Konoha Notes

Chapter 445 Authority
The morning light filtered through the sparse trees, shattering on the water's surface.

“Your thoughts,” Raikage said, “are as unpredictable as ever.”

"But that's not what we're talking about now, is it?"

"You people from the Land of Fire are still spreading troublesome rumors everywhere. Shouldn't you deal with the immediate problem first?"

Chiyo slowly sat back down on the small stool, her withered fingers adjusting the fishing line with unhurried movements.

Shuji shifted his gaze from the water.

"This proposal is made precisely because it is now."

"The deaths of nobles from the Land of Fire will not stop in Konoha."

“From now on, any little thing—choking on food, falling while walking, or even dying of old age…any misfortune could be interpreted as proof that the ninjas are trying to take control of the world.”

"What Jinchuriki have endured in the past, and what some bloodline ninjas have experienced, will become the norm that all ninjas may face in the future."

"After all, once those hiding in the shadows have tasted the sweetness of rumors, they will never give up using such methods."

“Once fear and anger take on a concrete form, people will desperately try to fill it with content.”

"Right now, we're filling in people who will die from contact with Jinchuriki. What about next time? The paths built by ninjas will collapse, and the illnesses cured by ninjas will relapse... We can fill in anything as long as someone needs it."

The surface of the pond rippled gently. A small fish rose from the depths, flicked its tail in the reflected fragments of sky, and then sank back down.

“What Shuuji-kun means is,” Mei Terumi said softly, “that rumors can become weapons. And those who wield these weapons won’t be content with just dealing with Konoha, right?”

"Correct."

Shuji nodded.

"But those influenced by ninjas have never been just nobles."

"There are so many things we can do: building roads, bridges, medical care... each of these changes is altering the lives of ordinary people. And change always means that some people will lose their original place."

“The conflict can be resolved before they have a clear leader. But things will get complicated once someone gathers up fear and hostility.”

"We will win."

When he said those words, there was no wavering in his tone.

"But the situation that has been so hard-won will also disappear."

"By then, Akatsuki, with its overseas bases, will be more at ease than we are."

The Tsuchikage pointed out the problem: "Even in the various ninja villages, not everyone can learn the knowledge to become a ninja. Actively spreading this knowledge will cause chaos later on."

“In schools under the administration of the secretariat, the things you can learn are limited.”

Shuji turned around and looked directly at Onoki.

“We don’t have that many outstanding ninjas to send out, but the professor doesn’t have any background, even a genin can do it.”

"Basic methods for refining chakra, understanding the twelve basic hand seals, introductory training in taijutsu, and the most basic chakra control exercises."

He listed them one by one.

"For most people in the world, undergoing this kind of training to become physically stronger is already the limit. As for the truly outstanding individuals..."

Shuji paused for a moment.

"Even if the village's finances are tight, I'm sure you won't be stingy with a few seats."

Chiyo had already packed away all the fishing gear and said, "It sounds like they're betting that those people won't pose a threat."

Shuji walked to the edge of the pond, squatted down, and reached out to splash some water.

“Even ninjas who have been exposed to ninjutsu since childhood don’t learn it that quickly, let alone ordinary people.”

He withdrew his hand, and the water droplets slid off his fingertips and flowed back into the pond.

"The significance of letting them learn lies in the learning process itself."

“Ignorance and despair can plunge many countries into turmoil. Opening a school, even with only three or four genin teaching ordinary people how to refine chakra and understand hand seals and ninjutsu, can greatly alleviate this situation.”

"This means that they will also identify themselves as one of us."

Birdsong drifted from the bushes across the pond. Its clear, crisp sound carried the unique vitality of the early morning.

Terumi Mei was thoughtful.

"Moreover, such a move might be a counterattack from the other side."

The Fifth Mizukage asked in confusion, "The other party?"

"Among the important figures in Akatsuki, there are those who have ideas about the future. Since they handed over the Land of Snow as an example and created this incident... perhaps it also represents their current direction of thinking to some extent."

Shuji stood up.

"The act of establishing schools in an attempt to increase the number of ninjas might, to some extent, have a calming effect on the other side."

He chose a mild word.

"To make him feel that the world is still on the expected track, rather than making him feel that he must immediately use more brutal means to correct the course."

Ai frowned.

"It's like discussing a match against the Land of Snow," the Raikage said, "playing along with them?"

“We’re just doing what we’re supposed to do,” Shuji replied. “If it has any effect on the enemy in the process, that’s good too.”

"Where's the money?" The Third Tsuchikage asked the most important question.

“Any plan requires funding. Building schools, hiring teachers, keeping them running... it’s no small amount. We’re all struggling with our own expenses right now, and the funding coordination plan from the secretariat has only just begun its pilot phase.”

Shuji smiled.

“The daimyo and nobles will be willing to pay this money.”

"After all, we gave them the explanation they wanted... we gave them the most fundamental solution."

“They want security, they want a sense of safety so they won’t be left behind by the times. So let’s give them a chance – let their people, their children, have power.”

The sky was getting a little brighter.

Faint noises could be heard in the distance, the sound of spectators beginning to enter.

Shuji concluded by saying:
"If there are other problems with the plan itself, we have time to adjust it. Education and learning don't produce results so quickly."

"As long as it can operate smoothly for two or three years, there's no rush to make any changes later."

“Your little scheme,” said the Fifth Kazekage, his voice unreadable, “is probably not going to fool those people. Not all those nobles are fools.”

Shuuji nodded: "Compared to them, the power we possess is more realistic. So some people will see through it, and some will want to fight for it, but in the end, more people will agree."

His gaze swept over the four figures.

To ensure this balance of power, the priority is always to persuade these shadows.

"Because for them, this is the least bad option right now."

The conversation by the pond ended as the sky gradually brightened.

The five people left the pond and returned to their respective places. Now that the next steps had been tentatively decided, they needed to begin the corresponding preparations.

All of this takes time.

One day, two days, three days.

On the road outside Konoha Village, the chariot of the Fire Country Daimyo did not set off.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's intervention did indeed have an effect. The Third Hokage and the current Daimyo had cooperated through two Shinobi World Wars, and it was certainly possible for the two to sit down and have a leisurely chat for a while.

Meanwhile, in the conference room of the Hokage Building, another negotiation was underway. Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado sat at one side of a long table, facing the officials of the Land of Fire, led by Dango.

The air was a bit softer than a few days ago, but it was still tense.

They didn't directly reveal their intention to run a school.

Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado first explained Konoha's defense plan, from the deployment of defenses in the stadium area to the close protection of important figures, from intelligence gathering to emergency response.

Tuanhe listened attentively throughout, and then asked questions at each stage.

The loopholes are here, the shortcomings are there, and the potential risks are elsewhere.

His questions were all reasonable and his tone was polite, but when put together, they formed a fine net, a net that made any defense plan seem imperfect.

For several days in a row.

The group finally came up with a new idea.

“Since Konoha is temporarily outmatched,” he said slowly, “perhaps it would be feasible for the Daimyo to seek some help from the masters of the Fire Temple?”

Koharu and Homura exchanged a glance.

That look was so brief, almost imperceptible.

Then, Xiaochun, who was switching dorm rooms, spoke up.

"Since you esteemed guests still feel that security is insufficient, perhaps we could approach the issue from other angles?"

"The Temple of Fire is primarily focused on cultivation, and its protection is ultimately insufficient."

"Or, you can listen to our other opinions."

Tuanhe nodded slightly, indicating that he was all ears.

Mitokado Homura said, "Konoha can assist the Land of Fire by building a school there. It will be dedicated to teaching ninja knowledge and open to all eligible individuals."

“Of course,” he added, “the teachers and teaching materials are provided by Konoha, while management and operation are jointly the responsibility of both parties.”

The group did not respond immediately.

He picked up the teacup in front of him and slowly took a sip.

"This is a long-term solution." After a long silence, Tuanhe finally spoke, "Regarding the immediate problem, I'm afraid..."

The words were not fully spoken, but the meaning was already conveyed.

Not enough.

So the group put forward other suggestions.

"Since Konoha has the idea of ​​solving the problem, is it permissible to allow more ninja clan forces to be transferred to the Daimyo's residence?"

"We are willing to provide additional funding for this."

"This would alleviate Konoha's financial pressure and ensure domestic stability, as well as the safety of the Daimyo."

Koharu and Mitokado did not answer.

It wasn't a rejection, nor an agreement, just silence.

Thus, the negotiations for the day came to an end.

They didn't even continue the next day.

The Joint Affairs Bureau simply sent invitations to daimyo from other countries. The content was simple: to discuss the Joint Affairs Bureau's plan to build schools in various locations.

The news spread very quickly.

The situation was so dire that officials from the Land of Fire once again initiated negotiations.

This time, it wasn't just two advisors who entered the meeting room.

Shuji followed behind them and then sat down next to Koharu Utatane. He was dressed in dark casual clothes and looked like an ordinary young ninja, but when he raised his eyes, Tuanhe instinctively tensed his back.

After exchanging pleasantries, Tuanhe proposed a new solution: "Since Konoha itself is inconvenient and the Fire Temple doesn't have enough experience, perhaps we can use a middle ground solution."

"The Daimyo's guardian ninjas are being expanded as a short-term emergency measure. In the long term, Konoha will assist the Land of Fire in training ninjas."

This time, neither of the advisors spoke.

Shuji looked up.

“The Daimyo can expand the number of Guardian Ninjas,” he said, “but considering what has happened before, Konoha needs to vet the ninjas who are appointed as Guardian Ninjas.”

"And the matter of assisting the Fire City in training ninjas..."

“Other ninja villages raised objections. They argued that since the initiative had been launched through the Joint Affairs Bureau, it was no longer just a matter for one country, and Konoha could no longer act unilaterally.”

Tuanhe's expression changed.

"So, this is the plan," Shuji announced calmly. "Konoha will ensure your safety. As for the new Guardian Ninja, the Daimyo will select the right person, and we will conduct the review."

Thus, the negotiations came to an end.

The group from Konoha left. Their footsteps faded into the distance in the corridor.

Tuanhe sat alone at the long table, staring at the empty seat opposite him, and remained motionless for a long time.

So it has been over the past few days.

The daimyo of the Land of Fire granted an audience with Shuji.

At the daimyo's temporary residence, the ruler of the country, as always, displayed great hospitality. He dismissed his attendants and personally prepared tea for Shuji.

After everything was finished, the daimyo finally spoke:
"You were too worried. We have been somewhat negligent in our duties during this period. Please forgive us."

Shuji smiled and bowed slightly: "This is official business, and it's also his duty."

The daimyo of the Land of Fire expressed his gratitude. He picked up his teacup, but instead of drinking it immediately, he began to reminisce about the past.

"When I met Shuji a few years ago, I knew you were no ordinary Jonin."

"To be able to represent Konoha at that age, your talent is extraordinary."

"Moreover, you also saved my life and suppressed the rebellion of the Guardian Ninja."

Da Ming paused for a moment, his gaze falling on the rising steam from the teacup.

"I trust you, and therefore I have unwavering faith in the promises made to me by the Third Generation. Even now, that remains true."

"But there are some things I still want to hear you say in person."

Shuji calmly met his gaze: "There are some things that are ultimately not suitable for ninjas to do."

"The reason why ninjas today seem so pure is because of the simple logic of life they have lived for so long: accept missions, complete tasks, we serve, we receive."

That's all.

Da Ming remained silent for a moment.

Then he sighed softly.

"Since Mr. Xiu Si has already realized this, then there will be no problem for at least the next few decades."

He put down his teacup, the clinking of the ceramic against the tray crisp and clean.

"Please provide your final solution, Shuji-kun."

"More distant matters..." Daimyo shook his head, a hint of self-deprecation in his smile, "are no longer something I can consider."

(End of this chapter)