Haruto Saito had just assumed his new official position. For over ten consecutive days, he had been discussing tax reforms with Koharu Utatane. In addition to that, he had to find time to train Namikaze Minato and Kaga, as well as explore the Flying Thunder God Technique with Namikaze Minato!
Occasionally, Haruto Saito would visit Terumichi to learn ninjutsu from him.
He was incredibly busy, getting only six hours of sleep each day.
Meanwhile, the land acquisition and demolition efforts were progressing in an orderly manner. Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru had not been assigned any missions recently and were overseeing the entire process. All eight districts had been settled—no matter whose property it was, even the Hyuga Clan had no choice but to sell their assets!
The Hyuga Clan had been so quick to concede largely because they were unaware that this was Haruto Saito's plan.
They had no idea why Tsunade and the others were purchasing land!
However, rumors suggested that the land acquisition was an initiative from Konoha's high command and was related to Konoha's war strategy. Though it was just a rumor, some people believed it. Otherwise, where would Tsunade and the others get so much money to buy several districts?
While the land purchases were finalized, some people had yet to move out according to the agreements. Many had nowhere to relocate, and although they had received a substantial amount of money, Konoha Village was only so large. With thousands of households moving simultaneously, there weren't enough affordable houses available.
Thus, Haruto Saito arranged for temporary housing for them.
Out of the eight selected districts, two had already been demolished in the past ten days, and large-scale construction had begun!
The resettlement housing was located in the two outermost districts.
With that, time moved forward to late October of Konoha Year 32.
That morning.
Inside the Hokage Building's high-level conference room—
This was the monthly meeting of Konoha's management. More than twenty people were in attendance, including the supreme commanders of the military corps, department heads, senior Jonin, and the Anbu. Naturally, Konoha's top five executives were also present!
The meeting was presided over by Hiruzen Sarutobi!
The primary purpose of this meeting was for each department to present their reports.
Additionally, Konoha's management could propose new topics for discussion.
Haruto Saito was also present.
He attended as the Minister of Commerce, making him the youngest member of Konoha's management team in history—only twelve years old!
The meeting lasted for two hours.
Haruto Saito provided his report but did not put forth any proposals. He was waiting for the right moment—the outbreak of the Second Shinobi World War! Once war began, his proposal would be approved without question, regardless of opposition!
As the meeting was drawing to a close—
"Does anyone have any further matters to discuss?" Hiruzen Sarutobi asked, scanning the room while giving Haruto Saito a pointed look. He was well aware of what Haruto Saito had prepared, but he couldn't understand why he hadn't brought it up yet.
Koharu Utatane also knew about Haruto Saito's proposal, but as the Commerce Department's advisory consultant, she didn't have the authority to present proposals on behalf of the department.
Haruto Saito remained silent.
Hiruzen Sarutobi withdrew his gaze and looked around. No one else appeared to have anything to add.
Just as he was about to announce the meeting's adjournment—
Whoosh!
A whirlwind stirred in the corner of the conference room. A figure appeared out of thin air and quickly approached Hiruzen Sarutobi, speaking rapidly: "Report! Urgent intelligence from the Land of Rain!"
It was Shinsuke, the Hokage's son and an assistant captain of the Anbu!
As the White Fang was present at the meeting, the fact that Shinsuke was delivering the report himself meant that this information was of the utmost importance!
Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression changed as he immediately stood up, took the scroll, and unrolled it. His face gradually became expressionless—he had expected this to happen sooner or later and had mentally prepared himself.
"What is it?" Danzo also stood up and leaned in to ask.
Hiruzen Sarutobi said nothing and handed the scroll to Danzo before sitting back down.
Danzo scanned the scroll, his expression turning cold. After glancing at Hiruzen Sarutobi and receiving a silent signal, he announced in a loud voice: "Urgent intelligence from the Land of Rain! Yesterday at six in the morning, the Second and Third Corps of Iwagakure, totaling five thousand shinobi, invaded the Land of Rain from the northern border…"
The room fell into a dead silence!
Then, murmurs of discussion erupted.
Iwagakure had made its move!
This was a major event that could escalate rapidly. With two entire corps launching an offensive into the Land of Rain, Kumogakure in the Land of Lightning would almost certainly retaliate against Iwagakure upon hearing the news!
Meanwhile, Sunagakure in the Land of Wind—eager for expansion but lacking strength—would undoubtedly seize the opportunity to get involved in the war. No matter who Sunagakure chose to ally with, the conflict would soon engulf the entire ninja world!
The Land of Fire would become the largest battleground in the ninja world!
Simply put—
The Second Shinobi World War had begun!
If the Land of Rain became the core battlefield, the Land of Fire would inevitably be affected. Especially with Sunagakure—if they secured a foothold in the Land of Rain, they would certainly attempt to encroach upon the Land of Fire's territory!
Thus, Konoha had no choice but to send troops and participate in the war!
They had to keep the enemy outside the Land of Fire's borders!
"Lord Hokage! The Second Corps requests permission to move to the front lines!"
"Lord Hokage! The Third Corps requests permission to move to the front lines!"
"Lord Hokage! The Fourth Corps requests permission to move to the front lines!"
The supreme commanders of the Second, Third, and Fourth Corps all stood up simultaneously, volunteering for deployment! The First Corps did not speak because they were already stationed in the northwestern region of the Land of Fire, only 200 kilometers from the Land of Rain's border.
"Calm down, all of you," Hiruzen Sarutobi raised a hand. At this moment, he displayed remarkable composure. "This is only the first intelligence report we've received. We'll be getting more urgent updates from various nations throughout the day. First, we must assess the overall situation… After this meeting ends, return to your posts and prepare for battle. I will convene a military council this afternoon!"
"Yes!" The three commanders obeyed.
"Well then…" Hiruzen Sarutobi stood up again.
He was about to adjourn the meeting—
"Lord Hokage, I have a proposal!" Haruto Saito suddenly stood up and spoke quickly.
Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned at him—why had he waited until now to bring it up?
"Go ahead," Hiruzen Sarutobi sat back down.
"It concerns tax reform!" Haruto Saito produced a scroll. "War is upon us, and Konoha needs substantial funds for the war effort. Thus, tax reform is imperative. This is my proposal—please review it, Lord Hokage!"
He placed the scroll on the table and slid it toward Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Hiruzen Sarutobi opened it, glanced through it without changing expression, and passed it to Danzo, who also scanned it before looking at Haruto Saito without comment.
"Pass it around so everyone can see," Hiruzen Sarutobi instructed.
As the scroll circulated, many attendees' expressions shifted upon reading a key point—taxing shinobi!
This was unprecedented!