Mito Uzumaki's face was frosty as she turned her head aside, unwilling to look at Uchiha Ren's arrogant expression.
That signature Uchiha arrogance, paired with Ren's unrestrained grin, made her finally understand why Senju Tobirama had detested the Uchiha so much.
What an insolent little Uchiha brat. Not even the slightest respect for elders.
She grumbled inwardly, yet her body remained firmly seated, without the slightest intention of moving.
She couldn't afford to miss what came next in this meeting.
Konoha had just earned an enormous sum of money—what followed naturally was dividing the spoils.
After enduring such long, bitter years, they had finally reached the moment of reaping rewards. Anyone who left now would be a complete fool.
Around the room, the clan leaders stared at Uchiha Ren with burning eyes, all past grievances instantly forgotten. From this moment onward, Uchiha Ren was the greatest Hokage Konoha had ever seen.
"Hokage-sama truly has unparalleled foresight!"
"You're simply my idol!"
"If you do not disdain me, I am willing to take you as my godfather!"
"I heard Hokage-sama likes twins. My clan happens to have a pair, both sixteen—if Hokage-sama is interested, I can arrange—"
In the face of profit, these ninja clans were no different from the vermin of the Land of Fire's court—utterly without shame. Some wanted to play Lu Bu, others were ready to offer up their own people—every trick imaginable was on display. As long as Uchiha Ren was pleased, nothing was off the table.
Over a hundred billion ryo sat in Konoha's accounts. Who wouldn't be tempted?
Since its founding, Konoha had never truly been wealthy. Funds had always been tight—even with the Daimyō's support, they had lived frugally.
Building a fully developed shinobi village required money in every direction.
During the time of the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, the world had been relatively peaceful. Resources could be devoted to development. Back then, funds distributed among the clans allowed them to grow steadily, even increasing birth rates year by year.
After all, during the Warring States era, having fewer deaths each year was already considered progress.
But after Hashirama's death, chaos erupted. Endless war followed, and by the end, clans were even forced to spend their own money just to survive.
Life had become unbearable.
Now, Uchiha Ren had arrived—and the sky had cleared.
Hashirama Senju? Senju Tobirama? What did they matter?
Could they put real money into the clans' hands?
Better for the dead to stay buried. The living had to face reality.
And just like that, the title of "strongest Hokage" was forcefully placed upon Uchiha Ren's head.
He refused three times—but in the end, money spoke louder than modesty. The title stuck.
He was now one step closer to surpassing that damned Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Next, let's discuss how to allocate Konoha's latest funds."
Having heard enough flattery, Ren decided it was time to get to business.
"Hokage-sama, you know well—our clan's shinobi were the first to hold the line at the Sunagakure front, eating sand every day—!"
"Get out of here! Sunagakure is the weakest of the Five Great Villages! Hokage-sama, it was our clan that launched a surprise assault deep into Kumogakure territory—without us, negotiations would've been delayed for months!"
"Bullshit! When our clan faced the Tsuchikage's Dust Release—!"
"…!"
The moment Ren finished speaking, the clans erupted.
They began recounting their achievements in the First Great Ninja War, arguing louder and louder, shifting from boasting to outright attacking each other's weaknesses.
If Ren hadn't been present, they might have already come to blows.
Seated calmly, Ren watched them tear into each other, inwardly amused.
Konoha's internal politics were… lively, to say the least.
But considering the village had only existed for a little over twenty years, this level of unity was already impressive.
And more importantly—
It made them easy to manipulate.
Ren had risen to Hokage through clan prestige and personal strength.
But starting today—
He possessed something new.
Personal authority.
That… was true progress.
He sat steadily, like a fisherman waiting for the catch, while Nara Shikaku and Hyuga Takuma remained composed beside him, calmly sipping tea.
They were the executors of the iron futures plan—there was no need for them to boast.
Even Senju Toma eventually couldn't hold back and joined the argument.
The Senju had lost their dominance. They had opposed the iron futures plan from the start.
But now that it had generated massive profits—
Even Toma lowered his pride and fought for a share.
Face meant nothing compared to strengthening the clan.
Such was the burden of leadership.
The arguments dragged on for half the afternoon, achieving nothing.
Finally, Ren had enough.
The sheer creativity of their insults was so impressive that even he—someone well-versed in verbal warfare—felt tempted to take notes.
No dignity whatsoever.
Ren personally stepped in to divide the profits.
No matter who felt dissatisfied—
They had no choice but to accept.
He held both military achievements and financial power firmly in his hands.
Only those he allowed could eat.
Still, the sum was enormous, and the clans had indeed struggled for years. Previously, he had already forced one batch of funds into Konoha's accounts.
So this time—
Every clan received a satisfying share.
Enough to restore their population and further cultivate shinobi.
Ren's generosity left everyone flushed with excitement—even Mito Uzumaki couldn't hide her smile.
Money distributed—
Loyalty secured.
"Now, let us discuss Konoha's future development."
Ren's expression turned serious.
It was time to shape this twenty-year-old "child" called Konoha.
The clan leaders straightened, listening attentively.
"First—the Ninja Academy. Due to the war, enrollment has been delayed again. It's time to resume. Regarding students and teachers—"
Before he could finish, the Aburame clan head stood up immediately.
"Our clan will send core members to enroll in the academy."
Ren blinked in surprise.
The Aburame… bold.
This was a direct pledge of loyalty.
Even the other clans were stunned.
So the quiet one strikes first.
Ren nodded, satisfied.
The Aburame clan had been severely underestimated.
Their insect techniques—
Given time—
Could become terrifying.
Worth cultivating.
"Good."
The Inuzuka clan quickly followed, pledging their support as well.
Then—
One after another—
Every clan stepped forward.
"Good. Konoha will remember your contributions."
Ren nodded.
Originally, he had expected resistance.
But now—
With money in place—
Everything flowed smoothly.
"Second—I propose the establishment of Konoha's Department of Technology."
"Special funding will be allocated. All projects classified as top secret."
"Technology is the primary productive force. Konoha cannot rely solely on the Daimyō or mission income."
The room heated up instantly.
"Agreed!"
"Agreed!"
Unanimous approval.
At last—
Senju Tobirama's research funding problem was solved.
"Third—"
Ren paused.
"I plan to establish a company."
"The Uchiha will invest."
"Konoha owes all of you a debt. Would you like to convert that debt into shares?"
Silence.
Then—
Understanding dawned.
This was more than money.
This was binding interests together.
Konoha and the clans—
Would no longer be separate.
"Hyuga clan agrees."
Hyuga Takuma stood first.
"I trust Hokage-sama's judgment."
"I am willing to offer my loyalty to Hokage-sama!"
"Willing to offer our loyalty!"
Voices rose in unison.
The entire room echoed with a single declaration—
"Willing to offer our loyalty to Hokage-sama!"
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