Realizing the momentum was on his side, Sarutobi Hiruzen immediately pressed forward.
"To be frank, Your Excellency, aside from submitting my resignation, I have another purpose in coming here."
"I hoped to request financial assistance to relieve the village's strained treasury and distribute the pensions owed to our fallen shinobi."
The Daimyō waved dismissively.
"You didn't need to say it. When Shisui brought up the matter of pensions, the Uchiha clan already submitted a formal request on behalf of the village."
"I've gathered thirty billion ryō. It's to be used for Konoha's pensions, subsidies, and reconstruction."
Hiruzen froze.
He didn't even have time to question the Uchiha clan's overreach.
Thirty billion.
That was far beyond his expectations.
Ten billion would have been enough to cover pensions and injury compensation. The remaining twenty billion could stabilize the village's economy—perhaps even allow it to flourish again in short order.
The sheer scale of the number left him momentarily stunned.
But before his relief could fully blossom, the Daimyō continued casually—
"I've already entrusted the funds to Shisui. He'll deliver them to the Uchiha clan. If Konoha needs the money, simply request it from them."
Silence.
Hiruzen blinked.
"…Your Excellency," he said carefully, "forgive me, but—whom did you say you entrusted the funds to?"
"The Uchiha clan," the Daimyō replied, as though puzzled. "Is there a problem?"
Hiruzen's gaze shifted toward Uchiha Shisui, standing calmly behind the Daimyō.
Countless objections surged to his lips—
Yet none could be spoken.
What was he supposed to say?
That the Uchiha were unstable? Distrustful? Dangerous?
Some truths—if they could even be called that—were never meant to be voiced.
To criticize the Uchiha in front of the Daimyō would not only expose internal strife, but undermine his own leadership.
He coughed lightly.
"Your Excellency, financial exchanges between the Daimyō's court and Konoha have traditionally been handled by the village's Finance Department. Entrusting such funds directly to a clan may not be… procedurally appropriate."
The Daimyō shook his head.
"Before you became Hokage, my office transferred funds directly to the Senju clan."
"The Uchiha founded Konoha alongside the Senju. Their status is equal."
"Now that the Senju have declined, giving funds to the Uchiha is entirely reasonable."
Hiruzen found himself cornered.
It was true.
In the early years, dealings between the Land of Fire and Konoha had gone through the Senju.
When Hiruzen first assumed the mantle of Hokage, he had hoped the Sarutobi might inherit that role—but the Daimyō's court had never fully trusted him.
Thus, the Finance Department became the intermediary instead.
And now—
The precedent he once resented was being used against him.
More troubling was how close the Daimyō and the Uchiha appeared to have become.
Not only had Shisui been appointed as one of the Guardian Shinobi Twelve, but thirty billion ryō had been handed directly into Uchiha custody.
The Daimyō clapped his hands lightly.
"It's settled. Not just this time—future financial exchanges between the Daimyō's court and Konoha will also go through the Uchiha clan."
"Since Shisui serves at my side, communication will be simpler."
Hiruzen's expression darkened.
But before he could respond, the Daimyō smoothly shifted the topic to trivial matters—famous courtesans, regional delicacies, idle amusements.
Several times, Hiruzen attempted to steer the discussion back.
Each time, he was politely redirected.
By nightfall, after a formal banquet, Hiruzen and his son withdrew and secured lodging within the capital.
The moment the door shut behind them, Sarutobi Asuma's elder brother, Sarutobi Shinnosuke, could no longer contain himself.
"Father, the Uchiha have gone too far!"
"They bypassed the village and dealt with the Daimyō directly. Now they've taken control of thirty billion ryō meant for Konoha. This is blatant overreach!"
Shinnosuke was rigid and rule-bound—but not foolish.
He understood exactly how serious this development was.
Hiruzen's face was grim.
He lit his pipe and drew deeply. He had restrained himself for hours in the Daimyō's presence.
"Panicking won't solve anything," he said quietly.
"The Uchiha may lack formal legitimacy in this matter—but they have the Daimyō's backing."
"And with thirty billion ryō in their hands…" He exhaled smoke slowly. "Other clans, even if displeased, will be swayed. Money speaks loudly."
"They'll treat the Uchiha as benefactors."
"This move was… masterful."
Shinnosuke frowned.
"So we do nothing?"
"Not quite." Hiruzen tapped ash from his pipe. "The Uchiha are merely replacing the Senju in the Daimyō's eyes."
"The Senju may have declined—but they are not extinct."
Understanding dawned.
"You mean… Tsunade?"
Hiruzen nodded.
"If Tsunade is willing, reclaiming financial authority from the Uchiha would not be difficult."
Shinnosuke hesitated.
"But… is it wise to let Tsunade handle that much money?"
"What if she gambles it away?"
Hiruzen: "..."
Read 50 chapters ahead on P@treon -> [email protected]/warewolvesTL(replace@ with a)