The establishment and rise of the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation, culminating in its bold decision to wage war despite the Lightning Daimyo's objections, has created profound ripples throughout the Ninja World.
This wave triggered not just condemnation from the major nations and Hidden Villages, but also serious reflection among some open-minded elites.
Especially within the Land of Lightning, whose territory had been invaded, and the subdued Land of Earth—forced into submission under military threat—domestic debate reached an unprecedented level of intensity.
The Lightning Daimyo and Kumo within his domain had always maintained a closely-knit, symbiotic relationship. This Daimyo, known for his vigorous support of strengthening the village's military power, quickly reached consensus after an in-depth discussion with the Third Raikage. Together they issued an edict of reform abolishing the old district system and instituting county governance instead—an action that fundamentally stripped all domestic noble lords of their territorial authority.
Yet this decision by the Daimyo was like throwing a stone into calm waters, causing ten thousand ripples. Not only did aristocrats and courtiers within the imperial court protest en masse, even branches of the Daimyo's own family publicly expressed strong dissatisfaction.
Suddenly, from the inner palace halls of the Daimyo's court all the way to remote districts, criticism and condemnation filled the air. The Daimyo seemed to find himself at the center of a massive public outcry, facing accusations and pressure from all directions, completely isolated.
But determined to push forward with reforms, the Lightning Daimyo ignored these voices of opposition. On the fifth day after issuing the decree, the Daimyo's personal army swiftly marched through the night with assistance from Guardian Ninjas, attacking multiple locations across the northern provinces of the Land of Lightning. They disarmed all local guardian nobles and escorted their families back to the Lightning Daimyo's court.
Although the region had suffered greatly during the prolonged conflict with Mist, significantly weakening the local noble class, the Daimyo's decisive actions still shocked the regional nobles of both eastern and western provinces.
But this was just the beginning.
After eliminating northern noble forces, the Lightning Daimyo first issued an ultimatum to the eastern and western provincial guardian nobles, while simultaneously releasing several political decrees:
First, the Sword-Bearing Decree requiring all noble heirs to carry weapons like samurai swords and possess chakra in order to inherit their titles; second, the Annuity Edict granting annual stipends based on previous rice yields for all nobles who relinquished their lands; third, the Unified Command Policy stating that all officers of the newly formed Daimyo's army must come from noble bloodlines.
Seeing what happened to the northern nobles served as a warning. Though the three policies did limit their powers, they still offered some security—and the promise of a new military elite gave them hope. So the once-stiff resistance quickly collapsed.
Even the most rigid conservative nobles found themselves helpless against this situation. Left with no choice, even the most hardline nobles reluctantly obeyed the Daimyo's order, leaving their ancestral lands behind and relocating to the capital in hopes of a second chance.
Within just half a month, the noble class of the Land of Lightning completely collapsed—eastern and western provinces surrendered without a fight after receiving the edict. The Daimyo suddenly felt there were no heroes greater than himself beneath heaven, his heart surging with ambition ready to push forward further reforms.
Meanwhile, the Land of Earth found itself locked in endless verbal battles within the Grand Council, unable to reach any decisive conclusion.
Niimi Kanbee, who once single-handedly infiltrated the enemy camp of the Ninja Clan Alliance and successfully brokered peace, had become the standard-bearer of the reformists advocating reconciliation. He pushed for reaching an agreement with the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation and implementing reforms within the Hidden Village, aiming to centralize ninja authority and thereby promote national harmony and prosperity—in essence placing the hidden villages directly under the Daimyo's rule.
Whether his reasoning held water or how exactly national prosperity would work after unification were minor details; the power ambitions and future prospects he revealed were enough to earn covert support from the Earth Daimyo, who had long suffered under the tyranny of the Third Tsuchikage. Open endorsement, however, remained impossible—after all, Onoki, that diminutive brute of a man, was a hardened survivor from the Warring States era who wouldn't hesitate to install a new Daimyo if it suited him.
Unsurprisingly, Niimi Kanbee's proposal triggered fierce opposition from Iwagakure.
The radical martial faction within Iwagakure stirred unrest among the ninja ranks, pushing for a march on the capital. They proposed emulating the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation by establishing a Standing Ninja Army, taking over governance of local cities, and personally tapping into regional war potentials to better serve the expansion needs of the Hidden Village.
However, Onoki firmly rejected these demands from Iwagakure's radicals and punished those shinobi who spoke too boldly. At the same time, using instability within the Hidden Village as an excuse, he proactively sent envoys to the Daimyo's court demanding increased military funding. He grimly warned that without more funding, the Land of Earth would face catastrophic consequences.
Faced with outright threats from Iwagakure's envoy, the Earth Daimyo once again backed down completely, granting all of Onoki's requests.
As a result, Niimi Kanbee—who had dared propose restructuring the Hidden Village—was labeled a Chōteki endangering the nation by the conservative aristocrats, calling for his immediate execution. In response, Kanbei showed no fear, accusing all the courtiers of cowardice so great they couldn't even speak up in front of the envoy from Iwagakure.
"This nation will never thrive in the hands of parasites like you!"
Despite being outnumbered, Niimi Kanbee stood his ground, fiercely clashing with the numerically superior conservatives. "Now our Hidden Villages are weak, our nation impoverished, powerless against encroachments from the Ninja Clans—retreating one step today and yielding an inch tomorrow until we cannot even find a peaceful place to lay our heads! If this continues, our country will surely perish!"
"That's just fearmongering!"
The conservative nobles of the Land of Earth, unwilling to bear the stain of national betrayal, fired back with equal fervor, citing ancient texts and historical precedents.
Although the Earth Daimyo still refused to take a clear stance, this silence was interpreted by neutral aristocrats as tacit approval of Niimi Kanbee's words and actions. Consequently, some of the more resolute wavering middle-grounders began joining Kanbee's cause.
In no time at all, the struggle between reformists and conservatives had engulfed the entire Land of Earth.
Far away in the [Great Southwestern Desert] of the Ninja World, upon learning of the Land of Earth's retreat, the Land of Wind proactively invited merchant caravans under Uchiha control to conduct trade activities at oasis settlements along their borders. The two sides silently agreed to forget all previous tensions and covert struggles as if nothing had ever happened.
After all, Sunagakure's attention remained fixed on Bird Country, which it was currently dividing with Iwagakure. Moreover, the Uchiha Clan had long been known for their fierce and fearless nature, making it simply not worth Suna's effort to provoke a battle with these red-eyed fanatics.
The Uchiha also showed no interest in launching campaigns into desert regions, so the issue quietly faded away without further action.
The strongest reaction to the Land of Earth's retreat came from Fire Country's imperial court.
Although Fire Country still nominally reigned as the greatest ninja nation, its border cities and vassal states suffered the most incursions from expansionist ninja clans. Thus, among the Five Great Countries, it was the nobility of the Land of Fire—home to the monstrous 'Ninja Clan Capital Corporation'—who bore the brunt of the damage most directly.
What frustrated Fire Country's aristocrats the most, however, was the seemingly endless greed of the ninja clans, like a bottomless abyss, a void that devoured endlessly without ever being satisfied. The relentless expansionist impulses displayed by the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation left every noble household stunned in disbelief.
Therefore, even the Minister of State—who once shared a very close relationship with the Hyuga Clan—began deliberately distancing himself from the ninja clans and instead leaning toward the Fire Daimyo and Konoha. As for the Inner Minister, who maintained marital ties with the Uchiha Clan, he outright requested an external post just to avoid witnessing the situation firsthand.
Indeed, in an era where the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation openly bared its fangs, forcing the Land of Earth and Iwagakure into retreat, if the court nobles failed to unite now, they would have no path but death before them.
Meanwhile, Danzo finally reached his moment of glory upon arriving at the Fire Daimyo's court to negotiate additional military funding.
Especially after news arrived at the Fire Daimyo's palace regarding the agreement between the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation and the Land of Earth, the atmosphere around Danzo's temporary residence changed drastically—from previously deserted to now bustling with activity. Aristocrats brought letters of introduction and came one after another without pause; long-stalemated discussions surrounding military expenditure suddenly found new momentum through compromises made by these nobles.
Admittedly, the concessions made by the nobles were minor, but to Danzo, this marked an unprecedented triumph—an exhilarating breakthrough deep within his core. Since becoming an advisor to Konoha, this was the first time he had advanced negotiations not through traditional ninja intimidation tactics, but through skillful diplomatic rhetoric—an achievement that undoubtedly added a bold new chapter to his life story!
"Hiroomi! Even though you are Hokage, without us, there's no way you'd manage!"
Fueled by such thoughts, Danzo strode confidently toward the Fire Daimyo's Palace to prepare for the final round of negotiations.
This was a meeting attended entirely by court nobles.
When Danzo entered the hall, the Minister of State led all courtiers in rising from their seats and bowing respectfully in unison.
In that moment, Danzo felt an indescribable lightness well up inside him, as though the wind carried beneath his feet, lifting him upward toward flight.
Once, he took pride in having transcended the superficial honors and fleeting vanities of the mundane world, believing himself capable of calmly observing all forms of ceremonial respect. Yet, when truly immersed in this unprecedented level of reverence, Danzo suddenly realized that it wasn't indifference that kept him unmoved by etiquette, but rather that all previous experiences were trivial gestures unworthy of attention.
"If I become Hokage..."
At that moment, the deep-rooted obsession buried within Danzo's soul surged forth once more.
"Chamberlain Danzo?"
A chambermaid whispered softly near Danzo's ear.
"Hmm."
Snapping back to attention, Danzo quickly regained his composure and gave a steady nod in response. He followed the chambermaid's guidance and took a seat at the front section.
Opposite him sat the Minister of State, ranking just below the Fire Daimyo and above all other nobles.
As for the usually secluded Fire Daimyo, he had now drawn back the curtain concealing his face, revealing himself fully.
According to noble etiquette, a country's ruler would only unveil in the presence of another equally esteemed daimyo.
Danzo was well aware of this subtle protocol, so those troubling thoughts he had finally suppressed earlier now sprouted wildly once again in his mind.
"By the decree of His Eternal Majesty and in accordance with the revered covenant forged by the sages and the First Hokage Hashirama-sama, we respectfully invite Elder Danzo to offer his esteemed opinion."
The Minister of State personally opened the proceedings and bowed formally toward Danzo seated across from him.
Danzo slightly narrowed his eyes, gradually calming the storm of emotions within.
"Nowadays, ninja clans are lawless and wreaking havoc across nations. Wherever one looks, the people suffer terribly, lives are lost wantonly, just like during the Warring States era."
"The Hidden Leaf has failed both to maintain discipline internally and to contain powerful enemies externally. The current Hokage constantly compromises, abandoning the fighting spirit exemplified by the Second Hokage, ultimately leading to grave mistakes that allowed criminals from the Hyuga Clan and other rogue ninja to grow strong. This is indeed Konoha's failure!"
Though lacking the refined eloquence of aristocrats raised among literary traditions, Danzo deliberately adopted aristocratic speech to sound more dignified: "Therefore, restoring order must be our utmost priority; upholding righteousness is inherently our duty!"
"Indeed!"
The noble courtiers clapped in unison — these words struck them exactly where it mattered!
Although the Shimura Clan to which Danzo belonged was notorious in the central-southern border military district for ruthlessly cracking down on local aristocrats, the upper class was willing to temporarily set aside past grievances and grant Danzo respect and courtesy, as long as he demonstrated opposition to the Top Leader's stance.
To these noblemen, this was simply a low-cost gesture — offering proper respect to flatter Danzo's pride turned out to be surprisingly effective.
"Please, continue, Elder Danzo!"
Even the Fire Daimyo himself disregarded his status to personally urge Danzo to proceed.
"Your Highness, the utmost priority for both the Hidden Leaf Village and the nation is to strengthen military preparations, expand our ninja forces, and reinforce education on the Will of Fire!"
After brief contemplation, Danzo elevated his thinking further: "Yet the most crucial foundation supporting all this will be financial backing!"
Again, money!
The Fire Daimyo and assembled noble courtiers instantly felt disinterested.
Bringing up money so bluntly during such a sentimental and loyalty-demanding moment truly seemed distasteful!
Still, considering there was currently no viable replacement for Danzo within Konoha's leadership, the Minister of State responded in good faith: "Previously, our nation never withheld nor reduced Konoha's funding, nor did we interfere with village affairs. However, current circumstances demand..."
"Therefore, we must reinforce education on the Will of Fire!" Danzo emphasized once more, "The root cause of today's crisis lies entirely in Hiruzen's incompetence and foolishness! I beg Your Highness to clearly recognize this truth!"
"The Third, even if he hasn't made great achievements, at least deserves recognition for his efforts."
The Minister of State tried in a hypocritical manner to preserve The Third's honor.
"Incompetence is the gravest crime of all!"
Danzo declared passionately, assuming a 'who-else-but-me' stance.
"Lord Danzo indeed seems trustworthy."
The Minister gave a nod of approval, and the courtiers followed suit in agreement.
Danzo stood even straighter with pride.
"Expanding the ranks of the ninja is only natural, and increasing funding is a necessity."
The Minister continued, "However, all this must remain under the control of trustworthy individuals."
"What do you think, Lord Danzo?"
"The bond between the Land of Fire and Konoha must endure forever!"
Danzo leapt at the idea and immediately spouted grand promises.
Whether that would actually happen could be dealt with later.
Right now, their main goal was to get the Daimyo to willingly hand over every last Gold Kan from the Imperial Treasury!
"Expand Konoha's ninja force by three thousand, and directly increase the Daimyo's Guardian Ninjas by one thousand."
The Minister dangled the bait, "But as the Guardian Ninjas' skills are somewhat limited, their training will require your guidance, Lord Danzo. How does that sound?"
"Perfectly acceptable!"
Without hesitation, Danzo swallowed the bait whole.
As for whether this bait contained poison or what consequences it might bring, those were problems for another day.
If things went south, he'd simply deny everything—it was nothing new for him to back out when necessary. To someone as ruthless as Danzo, it was barely worth a second thought!
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!
patreon.com/Tansnovel
<><><><><><><><>