NOVEL NEXT Chapter 105: Chapter 105
Who knows behind that unseen facade just how many people like the Lord of Sakuho City continuously supplying to countries at the edges of the Land of Fire. To the ninja villages. Secretly transporting and selling ninja equipment supplies?
The actions of the Anbu are swift. In roughly just ten minutes, Shimura Danzo, Koharu Utatane, Homura Mitokado appeared in the Hokage's office.
"Hiruzen, calling us here at this moment?"
"What is the urgent matter?"
Looking at the fragments of the cup on the ground, the pupils of Shimura Danzo and the other two constricted.
It is precisely because they know him well that they are even more surprised.
"See for yourselves."
Facing the gazes of the three, Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed. He turned and returned to his seat.
Throwing the scroll with recorded information into Koharu Utatane's hand. Picking up his smoking pipe, he puffed away.
It took a full ten minutes.
Only then did Shimura Danzo, Koharu Utatane, and Homura Mitokado finish reading the intelligence recorded on the scroll.
Much like Sarutobi Hiruzen's earlier reaction, the expressions of these three senior Konoha officials also gradually turned grim. Their eyes occasionally flashing with a bone-chilling killing intent.
"Hiruzen. Leave this matter to Root to handle."
"Three days. Within three days, I will make sure to execute all officials from Sakuho City involved in this matter and associated with Grass village."
If Fujiwara Tetsuya were here, looking at Shimura Danzo's expression, he might not resist saying sarcastically.
It really is just like you. The shadow of Konoha, Shimura Danzo.
"No, Danzo."
"The officials of Sakuho City involved in this matter must be killed. But it absolutely must not be by our hands."
Compared to Danzo, who adheres to iron-blooded methods, Koharu Utatane's uniquely adult female tactfulness is undoubtedly more rational.
"Hiruzen. I think you must personally make a trip for this matter."
"Go to the capital. Report everything related to this to the daimyo."
"I believe, as the ruler of the Land of Fire. His Excellency the Daimyo will certainly make the correct decision."
"In addition, to prevent any leaks, necessary precautions must still be taken."
"You can dispatch an Anbu squad to monitor the Lord of Sakuho City in secret."
"Homura. What do you think?"
From a rational perspective, Koharu Utatane's suggestion is undoubtedly the most secure.
Relatively mild measures can avoid unnecessary trouble between Konoha and the daimyo.
'However...' smoking his pipe, Sarutobi Hiruzen still felt a sense of suffocation in his heart.
"Hiruzen. This matter should be handled as Koharu suggests. However, I think it's time we strengthen control over the Land of Fire."
"Especially over the cities along the western, Northern, and even eastern borders of the Land of Fire. It might sound alarmist, but my instincts tell me, today's Land of Fire, those secretly engaging in such schemes are not limited to Sakuho City."
"Homura. You are correct. These are exactly the concerns weighing on my mind."
"For some reason. I have this feeling. The upcoming shinobi world might not be peaceful." Putting down his smoking pipe, a trace of heaviness flashed in Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes.
"This matter will proceed as Koharu suggests."
"I will personally make a trip to the capital, to meet the daimyo."
"Also, the reason I called you here today isn't just for this matter."
"There is another issue I want to discuss with you." As he spoke Sarutobi Hiruzen's gaze paused.
Sweeping across the faces of Shimura Danzo, Koharu Utatane, and Homura Mitokado one by one.
"I intend to expand the Anbu by two units."
Hearing Sarutobi Hiruzen's words.
Before Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado could respond.
Danzo's eyes lit up. He stood up with a loud bang.
"Hiruzen. To address the current situation. I believe that personnel in Root should also be appropriately expanded."
Danzo didn't specify the scale of the expansion. He understood the personality of his companion.
All matters must remain within a controllable scope. The scale of Root's expansion would depend entirely on the scale of the Hokage's Anbu expansion.
"Root, huh. I will consider it."
After bowing his head and pondering for a few seconds. Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded lightly.
In a certain sense. This was a trade between the two. Using Root's expansion as leverage to gain Danzo's support.
"Since both of you share this thought, then Homura and I have no objections. After all, the village's finances still have plenty of surplus."
———
Sarutobi Hiruzen departed, leading three squads of Anbu, quickly heading toward the capital.
Just two days after Sarutobi Hiruzen arrived at the capital, a large-scale riot occurred in Sakuho City.
The Lord of Sakuho City was executed on the spot by officials dispatched by the daimyo.
All officials involved in smuggling ninja supplies from Sakuho City, along with their families, except for a very few lucky ones who escaped the city, were either executed or imprisoned.
When this matter spread within the Land of Fire, the western, Northern regions, seemed to quiet down.
Clearly, such iron-fisted methods served as a warning. It also indirectly proved that the ruler of the Land of Fire, despite indulging in pleasures and entertainment, was no fool.
At the very least, he understood the stability of the Land of Fire was his foundation for enjoying life.
After the situation in Sakuho City settled, Sarutobi Hiruzen did not stay long in the capital and returned directly to Konoha.
However, before his departure, perhaps due to the daimyo's appreciation of Hiruzen's measured handling of the matter, additional financial support for Konoha over the next three years was granted.
This further bolstered Sarutobi Hiruzen's confidence in expanding the Anbu.
———
After resting for several days at Umine Mountain, Fujiwara Tetsuya and his group of four finally began their return journey.
It was during this trip, that they learned about the incident in Sakuho City. Although it involved a lot of bloodshed. There was nothing particularly regrettable or pitiful about it.
In this era, making mistakes, standing on the wrong side, no matter who you are, there is always a price to pay.
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