Recently at the Ninja Academy, Sasuke and Naruto's little clique was thriving.
They called themselves the Seven Stars Club—a group of seven, led by Sasuke and Naruto, joined by Kiba Inuzuka, Shino, and Choji. Shikamaru and Neji, who might not have wanted to be part of something with such a chuunibyou name, were nevertheless forcibly dragged in by Naruto. The boys quickly achieved the feat of dominating the academy; even many upperclassmen close to graduation became their defeated subordinates.
This wasn't surprising. Each of them belonged to prestigious ninja clans. Even Naruto, whose grades were at the bottom in theory, became a force to be reckoned with thanks to Kakashi teaching him some basic taijutsu, his remarkable recovery ability, and his chakra reserves far beyond his age group.
Ordinary upperclassmen really weren't their match.
If it had just been normal sparring, the academy teachers wouldn't have interfered—after all, the academy's purpose was to train ninjas. But this group skipped class to play outside all the time, which became problematic. Iruka was especially troubled, as six of the seven belonged to his class.
However, the parents of these children didn't seem to care much. These clan heirs were sent to the academy not just to learn, but more importantly, to make friends and forge lifelong bonds.
Now that the group played together daily, their parents couldn't have been more pleased.
As for Fugaku, after Uchiha Itachi's death, he reflected on his past parenting and no longer demanded genius-level performance from Sasuke. Now, seeing Sasuke behaving like a normal mischievous child brought him comfort.
So, when the parents talked about it over drinks, they all just laughed heartily.
...
Days passed, and in the blink of an eye, half a year went by. In the summer of Leaf Year 57, Uchiha Seiryu's Eternal Mangekyo awakened successfully.
During these six months, the village developed rapidly. In just half a year, Konoha took on the appearance of the Land of Fire's capital. Much of this was thanks to the village's master builder, Yamato, who made a fortune just building mansions for the local nobility.
But Yamato was sensible. He knew why he had his current lifestyle, so after making money, he voluntarily handed over seventy percent of his income to the village for the village treasury.
Additionally, under the Sannin Education's reforms, the village's appearance was transformed. The villagers, having undergone the reforms and been released, now fully understood who ruled the village and dared not make trouble. The old problem of street vendors blocking roads was greatly improved. More importantly, the troublemakers stopped spreading rumors—mainly because prices in the village had become so outrageous that everyone had to work flat out just to feed their families, leaving no time for idle gossip.
But this couldn't go on forever. Complaints about high prices had already landed several times on Seiryu's Hokage desk, showing that even some ninjas were struggling, not just ordinary villagers.
Seiryu brought this up at the council meeting in his capacity as Grand Minister of State.
But the civil officials weren't concerned.
"Grand Minister, you're mistaken," Miura Kazuo said. "Where are prices high? Capital prices have always been like this. As the new capital of our Land of Fire, it's normal for Konoha's prices to be a bit higher."
"Is that so?" Seiryu looked expressionlessly at Miura Kazuo. The old man had been riding high for half a year—his greatest rival was dead, and Seiryu had even promoted him to Left Minister in recognition of his help with the capital move. On days when Seiryu didn't attend, Miura Kazuo led the civil ministers.
Merchants pouring into Konoha had been showering him with gifts.
But at least he knew his limits, keeping his hands off the ninja ranks. Otherwise, Seiryu would have dealt with him long ago.
With Seiryu's focus elsewhere for half a year, Miura Kazuo believed he and Seiryu had a tacit understanding: he handled state trivialities, and Seiryu managed military and government affairs.
"Yes, Grand Minister, it's just market forces at work. The market will self-regulate," said another official under Miura Kazuo.
"So it's just market forces, huh?" Seiryu nodded, half-smiling. "Then perhaps I was overthinking. But if those merchants are making money, shouldn't they give back to the country? For instance, by investing in industry or providing jobs?"
"Grand Minister, you're mistaken," Miura Kazuo replied. "These merchants pay considerable taxes every year. Our Land of Fire's prosperity owes much to them."
"I see." Seiryu sneered, clearly aware how much these old men had pocketed, or they wouldn't be so eager to defend the merchants.
"But I think their taxes are too low." Seiryu's voice turned cold. "It's the country that gives them the opportunity to make money, so giving back should be their duty."
Seiryu's icy tone made the ministers recall the night in the capital six months ago.
Miura Kazuo swallowed, trembling. "Then… may I ask how much the Grand Minister thinks they should pay?"
"I think seventy percent is reasonable. Don't you all agree?" Seiryu said casually.
"Seventy percent?" The words caused an uproar in the council.
"Grand Minister, our Land of Fire's commercial tax has always been one-tenth. If you suddenly impose seventy percent, most merchants in Konoha won't survive!" a minister protested.
"Did I say anything about small merchants?" Seiryu glared at the speaker. These ministers were masters of playing word games. But with the sword in his hand, Seiryu had no interest in political games—disobedient ones could just be eliminated, making room for his ninja reform plans.
"Ordinary shops and peddlers will keep the usual rates. This new tax targets only the big merchants," Seiryu clarified.
"But… isn't this competing with the people for profit?" another official said.
"Competing with the people?" Seiryu chuckled, looking at the speaker. "Murayama Takumi, from the capital, entered office ten years ago and has taken 1.3 billion ryo in bribes. Just yesterday, a grain merchant bought one of your calligraphy paintings for thirty million ryo."
Expressionless, Seiryu took a scroll from his sealing scroll.
"I'm no expert in calligraphy. Which minister can appraise why this is worth thirty million?"
"Grand Minister… I…" Murayama Takumi broke out in a cold sweat.
"Competing with the people?" Seiryu sneered. "It seems to me the competition is with you officials."
The council fell into a strange silence. No one dared stand out. With Abe Taichi's faction gone, there wasn't a single clean official left.
"Miura Kazuo," Seiryu suddenly called out.
"Present," Miura Kazuo replied, sweating. Murayama's crime was only his own, but if Seiryu dug into Miura's actions, his entire clan would be in jeopardy.
"Relax, I just have a question." Seiryu smiled warmly. "I'm not familiar with Land of Fire law. How should Murayama Takumi's case be handled? Could the Left Minister enlighten me?"
"Murayama Takumi… corruption and malfeasance… by law… should be executed," Miura stammered.
"Then what are you waiting for? Must I mobilize the village ninja myself?" Seiryu's face turned cold. "Guards!"
Two samurai entered, and grabbed the trembling Murayama Takumi.
"Grand Minister, have mercy!" Murayama pleaded.
But Seiryu just waved his hand, and the samurai dragged him out.
"Does anyone else have opinions about the new tax law?" Seiryu asked leisurely after a moment.
"Grand Minister's policy is truly for the benefit of the nation and the people!" Miura Kazuo wiped away sweat.
"Yes! The country gave them the chance to make money—giving back is only right," added another minister.
"But what about our traditional tax rate?" Seiryu raised an eyebrow.
"That rule was set over a hundred years ago. Now it's no longer suitable. With the capital moved to Konoha, it's the perfect time for reform," Miura Kazuo said with a forced smile.