Damn it, is Hiruko the reincarnation of the God of Wealth?
The Third Hokage's hand trembled slightly as he lifted his pipe to take another puff. Looking at the figures before him, he felt like a fool for a split second. Why hadn't he ever thought of using commerce to generate wealth?
With this windfall, not only could Konoha's old bad debts be wiped clean, but the upcoming war was as good as won. After all, war is ultimately a contest of finances—a continuation of political art and an economic struggle.
It was clear that the high-ranking nobles hadn't realized how lucrative a salt and iron monopoly could be. Now, seeing these staggering returns, they were moved to action, immediately turning around to ruthlessly berate their own "white gloves"—the proxy agents who had been skimming off the top.
The power of the Land of Fire's various "parasites" was far greater than the shinobi had imagined. Under the original, fragmented system, the first batch of salt might have netted a few tens of millions of Ryo at best. But now, with Konoha forcibly clearing the "clogged pipes" of distribution, those who tried to take a cut simply vanished. Anyone daring enough to reach for the gold had their hands lopped off by Danzō's men. The parasites could no longer shield one another, and the true, raw profit of the Land of Fire's salt industry was finally exposed to the sun.
When the Daimyō received the news, he was so livid he smashed his most precious crystal vase. The elites who previously believed banking was the only real way to make money were now sick with regret.
However, the reason for this success was Hiruko's new technology. The sheer volume of salt produced meant that, for the first time, affordable salt reached every corner of the Land of Fire. Previously, many commoners barely clung to life by sucking on "vinegar cloths" seasoned with trace amounts of brine. Because Konoha had driven the price down, everyone could finally afford it. Consumption skyrocketed, and so did the profits.
Even the speculators—merchants who hoarded stock thinking Konoha couldn't maintain this level of production—contributed to the frenzy. Sales hit record highs. Although the percentage cut for each party was lower than before, the massive volume meant everyone's actual income had increased significantly.
From any angle, the nobles had no grounds to turn hostile. If any of them tried to back out now, Hiruzen Sarutobi wouldn't hesitate to "deliver a gift" personally—with a very large stick. Usually, they played nice for the sake of harmony, but blatant betrayal of the deal would not be tolerated.
News of the Land of Fire's internal boom would soon reach the Land of Lightning. Their situation mirrored Konoha's. If anyone there tried to replicate this move, they would surely face the wrath of their own superiors. The elites knew the Hidden Cloud wouldn't usurp their status and would protect the nation, but in the face of such profit, control was often fleeting.
The Land of Fire's nobles were backed into a corner; Konoha held the moral high ground, and they had to swallow their pride and accept the deal.
Meanwhile, the Hidden Cloud Village was in an uproar. Konoha had secured a massive, recurring fortune. Unless the Cloud could achieve a decisive victory within a year or two, they stood no chance. With extra funding, the Cloud might fight a war; without it, they faced utter defeat.
With Konoha's future wealth secured, Hiruzen's mood brightened considerably.
Danzō, however, was thinking deeper and further ahead. If Konoha could generate wealth indefinitely, a unification of the entire Shinobi World might actually be possible. But then he looked at Minato Namikaze's rising prestige and political achievements, and his face soured as if he'd swallowed a fly. Do I even have a chance to become the next Hokage anymore?
Seeing this, Hiruko teased with a smile, "Lord Danzō, you look unhappy. Are you feeling unwell?"
Danzō could only shoot him a cold, expressionless glare.
The frustration Hiruko had felt for days vanished in that instant, replaced by genuine amusement. He didn't stop there, continuing to poke at Danzō's sore spots with playful banter.
Minato then slapped the table in high spirits, announcing loudly, "This is truly invigorating news! Such a victory must be shared. Spread the word immediately—let everyone hear of this!"
Kakashi bowed to his teacher and turned to leave, eager to deliver the heartening news.
Danzō's expression grew even grimmer. He knew exactly what Minato was about to do next.
He was going to distribute the money!
He was going to pay everyone!
Although the Research Division would take the largest bite of the pie—nearly eighteen billion in the first month alone—the second month would likely stabilize at over ten billion. Even during wartime, this income wouldn't disappear; in fact, it might increase. In times of conflict, people tend to panic-buy essentials like salt to last for months.
In Konoha, whoever holds the purse strings holds the power. The Hokage's faction would obviously receive priority funding. Hiruko and Orochimaru's Research Division would take the lion's share. Then, Minato would lavishly reward the various clans—large and small—and even the civilians would get a piece.
How those funds were allocated would be a masterclass in political maneuvering by Minato. Those who received the most, even if not directly under the Hokage, would essentially become "his people."
Danzō felt a surge of helplessness. He had banked on Minato being young and inexperienced, hoping to find an excuse to push him off the throne. But now? There was no reason left to stop him. This mountain of wealth was Minato's gift to Konoha. Anyone who opposed him would likely find themselves with a few knives in their back, left in a sewer.
Faced with Hiruko's "Open Scheme," Danzō was powerless to block it. Of the eighteen billion generated by the Research Division, Hiruko immediately requested eight billion from Minato. A small portion went to Orochimaru; the rest remained under Hiruko's control.
Since he had decided to change this tragic world, Hiruko was a man of his word. If peace truly came one day, that wouldn't be so bad.
Danzō stormed out in a rage, but no one cared. In the Shinobi World, just like in the world before, money talks. And as it happened, Hiruko was now the God of Wealth.
Naturally, the heads of the various clans were now...
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