Kapitel 288: Chapter 288: Two Plus One Equals Five—If You Don’t Agree, Let’s Fight
Nara Shikaku understood the financial state of the village well, and despite his doubts, he trusted his instincts.
In time, the borrowed money would be paid back.
"Even better," Shinki said confidently. "This way, the Hyuga and Uchiha clans can use this opportunity to negotiate better conditions for themselves. Do clans like theirs, sitting on vast wealth, really lack tens of millions of ryo? No, what they lack are opportunities."
Shinki had it all figured out. When the time came to repay the borrowed money, the Hyuga and Uchiha clans would approach him again for additional favors. It would be a cycle where everyone, including Shinki himself, came out ahead—even the Hokage's office would have no choice but to comply.
This was the best-case scenario.
Tens of millions of ryo might seem like a lot, but for clans like Hyuga and Uchiha, who controlled enormous assets, it was a manageable investment—especially if it came with tangible benefits for the family.
A Stunned Audience
"Good grief!" Nara Shikaku muttered, staring at Shinki in disbelief.
The latter merely chuckled, patting Shikaku on the shoulder. "Relax, senior. When the village's finances stabilize, the Ino-Shika-Cho trio will thrive once again. Trust me, tens of millions are nothing to these big clans. If they can secure long-term advantages, it's worth every ryo."
Shikaku raised a brow, skeptical. "But what about clans like the Sarutobi and Shimura? They hoard wealth without contributing to the village's needs."
Shinki smirked knowingly. "They're the exceptions. No point hoping they'll start acting altruistically. Dream on."
Pakura, listening from the side, felt her worldview begin to crack. This was her first day on the job, and already she was overhearing Shinki casually discussing strategies to manipulate the Hokage and his office. The implications were... unsettling.
A Calculated Gamble
"Do you really think it's beneficial for the Ino-Shika-Cho trio to get involved in this?" Shikaku asked cautiously. Historically, they had avoided this level of politicking, not daring to overstep their bounds.
Shinki motioned to Pakura, signaling her to bring him a cup of coffee. Once she left, he leaned closer to Shikaku and explained, "Senior, doesn't the Nara clan want to reclaim its historical role as the Jonin Commander?"
Shikaku's eyes widened slightly. "You mean...?"
"Exactly," Shinki replied with a sly grin. "Ever since that position was created, it's always belonged to the Nara clan. Losing it was an unfortunate turn of events, but we both know it's a position you've wanted to reclaim."
Indeed, the Nara clan had long held the role of Jonin Commander until internal village politics led to its loss. Though they had gained other benefits in compensation, the prestige of the position had been sorely missed.
"But you know Hokage won't hand it back to us easily," Shikaku said, furrowing his brows. "Not unless Tsunade and you decide to make significant concessions."
"And now is our chance," Shinki said confidently, handing over a document. "The village's finances are stretched thin. We'll use that to our advantage."
Shikaku hesitated but began reading the document. A few seconds later, his eyes widened in shock. "How did you gather this intelligence? Do you have spies in the Daimyo's court?"
"Of course not!" Shinki replied, feigning indignation. "Don't be ridiculous, senior. I don't use spies—I use puppets. A very well-placed one, at that."
Puppets and Politics
According to the report, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire was infuriated after hearing that the Daimyo of the Land of Wind had been gifted a beautiful woman by the Sand Village as a gesture of goodwill. This act had sparked a dispute between the two Daimyos, causing delays in funding for the Land of Fire's military and administrative needs.
"We assumed the Daimyo would simply delay funding for a short while," Shinki explained, leaning back in his chair. "But I think this dispute will stretch much longer than expected. The village's expenses—war pensions, reconstruction, mission logistics—are already outpacing its income."
Shikaku nodded, following Shinki's logic. "And when the village is desperate for funds, Hyuga and Uchiha's loans will be indispensable?"
"Exactly," Shinki said. "Between their loans and the Hokage assistant position left vacant, we can strike a deal. Offer financial relief, and in return, reclaim the Jonin Commander role for the Nara clan. It's a win-win."
Taking the Bait
Shikaku was hesitant. "This feels like cheating the Hokage. And there's a risk—what if it backfires?"
Shinki leaned forward, his tone persuasive. "Senior, do you really want to see the Jonin Commander position held by an incompetent placeholder? If so, by all means, let things continue as they are. But if you're ready to fight for what's right, the opportunity is here."
Shikaku sat in silence, weighing the risks. On one hand, the plan was risky, and its success was not guaranteed. On the other, the thought of leaving the Jonin Commander position in the hands of an unworthy candidate left a bitter taste in his mouth.
Finally, he exhaled sharply. "Alright. Let's do it."
Shinki smirked. "That's the spirit. Two plus one equals five. If they don't agree, they're welcome to fight me on it."
A Risky Road Ahead
Pakura returned, coffee in hand, and observed the determined look on Shikaku's face. She could only imagine what had transpired while she was out of the room, but it was clear Shinki's influence was already making waves.
Whether this gamble would pay off or lead to disaster remained to be seen. But one thing was certain—Shinki had no intention of playing it safe.
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