Inside the royal council hall, the heavy atmosphere was almost suffocating.
Around the dark wooden long table, civil and military officials sat packed.
The foreign minister held a scroll, and stood solemnly in the hall, his voice breaking the silence. "Reporting to the Daimyo, news suddenly arrived from the Land of Fire today that the price of grain exported to our country has increased by a full 50%."
As soon as he finished speaking, the council hall immediately erupted into an uproar.
A white-haired old minister on the left suddenly stood up, tapping his finger heavily on the table. "What? The price of grain increased by 50%? Is the Land of Fire crazy? They are the main grain exporter in the Ninja World. With such a drastic price increase, what will the people of the Land of Water eat this winter?"
The finance minister frowned, his abacus clattering. "Yes, our Land of Water has many islands, and arable land is limited. Every year, we import 30% of our grain from the Land of Fire. How much will the national treasury's expenditure increase with this price hike?"
His face grew increasingly grim, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.
Another minister proposed a compromise, "Why don't we send an envoy to negotiate first? See if we can get the Land of Fire to lower the increase, even if it's to 20%, we can barely accept it."
Someone immediately retorted, "Negotiation is probably useless. The Land of Fire has always been strong. This sudden price increase must have been premeditated. How could they easily back down?"
The ministers argued, their voices rising and falling.
Grain concerns the people's livelihood. Once the supply is insufficient, it is very likely to cause unrest.
Sāra looked at Shun at the head of the table, waiting for him to make a decision. Shun's fingertips gently tapped the armrest, his expression as calm as water.
After the ministers' discussions gradually quieted down, he slowly spoke, "Everyone, please calm down. The Land of Fire has been in constant war these years, and last month they just compensated a neighboring country 82 billion ryo. Their national treasury is severely depleted. It's normal for them to want to fill the gap by raising grain prices."
Hearing the Daimyo speak, many ministers quieted down.
Shun's gaze swept over everyone, his tone calm. "It's mid-September now. In half a month, our southern rice and northern wheat will gradually ripen, and October will be the harvest season. According to this year's harvest estimates, the new grain will be enough to cover short-term demand, and the impact of the Land of Fire's price increase will not be too great."
When the ministers heard this, the anxiety on their faces gradually faded. They had forgotten that under Shun's leadership, the Land of Water had vigorously improved agricultural technology in recent years, and grain production had already increased significantly compared to previous years.
"Then how should we respond? We can't just let the Land of Fire demand exorbitant prices, can we?" The foreign minister pressed.
"First, refuse to import the high-priced grain from the Land of Fire, and at the same time, draft a protest document to the Land of Fire, lodging a strong protest and accusing them of disrupting the trade order between the two countries."
Shun's tone was firm. "At the same time, issue a warning, saying that I will personally go to the Land of Fire in a while to have a good talk with them face-to-face."
His words carried an undeniable aura, and the ministers nodded in agreement, the originally anxious council hall instantly restored to order.
The foreign minister immediately bowed. "Understood, I will draft the protest document immediately and ensure it is delivered to the Land of Fire embassy today."
After the meeting, the ministers left one after another.
Shun remained alone in the council hall, and by the time he finished handling the remaining government affairs, it was completely dark.
He returned to his bedchamber, but did not rest immediately. Instead, he closed his eyes and slowly activated his Mangekyo Sharingan.
Within his crimson pupils, black patterns constantly rotated, and the power of Divine Eye quietly spread, covering the entire Land of Water. His gaze swept over the mountains and rivers, towns and villages of the Land of Water, carefully observing every movement.
He only felt slightly relieved after confirming that the border was stable, the people's lives were normal, and there were no abnormal Chakra fluctuations.
Finally, his gaze inadvertently drifted towards the direction of the new Konoha, landing on Kakashi's house. Through Divine Eye, he clearly saw Rin wearing an apron and bustling in the kitchen. She skillfully chopped vegetables, and the soup simmering in the pot steamed, the aroma of food seemingly wafting through the air.
Kakashi stood at the kitchen doorway, still looking lazy, but his eyes consistently followed Rin's figure. His mask was unusually pulled down to his chin, and a faint smile appeared on his lips.
When Rin needed to reach for seasonings on a high shelf, he would naturally reach out to help, their fingers occasionally touching, then quickly separating, with the shyness unique to young people.
Shun watched this scene, a helpless yet gratified smile gracing his lips, and sighed inwardly. "Indeed, when a man pursues a woman, it's like climbing a mountain. When a woman pursues a man, it's like a thin veil. Kakashi was so awkward about Rin's feelings for so long, but now that Rin is actively approaching him, he quickly let down his guard."
After dinner, Rin cleared the dishes and was about to take them to the kitchen to wash.
Kakashi, however, took the dishes first. "Let me do it. You've been busy all day, take a rest."
His movements were a bit clumsy, and he didn't mind the water splashing on his cuffs.
Rin stood by, watching him earnestly wash the dishes, her eyes full of tenderness. She quietly stepped forward and helped him roll up his sleeves, her fingertips inadvertently brushing his wrist.
Both of them froze for a moment, then exchanged a smile, and a faint sweetness filled the air.
After tidying up the kitchen, the two sat on the tatami in the living room. The moonlight from outside the window streamed through the paper door, falling upon them.
Rin softly asked, "Kakashi, how have you been these past five years?"
Kakashi's eyes dimmed, then quickly returned to calm. He reached up and touched his forehead protector.
"I've been alright, just occasionally thinking of you and Obito."
Rin stood quietly in front of him, a faint smile on her lips. She slowly moved closer to Kakashi, the distance between them growing smaller and smaller, until they could feel each other's breath. Her fingers gently touched his mask, wanting to take it off.
"Now that I'm back, I'll always be by your side, and we'll never be separated again."
Kakashi's ear tips subtly reddened, and he reached out to gently hold her hand. His palm was broad and warm, completely enveloping Rin's small hand.
At this moment, time seemed to stop flowing, and the whole world was left with only the two of them, their breaths and heartbeats intertwined.
"Kakashi, I want to see the real you beneath the mask."
Rin's face quickly moved closer to Kakashi, and she gently pulled down his black mask.
As Kakashi's mask was removed, just like a bride's veil being lifted, both their heartbeats quickened.
Somewhere, Obito's heart suddenly ached, as if he had lost something important.