The Land of Fire had already entered early winter.
This year, the snow came sooner than usual. Temperatures dropped sharply, and heavy flakes blanketed the land.
Inside the palace—
The daimyō, dressed in thin robes, was helped to the window by his attendants.
As soon as the window opened, a gust of cold wind and snow rushed in, making him shiver. Snowflakes clung to his face.
"What heavy snow…"
He exhaled softly.
"And yet… Konoha's air conditioning is truly miraculous. Outside is a frozen winter, but inside feels like spring."
He paused, his expression darkening slightly.
"…What a pity."
He didn't finish the sentence. Instead, he waved for the window to be closed.
Recently—
He had been miserable.
Memorials impeaching Konoha were piling up like snow on his desk.
"Rebels."
"Traitors."
"Enemies of the state."
Every accusation imaginable had been thrown at Konoha.
A bunch of greedy parasites, who had grown too comfortable, had forgotten what a shinobi's blade could do.
Some idiots had even proposed summoning the Hokage to stand trial.
The Third Hokage—
Was an Uchiha.
Did they have a death wish?
The daimyō understood the truth very clearly.
It wasn't that Konoha depended on the Land of Fire.
It was the Land of Fire—
That depended on Konoha.
Without shinobi to suppress uprisings—
Those "commoners" would storm his palace.
Yes, Konoha had gone too far this time.
But what could he do?
Arrest Uchiha Ren?
Impossible.
He sighed heavily.
Ever since Hashirama Senju founded the hidden village system—
His father had warned him:
"One day, shinobi will realize their true position."
"They will become the masters of this world."
"Enjoy your wealth while you can."
So now—
He followed one principle:
Muddle through.
As long as he could live another peaceful day—
That was enough.
But this time—
Konoha had gone too far.
They hadn't just taken a bite.
They had carved flesh.
"Lord Daimyō, Nara Shikaku has arrived."
The attendant's voice broke his thoughts.
The daimyō's eyes lit up.
Finally.
"Shikaku-kun, it's been a while."
Shikaku Nara entered with a smile.
The two exchanged pleasantries.
"The snow this year is quite heavy."
"Indeed, but in your palace, it might as well be spring."
"That's thanks to Konoha."
Shikaku smiled faintly.
Another large air conditioner order—
Secured.
After tea—
Shikaku spoke.
"I heard Your Highness has been troubled by… buzzing mosquitoes."
"Even the Hokage in Konoha has heard them."
The daimyō chuckled.
"Just some pests."
"But if they bite… the itch can be unbearable."
"What does Konoha suggest?"
In his mind—
The ideal solution was simple.
Konoha submits an apology.
He scolds them publicly.
Then—
Lets it go.
Everyone saves face.
"Your Highness has always treated Konoha well," Shikaku said calmly. "Naturally, we won't make things difficult for you."
The daimyō's smile widened.
Shikaku handed over a letter.
The daimyō opened it eagerly.
An apology.
Long.
Elaborate.
Utterly insincere.
"Excellent!"
"Konoha truly is the pillar of the Land of Fire!"
The daimyō stood up, grabbing Shikaku's hand enthusiastically.
"Stay tonight! I'll host a banquet!"
Shikaku gently withdrew his hand.
Then—
Took out a sealing scroll.
"Your Highness, Konoha has given you face."
"But…"
"The Hokage also said—Konoha's face must be preserved."
The daimyō froze.
Something felt wrong.
"Please take a look."
Shikaku formed a hand seal.
Documents poured out.
Corruption.
Bribery.
Murder.
Illegal courts.
Usury.
Factional conspiracies.
Even involvement in succession struggles.
Every name—
Belonged to those who had impeached Konoha.
The daimyō's hands trembled.
"T-this…"
Fear.
Shock.
On one hand—
Konoha had crossed a line.
On the other—
These officials…
Had gone too far.
If all of this were exposed—
The entire court would collapse.
"What do you think should be done, Your Highness?"
Shikaku asked calmly.
The daimyō struggled to speak.
"Perhaps… there's been a mistake…"
"They are all loyal officials…"
He knew it was nonsense.
But what else could he say?
If he pushed Konoha—
He might die.
If he punished everyone—
He might still die.
"Are you suggesting Konoha fabricated evidence?" Shikaku's tone turned cold.
The daimyō broke into a cold sweat.
"…Of course not."
"But this involves too many people…"
Shikaku stepped forward slightly.
"Your Highness, the Hokage has already considered everything."
"We won't overturn the entire court."
"We will only execute the worst offenders."
"The rest…"
"We can deal with slowly."
"Over ten years, if necessary."
The daimyō exhaled in relief.
Good.
As long as they didn't flip the table—
Everything was fine.
"Very good… very good…"
He wiped the sweat from his forehead.
Shikaku smiled faintly.
"These individuals—should be executed."
"The worst crimes."
"The greatest wealth."
The daimyō's eyes flickered.
Greed.
Hundreds of billions.
"…Agreed."
"These traitors must be punished!"
"Then shall we split the assets? Thirty–seventy?"
Shikaku asked casually.
"No problem."
The daimyō nodded.
Then—
Shikaku added:
"Konoha takes seventy percent."
"…What?!"
The daimyō's voice cracked.
"Seventy?!"
Shikaku's expression darkened instantly.
"Konoha is the victim here."
"We've already compromised."
"Surely Your Highness wouldn't deny us… compensation?"
Silence.
The daimyō swallowed his words.
If he argued further—
Things might spiral out of control.
"…Very well."
"As the Hokage wishes."
He forced a smile.
Wiping sweat.
Shikaku finally smiled.
Satisfied.
Konoha—
Had profited again.
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