The "One Village, One Nation" system constructed by Ninja God Hashirama Senju was essentially a military alliance rooted in economics.
The bond between Hidden Leaf Village and the state maintained a precise equilibrium built upon economic support and military assurance. The noble Daimyos used money as a medium to form deep cooperation with ninjas, securing access to their extraordinary combat abilities.
Under this system, the aristocrats generously funded not only financial aid and supplies but also provided the foundation for the survival and development of the ninja villages; in return, the ninjas demonstrated loyalty and bravery, acting as the nation's guardians, willing to sacrifice their lives to defend peace and tranquility.
Such an arrangement served as a solid shield for the nobles.
They gained not only a highly organized and skillful ninja force that made local governance more efficient and orderly but also significantly improved social security. Those once self-important nobles who worried about disturbances could now enjoy peace and quiet without fearing ronin ninjas or rebellious peasants threatening their lives.
Even when occasional turbulence arose, all it took was a simple wave of an invisible hand to prompt Hidden Leaf Village to dispatch its elite forces, swiftly eliminating any potential threats. Compared to the safety and stability gained, the cost paid by the nobility was trivial.
After all, to the imperial courtiers, regional lords, and local feudal nobles, commoners were like endless leeks growing in fields. Loosen the leash on them even slightly, and countless peasants would spring up out of nowhere. In fact, nobles had to worry even more about peasant surges sparking Rice Riots and similar unrest.
Therefore, the relationship between Hidden Leaf Village and the country was not merely simple employer-employee transactions but rather a symbiotic strategic alliance—an interdependent and mutually beneficial partnership. One side provided economic support, while the other offered military protection. Together, both sides wove a grand yet illusory picture of peace and prosperity.
One most obvious example was how nobles previously liked using excuses such as lost cats or missing dogs to flood Konoha with numerous low-level missions offering surprisingly high rewards. This was essentially a disguised subsidy since these so-called tasks could easily be accomplished even by junior-ranking samurai. And hiring samurais might not even cost so much.
But the web of mutual interests officially began breaking apart after the establishment of the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation.
Especially after various ninja clans within Konoha collectively moved out to govern local regions, each clan established its dominance by expelling or imprisoning local guardian nobles. Naturally, this meant actual control fell firmly into the hands of these ninja clans.
Consequently, ninjas led by these clans no longer needed economic support from the old nobility.
On the contrary, due to the production models adopted by these ninja clans—modeled after the Hyuga Clan's collective farms and centralized mines were simply too advanced—the productivity completely overwhelmed and crushed the traditional self-sufficient estates of the old nobility. Eventually, the nobles found themselves bleeding out endlessly.
However, the issue was that even though everyone knew this status quo would inevitably lead to serious problems, neither the daimyos nor the court nobles had the courage to resist the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation—especially after the coalition forces eliminated the Bloodline faction and further divided the Land of Water.
But how could a vicious wolf, used to feeding on bloody meat, simply stop hunting just because it had already gorged itself?
Kumo, which traditionally maintained good relations with the Lightning Daimyo, could be forgiven for its stance. After acquiring its sphere of influence in the Land of Water, the Third Raikage chose to jointly operate with the noble families of the Land of Lightning, aiming to make Kumo ninja fully professionalized so they could devote all their energy toward refining their individual ninja skills.
The Ninja Clan Capital Corporation, however, was different. Within this framework, every ninja clan pursued profit, whether it be intangible prestige or tangible wealth; these were the very driving forces pushing each clan forward.
Once members of the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation found themselves unsure of what to do next, Hyuga Soushu proposed discussing strategies for handling the remaining daimyo and noble powers—and immediately gained enthusiastic support from other ninja clans.
Under such overwhelming pressure, even if the Hokage faction led by Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi in Konoha were unwilling, they still had no choice but to attend the joint conference.
After all, the message was clear: if you don't have a seat at the table, you're likely to end up on the menu.
This was utterly unacceptable for the ambitious Hokage faction, who were determined to restore Konoha's authority and revive the "one village, one nation" order. Although the Ruling Four Ninja Clans had also participated in the expedition against the Bloodline faction in the Land of Water, deep down, they still saw themselves as honorable hidden villages.
Less than a month after the Bloodline faction's fall in the Land of Water, Hakone Prefecture city—the main base of the Hyuga Clan—once again became the focus of the ninja world.
This time, following more than twenty days of public discussion and buildup, practically everyone already understood exactly what scheme Hyuga Soushu was planning.
The noble forces far away in the Daimyo's court were no exception; their intelligence networks weren't so poor that they remained oblivious while others sharpened their blades right outside their gates.
To prevent the Fire Daimyo from acting recklessly and stirring unrest, Hyuga Soushu had preemptively stationed the Standing Ninja Army along the borders under Daimyo control, sending a clear warning to those crumbling old aristocrats.
Hiruzen Sarutobi suggested that even if action were taken against the noble and daimyo factions, they shouldn't be judged without being present. Therefore, after firm insistence on his part, Soushu Hyuga approved allowing a special envoy from the daimyos to attend the joint meeting before it began—though only as an observer, deprived of voting or decision-making rights.
And that was already the best option available.
The appointed daimyo envoy was none other than Minister of State Taisho, who previously had maintained a close relationship with the Hyuga Clan. Even during the era when the noble houses and ninja clans had gone their separate ways, he remained a powerful figure in the Daimyo's court, frequently engaging in mutual benefit dealings with the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation.
Therefore, based on the special relationship between the Minister of State and the Hyuga Clan, the Fire Daimyo directly appointed him as envoy to Hakone Prefecture, hoping to find a chance for reconciliation.
The Deputy Envoy was the Inner Minister, who had some marital ties with the Uchiha Clan.
To sum it up, the Fire Daimyo aimed to play the sentimental angle. After all, in their current position of weakness, showing aggression would only hasten their downfall. All they could do now was rely on traditional emotional bonds, praying that Hyuga Soushu and the various ninja clans within the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation would show mercy and leave a path of survival for aristocratic families like the Courtiers.
In truth, neither the Minister of State nor the Inner Minister wished to attend this meeting — an open declaration of intent to deal with the old noble forces. But they had no choice. Aside from these two noble families, no one else in the Fire Daimyo's court could still communicate with the Hyuga Clan.
Moreover, personal and family interests must ultimately yield to class-wide concerns. More importantly, if the old noble powers were completely erased, both the Minister of State and the Inner Minister doubted their own families would retain much prestige or prosperity.
However, as the Minister of State closely followed Hiruzen Sarutobi into the Joint Conference hall, his heart sank!
Everywhere he looked, he saw only arrogant clan leaders. These clan representatives spoke loudly and confidently in the conference room, commenting freely on the ninja world; even when Hiruzen Sarutobi and the representatives of the other three ruling ninja clans entered, the ninja clan delegates remained indifferent, as if watching common bystanders.
This showed that, in the eyes of the ninja clans belonging to the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation, even Konoha's once-revered prestige had clearly lost its weight!
And if Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't make an impact, how many clan leaders could these two noble envoys possibly persuade through mere sentimentality?
"Sigh," the Minister of State couldn't help but sigh.
After enduring twenty tense minutes of anxious waiting in his seat, a sudden commotion erupted at the entrance.
The Minister of State immediately looked up and saw that Hyuga Soushu and Mahiru Uchiha were slowly entering the venue, escorted by a group of Hyuga ninja.
Hyuga Soushu's every movement seemed approachable, yet carried undeniable dignity and grace in the eyes of the two noble envoys.
Though partially influenced by perception shaped by status bias, there was no denying that the young Jonin who once stood before the Minister of State like a mere henchman had now become a figure of great importance.
Even someone as powerful as the Minister of State, who once ranked second only to the most influential man alive, now lacked the courage to walk up and exchange a few words.
But Hyuga Soushu soon noticed the gazes of the Minister of State and the Inner Minister. He and Mahiru Uchiha smiled and waved toward the two noble envoys.
While hurriedly returning a respectful greeting, the Minister of State felt slightly more at ease.
At the very least, they probably wouldn't be wiped out entirely. Judging from the way things were going, there might still be a chance to survive.
Just as the Minister of State and the Inner Minister were consumed with anxiety, the Joint Conference of the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation officially commenced.
After a round of tedious opening remarks filled with formalities, Hyuga Soushu, the meeting's convener, slowly tapped the table. The previously restless crowd immediately fell silent.
"Following our victory over the Bloodline faction of Mist and the restoration of justice, the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation has once again reached a new peak!"
Hyuga Soushu said slowly.
Immediately afterward, thunderous applause erupted.
Whether out of genuine belief or simple conformity, no one could deny that the defining trend of this era—the collapse of the 'one village, one nation' system and the rise of ninja clans—was inseparably linked to Soushu himself.
From his days as an elite Konoha jōnin waging external wars to his subsequent campaigns across the ninja world after being stationed in the provinces, Soushu was truly undefeated. Whether stakeholders or rival factions, none could deny Soushu's abilities.
After all, rising from a mere Branch House member of the Hyuga clan to his current position, possessing power formidable enough to intimidate the entire ninja world, spoke volumes about his capabilities.
Soushu raised both hands slightly, motioning for everyone to pause their clapping.
Yet instead of silence, someone shouted out in excitement!
"This is the age of ninja!"
Soushu had no choice but to speak loudly: "This is the age when the kunai of the ninja shine brightest!"
[Glorious Victories!]
Amidst the applause and cheers, continuous waves of celebration arose, growing louder and more intense.
Meanwhile, the two noble envoys caught in the middle of this ninja fervor felt as if they had fallen into an icy abyss, their bodies chilled, cold sweat pouring from their foreheads.
"Fact has proven that the idea that ninja are poor at management and ignorant of governance is nothing but a lie fabricated by the old nobility of past eras!"
Soushu's voice drew even more passionate responses, so he raised his voice further: "The Ninja Clan Capital Corporation's existence and growth prove that ninja clans can not only manage themselves and their people, but also the entire world!"
The attending ninja clan leaders still responded with wild enthusiasm.
Even the most cunning and calculating among them normally would find it impossible to remain calm and unaffected amidst such a feverish tide.
Even Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi had to admit that indeed, this era had undergone dramatic transformation thanks to Soushu—even though he did not approve of the collapse of the 'one village, one nation' system, facts remained facts that could not be denied.
"Fact has proven that ninja clans are the noblest of beings; ninja are the pioneers driving the ninja world forward!"
Soushu continued: "Only through the will of ninja can the Ninja World keep evolving!"
"Only power held by ninja clans can truly safeguard lasting peace beyond generations!"
[Glorious Victories!!]
The clan leaders grew even more stirred, their passion unstoppable.
"All remnants of the old era should be tossed straight into the garbage bin of history!"
Soushu declared fiercely.
At the same time, to show his determination, he sliced downward with his right hand shaped like a blade: "Whether samurai, shrine priests, or monk priestesses, before ninja, they are nothing more than castles built on the shore — swept away by a single wave!"
Following this declaration came cheers loud enough to shake the heavens, while the noble envoys sweated bullets.
"For the future of the Ninja World, for the eternal prosperity of the Ninja Clans, and for the commoners to enjoy everlasting peace,"
Hyuga Soushu rained down grand declarations one after another, then declared, "I propose the removal of the Daimyos and the sole exaltation of the Ninja!"
"In support!"
"Agreed!"
"That's exactly what should be done!"
The clan leaders, long eyeing with envy the fertile lands controlled by the old nobility, loudly voiced their approval.
Immediately afterward, countless malicious gazes swept toward the two visibly uneasy noble envoys, making them sweat profusely and feel as if sitting on pins and needles.
"Of course, we won't arbitrarily take lives without cause,"
Soushu suddenly shifted tone: "Therefore, at Hokage's request, please step forward, Envoys, and share your thoughts on this matter!"
This was pure *zhuxin* — striking at their hearts without drawing blood!
The Minister of State's heart pounded with anxiety.
Yet he had no choice but to stand and approach.
Though he already knew full well that Hyuga Soushu had already decided everything in advance, he still wanted to fight for some concessions.
After all, even if stripped of power, at least their estates and wealth could be preserved!
No one wanted to suffer the same tragic fate as the nobles of the Land of Water all over again!
"Ladies and gentlemen,"
After stepping onto the podium, the Minister of State swallowed hard, then made his appeal: "Nobility does not symbolize backwardness."
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