Chapter 188

They might be classmates only in the loosest sense of the term, belonging to different cohorts and graduating at different times. Their paths had diverged after graduation, hence the initial air of unfamiliarity.

Yet, as they made their way, casually chatting all the while, the strangeness ebbed away. They even felt an odd sense of familiarity, perhaps owed to the shared experience of education.

The crux of their discussions often circled back to Kaito, adding a layer of excitement to their conversation.

After all, Kaito was their peer, but this peer now unapologetically stood at the pinnacle of Konoha.

How could they not be intrigued when he even had a commanding presence over the entire ninja world?

Shisui did not shy away from this topic. In his view, his own inferiority to Kaito was a plain fact, nothing to evade.

"Kaito's strength isn't merely physical; his thinking, his logical ability, might even surpass his brute strength. Although our abilities may be in the same tier, I can sense that if I were to go toe-to-toe with him, I'd certainly be the one to fall."

Shisui's praise for Kaito was sky-high, and even then, he felt his words failed to do justice to Kaito's full capabilities.

Even with his cautious wording, some found his praise unbelievable, even excessive.

Shisui offered no further explanation; only those who had actually interacted with Kaito would understand the extent of his prowess.

Knowing all this, Shisui was entirely convinced that Kaito was indeed someone capable of reviving the clan, harmonizing relations between the clan and the village, and restoring the clan to greatness.

"Apologies for the wait."

Just as Shisui was lost in recollections of their journey and silently awaiting the Daimyo, a voice broke through their reverie.

A man came into view, gently fanning himself, his face bearing a kind smile. It was clear that he was the Daimyo of the Land of Fire.

Behind him followed eleven ninjas—these were undoubtedly his protective force.

There used to be twelve, but Asuma's absence was palpable. It was evident they had not had the chance to find a replacement for him yet.

"Greetings, Lord Daimyo," Shisui said, leading the rest of the six to bow slightly.

The atmosphere was now gravely solemn, a marked departure from the leisurely mood that accompanied them on their journey here.

These were seasoned ninjas, professionals through and through, or they wouldn't have been selected for such a mission.

"What brings you here this time?" The Daimyo's face still wore a smile, though inside he was far from at ease.

He still recalled the shadow cast by Nara Shikaku, and to be frank, he held little fondness for these so-called Leaf Ninjas.

"The Hokage has a matter to communicate to you, My Lord. That's why we've been dispatched."

Shisui straightened up, speaking neither submissively nor arrogantly. He reached into his pouch and took out a scroll, handing it to the Daimyo.

"The details are within. Please peruse at your leisure."

The Daimyo's eyebrows quirked at Shisui's words. He had little idea who this young Uchiha might be, but the mere suggestion from the Hokage set his pulse racing, for reasons he couldn't quite fathom.

Presently, the Hokage of Konoha was Jiraiya, someone he'd been rather coerced into endorsing. As for those like Sarutobi Hiruzen who had passed away, he was rather glad; those individuals had shown him little to no respect.

Jiraiya's conduct so far seemed acceptable, but who knew what he might do as Hokage?

Receiving the scroll via his protective ninjas, the Daimyo began to read. And just as he did, he felt his blood pressure spike. "A 50% increase? Is this daylight robbery?"

The Daimyo gripped the report in his hands, his eyes beginning to smolder as if ready to burst into flame.

This was no exaggeration; in his view, it was an outright siphoning of his family's lifeblood!

In the entire realm of the ninja world, the Daimyo who contributed most to a ninja village was undoubtedly him with respect to Konoha. Otherwise, how could Konoha have developed so rapidly and so well?

Without his money, what could Konoha use to cultivate so many ninjas? Without his funds, how could Konoha amass and store such vast strategic resources?

Without his financial support, how could Konoha emerge victorious time and again in wars?

To put it bluntly, it was his financial sustenance that had brought Konoha to its present stature!

Don't think that taking on a plethora of missions can rake in a lot of money. True, a multitude of assignments can bring a handsome fortune to the village, but that money is quickly absorbed by one project or another.

At most, it's used to provide some subsidies to the ninjas. The real financial backing is from the Daimyo, yours truly!

And naturally, when the ninjas get the money, they have to deliver on their end, like protecting the Daimyo's business and interests. It's the least they could do, considering the hefty sum I've allocated to them.

I must admit, these Leaf Ninjas do their job well, particularly in preserving my interests. Exceptional work.

But haven't I already given enough? Why are these fellows so insatiable, hankering for more?

The Daimyo tried hard to keep his emotions in check, knowing these Leaf Ninjas are not to be trifled with.

Last time, that Nara Shikaku even had the audacity to threaten me. I haven't forgotten that, and I know better than to confront these Leaf Ninjas directly.

But internally, discontent was filling my heart, especially after speaking with certain individuals.

One of them told me, "For the Land of Fire, the most important figure isn't the Hokage of Konoha; it's you, the Daimyo!"

Without my ceaseless financial backing, could Konoha have grown into what it is today?

I am the only jewel in the Land of Fire, not the Hokage of Konoha!

These words have been etched deeply into my mind, and at this moment, they are sprouting like mushrooms after rain.

I aim to be the sole gem of the Land of Fire, not a co-jewel with some so-called Hokage, and certainly not to make Konoha the only gem!

With this in mind, the Daimyo took a deep breath before speaking earnestly.

"Fifty percent is rather steep, especially considering the already generous funding I provide.

As far as I know, the Daimyo of the Land of Wind only provides thirty percent of what I initially offered to Konoha for Suna Village.

Now, with Hokage-sama asking for a direct fifty percent increase, that means my contribution would exceed five times what Suna Village gets.

Gentlemen, while we complement each other, this request greatly exceeds what I can accept. I ask for time to contemplate this.

And I hope you will also reconsider. Do you truly need to take so much?

Please think carefully about whether, even now, you are not being overly excessive?"

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