MTLNOVEL Chapter 467: Dragged Down
As Shikaku Nara finished speaking, the room fell into temporary chaos. After all, they'd just learned that the Daimyō's Manor had betrayed them.
The clan heads present were filled with resentment.
"Everyone, settle down."
"This matter affects us all deeply. Today's meeting was called to find a reasonable solution."
"Also, what are your thoughts on the Daimyō's request for us to send ninja?"
Minato Namikaze felt completely overwhelmed. The issue with the outer villages still hadn't been resolved, and now even internal matters in the Land of Fire were starting to unravel.
Even as the newly appointed Hokage, he felt like his hands were tied.
Chōza Akimichi stood up. As a ninja from the same batch as Kazuyama, he had recently taken over as head of the Akimichi Clan from Torifu Akimichi.
With his gruff voice, he said, "Lord Hokage, just as Shikaku said, the Daimyō's Manor is trying to suppress us."
"Not to mention, the Daimyō has formed his own military force."
"This clearly shows he doesn't trust us."
"Right, Shikaku?"
While the Nara Clan had always taken the lead in the Ino–Shika–Chō alliance, that didn't mean the Akimichi were lacking in brains. After all, no one stupid could become a clan head.
The other clan leaders voiced their agreement.
Minato raised his hand to signal for quiet and spoke calmly, "I understand what you're all thinking."
"But Konohagakure belongs to the Land of Fire, and by extension, the Daimyō's Manor."
"Given the current situation, resolving our budget issues must come first."
"At the same time, we need to look into why the Daimyō is forming his own ninja force."
As he spoke, Minato casually glanced at Kazuyama.
That glance sent a chill down Kazuyama's spine.
Just then, Uchiha Fugaku, head of the Uchiha Clan, spoke up.
"Lord Hokage, perhaps we can pretend to comply by sending a small number of ninja, while secretly investigating the Daimyō's true intentions."
"After all, we can't outright refuse his request."
"If that's the case, we'll have to play along with the Daimyō's wishes."
Fugaku had noticed Minato's glance earlier. The moment Minato looked toward Kazuyama, he understood exactly what he was implying.
Quick as ever, Fugaku smoothly played along and threw him a lifeline.
Minato gave a slight nod in return.
The two schemers had coordinated perfectly—and their target was clear.
"Clan Head Fugaku is right. Right now, we need to protect ourselves while also figuring out what the Daimyō is planning."
Then, Minato looked at Kazuyama again.
"Kazuyama, you've been to the Daimyō's Manor before and are familiar with him. I'd like you to take on this mission."
Kazuyama's mouth twitched. He knew it—this wasn't going to end well.
Minato Namikaze, Fugaku Uchiha... you bastards, you're setting me up!
As he noticed everyone's eyes turning toward him, Kazuyama felt like he was being roasted alive.
"I have to go by myself?"
"Lord Hokage, I don't think I can represent the whole village on my own."
"Shouldn't you at least assign someone to go with me?"
"I mean, I'm just a weakling. What if I get assassinated at the Daimyō's Manor?"
Weakling? Assassinated?
Everyone's faces twitched.
If even the Konoha Ghost was considered weak, then who could be called strong?
And assassination? Who's assassinating who here?
With the Transparent Escape Technique and the Flying Thunder God Technique as double protection, the real miracle was him not assassinating others instead.
Minato Namikaze cleared his throat.
"Kazuyama, everyone knows what you're capable of. You're the only one fit for this mission."
"As for someone to accompany you, I'll give it some thought. After all, it's not easy to find a ninja who can keep up with your pace."
Kazuyama's strength? Ordinary ninja couldn't even stand beside him, let alone keep up.
That made picking a partner for this mission no easy task.
Kazuyama leaned back in his chair, visibly annoyed.
This guy had barely gotten a break, and now he was being sent out again.
"I'd like to make a recommendation."
"There's a genius in the Uchiha Clan—Shisui Uchiha."
"His signature technique is the Body Flicker Technique."
"I believe the two of them will work well together."
Shisui Uchiha?
Hearing the name, Kazuyama's eyes lit up.
By age, Shisui should be around seven—much younger than Kakashi and his generation—but his strength was already impressive.
"I think that'll work. I've heard of Shisui Uchiha."
"Even though he's still young, he's already seen battle, hasn't he?"
Fugaku nodded.
"He's fought on the front lines in the Land of Rivers."
"But since he's still very young, I'll have to trouble you, Clan Head Kazuyama, to look after him."
Fugaku's serious tone had everyone nodding in agreement.
Only Minato and Kazuyama caught the faint trace of amusement in Fugaku's eyes.
Minato Namikaze: This guy's using Kazuyama to train the next generation…
Kazuyama: This bastard's using me as a training dummy! And he even brought in the clan head!
"Alright, then let's settle it for now."
"Next up is how to secure more funding for the village. This is also a top priority."
"Anyone have any suggestions?"
Minato rubbed his temples and moved on to the second matter.
Funding was a pressing concern. The village reserves might hold for now, but they wouldn't last forever.
"That's easy."
"What's so hard about that?"
Suddenly, Kazuyama spoke up again, instantly drawing everyone's attention.
He smiled faintly, but for some reason, the smile felt... off.
And as soon as he opened his mouth, it was clear—pure revenge.
"Everyone knows the clans of Konoha have their own special talents."
"For example, the Akimichi Clan loves food and has refined tastes. Their barbecue restaurant is famous across the village."
"Then there's the Nara Clan—they raise deer. Antlers, fur, you name it."
"Then the Aburame Clan, with their insects... tsk tsk."
"The Inuzuka Clan's dogs? They'd make perfect sled dogs in the Land of Frost. Huge profits there."
"These are all golden paths to wealth."
"In times like these, shouldn't we all pitch in?"
Knew it! That damn smile never means anything good!
He didn't want to go down alone—he wanted to drag everyone with him!
Bastard!
Shikaku covered his face. Chōza stopped eating. And the others' expressions turned wildly colorful.
...
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