"Although Root's missions are similar to those of Anbu, some missions must shoulder the dark side of the village, which is why the Root department exists."
Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression darkened slightly, and then he explained: "Root also sends talents to Anbu, serving as a training department for talent."
"Hehe..."
Uchiha Yoichi couldn't help but laugh slightly, then said: "I'm not laughing at you, Third, it's just that the darkness that is hard for even the assassination tactical special forces to bear... sounds a bit unbearable to me. Now even if Konoha's budget is approved, priority must be given to village construction and pensions, and funding for other departments has decreased, with the Security Team being reduced by seventy percent..."
"As for the Security Team, the Uchiha Race can provide subsidies to temporarily ensure that ninjas in the village won't worry about supporting their families, but companions from other departments have suddenly lost so much salary — they can't even support their families anymore, what can be done?"
"The main point is, the Fourth doesn't even know about this department, and by simply providing a few 'talents' to Anbu every so often, you can secure so much funding... Fourth, the Uchiha Race is applying to establish a new Root department, guaranteeing that the talent provided will be twice that of the old Root!"
Uchiha Yoichi's words made Sarutobi Hiruzen's face look extremely grim. He knew that today, Root would likely be unable to be preserved, but being questioned so forcefully by Uchiha Yoichi made him burn with anger inside.
Root's most important task was to limit the development of the Uchiha Race — could Sarutobi Hiruzen say this? He simply couldn't, and originally intended to find an opportunity to discuss the Second Generation Hokage's concerns about the Uchiha with Hatake Sakumo.
But now it looks like that's impossible; Hatake Sakumo is probably very deeply involved with the Uchiha.
Hatake Sakumo didn't answer immediately, and after pondering for a while, he called an Anbu and said: "Go invite Elder Danzo, saying that the Third and I need to ask him a few things."
"Yes, Fourth."
After speaking, the Anbu left directly, and then the room fell silent.
Hatake Sakumo also said: "This matter is my oversight. The ninjas in the village relying on fixed salaries to support their families will definitely face some difficulties now. Does anyone have any good solutions?"
Ninjas with fixed positions aren't like the mission teams; they receive a fixed salary every month, but now the salaries of various departments have been greatly reduced, with the Security Team being reduced by seventy percent, leaving less than one-third of their original salary.
The salaries of the Interrogation Team and Mission Team have also been reduced by fifty percent, with the lowest reductions being forty percent.
When it comes to a solution, it's none other than getting money, but where does the money come from?
The income from the Daimyo's grants and mission commissions makes up the bulk of Konoha Ninja Village's revenue, but these have already been arranged by Hatake Sakumo and the Uchiha; finding other sources of funding, even Nara Shikasuke has no way out.
Or perhaps he has a way out, but he cannot propose it; he must take responsibility for his clan!
After a moment of silence in the room, Uchiha Yoichi spoke up: "The Uchiha Race can provide loan subsidies; as long as there is certification from the Hokage Office, one can obtain a sum of money from the Uchiha Race, specifically to assist those who truly need help. After five years, when they aren't struggling anymore, they can repay the money."
"In that case, on behalf of those needing assistance in the village, thank you to the Uchiha Race."
Hatake Sakumo said with a smile: "At least this can help resolve the slight difficulties faced by a small group of ninja families, and in these few years, Konoha should improve."
The others in the room said nothing, listening to Uchiha Yoichi and Hatake Sakumo resolve this matter with brief exchanges.
Sarutobi, Nara, and Yamanaka's ninja races also have their own family businesses, but they mainly guarantee the basic needs of their clansmen; now the Konoha Village can't even guarantee salaries for the village's employed ninjas, how can they manage the ninja races? Eventually, it's still up to their individual families.
Even if their clans have some savings, they dare not open up to take on this responsibility; only the financially strong Uchiha dare to lend money to others, and on top of that, lend for five years without any interest.
Before long, Danzo was called over. As long as he's in Konoha, facing summons from two Hokages, he has to come over, even if he's sick or has a cold.
"Elder Danzo, though Root's funding has only been slightly reduced today, there are many areas I don't understand. I hope you can explain."
After Danzo entered, Hatake Sakumo invited him to sit down and greeted him with a smile, and took Uchiha Yoichi's inquiry onto himself.
"What are Root's missions? How much talent does Root provide to Anbu every year? And what darkness do the Root Ninja bear?"
.....
Upon hearing this, Danzo realized that this Fourth Hokage, Hatake Sakumo, was ready to move against his Root. After a silent moment, he said: "The tasks done by Root have already been reported to Hiruzen. If the Fourth wants to know, ask Hiruzen..."
"As for the darkness borne by Root, it is to guard against all possible threats to the village!"
Hatake Sakumo shook his head and said: "Elder Danzo, such explanations don't convince me to continue allocating funds to Root, and I hope that all confidential tasks in the village go through the Hokage Office, every single one of them."
If he's to be Hokage, he'll never allow incidents where the village's companions are betrayed to occur again!
Upon hearing this, Danzo didn't speak, leaving the Hokage Office quiet for several minutes.