DAIMYO: Chapter 11/13

Chapter 11: It Is Time to Give Way

"Your resignation has been approved."

The moment Arashi's voice fell, the look of shock on Hiruzen's face lasted only an instant.

Immediately after, a surge of ecstasy filled his heart, and even his taut nerves relaxed.

"It's done."

He shouted in his heart.

"This Daimyo is, after all, too young."

Hiruzen thought to himself.

"He might have seen through my superficial tactic of retreating to advance, but he did not realize that this retreat was to ensure the most stable handover of power for the Hokage lineage."

This meant the Hokage position would transition smoothly into Minato's hands.

Konoha's foundation not only remained unshaken, it would become even more stable due to Minato's achievements and prestige.

However, he did not know why, but a complex and unspeakable emotion welled up in his heart.

Twenty-seven years.

From the prime of his youth to old age, he had dedicated his entire life to Konoha.

From now on, that Hokage Hat, symbolizing the Village's highest will, would no longer belong to him.

Arashi looked at Hiruzen's complex expression and sneered in his heart. "Old fox, you have already swallowed the bait. Now, be happy a little longer."

Minato's heart was stirred, and he looked at Hiruzen with deep respect.

"The Third has paved the path for the Village and for me."

Arashi stood up, his face filled with sincerity and emotion. "I just thought about it carefully, and my heart is also filled with emotion."

His tone carried a sense of reminiscence.

"I remember, you took over the heavy burden of Hokage in Konoha Year 20, from the hands of Second Hokage Senju Tobirama, right?"

Hiruzen subconsciously nodded. "Yes."

"And this year is Konoha Year 47."

Arashi let out a long sigh, gesturing with his hand. "Twenty-seven years."

"For a full twenty-seven years, you dedicated the most precious years of your life to the Village, to the Land of Fire. Third, you have worked hard."

These words, full of respect, filled Hiruzen with a sense of being acknowledged, and the slight disdain that arose from achieving his goal faded a little.

Even Minato felt deep admiration.

Arashi continued, "A meritorious official like you is now resigning due to war losses. If I were to simply approve it like this, would it not make me, the Daimyo, seem cold and heartless?"

"However, your body truly needs rest, and it is time for the younger generation to take charge."

Looking at Hiruzen, Arashi asked for his advice. "Third, in your opinion, who is most suitable to succeed the Hokage position in Konoha today?"

"It's here."

Hiruzen's heart settled.

The other party not only agreed to his abdication, he also voluntarily handed him the right to recommend the next successor.

What immense trust. What immense respect.

"It seems Yuhi Shinku's description was completely wrong."

His last trace of doubt vanished, and with a solemn expression, he unhesitatingly pointed behind him.

"Daimyo-sama, I recommend Minato Namikaze. He is the most suitable to take over the Hokage position."

"Elaborate."

"Minato, in this great war, swept through the battlefield with his Flying Thunder God Technique, killing countless enemies. He is known as the Yellow Flash, and his reputation shakes the entire Ninja World. Iwagakure even issued an order that anyone who sees the Yellow Flash may abandon their mission and flee."

"He is loyal to the Daimyo and the Village, cares for his comrades, and his strength and prestige are sufficient to take on the position of Fourth Hokage."

"Yellow Flash."

Arashi's gaze fell on Minato, and he praised, "His illustrious reputation, I have heard of it. I am very relieved to have such a hero serve as Hokage."

"Good, it shall be as you say. At the inauguration ceremony the day after tomorrow, I will officially appoint Minato Namikaze as the Fourth Hokage."

The dust had settled.

Minato was thrilled and bowed deeply. "Thank you for your trust, Daimyo-sama."

Hiruzen's heart, which had been anxious all the way, finally completely relaxed, and his old face immediately broke into a wide smile.

"Third, you have found another talented individual for the Land of Fire. You have toiled your entire life for the country, and now that you have retired with honor, as the Daimyo, I must not treat a meritorious official shabbily."

Arashi immediately decided, "From today onwards, your salary and benefits will be doubled. I will send people to immediately renovate your mansion in the capital, and all servants, maids, and expenses will be borne by my Daimyo Manor."

"From now on, you only need to enjoy your golden years and this honor."

These words greatly comforted Hiruzen.

This was not only respect, but also a transcendent status.

Even without real power, what did it matter?

Hiruzen was moved to tears of gratitude. "Thank you, Daimyo-sama."

Since the Daimyo valued him so much, he thought, the other purpose of his visit today would surely be easily resolved.

Thinking of this, Hiruzen's smile became even more sincere, and he said, "The Daimyo's kindness is boundless, and I am eternally grateful. However, there is one more matter concerning Konoha's foundation, which I must speak of."

"Oh?"

Arashi looked at him with interest, thinking to himself, "It is finally here."

"Third, just speak directly."

"It is about the reduced budget."

Hiruzen sighed, putting on a worried expression for the country and its people.

"Konoha is the shield of the Land of Fire. The cultivation of the ninja, the execution of missions, and the defense of the Village all require money. A twenty percent reduction would truly make the Village's operations difficult to maintain."

He thought that these heartfelt words, coupled with the good atmosphere just now, would surely make the Daimyo relent.

However, the smile on Arashi's face had already faded.

"Third."

He was not angry, his tone was calm, yet incredibly serious. "My reduction of Konoha's budget is not aimed at you, it is a national strategy."

"Come, follow me."

He stepped forward and took Hiruzen's arm, pulling him to the table, and pointing to a document, said, "Do you know what this is?"

Hiruzen shook his head blankly.

Arashi unfolded the document and showed it to him. Hiruzen turned his head and clearly saw the contents inside.

It recorded loss reports from all over the country, including population and property, with lines of cold, shocking numbers.

Hiruzen was speechless, clearly startled by the numbers on it.

"The war is over."

At this moment, Arashi's voice slowly drifted over.

"You only see Konoha's war losses, but have you seen the entire Land of Fire?"

"Have you visited the border towns? They were destroyed by war, a scene of desolation."

"Have you asked in the rural villages? How many families there have lost their children and husbands, leaving only orphans and widows."

"The civilians of the Land of Fire need to recuperate. The destroyed towns need to be rebuilt. The displaced civilians need to be resettled."

"Do these things not require money?"

Arashi suddenly turned around, his gaze piercing like a torch, directly into Hiruzen's heart.

"Every single ryo must be used effectively. The most important thing now is to appease the people and rebuild their homes, not to let a ninja village that has already won the war continue to maintain its massive wartime expenses."

This series of words, along with the shocking war damage report, struck Hiruzen and Minato like heavy hammers.

They had never considered this issue from this perspective.

In their eyes, the Village's interests were above all else.

But at this moment, the people's livelihood, as spoken by the Daimyo, was the foundation.

"Third."

Arashi's tone softened, but his subsequent words seemed somewhat critical.

"Konoha is the sharp blade of the Land of Fire, the pride of the nation."

"But."

"Konoha cannot only know how to demand from the nation, yet not understand the Daimyo's difficulties, nor the suffering of the myriad people."

Hiruzen's face instantly turned pale.

His lips trembled, wanting to argue, but he found himself unable to utter a single word.

This sentence was too heavy.

It was equivalent to directly nailing Konoha, and him, Hiruzen Sarutobi, to the pillar of shame for contending with the people for profit.

Minato, standing by, was struck as if by lightning.

He wanted to refute, but he could not speak.

Because every word the other party said stood on the moral high ground, its legitimacy irrefutable.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 12: Hiruzen, You Don’t Even Have the Right to Refuse

The atmosphere in the Daimyo Manor study was heavy.

All the arguments and contingency plans he had prepared were useless against this young Daimyo.

The other party did not even bother with schemes.

He simply laid bare a problem Hiruzen had deliberately ignored, right in front of him.

Bloody.

Konoha or the Land of Fire, which is the main body?

Ninja or civilians, which is the foundation?

He suddenly remembered something Danzo often said.

For Konoha… Hiruzen opened his mouth, his throat dry, unable to utter a sound.

Refute?

What could he use to refute?

Was he to publicly declare that the lives of civilians were less important than Konoha's future?

If those words left his mouth, Hiruzen would be nailed to a pillar of shame.

Minato stood behind him, silent, the warmth gone from his face.

He looked at the report on the table, then at the Third Hokage's ashen face.

The belief he had always held was shaken.

For the Village, must he truly disregard other people?

The study was very quiet.

Everyone's breathing was clearly audible.

"Third Hokage, you are a smart man."

Arashi stepped forward, steadying the tottering Hiruzen, and pressed him back into his chair.

"Sit down and speak."

Hiruzen stumbled into the chair, all strength drained from his body.

Arashi turned, poured a cup of hot tea, and pushed it in front of him.

"Drink some tea."

This gesture, in Hiruzen's eyes, was blatant humiliation.

But he had even lost the courage to refuse.

Minato's lips moved, but he dared not say a word.

"I know you feel bad."

Arashi's tone was calm.

"You have dedicated your life to Konoha, wanting it to be better, I understand."

"But your vision is too narrow. You only see one Village."

He raised a hand and pointed out the window.

"Look outside, this land, these tens of millions of people, are the true foundation of the Land of Fire."

"Konoha is the sword of the Land of Fire, its shield. A sword and shield are meant to protect the country, not to be above it."

"This principle, you, and the future Fourth Hokage, must all understand."

His last sentence was directed at Minato.

Minato's heart jolted, and he immediately bowed.

"Minato will engrave the Daimyo's teachings in his heart."

Arashi nodded in satisfaction.

He looked back at Hiruzen.

"So, budget cuts are not a discussion, they are an order."

"Twenty percent is just the beginning."

"If Konoha can adapt quickly, learn to be frugal, and use its money wisely, this number will not change again."

"But."

Arashi paused.

"If Konoha continues to be extravagant as before, or even falls into disarray, then there is a problem with the Village's management."

"At that time, it will not be a twenty percent cut."

"It will be forty percent, sixty percent, or even more."

Hiruzen suddenly looked up, his breathing rapid.

This was a stark warning.

The Daimyo Manor could not only decide how much money to give, but also Konoha's very survival.

"This old man… understands."

Hiruzen's voice was hoarse and dry.

He conceded defeat.

Indeed, how could the leader of a Village compare to the ruler of a nation?

"I am glad you understand."

Arashi smiled again, very gently.

"Third Hokage, though you have resigned as Hokage, Konoha still needs you to stabilize the situation."

"How about this?"

Arashi feigned contemplation.

"The matter of budget cuts, you will personally return to the Village to announce it."

Minato's mind buzzed.

Have the Third Hokage announce it?

How was that different from making him publicly admit incompetence?

Minato was about to open his mouth when Arashi looked over, a half-smile on his face, making him swallow his words.

"You, you…"

Hiruzen trembled violently, his lips quivering as he looked at Arashi, unable to complete a single word.

"What? The Third Hokage is unwilling?"

Arashi's smile faded.

"You just said you would take full responsibility for the losses of the war."

"Now I ask you to convey an order, and you are unwilling?"

"Or are you just paying lip service to taking responsibility?"

"Do you want Minato to take the blame for you? To let him, the newly appointed Fourth Hokage, offend everyone in the Village?"

"Third Hokage, as his predecessor, you cannot be so irresponsible."

Hiruzen was speechless.

The responsibility, he had taken it upon himself.

Now, the Daimyo was asking him to take charge. Could he refuse?

To refuse would be to break his word, to be irresponsible, to dump a mess on Minato.

Did he want to ruin his lifelong reputation?

But if he agreed… countless faces appeared in Hiruzen's mind.

The ninja who survived the battlefield, the families who lost loved ones, the orphans and widows living on pensions.

How could he face them?

When he personally announced the reduction of their budgets, cutting off their livelihoods, what expressions would they have when they looked at him?

Disappointment?

Confusion?

Or, resentment?

His lifelong prestige would vanish in that instant.

Forward was a cliff.

Backward was an abyss.

Only then did Hiruzen realize that from the moment he stepped into this room, his right to choose had been stripped away.

His supposed game of chess.

In reality, he was just following the other party's script.

"This old man… obeys."

After a long time, Hiruzen's cracked lips moved.

His entire being sagged, his body hunched, as if his bones had been removed.

"Very good."

Arashi's face showed satisfaction.

He stood up and picked up a prepared document from behind the desk.

"This is the new fiscal budget proposal, and my official appointment letter for the Fourth Hokage."

"Take them back."

Minato stepped forward and received them with both hands.

"The day after tomorrow is my enthronement ceremony. At that time, I hope to see a united, stable Konoha that understands the nation's difficulties."

"You may leave."

Arashi waved his hand.

"Yes."

Minato bowed, helped Hiruzen, and slowly exited the study.

With a thud, the heavy door closed firmly.

The two walked out of the Daimyo Manor, standing before its grand entrance.

The street was bustling with traffic, a scene of prosperity.

Hiruzen stared blankly at everything, his mouth full of bitterness.

Inside the study.

Arashi picked up the now cold tea in front of him and took a sip.

Yui immediately stepped forward to refill his cup with hot water.

Her movements were light, but she could not help glancing at Arashi.

"Is it good to look at?"

Arashi's voice suddenly broke the silence.

Yui's body trembled, and she quickly lowered her head.

Arashi chuckled, pinching her chin, forcing her to look up.

"Look at me."

Yui was forced to meet his gaze, her eyes having nowhere to settle.

Arashi enjoyed her bewilderment and slowly began,

"Remember, this is power."

"Whether it is a noble young miss famous throughout the land, or a Hokage who shakes the Ninja World, in front of me, they have no right to say no."

"And you, you are mine. You must learn to obey."

With that, he released her.

Arashi no longer paid her any attention.

His consciousness sank, and a blue interface appeared before his eyes.

[Mission: Land of Fire Financial Reform, Phase One. Completion 80%...]

(To be continued.)

Chapter 13: New System Function

In the Fire Capital, the Konoha delegation's guesthouse.

This was the residence prepared by the Daimyo Manor for Konoha's high-ranking officials.

At this moment, the atmosphere in the main hall was terrifyingly oppressive.

All Konoha high-ranking officials who had accompanied the delegation were present.

Hiruzen and Minato had just returned from the Daimyo Manor.

Advisors Utatane Koharu and Homura Mitokado sat with calm expressions, their fingers tapping on the table, revealing their inner anxiety.

Clan Chiefs Uchiha Fugaku, Hyuga Hiashi, Nara Shikaku, and others sat upright, each with their own thoughts.

In the shadows of the corner, Danzō showed only one eye, remaining silent.

Everyone's gaze was focused on the main seat.

The man who seemed to have aged ten years.

Hiruzen Sarutobi.

His face was ashen, and his hands, placed on the table, trembled incessantly.

"Cough, cough."

He cleared his throat and scanned the crowd.

Everyone he looked at felt a pang in their heart.

The Third no longer had his usual prestige, only emptiness remained.

"From today onwards, I am no longer the Hokage."

With that single sentence, the hall erupted.

"What?!"

"How can this be so sudden? What happened at the Daimyo Manor?"

Koharu and Homura stood up abruptly, their faces filled with disbelief.

Hiruzen raised his hand, and the clamor gradually subsided.

His voice was hoarse, devoid of any emotion.

"This is the Daimyo's order."

"My resignation has been approved by the Daimyo."

He then looked at the silent Minato beside him.

"At the same time, the Daimyo personally appointed…"

"Minato Namikaze, as Konoha's Fourth Hokage."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone's heads turned in unison toward Minato.

Envy, jealousy, scrutiny. Minato felt the immense pressure of these complex gazes.

He stood up, bowed deeply to everyone, and said nothing.

This appointment was too heavy.

So heavy that he felt no joy in becoming Hokage.

"Hmph."

In the shadows, Danzō let out a cold snort.

"Hiruzen, you lost the battle and now you want to just walk away?"

His voice was chilling.

"Leaving a mess for a mere youngster?"

Hiruzen's body stiffened for a moment, but he did not retort.

Because what Danzō said was true.

"There is one more thing."

Hiruzen ignored Danzo's provocation and continued.

"The Daimyo Manor has issued a new financial budget plan."

He pushed an official document to the center of the table.

"Starting next quarter, the Village's annual budget will be cut by twenty percent."

Dead silence.

You could hear a pin drop.

If changing the Hokage was a shift in high-level power, then cutting the budget was like cutting the flesh of everyone present.

"Twenty percent?!"

A Jōnin representative finally could not hold back and cried out in surprise.

"What a joke!"

"The war just ended, the compensation has not been fully paid out. The injured are still lying in the hospital. Why are they cutting our budget?"

"Exactly. We shed blood and sacrificed for the Land of Fire, and this is how the new Daimyo treats us?"

"He is trying to force us to our deaths."

The crowd was furious.

Their anger was directed at the new Daimyo they had never met.

It also targeted Hiruzen, who had brought back this news.

"Silence."

Minato slammed the table, a flash of Chakra instantly suppressing the entire room.

Only then did everyone remember that the Yellow Flash before them was already the Fourth Hokage.

The main hall became quiet again, but everyone's faces were filled with unwillingness and anger.

"This is an order."

Hiruzen repeated the sentence.

"The Daimyo sympathizes with the people and believes that the national treasury should prioritize the post-war reconstruction for civilians."

"Konoha should set an example."

"Hahahaha."

Danzō laughed.

His laughter was full of sarcasm.

"Hiruzen, you are truly senile."

"Ninja are the foundation of the country. Without us, this sword, those civilians are nothing but lambs to be slaughtered."

"That Daimyo is destroying his own Great Wall."

He stood up, his single eye gleaming with a terrifying light.

"I disagree."

"This order is an insult to all Konoha ninja. I will never accept it."

His words echoed the sentiments of most people present.

For a moment, many people cast hopeful glances at Danzō.

Perhaps only this strong Root leader would dare to say no to the Daimyo.

Hiruzen watched this scene, neither pleased nor angry.

"This is the Daimyo's order."

He repeated it a third time, then stood up, no longer looking at anyone, and walked out with faltering steps.

His back view was desolate.

Daimyo Manor.

Inside the sleeping quarters, sandalwood incense wafted.

Arashi reclined on a soft couch, in a languid posture.

Before him, Yui knelt on the carpet, using a small silver knife to peel a crystal pear for him.

Her movements were slow and meticulous.

After the pear was peeled, it was cut into small pieces, skewered with a silver pick, and offered to Arashi's mouth.

Arashi opened his mouth and took a bite.

It was very sweet.

He looked at the lifeless face before him and suddenly felt a bit bored.

His hand, passing through her soft long hair, gently stroked her neck.

Yui's body stiffened, but quickly relaxed again.

"Look up."

Arashi commanded.

Yui obediently raised her head.

"Smile."

Yui tried to force a smile, which looked worse than crying.

Arashi frowned and released his hand.

"Forget it, it is boring."

He waved his hand.

"You may withdraw."

"Yes."

Yui, as if granted a great pardon, bowed and retreated, her steps somewhat hurried.

[Ding!]

[Main Mission: Land of Fire Financial Reform, Phase One. Completed!]

[Mission Evaluation: Perfect!]

[Mission Reward: Talent Scan function, unlocked!]

[New Mission Issued!]

[Main Mission: Lord of the Land of Fire, Phase Two]

[Mission Objective: During the coronation ceremony, establish the supreme monarchical authority of the Land of Fire, awe envoys from all directions, and let the world know that in the Land of Fire, the Daimyo is supreme!]

[Mission Reward: Economic Policy Sandbox!]

"Economic Policy Sandbox?"

What is that?

Never mind, I will figure it out after completing the mission.

His attention shifted to the newly unlocked Talent Scan function.

[Enable?]

"Enable."

Instantly, a three-dimensional map covering the entire Fire Capital unfolded in his mind.

On the map, countless light dots appeared.

White represented civilians, red represented ninja.

The depth of the light dot's color directly indicated the strength of their power.

Among them, several light dots were crimson, almost purple.

[Minato Namikaze, Fourth Hokage, awaiting appointment. Loyalty 65, wavering. Threat Rank: Low]

[Uchiha Fugaku, Uchiha Clan Chief. Loyalty 50, unstable. Threat Rank: Low]

[Hyuga Hiashi, Hyuga Clan Chief. Loyalty 55, observing. Threat Rank: Low]

The new function was so useful. The previous System could also display people as light dots.

But it did not show loyalty.

Now with the new function, it was clear who was loyal and who was a traitor.

Arashi's consciousness finally lingered on a familiar name.

[Danzō Shimura, Root Leader. Loyalty 10, rebellious. Threat Rank: Low]

"Only ten points of loyalty?"

Arashi ignored him and continued to move his thoughts, scanning the area where the four nations' delegations were staying.

Land of Earth, Land of Wind, Land of Lightning. The delegations' guards were formidable, all with elite Jōnin in charge.

What interested him most was the location of the Land of Water delegation.

There, in addition to the overt envoy and the guard Biwa Jūzō, was a crimson, almost purple light dot.

[Mei Terumī, undercover. Hidden Mist Village genius ninja. Loyalty -20, hostile. Threat Rank: Low]

Mei Terumī?

Why would she be here?

Arashi's mind immediately brought up information about this woman.

The future Fifth Mizukage.

"What is she doing here?"

(To be continued.)