[Konohagakure, Council Room]
The air in the council chamber became thick with tension as elders pored over Danzō's battlefield report. Relief over the Western Front's reversal clashed with unease about the man standing motionless at the center of the room, his bandaged right arm cradling a scroll stamped with the Shimura seal.
The declining clan, which had almost been forgotten by the higher-ups of the council, had become independant, and in a period of three months, showcased one of the most praiseworthy achievement of the Second Shinobi War under Danzo's leadership.
"I bring news worthy of celebration", Danzo finally spoke.
"A jinchūriki? You expect us to celebrate this? You've made yourself a walking catastrophe, Danzō! What happens when that beast's chakra corrodes your judgment?", Homura shouted, her voice betraying worry over one of those she considered 'teammates', and primal fear towards the most monstrous beasts there were in this continent: tailed beasts.
"Celebrate? Did you just suggest celebration upon your return, after four hundred shinobi of the leaf laid their lives while you plundered the iwagakure backlines? If it were not for your cowardness, the Nara patriarch would still breathe to this day!", a Nara elder shouted, in disgust over Danzo's words
Danzo could have defended himself, however, his uncle Itoru and Yukiko proved sharp enough to enter the meeting's discussions. After all, they were in a position of strength, perks that came with overwhelming results.
Itoru Shimura was well known in those circles. Under Tobirama's reign, he had served Konoha in more than one way, providing a link towards the Daimyo's court and helping to manage the Genin Corps for some time. It was only after Danzo's call that he returned to the Shimura clan. This decision, stepping down from the Genin Corps Commander to a mere advisor, had been the best decision of his life.
He had never seen the looks of envy from the Aburame clan. He had never seen the respect in the eyes of a Uchiha. Even the prideful Hyuga elder Toritamu was now closing his eyes as a sign of respect. These were signs, attitudes that had never been directed towards the Shimura clan, which had always been an intermediary, a politician. However, Danzo's rise to the position of patriarch proved otherwise. The Shimura clan had just begun its expansion.
"The Tsuchikage sent the Four-tails to crush Konoha. If Danzo had not stepped in, the defense lines would have been broken. It seems to me that you are blaming the lives of the fallen onto the Shimura clan, whereas you should celebrate the lives that were saved", Itoru said curtly, his words embellishing the Shimura clan's role in this war.
Toritamu nodded: "And for that, Itoru, we have to thank the Shimura clan. No one in this room is denying the military achievement of your clan. The report speaks for itself, and I must say the accuracy in the data witheld should be kept as an example for all future reports. The figures speak for themselves..."
As usual, Hiruzen did not voice his opinion. However, in his mind, the situation was clear.
'I have read the reports numerous times, and I still cannot believe it. I have known Danzo my whole life, and I know what he is capable of...But this efficiency. He truly is a military genius', Hiruzen mused in his mind
However, taking a side would not serve his interests. Danzo's achievements were extraordinary, and everyone was aware of that. His execution of plans, his secrecy, however, left to be desired. Although this might be exactly the price to pay for war.
Yukiko Shimura, a figure that was until now unknown to the higher-ups, spoke with confidence: "With Roshi dead, Iwagakure will not send anyone on the Western front for a moment. Additionally, the Shimura clan has taken significant risk by escorting the injured and further limited casualties, showcasing the Shimura Support Corps' efficiency"
"She is right", Koharu finally spoke. As one of the personal advisor of the Hokage, his words held tremendous weight, "The Shimura clan's...adapatibility and strategy saved us. Onoki's blunder cost him Roshi, an elite jonin holding a tailed beast, and gave us victory in the western front. The Nara patriarch and the shinobi fallen are warriors who have fallen graciously. The village will honor them forever"
Exhaling smoke, Hiruzen, wincing from the pain of an internal injury he received on the Eastern front against the Raikage, spoke: "The deal was clear: One hundred million Ryo for the mission, and an additional ten million Ryo per week, for a total of thirteen weeks. In total, 230 Million Ryo are due"
A murmur of outrage coursed the council. This was not your average salary, or payout. The Shimura clan had invested a lot, achieved a lot, but everyone knew they had plundered the Iwagakure's frontlines. Paying them additional money was...outrageous considering the village's tight finances.
"Please reconsider", a civilian elder representing the village's interests shouted, "The orphanage lacks funds, and the shinobi academy will not be able to reinvest in estate in times of war. The long term implications are terrible!"
"Glory and glory for the Shimura clan, while the rest of us mourn. How convenient, isn't it, Danzo?"
"This is not all", Danzo's voice sharpened, "My clan is also requesting for total independance regarding missions, and a tax privilege regarding the Shimura Merchant Association. Although it may seem abrupt, this will boost the village's economy"
Koharu nodded. Hiruzen had talked about Danzo's aims at building an independant clan working hand in hand with Konoha. This was not something done from power hunger, but more regarding the essence of the Shimura clan. The reports had indeed proved that they worked best in large formations, against small skirmishing teams. Regular mission would dilute the Shimura clan's potential, hence the need for a different brand, a different type of missions.
Hiruzen raised his hand: "The Hokage's decree is already made. The presence of all clans today is merely to make it official. The Shimura clan's contributions are undeniable, and Danzo's rise as a jinchuriki is also one additional force in Konoha. As such, the Shimura clan is to be fully exempt from taxes on both missions and business entities related to it"
Locking his eyes into the Nara's elder, Hiruzen shook his head: "Your clan's sacrifice will be honored, but do not mistake pragmatism for weakness. We are at war. And Danzo's tactics allowed for 200 Konohagakure shinobi to return alive from the front...Against zero if Roshi had reached the battlefield"
Silence fell.
Danzo's eyes glinted as he bowed, his face expressionless. Somewhere beneath the bandage, the four-tails' growl vibrated faintly, a silent acknowledgement of his evil manipulations.
"Interesting human", it muttered.