"The Jonin Unit meeting passed Sakumo Hatake's direct-election Hokage bill by a narrow one-vote margin and will submit it to the Hokage Tower for final review tomorrow."
On the very afternoon when Sakumo Hatake's proposal was approved in the meeting, Hyuga Soushu and his Jonin assembly based far away in the city of Hakone Prefecture in the Land of Lightning also received copies of the proposal from the village.
According to the Konoha Jonin Unit system established by Tobirama Senju, once a proposal passes in the Jonin Unit meeting, those Jonin absent from the session merely need to be informed via copy notifications. Those who missed the meeting couldn't oppose the already-approved bill; at best, they could only propose a new motion aiming to repeal the existing one during the next Jonin Unit meeting.
However, initiating a new proposal for voting requires permission from the 'Jonin Unit Leader.' This meant, effectively, that any chance to overturn the current proposal had been blocked.
Even if opposing parties deeply resented this outcome, there was nothing they could do—it was Tobirama Senju's own rule, designed specifically to somewhat restrain and manage the collective will of the Jonin ranks.
Coincidentally, the position of Jonin Unit Leader—previously held tightly under Hiruzen Sarutobi's control—had now fallen into Sakumo Hatake's hands. The former leader, a Nara Clan member, had been deeply humiliated and thus had no chance of reclaiming his position. Not even the crafty old fox Hiruzen could do anything about Sakumo now.
Right after that, Hyuga Soushu convened an internal Jonin meeting within his unit, demanding all subordinate Jonin co-sign in support of the direct-election Hokage proposal.
Unlike the Jonin remaining in the village, Soushu's subordinates were either hardliners from the Martial Faction or ninja belonging to the Coalition of Ninja Clans led by the Hyuga Clan, along with commoner ninja sympathetic to Sakumo Hatake. Therefore, none objected to Hyuga Soushu's directive. In fact, certain Jonin who had recently gained control over specific tax regions not only signed the endorsement but also urged Soushu during negotiations to secure long-term autonomy over the occupied territories in the Land of Lightning.
Money always speaks loudest. Compared to the meager rewards earned through grueling missions, directly ruling and extracting resources from occupied lands was far more lucrative!
"You all are still handling the tax regions a bit too roughly!"
During the Jonin meeting, after hearing reports from the tax-managing Jonin, Hyuga Soushu offered his suggestion: "The centralized production and loot-based operation methods you currently use aren't sustainable. Moreover, short-term surges in supply would definitely disrupt the existing market order, causing drastic price drops in food and minerals!"
"Lord Soushu, please enlighten us further!"
The tax-region Jonin immediately responded humbly.
"I can give suggestions, but whether you follow them is entirely up to you," said Soushu as he took a sip of tea, continuing calmly. "You should consider setting up proper incentives based on production—like offering extra rewards once certain output targets are met. That would really boost productivity."
"Also, from what I understand, the food rations given to those indentured civilians seem extremely substandard. Given the brutal working conditions, they likely won't survive for long."
Hyuga Soushu casually picked up and skimmed through the tax region reports while continuing to speak.
"There's also been a growing number of escaped commoners—especially the flood of undesirables pouring into the five southern prefectures. Your handling of this issue was completely misguided. You actually went and executed them? What a complete waste!"
"But Honorable Soushu," stammered the Uchiha Jonin, "if we were to adopt the wage system you suggested, our profits would definitely..."
"You know," interrupted the Hyūga clan representative hesitantly, "the upfront payments we made for these tax regions came entirely out of clan funds, and the clan has specific expectations regarding returns."
"Not to mention, if we fail to meet those targets..."
The other three Jonin—who had each signed contracts for their own tax regions—also nodded in agreement.
Compared to representatives from the two major powerful clans, their strength was far inferior. The funds they used to secure their tax regions had been cobbled together from various sources, so naturally, they dared not act recklessly at all.
At least until repaying their debts and receiving initial dividends, they wouldn't dare make any changes to the current profit-generating system.
"Of course, I understand your concerns."
Soushu didn't outright reject their views. "I'm merely expressing my personal opinion. Whether you choose to heed it or not is entirely up to you."
"We truly appreciate Honorable Soushu's tolerance!"
The Uchiha Jonin quickly bowed and offered his praise.
"Oh, do any of you have additional difficulties that require assistance?"
Soushu asked casually.
"The number of ninja under our command remains insufficient, creating significant gaps in managing the tax regions. If personnel could be increased to four hundred, I believe revenues might rise even further!"
Once again, the relatively bold Uchiha Jonin brought up a potentially sensitive topic.
"Privately expanding ninja forces is absolutely impossible; neither village regulations nor myself would approve such a request."
Hyūga Soushu shook his head firmly.
"Of course, this was just an offhand remark from this humble servant," the Uchiha Jonin quickly backpedaled, "Please don't take it the wrong way, Honorable Soushu! It's simply painful to see those fields and mines remain underdeveloped!"
"Hmm..."
Hyūga Soushu twitched his lips slightly without comment.
This so-called concern over development essentially meant failing to extract maximum value within the contract period. Their hidden intentions weren't lost on him.
Even so, he still intended to offer them some incentive.
"If manpower proves inadequate, why not hand off defense duties of the tax regions? Then your one or two hundred ninja could fully focus on supervision."
Soushu presented his suggestion: "In this way, additional ninja stay under the Border Forces' command while maintaining full attention on resource output. A mutually beneficial arrangement—don't you think this sounds excellent?"
"Excellent!"
"Mahiru Uchiha-sama's insight is spot-on!"
The five Jonin who had acquired the rights to manage tax regions nodded repeatedly, rushing to express their agreement.
"As for military subsidies," continued Hyuga Soushu, "they will be distributed according to the standard applied in the five districts under headquarters' jurisdiction. Recruitment will be conducted from the Ninja Force stationed in Kinki. Does anyone have any objections?"
These words were addressed to the Jonin present who had signed the petition but did not secure tax region contracts.
"Your will shall be done!"
"No objections whatsoever!"
These Jonin, already overwhelmed by Soushu's financial incentives, naturally harbored not the slightest dissent.
After all, it was merely equal distribution—not a reduction of their share—so there was no reason to oppose their superior's intent over such matters.
"Then this concludes today's meeting. Tonight I must head to the Lightning Daimyo's court for peace negotiations. All military affairs during my absence will be handed over to Jonin Mahiru Uchiha. Nobody is to show even the slightest slack!"
"Hai!"
Including Jonin Mahiru Uchiha, each Konoha Jonin inside the tent offered a deep bow.
Hyuga Soushu headed north accompanied only by three Hyuga Jonin and his apprentice Might Duy. They marched at maximum speed, reaching the temporary Konoha military camp near the Lightning Daimyo's court in less than three hours.
Upon receiving notification from the patrol team, Koryo Jonin immediately led all resident Jonin out of the camp to greet them.
Although it had been quite a while since they last met, the two senior Jonin felt no real distance between them. They exchanged warm greetings before walking into the camp arm-in-arm, flanked by a group of senior Jonin. Koryo had already arranged a banquet to welcome and honor Soushu.
Once the banquet was well underway, Koryo finally steered the conversation toward more serious matters:
"Soushu-kun, do you have any plans regarding negotiations with the Land of Lightning?"
Soushu set his cup down before countering, "Koryo Jonin, do you have any suggestions?"
"You know how things are—the hearts of our headquarters' Ninja Force long to return home."
Koryo spoke cautiously: "And the current situation in Konoha feels somewhat delicate. To be honest, I'm rather concerned..."
"Concerned about Elder Sakumo?"
Hyuga Soushu raised his eyebrows slightly.
"Precisely."
Jonin Koryo responded solemnly: "Moreover, Konoha's stance has remained overly ambiguous!"
"There's no need to worry excessively. The proposal for the Jonin Unit meeting was just passed recently. Besides, for us, our own strength remains the foundation of our existence."
Shaking his head dismissively, Soushu added, "Besides, if Elder Sakumo stands firm against any injustice, what could possibly threaten him?"
"And if he really cannot win, he can always leave. After all, all border forces support him."
"I understand your meaning now."
Jonin Koryo's previously tense and serious expression brightened instantly as he lifted his cup and toasted Soushu enthusiastically.
Although Hyuga Soushu's stance might not reflect that of the entire Hyuga Clan currently holding command over the Eastern Coastal Defense Garrison, nor did he have authority to interfere with the deployed ninja forces stationed in the Land of Rain, after Sakumo Hatake returned to the village, Soushu was ultimately the commander of the Northern Border Defense Force. He had tightly bonded with his troops, creating an exceptionally loyal and unified force. Even now, the Konoha Northern Ninja Force deployed in the Kinki Region of the Land of Lightning technically fell under his jurisdiction.
Hyuga Soushu's words, in fact, indirectly conveyed a promise: if anything happened to Konoha, he would answer Sakumo Hatake's call.
This quiet promise was enough to put Koryo Jonin at ease.
"Still, among the ninja under my command, there are many who wish to continue serving on the border. They aren't eager to return to the village yet. So, if you, Commander Soushu, find it convenient..."
Koryo Jonin understood the current difficulties Soushu faced and thus proactively offered his bargaining chip.
"My headquarters can probably absorb about a thousand more ninja, provided they're willing volunteers."
Hyuga Soushu clearly stated his position without hesitation.
"No problem!"
Koryo Jonin readily agreed.
Although the four thousand ninja in the Northern Ninja Force varied greatly in skill and background, even mobilizing just civilian-born supporters would allow Koryo Jonin confidence in assembling a thousand subordinates for Soushu. Furthermore, despite these individuals transferring under Soushu's command, they remained influenced by Sakumo Hatake's new Fire Will ideology, so he wasn't worried about them defecting from their faction. In effect, this arrangement also allowed Soushu to manage a group of off-duty ninja still supported by the village.
"In that case, best wishes for Commander Soushu's negotiation success!"
Koryo Jonin raised his cup again in invitation.
Upon learning that Hyuga Soushu had arrived at the Ninja Force headquarters, Danzo hurried back from the Daimyo's court.
When he reached the tent where the two were feasting, Soushu and Koryo Jonin had already finalized a series of exchange conditions and were sharing idle stories and strange tales.
"You finally showed up!"
Just as the two were enjoying their conversation, Danzo entered the tent and looked at Hyuga Soushu, saying, "Commander Soushu, I've been waiting for you for quite some time!"
"Is that so? What an honor indeed!"
A broad grin spread across Hyuga Soushu's face, sharp and mocking.
Though he didn't mind Danzo's rudeness much, did he appear as though he was begging for favors?
"What are your thoughts on the peace talks?"
Danzo ignored Soushu's tone and seated himself before speaking, "The village's bottom line is fifteen billion ryo and one-third of all missions — we absolutely must not cross this red line."
"There you go getting impatient again."
Hyuga Soushu shook his head repeatedly but made no comment on the so-called conditions Danzo presented.
"Right now, we have four thousand ninja stranded outside the village while Sanshouo Hanzo of the Land of Rain remains on high alert. The village is under tremendous pressure," Danzo persuasively explained. "We all originate from Konoha; we should present a united front against external threats."
His argument seemed persuasive — until he brought up the matter of unity. That was exactly the opening Soushu needed.
"I remember Danzo also temporarily commanded the ninja forces in the Land of Rain before. Why didn't he resolve the trivial matter of the Rain Ninja Village back then? Was it because he didn't want to, or simply couldn't? Besides, Orochimaru, the former commander of the Rain Country Frontline Army, is already within our main camp. If necessary, we could have him — Orochimaru — lead part of the ninja force to provide reinforcements first."
Hyuga Soushu shrugged dismissively and said, "As for the negotiations, considering the village's bottom line cannot be compromised and the fact that Lightning Daimyo truly has no money left, there's no need to rush. Let's just take our time and talk things through until everyone's satisfied."
Still, it would be better if we could end this war sooner rather than later.
Danzo gave his advice with feigned sincerity.
But inside, he was overjoyed!
Although it was just a simple conversation, Danzo had successfully tested Hyuga Soushu's stance through it.
Not rushing negotiations meant intentionally delaying.
If that was the case, then those four thousand ninja currently held up would not return directly to the village, Sakumo Hatake's supporters would remain stationed outside, and this situation would create an opening for Konoha's F3 to act decisively against Sakumo Hatake!
As for those so-called enormous war reparations and demands for mission quotas mentioned by Danzo, they were nothing but empty words.
For Konoha's F4, as long as they could effectively diminish Sakumo Hatake's prestige, when the Land of Rain faces another crisis later on, making appropriate concessions on small issues like wartime compensation wouldn't necessarily be unacceptable.
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