On the well-traveled road leading to the capital of the Land of Fire, a group of shinobi adorned with Konoha forehead protectors moved steadily forward. At the center, clad in the Hokage's robes and shaded by a bamboo hat, was none other than Sarutobi Hiruzen.
It had been ten days since they established their base in the Forest of Death. Ever since Hiruzen shared his wisdom with his disciples, they had bombarded him with endless questions whenever he returned. Though occasionally exasperating, it also brought him a quiet joy—much like a parent indulging their children's curiosity. Some inquiries, however, left him with a headache, forcing him to sidestep them with clever diversions.
Despite the daily challenges, the life in the so-called "Academy," as his students had named their training grounds, had settled into a harmonious routine. Hiruzen had even formalized its status through the proper channels, though the process had drained his personal funds. His attempts to maintain the dignity of a well-funded Hokage had left him with empty pockets, having spent half a year's salary on his students' needs.
As he contemplated his situation, a voice pulled him back to reality.
"Hiruzen, the capital is just ahead. There's no word from the Anbu scouts, but shouldn't the nobles have sent a welcoming party by now? Surely they received the village's notice."
It was Danzo, who recently returned from the Iron Country.
Hiruzen exhaled unsurprised, "They have little reason to welcome me. The reformation of the Guard Department has disrupted their interests. Though this benefits both the country and the daimyo's estate, nobles are self-serving. Even the daimyo cannot fully stand by our side in such matters. Their silence is expected."
He glanced at Danzo, his voice measured. "That is why I've prepared incentives—ten caravan permits for trade with the Land of Wind. Let them quarrel among themselves for profit. Their disunity will serve us better than their favor. Still, our true objective remains unchanged."
Danzo smirked undeterred, "A handful of nobles? We are shinobi, not merchants. Let them scheme if they wish."
Homura, walking beside them, gave a wary glance. "Danzo, tread carefully. Konoha is still depends on the daimyo's patronage."
Hiruzen nodded, "Indeed," Hiruzen said with a knowing smile. Then, turning to his companions, he assigned their roles.
"Danzo, you'll play the iron fist—push them hard and force them to concede."
"Homura, you'll be the voice of reason—mediate and soften the blows when necessary."
"And Shinya," he said, looking at the younger shinobi, "you'll observe and learn."
Shinya straightened up, understanding that this was an opportunity to witness firsthand how the power struggles between shinobi and nobility played out.
Shinya straightened. "Understood, Lord Hokage."
As expected, when they reached the capital, no dignitaries greeted them. The city officials treated them with indifference, while commoners whispered among themselves in recognition. Without a fuss, they made their way to the daimyo's palace.
At the gates, the daimyo's chief guard finally acknowledged their presence. Formal greetings were exchanged, and soon, Hiruzen and his entourage found themselves in the reception hall, facing the daimyo, his advisors, and the gathered nobility.
Hiruzen stepped forward and bowed with respect. "The Third Hokage of Konohagakure, Sarutobi Hiruzen, extends his greetings to the daimyo."
"No need for formality, Hokage."
The daimyo, a man of great foresight and wisdom, was no stranger to the workings of power. As the one who has close relationship with the senju, he had played a crucial role in shaping the modern shinobi world. Unlike the absent and weak-willed daimyo of later years, this was a ruler worthy of his station.
However, not all in attendance shared his refinement.
An official scoffed, impatience clear in his tone. "What business brings you here, Hokage? We are occupied with state affairs. If this is not urgent, you may return to your village."
A slight hush fell over the room. Though the nobles often viewed Konoha as a tool for their own ends, such open disrespect was rare. In name, the Hokage and the daimyo were equals. Even among the Fire Country's elite, this was a line not easily crossed.
Hiruzen's gaze flickered toward the daimyo, noting the displeasure that briefly crossed his face. This was not the daimyo's doing—merely the arrogance of an ambitious noble eager to test boundaries.
Uninterested in addressing such a minor figure, Hiruzen remained silent.
Danzo, however, was not one to let such an insult go unanswered. His expression darkened. Danzo's voice was cold and sharp as he stepped forward, his presence imposing.
"Is this how the daimyo's court receives the Hokage of Konoha?" he demanded, his gaze sweeping across the assembled officials. "We have not forgotten the recent attempts on his life. Would you care to explain why was there was a bounty placed on the head of the Fire Country's protector?"
The room fell into a heavy silence. Some of the nobles shifted uncomfortably, while others averted their eyes. The daimyo's attendants glanced at each other, unsure of how to respond. The accusation was too direct, too damning to ignore.
The daimyo's expression tightened. He had worked swiftly to erase any trace of that treachery, yet here it was, thrown back into the open. The noble who had spoken paled, realizing his misstep.
The daimyo's voice was sharp, "This is a misunderstanding. Jiichiro, apologize at once."
Though clearly unwilling, the official bowed stiffly. "Hokage, Assistant Danzo… I apologize."
Hiruzen finally spoke, his tone light but firm, "Danzo, let it be. The daimyo values harmony, and a misstep from youth should not burden his court."
Danzo gave a reluctant snort, "For the daimyo's sake, I'll overlook it. But let there be no second time."
As the tension eased, Hiruzen turned to the daimyo with a warm smile. "Tsunade asked me to pass along her greetings to her grandfather and the rest of the family. She also sent some gifts. If I may, I would be honored to share a cup of your finest tea."
The daimyo chuckled, his previous irritation forgotten, "Little Tsunade… I see. Then come, Hokage. Let us speak privately."
And so, as the nobles were left to their own devices, Hiruzen followed the daimyo deeper into the palace, where the true negotiations would begin.
Hiruzen cast a brief glance at Danzo and Homura before following the daimyo through the grand halls of the estate. Formalities were exchanged—gifts presented, pleasantries spoken—but it was all a dance before the true discussion. After two hours, they finally withdrew to the daimyo's private study.
The daimyo poured tea, his movements unhurried. Only after taking a sip did he speak.
"Your new Head of Security was quite bold last time—he entered my council chamber unannounced. That kind of behavior is unacceptable, wouldn't you agree?". A quiet accusation from the daimyo.
Kagami had bypassed the protocol, embarrassing the daimyo. Yet, Hiruzen knew the truth—had Kagami not acted, the daimyo might have conveniently avoided seeing them at all and without that direct confrontation, there would have been no immediate grant of one billion ryo.
Hiruzen sighed, placing his cup down gently.
"Kagami is my comrade. While traveling through the Land of Wind, I happened to see my own name on a bounty list at an exchange. I didn't think much of it at the time and simply continued on my way. However, when word of this reached the village, my elders were… concerned. Some even wanted to lead a force themselves. I convinced them otherwise, but Kagami acted on his own, leading several teams straight to your gates. It seems he gave you quite a shock—for that, I apologize. Upon my return from Sunagakure, I personally reprimanded him. After all, demanding funds from the daimyo without justification is improper."
He paused, letting the words settle before continuing with quiet finality.
"This time, I've come empty-handed. It would not have been convenient to carry the money with me, but upon my return to the village, I will ensure the sum is sent back in the exact amount"
'The message is clear. The bounty you placed on me—I can choose to overlook it, but Konoha has its own pride. If Kagami's actions have displeased you, know that I am equally displeased by the circumstances that led to them. If you wish to resolve this matter, then let us do so properly. I will not allow this debt to remain unsettled.'
The daimyo's expression remained unreadable. Finally, he waved a dismissive hand.
"Forget it. Let's call it an advance allocation for Konoha's funding."
An advance allocation? Hiruzen hid his amusement behind a sip of tea. So that was the angle—the daimyo wished to turn the one billion ryo into a financial burden, reducing future allocations. An easy way to save face while ensuring Konoha gained nothing from the incident.
But that wouldn't do. Hiruzen set his cup down and met the daimyo's gaze, his tone firm yet respectful.
"No, we cannot allow such a precedent. The shinobi world operates on order, and Konoha is no exception. Granting one billion ryo—two years' worth of funding—in advance is unheard of, and it must remain that way. Konoha will not accept what it has not rightfully earned."
He leaned forward slightly, his voice calm but unwavering.
"Those who understand will say the daimyo was gracious, helping Konoha in its time of need but those who do not, will believe otherwise—that our Minister of Security strong-armed the daimyo's court into a transaction of intimidation. We would not allow that stand for your dignity and for ours."
The daimyo's hand paused midair. He had not expected resistance—most would have gladly accepted such an arrangement, thinking only of the short-term gain.
However, this was Sarutobi Hiruzen. A man who saw beyond the immediate, who understood that power was not just in wealth or strength, but in perception.
For a moment, the room was silent. The daimyo studied him, then exhaled through his nose, realizing he had been outmaneuvered. If he had known the Hokage would be this difficult, he might never have brought up the matter.
It's because beneath Hiruzen's careful words lay a deeper truth: 'It was you who placed that bounty. You who first broke the rules.'
And now, the whole ninja world would be watching.