The priorities are different.
The focus is also different.
Shimura Danzo only saw the Emerald Steel mine as a source of Emerald Steel. But in reality, the mine also produced silver—just in smaller quantities and with far less fame than the highly sought-after Emerald Steel. Still, silver was an important source of income for the Fire Daimyo.
Yet Danzo didn't seem to grasp the full picture.
The entire mine was practically up for grabs, and he had been relentlessly pursuing it without considering the consequences. He only realized his oversight after listening to Lord Hosokawa's lecture.
Danzo narrowed his eyes. "Then we can just divide it."
"We take the Emerald Steel for Konoha, and the silver remains with the Daimyo."
For years, Shimura Danzo had been one of the power players in Konoha, always scheming in the shadows, manipulating village politics. He saw everything through that narrow lens. But this was no simple village power play.
To him, it was a fair arrangement. To everyone else, it was laughable.
The notion that Konoha could simply claim the Emerald Steel as if it were a given was childish. Even if the Daimyo agreed, it would be considered a favor, not an obligation. If he refused, there was nothing Konoha could do about it. This was the reality of power.
Lord Yoshimitsu, a normally even-tempered man, was visibly displeased upon hearing Danzo's suggestion.
What an idiot.
Did Danzo truly think he could dictate terms?
"I'm done here," Yoshimitsu said, rising from his seat.
The paper doors slid open as he turned to leave.
Danzo, sensing the conversation slipping away, hurriedly pressed on. "My lord, please consider Konoha's needs!"
"We'll discuss it another time," Yoshimitsu replied without even glancing back.
The other lords stood, bowing slightly before following Yoshimitsu's lead, leaving Danzo alone, sitting there like a fool.
That night, Yoshimitsu summoned his trusted advisors—Hosokawa and Kazuma—to discuss the matter in private.
"What do you two think?" Yoshimitsu asked, leaning forward. "Is Sand Village truly as much of a threat as Danzo claims?"
Hosokawa folded his arms. "There is truth in what he says. Sand Village has indeed been expanding, investing in industry, and strengthening its position."
"Konoha has also built an ironworks recently," Kazuma added. "Danzo's interest in the mines is likely tied to this growing competition with the Sand Village."
Yoshimitsu nodded. "Then why not just give them the Emerald Steel?"
Kazuma immediately objected. "We must not. We shouldn't even sell it to them."
Yoshimitsu frowned. "And why is that?"
Kazuma leaned forward. "My lord, look at what happened to the Land of Wind."
He went on to describe the drastic changes since the new Kazekage took power.
"The Sand Village no longer relies on missions alone. They don't even depend on the Daimyo's military funding anymore. They sustain themselves through industry."
"And what happened as a result?" Kazuma's expression darkened. "The Daimyo of the Land of Wind was overthrown. Now, the entire nation is ruled by a council of forty-six shinobi leaders."
Yoshimitsu's face remained unreadable, but he understood the implications.
Ninjas and samurai were meant to serve the Daimyo. That was how the world had always worked. The idea of a ninja-controlled government was unthinkable. It was an insult to tradition, a disgrace to order.
"This is how it starts," Kazuma continued, his voice firm. "If we allow Konoha to develop its own industries, if we let them grow independent of us, then what's to stop them from following the Sand Village's path?"
He met Yoshimitsu's gaze. "My lord, do you really want to see the Land of Fire ruled by a council of shinobi instead of its rightful Daimyo?"
Yoshimitsu's heartbeat quickened. The thought was terrifying.
Ninja villages were built to serve, not to rule. Their connection to the Daimyo was maintained through money—through paid missions and financial dependence. Without that, what would stop them from declaring independence? What if Konoha produced its own wealth, built its own economy? Who would hold the true power then—the Daimyo or the Hokage?
What if Konoha gave rise to another rebellious leader, just like the Sand Village?
Yoshimitsu's mind was made up.
He turned to Hosokawa and Kazuma.
"Immediately."
His voice was firm.
"Get Shimura Danzo out of Taika Castle."
"If he asks why, tell him this—I will not give him a single piece of Emerald Steel. And he can forget about getting any other minerals from the Land of Fire."
"Konoha will not become another Sand Village."
Hosokawa and Kazuma wasted no time. That same night, they arrived at Danzo's inn, bringing their men with them.
Danzo was still awake, reviewing his plans when the doors were thrown open.
Hosokawa didn't bother with formalities. "Shimura Danzo, get out of Taika Castle immediately."
Danzo's eyes narrowed. "What is the meaning of this?"
"I demand an audience with the Daimyo."
Hosokawa's expression didn't waver. "The Daimyo will not see you."
Danzo's voice sharpened. "I have fought for the Land of Fire. I have bled for it. I will see the Daimyo!"
Kazuma scoffed. "Get out, Danzo. You are no longer welcome here."
Danzo clenched his fists. "And what about the mine?"
"There is no mine," Hosokawa said coldly. "The Land of Fire will not sell its ore to Konoha. Not now, not ever."
Danzo felt as if he had been struck by a Chidori to the chest.
What just happened?
He turned his gaze toward the castle, his mind racing. This was wrong. This was betrayal.
He, Shimura Danzo, had always been loyal to the Land of Fire.
And yet, here he was—cast out, discarded like an insignificant pawn.
Yoshimitsu-sama…
How could you do this?
Shimura Danzo's vision was simple.
The daimyo would hand over the mine for nothing. With the mine secured, Konoha's ninja would selflessly contribute, voluntarily working in the mines.
If you didn't want to mine, you didn't love Konoha.
If you wanted to take on missions, you had to first prove yourself by putting in hours at the mine.
The Academy? It would implement labor training programs.
Winter and summer breaks? Spent in the mines.
For the older, retired shinobi? The mine would serve as a designated work center.
And with time, Konoha would flourish.
The materials would be free.
Zero cost.
Cheaper than Sand Village's extraction of rare minerals.
At least sandworms needed to be fed.
But Danzo? He needed nothing.
A zero-cost industrial revolution.
Unfortunately, while Danzo had the plan, the daimyo had other ideas.
Instead of securing control of the mines, Danzo had soured the relationship between Konoha and the daimyo, leading to an outright ban on mineral trade. What was once a chance for dominance had turned into a nightmare.
Now, Konoha was forced to pay higher prices for materials, making their tools and weapons more expensive than ever.
Danzo could have wept.
—
Danzo had traveled to Taika Castle, hoping to negotiate with the daimyo. Instead of strengthening ties, he had shattered them.
Tsunade was furious.
"What did you say to the daimyo, Danzo?" she demanded. "Why has he suddenly forbidden Konoha from purchasing minerals?"
Even the Anbu had no clue what had transpired in the meeting.
Danzo wracked his brain, searching for a scapegoat.
"Hokage-sama, it's because of Kazekage Mufasa," he declared solemnly. "That's why the daimyo has turned hostile toward us."
Tsunade blinked. "Kazekage Mufasa?"
Danzo nodded. "Mufasa is a traitor. He assassinated the Land of Wind's daimyo and took control of the nation. Lord Yoshimitsu now distrusts ninja villages. He's afraid that if Konoha grows too strong, we'll follow the same path."
Danzo looked genuinely aggrieved, but his mind was already working.
Danzo had once again activated one of his trusted technique—
'Blame Style: Great Scapegoat Technique.'
Tsunade stared at him, weighing the claim. Was it true?
Danzo's face remained firm.
"Yes, Hokage-sama, it's Mufasa's fault."
Danzo's ability to shift blame was unparalleled.
Tsunade, despite her frustration, had to admit—if Mufasa had indeed overthrown a daimyo, it was reasonable for the Fire Daimyo to grow wary of Konoha.
Still, this setback was crippling.
She took a deep breath and changed the subject.
"What about the ironworks and the ninja tool factory?"
Danzo hesitated.
Without access to raw materials, even basic ninja tools would be difficult to produce. Hundreds of millions in investment had gone to waste.
"This old man didn't expect this," Danzo muttered. "But Hokage-sama, this is still Mufasa's fault."
Tsunade sighed. This was a disaster. But punishing Danzo now wouldn't fix anything. This was a decision made collectively by Konoha's leadership.
Danzo, sensing an opportunity, took a deep breath and spoke solemnly.
"I will take responsibility for this loss, Hokage-sama."
Tsunade narrowed her eyes. "How?"
Danzo straightened. "I will go fishing."
Tsunade blinked. "What?"
"The seafood market is thriving," Danzo continued. "We just need to acquire ice-making equipment and refrigeration units. The demand is high, and we can make a profit."
Tsunade stared at him.
Didn't he just spend the past hour blaming Mufasa? And now he wanted to negotiate with Sand Village to buy refrigeration equipment?
Danzo, however, looked resolute.
"This old man is not proud of this, but sacrifices must be made for the village."
Tsunade sighed and rubbed her temples. She couldn't let Danzo go. His very presence might worsen relations with the daimyo.
She needed someone more reliable.
"Leave this to me," she said. "You? Go to the fishing village and fish."
Danzo accepted the order without argument.
Now, the real challenge remained.
Tsunade needed to negotiate with Mufasa.
She frowned, deep in thought. How should she approach him? What would she even say?
Where was Kakashi?
—
Kakashi had already arrived in Sand Village and was promptly welcomed into Mufasa's office.
Mufasa grinned. "Ah, Kakashi! What brings you here?"
Kakashi's expression was serious. "The last time I visited the desert, I was deeply moved. It was a profound experience. I feel like I've grown spiritually, even gaining more chakra."
Mufasa raised an eyebrow. Inwardly, he smirked.
This man was lying with a straight face.
Still, Mufasa decided to play along.
He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice.
"Can you take me to meet Tsunade in secret?"
Kakashi narrowed his eye.
(→_ /|).
"...Are you two messing with me?"
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Word count: 1701
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