoke calmly.
A great noble raised his hand and said indignantly: "Hokage-sama! En Masamune is colluding with foreign powers—he has long been dissatisfied with the Daimyō! He's a traitor to the Land of Fire!"
"There's no need to follow rules with him!"
"If there is evidence that he is a traitor, then naturally he must be dealt with. I believe the Daimyō will conduct the appropriate investigation and coordinate Konoha's resources."
Hiruzen replied evenly: "But before that, compensation that must be paid will still be paid. That is the rule."
"Once rules are established, they must be followed. That is Konoha's credibility."
The great noble was stunned.
After a pause, he said sincerely: "You truly treat people with integrity. I'm convinced!"
"You flatter me…"
Hiruzen shook his head, his gaze sweeping across the hall, his tone calm yet domineering: "Everyone—once I establish rules, Konoha's shinobi will abide by them without fail. But maintaining this order does not rely solely on the Will of Fire…"
"It is also because I, Sarutobi Hiruzen, am Konoha's greatest wielder of violence!"
"I will devote my entire life to training, striving unceasingly toward becoming the greatest wielder of both violence and order in the shinobi world."
At that moment, his Hokage robes fluttered without wind, snapping like a battle banner.
The nobles could not help but look up at him.
The Hokage was the strongest in Konoha—yet he held himself to strict discipline and abided by rules.
Holding power in his hands, yet choosing to bind it with law.
This self-restraint of the strong inspired both awe and genuine respect.
No one knew how long the silence lasted.
Then someone stood, raising a hand.
Applause began slowly—soon joining into a single wave, solemn and sincere, lasting without end.
Gen's emotions surged at this moment.
"Hokage-sama should serve as the Shōgun who safeguards the Land of Fire!"
"All funds of the national treasury and inner treasury related to national security and people's livelihood may be directly mobilized and used!"
"Regional lords and noble families who harbor malicious intent or disrupt the law may be investigated and punished on the spot!"
"The stability and lifeblood of the Land of Fire should be entrusted to Hokage-sama!"
The nobles shouted in unison: "As it should be!"
This move was both an expression of due respect toward Hiruzen and a way to formally integrate the Hokage into the governance structure of the Land of Fire through a dual-track system.
In doing so, at least psychologically, the nobles and bureaucrats could convince themselves to treat the Hokage as one of their own.
Even if Hiruzen held the authority to restrain or execute them, it would instead bring them greater peace of mind.
Hiruzen naturally understood the nobles' mentality and accepted the title.
"Daimyō-sama, I will use this authority with caution and strive not to affect the people's livelihood."
"To govern the people of the Land of Fire, it will still depend on you, on Konoha's shinobi, and on all our colleagues!"
From this day onward, Hiruzen was not only Hokage, but also the Shōgun who safeguarded the Land of Fire!
Amid the applause, Hiruzen slowly walked out, waving farewell to the nobles.
And the cries of "Shōgun Hiruzen!" and "Shōgun!" echoed endlessly through the hall, accompanied by cheers…
On the issue of shinobi and nobles, Konoha had taken a decisive lead over the rest of the shinobi world, entering a new stage together with the Land of Fire.
After Hiruzen left, a branch member of the En family, a noble who had been sitting at the end listening quietly, approached Gen.
His name was En Ikkyū.
"Daimyō-sama, the majority of the En family has absolutely no intention of opposing you or the Shōgun!"
"It is all Masamune's doing!"
"I have gathered evidence of his collusion with foreign powers and his faction-building over the years!"
Ikkyū held a scroll high above his head and knelt before Gen.
Gen narrowed his eyes, smiling inwardly. 'A clever man!'
But he also felt a bit emotional.
If not for his brother's sudden rise…
Perhaps the En clan member kneeling before him now might one day have had a chance to become Daimyō himself!
Gen had already made his decision.
He would simply compensate the En family with the ancestral mirror passed down in his own household.
A mirror, no matter how valuable, was still just an object…
What truly mattered was the bond between him and Hiruzen!
...
Konoha.
Hokage Tower, meeting room.
Orochimaru stood with his arms crossed, his pale complexion seeming slightly dimmer.
After several days of meetings…
It couldn't be said they had gained nothing—but it could just as well be said there had been no real progress.
Everyone had their own opinions.
Each had some merit, but also flaws—and without someone capable of making a final decision, this kind of back-and-forth would drag on endlessly…
Now, it was Shimura Danzō's turn.
"No matter what, a shinobi who fails to complete a mission and cannot fulfill their duty is trash!"
Danzō was delivering his extreme view. "They should be executed!"
At that moment—
Hiruzen walked in slowly.
Then—
He casually picked up Danzō's line: "Is that so? I wonder if you still remember the time we served together in Tobirama-sensei's shadow guard unit?"
---
I will post some extra Chapters in Patreon, you can check it out. >> patreon.com/TitoVillar
---