042 Reborn as the Third Kazekage

"Yuxi Peninsula."

"Yuxi Peninsula? Where is that? Mut?" The Daimyō of the Land of Wind glanced at the elder retainer by his side, who promptly handed over a map.

"Daimyō-sama, it is here, located in the southern part of the Land of Rivers, west of the Land of Fire, and at the eastern border of our country. It's a small fishing village surrounded on three sides by the sea. The scenery is quite nice. Your grandfather once built a country villa there, though it was destroyed during the war years ago. Currently, a few dozen fishing families live there, and most of the farmland has been left barren."

"Oh, I see. Does the place have any notable local products?"

"Um... I've heard their ribbonfish is quite good."

"Ribbonfish? What is that? Is it tasty?"

"Ribbonfish is a common fish that the villagers eat. It's not particularly valuable, so it's never graced your table, Daimyō-sama."

"Ah, I see. So, ninja, you mentioned earlier that your Kazekage intends to purchase this Yuxi Peninsula?"

"Yes, Daimyō-sama," the Minister replied respectfully.

"Given my relationship with your Kazekage, I would normally grant such a request without charge. However, the land of the Land of Wind is an ancestral inheritance... Don't you agree?" The Daimyō shot a knowing glance at Mut, who immediately took the cue.

"Daimyō-sama, this humble servant has a suggestion, though I'm unsure if it is appropriate to voice it."

"Go on, speak freely," the Daimyō said.

"Here is what I propose. The Kazekage's intention to establish a transit hub and warehouse is commendable, and our Daimyō-sama fully supports it."

"Indeed, indeed." the Minister's smile broadened.

"However, as Daimyō-sama mentioned, the land of the Land of Wind is ancestral and cannot be sold lightly. That said, Arashi-sama is a subordinate of our Daimyō-sama and not an outsider. Over the past two years, dealing with the troubles in Sunagakure has been no small feat. I believe our Daimyō-sama should show support. Here's my suggestion: Sunagakure could make a symbolic payment of five million ryō... and we'll waive their military expenses for the next three years. What do you think?"

"This..." the Minister hesitated, his expression troubled.

The Daimyō's face lit up at this suggestion. He nodded enthusiastically.

"I find this proposal excellent. Ninja, what do you think?" The Daimyō was on the verge of laughing out loud.

"Very well... We'll agree to Daimyō-sama's terms," the Minister said reluctantly, producing a large chest, which he opened respectfully before the Daimyō. "Here are five million ryō. Please inspect it."

The Daimyō glanced at the money with initial interest, but his enthusiasm quickly waned. Why? The chest was indeed filled with five million ryō, but the bills were of mixed denominations—some bundles were ten thousand ryō, others five thousand, and even a few thousand-ryō bundles. The condition of the bills varied, some new and others worn, giving the impression of funds scraped together from a village treasury. The Daimyō waved dismissively, and the servant promptly took the money and handed over the land deed for Yuxi Peninsula.

The Daimyō skimmed the document, nodded in approval, and instructed to prepare the transfer contract. Once the draft was complete, the Daimyō affixed his personal seal with a dramatic flourish.

"Tell Arashi to work diligently. If I have time, I may visit Sunagakure. That's all for today. I'm tired, so I won't keep you for a meal. See them out." The Daimyō departed, supported by two maids.

The Minister carefully folded the deed and contract, tucking them into his robe. He exchanged a knowing glance with Mut, both men sharing satisfied smiles.

Once they exited the Palace and reached a secluded spot, the Minister bowed deeply to the servant.

"Thank you for your mediation before the Daimyō. Arashi-sama instructed me to express his gratitude for your friendship and support."

"No need to thank me," he replied modestly. "Your Kazekage and I go way back to when he was still a young jōnin. This was nothing."

"Not at all! Your words before the Daimyō have spared us so much trouble. How can we call it nothing? Bring it in!" the Minister snapped his fingers, and a masked ninja appeared, carrying a small chest. Kneeling, the ninja opened it to reveal a neatly stacked collection of crisp ten-thousand-ryō bills.

"Five million ryō, a small token for tea," the Minister said magnanimously.

"Oh, you're too kind, too kind!" the servant exclaimed, though his hands moved quickly to secure the chest. His excitement was barely contained.

"Daimyō-sama is expecting me back at the village, so I must take my leave now."

"Of course, safe travels," he said, his gaze still fixed on the chest as the Minister and the masked ninja departed.

As they walked away from the Palace, the masked ninja pulled down his veil halfway and spat on the ground.

"Ugh! These rotten bureaucrats!"

"Heh." the Minister chuckled coldly. "This is nothing unusual. These old nobles are all the same. You'll get used to it."

"I don't think I ever will."

"Well, like it or not, we've secured Yuxi Peninsula for a fraction of its worth. It's almost as big as half the Land of Rivers. What a bargain! The Kazekage approved a budget of one billion ryō, but we managed to get everything done, including bribes, for just ten million. Hilarious, isn't it?"

"And the three years of military expenses?"

"Bah! Spread across all of Sunagakure's ninja, it's only about 1,500 ryō per person per year. It wouldn't even cover the cost of toilet paper! That Daimyō of the Land of Wind is nothing but a countryside tycoon playing lord."

"Ha! That's spot on," the ANBU laughed.

"Don't laugh too hard. When we get back, we still need to file a report. Even public funds like this need proper documentation. If we can't account for it, we'll end up in the hands of the Anti-Corruption Bureau."

"Anti-Corruption Bureau? We have one of those now?"

"Yeah, it was established at last week's council meeting. It's specifically tasked with investigating corruption. Every transaction like this has to be fully documented. When we return, organize a meeting to convey this policy to everyone."

"What a hassle..." the ANBU grumbled.

"It's not a hassle—it's essential. I'd say this is the most brilliant decision the Kazekage has ever made. Even more important than the decision to develop new cities. This is a reform that will benefit the village for generations!" the Minister declared passionately.

"Really?" the ANBU looked doubtful.

"Absolutely." the Minister smacked him lightly on the head. "And you'd better watch yourself too. Do you know who the first head of the Anti-Corruption Bureau is? Takeshi! He's as strict as they come. He used to be the head of the interrogation unit. If you end up in his hands, you'd wish you'd died on the battlefield!"