- ...and we'll finish by discussing the results of the completed stages of the chunin exam and everything related to it," Hiruzen announced the last item, setting aside a sheet of paper and pulling out the documents related to this or that bill from a folder, "so, taxes.
- The trader's association strongly disagrees with the tax increase," a fat man jumped up from his seat, ignoring the disgruntled looks of most of the shinobi present, "it will lead to a noticeable price hike for imported goods and will result in a general increase of prices on the market, since even many local craftsmen use raw materials imported from other countries.
- Mr. Hioshi-san," Homura replied indifferently, rustling his papers, "the tax reduction was given to restore trade after the war for a specific period of time that has already expired.
All of the clan heads knew how to run a business as well as a trade professional, and they knew exactly what that meant.
- Whether you like it or not, the reduction law had already expired a few days ago," the Hokage said calmly, "and no one is going to pass a new one, and if prices suddenly rise, Konoha may have to renegotiate its agreements with the Trader's Association.
The blatant threat made the fat man sit down and shut up, and the shinobi were glad that this time, the usually obnoxious and talkative merchant could be quieted quickly enough.
- Next question...
Setting himself up to wait, Shenesu patiently voted for and against, trying hard to keep himself from yawning and wanting to snooze with his eyes open until it was time for the last item.
- Now, it's time to discuss the preparations for the Chuunin Senbatsu Shiken finals and the result of the first two rounds.
The time has come!
***
- The Daimyo's office has confirmed the visit to Konoha," Counselor Homura said, 'the visit will last three days, one of which will be dedicated to the Chuunin Finals, the list of entourage and guards has already been provided, as well as the itinerary,' the elderly shinobi corrected his glasses, "we are expected to provide three escort teams.
What was left unsaid was that Daimyo did not need any additional guards, as he had his own chakra users in sufficient numbers, and accepting a shinobi escort was a kind of curtsy to the village, as well as the traditional inclusion of clan fighters in his personal guard. A kind of way of establishing contact between the military and political elite of the country.
- The list of fighters is ready and will be submitted to the clan heads for confirmation," Sarutobi nodded, causing some of those present to wince.
Shenesu kept his face, but the memory of the squabbles the honorable clan leaders had had at past meetings when trying to shove their clansmen into the escort was giving him a headache.
The reason for this behavior was quite simple - the Daimyo's guards were booked for years to come, and this was an opportunity to gain an advantage over the competition and make useful acquaintances among people with power and money. The alliance of three clans managed to get one Akamichi through, but it cost the leader of Nara a lot of nerve cells and was very problematic!
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