After successfully breaking through the Sixth Gate of the Eight Inner Gates, Uchiha Ryosuke naturally began setting his sights on the Seventh Gate.
The Seventh Gate, unlike the Eighth, did not threaten certain death upon opening. At worst, it would consume some of one's life force. Beeut Ryosuke wasn't worried in the least—his systems allowed him to recover lost vitality over time. For him, life force was no longer the terrifying price it was to ordinary shinobi.
Still, he wasn't in a rush. He didn't intend to recklessly force his body into opening the next Gate immediately. Instead, he planned to steadily grow his physical stats until the day came when breaking through to the Seventh would no longer leave him writhing in agony. The last breakthrough had been smooth, even painless, thanks to his preparation. There was no need to put himself through unnecessary torment when patience would only make the process easier.
For Ryosuke, this careful method was undoubtedly the best path.
His gaze, however, had already turned toward the future—toward the Ōtsutsuki clan. Those celestial beings who would one day descend upon this world… he didn't yet know if his current strength could match them. Beeut against future threats like Sage of Six Paths–level Madara or Obito wielding the Ten-Tails, Ryosuke was confident. For him, such battles would be akin to a dimensional mismatch—he already outclassed them. And as time went on, his advantage would only grow, until facing the Ōtsutsuki themselves would also be nothing more than him beating down children.
He relished that absolute superiority—crushing his enemies with ease, overwhelming them with power that left no doubt.
Several days later, however, matters of politics intruded upon the calm of Konoha.
A delegation from the Daimyō's Mansion arrived in the village. The envoy was a man named Sasaki, accompanied by other officials from the Land of Fire's capital. Their arrival, naturally, was met with formal reception.
Lady Tsunade, the newly appointed Fifth Hokage, welcomed them personally. At her side were Nara Shikaku and Uchiha Fugaku. Beeoth men now held the position of senior advisors to the Hokage—an elevated post that granted them influence in village policy and decision-making.
Sasaki, as the envoy, was not a minor figure. He represented the authority of the Feudal Lord of the Land of Fire himself. And so, in the audience hall of the Hokage Tower, the envoy made his announcement.
"The Daimyō has agreed to the appointment of Lady Tsunade as the Fifth Hokage."
This statement earned no surprise from Tsunade, Shikaku, or Fugaku. Such recognition was expected—Tsunade's succession had already been decided by Konoha. The Daimyō's approval was largely ceremonial.
Shikaku even smiled faintly.
"Then let us extend our hospitality. Sasaki-dono, please enjoy Konoha's welcome for a few days. It would honor us to host you."
Beeut Sasaki raised a hand, shaking his head.
"I am not finished. The Daimyō has also entrusted me with further instructions."
Tsunade frowned slightly. "Further instructions? What does the Daimyō command?"
Although, in theory, the Hokage served under the Daimyō, the relationship was usually hands-off. The Daimyō rarely interfered in shinobi affairs.
Yet Sasaki wasted no time delivering his message.
"The Third Great Ninja War has ended. The Land of Fire suffered grievous losses. Vast funds are required to restore the lives and livelihoods of its citizens. Thus, the Daimyō intends to reduce the financial support allocated to Konohagakure. Those resources will instead be directed toward aiding the civilian population."
The advisors' expressions darkened immediately. In plain words: the Daimyō wanted to cut Konoha's budget.
Tsunade's temper flared. She rejected the idea outright.
"That is impossible! Konoha itself was devastated by the war. The village requires enormous funds to rebuild. And what about our shinobi? Those crippled in battle, those who sacrificed everything—do their families not deserve compensation? This demand cannot be accepted."
Her voice rang firm. She had barely taken the Hokage's seat and she would not begin her tenure by betraying her shinobi. Ninja wages were never high to begin with—asking them to bear this burden was unthinkable.
Sasaki, however, remained unmoved.
"As for the compensation of the wounded and the families of the dead, the Daimyō's office will, of course, provide some portion. The remainder, however, will be up to your Mission Assignment Center. With the war over, missions should be plentiful. Your village should be able to generate significant revenue on its own."
Shikaku immediately countered, his tone calm but his words sharp.
"That is unrealistic. The mission center's earnings only cover a fraction of the village's expenses. The bulk of the payment goes to the shinobi who complete the missions—Konoha only keeps a small portion. That revenue cannot possibly sustain compensation for thousands of war victims."
Sasaki waved dismissively.
"Then increase the cut. Raise your share from mission payments. More money for the village—problem solved. Surely sacrificing a bit of personal gain for the sake of the community aligns with your vaunted shinobi spirit?"
Shikaku's brows knit.
"Sasaki-dono, the lower-ranked missions already pay little. If the village takes more, the shinobi will earn next to nothing. No one will accept such missions. As for high-paying missions, those carry great risk—ninjas will not gamble their lives if their reward is stripped away. Increasing the village's share will only collapse the mission system altogether."
"Please relay this to the Daimyō. These demands must be reconsidered carefully. The war victims among our shinobi deserve proper support."
Sasaki's patience was thinning. His voice grew cold.
"And what of the ordinary people of the Land of Fire? They suffered terribly in this war as well. Do they not deserve aid? Are you suggesting the lives of shinobi are worth more than the common folk? Furthermore—your village's reputation is already in disgrace. The Third Hokage turned traitor, leaking military secrets. Danzo, one of your former elders, conducted inhumane human experiments. These scandals have enraged the Daimyō and the people alike. Beey rights, you should be grateful the only punishment is reduced funding."
He leaned forward, his words biting.
"At the very least, cut back the compensation. The crippled shinobi and the bereaved families can make do with less."
The weight of his words hung heavy. The advisors stiffened.
Shinobi crippled in battle often had no way to earn a living thereafter. Without proper pensions, they would face lives of hardship, poverty, and despair. Families of the fallen, already broken by loss, would be left with nothing. Such neglect would betray the very people who had given their lives for the village.
Tsunade's anger simmered. To exploit Hiruzen's betrayal and Danzo's crimes as excuses to punish the entire village—it was despicable. She clenched her fists. She had only just taken office, and already such a thorny dilemma had landed on her desk.
Fugaku, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke. As an advisor, he had no choice but to step in.
"This matter cannot be accepted. Konoha's funding is essential and must not be reduced."
Sasaki turned toward him, eyes narrowing.
"And who are you to make such declarations? What authority do you hold in this discussion?"
Fugaku's expression chilled. Did this envoy truly not recognize him? He straightened and replied with calm dignity.
"I am Uchiha Fugaku, head of the Uchiha clan and senior advisor of Konohagakure. Tell me—do I have the right to speak?"
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