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The Hokage faction had successfully united the three great clans of Ino-Shika-Cho, but rifts remained between them and the Hyuga and Uchiha.
Additionally, the Inuzuka and Aburame clans opted for neutrality, adopting a wait-and-see approach.
Thus, the Hokage's authority was far from absolute. His word was not law, and he could not dictate the village's direction without resistance.
To make matters worse, he had "teammates" like Danzo Shimura, Koharu Utatane, and Homura Mitokado, who were more hindrance than help. The fact that the Hokage faction still managed to hold onto power could only be attributed to the blessings left behind by the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju.
It must be said that while Hashirama often came across as carefree and jovial, his decision to dissolve the Senju Clan into the village structure was a stroke of genius.
Take this simple example: Imagine a married couple where the wife is from the Senju Clan.
Even if she no longer identifies herself as a Senju, what happens in this scenario?
Their child comes home from ninja school and proudly announces that they performed an amazing jutsu in front of their classmates.
Wouldn't the wife, in a moment of pride, boast to her husband, "Our Senju bloodline is exceptional, with abundant chakra reserves! This child takes after me!"
That sense of pride and satisfaction—wouldn't it leave a lasting impression on the child?
Sure, the child might not go around proclaiming, "I am a Senju," because the name no longer carries weight. But that ingrained pride, that sense of superiority, would never fade.
This subtle influence manifests externally as a natural inclination among these talented children to gravitate toward the Hokage lineage, which represents the true Senju legacy.
In this way, Hashirama's foresight ensured a steady, enduring support system for the Hokage, even if it operated in the shadows.
However, this support was more of a slow-burning force, incapable of providing immediate, overwhelming assistance to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Thus, after much deliberation, Hiruzen decided to reveal the full details of the situation to the major clans, hoping to earn their gratitude and loyalty.
Of course, this decision was also influenced by the fact that he had been Hokage for less than a decade.
Perhaps only when the next generation, such as Tsunade, fully matured and demonstrated their strength would Hiruzen's position as Hokage become truly unshakable.
In the conference room, the discussion was intense.
Some advocated for a direct confrontation with Kumogakure, arguing for an all-out war. These individuals were either overly ambitious or simply lacked foresight.
Others suggested offloading large quantities of iron ore while prices were still high, revealing a cowardly yet greedy mindset.
And then there were those who proposed cutting ties with the mastermind behind the scheme entirely, hoping to force him into financial ruin. This was a classic case of "hurting others without benefiting oneself."
The room was a cacophony of voices as each clan leader fought to secure the best outcome for their family.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's head throbbed as he listened to the chaos.
"Ahem..." He cleared his throat heavily, signaling for silence. Only after the room quieted down did he begin to speak:
"This is the situation. Stop complaining and listen.
Which one of you dares to swear on your honor that you haven't engaged in low-buy, high-sell tactics during this iron price surge?
I'm telling you this so you don't meddle in the final big transaction!
Once this is over, report your clan's losses to Konoha. The village will compensate you as appropriate!"
Noticing that some were about to object, Hiruzen slammed his hand on the table and added:
"Enough with the whining about losses!
The rich merchants from the Land of Hot Water, the daimyos of smaller nations, even the major powers like the Land of Water, Land of Earth, and Land of Wind—they're all losing money!
You're the only ones who've managed to make a small profit, and you're still not satisfied?
Soon, the person we'll be negotiating with will arrive. As for the specifics of how you handle the iron ore you've stockpiled, I won't interfere."
At this, the clan leaders reluctantly fell silent, though their dissatisfaction was evident.
But the more one experienced wealth, the harder it was to fill that bottomless pit of greed.
Not long after, Rinjin, wearing a white rabbit mask, entered the room, followed closely by a visibly grim Danzo Shimura.
Facing the rectangular conference table, Rinjin showed no hesitation. He casually walked to the far end and sat down, directly opposite Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Scanning the room, Rinjin cleared his throat and calmly introduced himself:
"Greetings, esteemed members of Konoha. I am Uchiha Niban."
Hearing this, the clan leaders collectively raised their eyebrows and immediately turned their gazes toward the Uchiha Clan leader seated near Hiruzen.
The Uchiha leader's face darkened instantly. He slammed the table and stood up abruptly.
"You… What nonsense! How dare you claim the name Uchiha! Take off your mask!"
It wasn't surprising. The great clans of Konoha, especially the Uchiha and Hyuga, had long histories and deep pride. Their disdain for merchants was only natural.
In response, Rinjin waved his hand dismissively and smiled amicably.
"Sir, you misunderstand. My surname isn't Uchiha. My surname is Uchiha Ni, and my given name is Ban!"
At this, the Uchiha leader choked on his words.
He then roared angrily, "What kind of surname is Uchiha Ni? I've never heard of it in my life!"
Unperturbed, Rinjin chuckled and said, "Or, if you prefer, you can call me Great Dragon Kuntukutakatikaotsuwashilasong."
The room fell into stunned silence.
Forget pronouncing it—no one could even remember that ridiculous name!
The Uchiha leader, still fuming, was about to lash out again when Hiruzen stopped him with a sharp glance.
Though Hiruzen didn't know what Rinjin was planning, he was certain that continuing this argument would only lead the Uchiha into a trap.
Meanwhile, Danzo's expression had improved significantly. On one side was the Uchiha, and on the other was Rinjin.
A dogfight between the two? He was all for it!
The best outcome would be for the Uchiha to fall into Rinjin's pit of schemes.
Seeing that the room had quieted down, Rinjin didn't press the Uchiha leader further. Instead, he tapped the table to draw everyone's attention back to himself.
"As for the specifics, I believe the esteemed Hokage has already explained everything to you.
Since that's the case, I won't waste time repeating myself.
Now, let's address the issue of the iron ore you've stockpiled.
Here's my offer: 50,000 ryō per ton.
Who agrees? Who objects?"
Hearing this, the Uchiha leader slammed the table again and stood up, his eyes blazing with fury.
"I object!
What nonsense is this? 50,000 ryō per ton is a joke! You're trying to fool us with prices from three years ago!
The current market price is 400,000 ryō per ton!
400,000 ryō! You greedy, conniving merchant!
At 50,000 ryō, I'd rather throw the iron ore into the Naka River than sell it to you!
Raise the price! It must go up!"
The Uchiha leader raged, his eyes practically spitting fire.
Underneath his mask, Rinjin's lips curled into a sly grin, his eyes gleaming with cunning.
Feigning contemplation, Rinjin quickly stood up, adopting a humble posture. He bowed deeply and asked with exaggerated politeness:
"Are you, sir, from the Uchiha Clan?"
"Of course!" The Uchiha leader crossed his arms, puffed out his chest, and raised his chin arrogantly.
Hearing this, Rinjin bowed even lower, lightly fanning his mask as if chastising himself.
"My deepest apologies! I was blind, utterly blind!
To think I failed to recognize the illustrious Uchiha Clan!
Such grandeur, such wealth—truly remarkable!
How about this: I'll make a private deal. For the Uchiha Clan, I'll buy your iron ore at the highest price—600,000 ryō per ton!
What do you think?"
After a brief pause, Rinjin added softly, "Does this satisfy you?"
The Uchiha leader snorted coldly and nodded arrogantly. "Barely acceptable."
At this, Rinjin's eyes gleamed with triumph. He slowly sat back down, scanned the room, and smirked.
"Now then, does anyone else… want special treatment?"
The room fell into an eerie silence.
The Nara Clan leader broke out into a cold sweat, his complexion visibly pale.
This was a massacre—not of bodies, but of reputations and alliances.
In that moment, the Nara leader realized the terrifying brilliance of Rinjin's strategy.
By granting the Uchiha special treatment, Rinjin had effectively isolated them.
The other clans would resent the Uchiha for their preferential treatment, while the villagers would view them with suspicion and disdain.
The Uchiha would be hoisted high on a pedestal, only to be shattered when they inevitably fell.
This wasn't just a scheme—it was a death sentence for the Uchiha's reputation in Konoha.
Cold sweat dripped down the Nara leader's back as he made a swift decision.
Grabbing the arms of the Yamanaka and Akimichi leaders, he stood up and declared:
"We agree. The Yamanaka, Nara, and Akimichi clans will sell all our iron ore at 50,000 ryō per ton."
His voice trembled slightly but carried unmistakable clarity.
Without waiting for a response, he quickly pulled the other two clan leaders back into their seats.
The room remained deathly quiet.
Those with quick wits had already grasped Rinjin's methods and were sweating profusely.
A quick glance around revealed the following:
Hiruzen Sarutobi sat with his eyes half-closed, smoking his pipe, his expression unreadable.
Danzo Shimura, meanwhile, had his head lowered, his face dark and brooding. His eyes glinted with malice as he glared at the Uchiha leader.
Even though he knew Rinjin was setting him up, Danzo couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of satisfaction.
This is the Uchiha, huh?
Special treatment!
First, Tobirama-sama gave them the Konoha Police Force!
Now they want preferential treatment in business too?
Fine!
Perfect!
The Uchiha leader, sensing the shift in the room, began to falter. Though arrogant, he wasn't entirely foolish.
His arms uncrossed, his chin lowered, and his legs began to tremble.
This was the definition of being caught between a rock and a hard place.
This was the art of "killing with kindness."
Seeing the Uchiha leader's trembling form and Hiruzen's silence, Rinjin's grin widened beneath his mask.
Step one: sow discord.
Step two: make an example.
Both were complete.
At that moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi set down his pipe and spoke in a firm tone:
"All clans will sell their iron ore at 100,000 ryō per ton."
Hearing this, Rinjin immediately nodded in agreement.
The smarter clan leaders, like the Nara, quickly followed suit.
It was clear to everyone that Hiruzen was truly angry this time. Anyone who dared to challenge him now would be a fool.
Hiruzen's decision was also a masterstroke of diplomacy.
By raising the price slightly, he minimized the clans' losses, earning their gratitude. At the same time, he ensured the Uchiha suffered significant financial losses.
Yet, paradoxically, the Uchiha leader likely felt grateful to Hiruzen for the "fair" treatment, further entrenching their loyalty to the Hokage.
This move also reduced the hostility other clans felt toward the Uchiha, patching up Konoha's fragile unity—at least temporarily.
Truly, the title of "Ninja Elder" was well-earned.
As for Rinjin, he remained unfazed.
After all, could the mighty Konoha and the proud Uchiha be dismantled in a single stroke?
Of course not.
It had to be done piece by piece, slowly but surely, until the damage was irreparable.
Besides, with this deal, he could acquire the clans' stockpiled iron ore at 100,000 ryō per ton.
Tomorrow, he would sell it for 600,000 ryō per ton.
Heh~
What a profit!
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