Bab 297: Chapter 297: Poison Wrapped in Honey—Do You Dare to Eat It?
You've got to be kidding me!
The Hokage's pupils trembled. Could Shinki truly have a solution to the problem that had plagued him for months?
Looking at Shinki, whose confident smile seemed to conceal all the answers, the Hokage understood this was a game of leverage. Shinki wouldn't reveal the solution so easily. His smirk clearly said:
"You want the answer? Show me your sincerity first."
Damn it!
The Hokage cursed inwardly. He'd been cornered.
"As long as Ino-Shika-Cho doesn't cross my bottom line, the position of Jonin squad leader will remain theirs. Is that sincerity enough?"
What was the Hokage's bottom line?
The Hokage seat.
If Ino-Shika-Cho dared to threaten that, he would act without hesitation. But as long as they stayed in line, their position was secure.
After all, they had supported Uzumaki Mito and stood firmly by Tsunade's side, even at the expense of some benefits. Shinki had not forgotten their loyalty, and now was the perfect time to reciprocate.
Placing them in ANBU was a mutually beneficial arrangement. Strengthening Ino-Shika-Cho meant reinforcing allies—and in alliances, you had to give before you could take.
The Hokage had shown his sincerity.
Shinki, gazing at the sky, casually remarked, "The Hokage should write an apology letter to Daimyo . Explain how accepting talks at this time would harm the village and exaggerate the potential fallout. Make it clear Konoha's resources are tight, development has stagnated, and funds are insufficient. Add that the village may need to reduce the number of ninjas after the war."
"What?" The Hokage was stunned.
An apology letter wasn't a big deal, but suggesting Konoha might reduce its ninja forces? That was a bombshell. Such talk could throw the entire village into chaos.
"Relax—it's fake. Just scare them," Shinki reassured him. "Make it clear the village's financial situation is dire. Without sufficient funding, Konoha may have no choice but to scale back its ninja forces. Spell out the consequences of this reduction."
The Hokage's face darkened. Everyone knew what would happen if Konoha reduced its ninja forces:
It would embolden other nations.
The Land of Fire, rich in resources, was a tempting target for every other village. If Konoha appeared weaker, enemies would seize the chance to invade.
"And you think the government will step in with more funding?" the Hokage asked skeptically.
Shinki chuckled. "Not immediately. But if there's no movement from Daimyo Mansion within ten days, withdraw all ninjas from the camps near the Iron Country and spread the word. Let the ninja world believe Konoha is downsizing due to financial difficulties."
"This is practically forcing the government's hand!"
The Hokage glared at Shinki. His boldness was astounding.
Shinki shrugged, completely unfazed. "Got a better idea?"
It wasn't a genuine attempt to force the government into action—just a scare tactic to get funds flowing. As long as Komei Mansion panicked, they would release the money.
"And if it backfires?"
"Then it's your problem, Hokage-sama," Shinki quipped with a mischievous grin. "Either way, any blame falls on you. If the village curses someone, it won't be me."
It was a poison wrapped in honey. The solution would alleviate immediate issues, but at a cost—his reputation.
The Hokage grumbled, "I'll think about it."
Forcing this decision onto him was a double-edged sword. Reducing ninja numbers would not only anger the public but also threaten livelihoods. Even if it was just a bluff, the backlash could be severe.
Shinki wasn't worried. He waved nonchalantly and left.
"It's late. Let the Hokage worry about this on his own. That's his job."
Early the next morning, Shinki arrived at the ANBU base. Nara Shikashin was already waiting, his expression tense.
News of the discussion had reached Ino-Shika-Cho, but the details were unclear.
"What happened?" Shikashin asked anxiously.
Shinki raised a finger, shaking it playfully. "Relax, nothing major."
Shikashin frowned but remained silent as Shinki motioned for Pakura to prepare tea. Once she left, Shinki continued, "The Hokage agreed to maintain the position of Jonin squad leader for Ino-Shika-Cho—provided the family doesn't cross any lines."
He sipped his tea, adding, "And the assistant position will be restored as a symbolic gesture. It's a small price for the Hokage's office to pay."
Shikashin relaxed slightly. Shinki's efforts to secure these agreements reaffirmed his commitment to their alliance.
"Allies help each other, don't they?" Shinki said with a smirk, setting his cup down.
Behind the scenes, Shinki's schemes continued to ripple through the village. Some called him cunning; others called him reckless. But one thing was clear—his bold moves ensured Konoha would remain strong, even if it meant taking risks others wouldn't dare.
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