Crimson Winds Of Konoha

It wasn't just the merchants stuck in the newspaper office who were anxious—Danzo was on edge too.

One month had passed, and the Konoha Newspaper had lost tens of millions of ryō in profits. Danzo was so pleased with the steady income that he could wake with a smile each morning. But when he saw the latest advertisement, his expression turned grim.

"Danzo-sama, dozens of shop owners have already gathered at the Konoha Newspaper, eager to buy ad space," reported a Root agent.

Danzo frowned deeply. "Are the ad prices still at 10,000 ryō per slot?"

The agent hesitated before answering, "One shop owner just bid 300,000 ryō—but Uchiha Fenghuo hasn't shown up yet."

Danzo's face darkened instantly.

He grabbed a copy of the newspaper. Empty spaces lined the corners and center of the pages—reserved, he realized, for advertisements. He hadn't noticed before, but now it was obvious.

Calculating from the 300,000 ryō bid, the ad revenue for this issue alone would exceed three million ryō. At ten issues a month, that's over thirty million ryō monthly—an unprecedented sum.

"Damn it! That bastard!" Danzo muttered angrily.

He recalled his recent meeting with the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and realized he had no effective plan to counter this.

Since the newspaper was privately owned, the advertising fees, after taxes, flowed directly to Hiruzen Sarutobi's coffers.

The enormity of that sum twisted Danzo's stomach like he'd swallowed a swarm of blowflies. The bitter taste made him want to retch.

What could he do now?

Danzo narrowed his eyes, desperately searching for a way to break the momentum.

The resources of Root and ANBU depended on the village's finances. Although he and Hiruzen each controlled some private enterprises, they were roughly equal—neither had the upper hand.

This was unacceptable. Absolutely unforgivable.

Danzo had once wanted to start his own newspaper, but the initial investment was huge. Besides, with the Konoha Hayate Newspaper already dominating the market, his paper would struggle to survive.

While Danzo was tangled in thought, Fenghuo finally returned to the newspaper office, only to be immediately swarmed by a crowd of eager businessmen.

To his left, a merchant whispered, "The young lord is so handsome."

To his right, another said, "He's truly refined."

Fenghuo, the fire-sealing dragon of the Uchiha clan, was clearly becoming a local celebrity.

"Are you all here to buy advertising space?" Fenghuo's voice held a trace of amusement.

"Hehe, yes, Lord Fenghuo. I want to buy the center spot on the front page!"

"We want that space for our barbecue restaurant!"

"That advertising space is ours!" a group of merchants began arguing heatedly.

Among them was a rotund man—the owner of a wine shop who had purchased a 10,000-ryō ad just days ago. His business had exploded in just three days, rivaling half a year's normal sales. Now, he planned to spend an extra 20,000 ryō to secure that prime advertising spot.

"That's thirty thousand ryō, little brother Fenghuo!" the wine shop owner boomed proudly, clutching his belly. "Don't worry—I won't take advantage of you this time."

Fenghuo wanted nothing more than to slap this man into next week.

"If you really won't take advantage, step forward. I promise to deal with you otherwise."

"I—I'll offer 50,000 ryō!" a nearby clothing merchant stammered, emboldened by the wine shop owner's bid.

"Fifty-two thousand ryō!"

"Fifty-three thousand!"

The bidding war escalated quickly, reaching over a million ryō total.

Fenghuo's anger flared. The distillery owner's funds were limited—how could he possibly compete with these wealthy businessmen?

The wine shop owner, noticing Fenghuo's gaze, suddenly retreated, squeezing back into the crowd.

After a long, fierce bidding battle, the price finally broke 65,000 ryō, and Fenghuo shouted to seal the deal.

"For the next issue, there are thirteen advertising slots, starting at 200,000 ryō each! The highest bidders take the spots!"

The merchants were stunned.

"Lord Fenghuo, you used to sell ads for 10,000 ryō—this is outrageous!"

"Even if you're a ninja, you can't just do this!"

"Boycott the Konoha Newspaper!"

"Let's pool resources and open our own paper. We can share costs early and save on advertising later."

They voiced their objections loudly, but all eyes flicked back to Fenghuo.

He smiled coldly. "Fine. Then go ahead—this village has plenty of merchants. I'm sure many will pay 200,000 ryō for advertising. Let's see where you get the money to open your own newspaper."

"Get out."

Fenghuo's tone brooked no argument.

The merchants exchanged uneasy looks. This young lord was no fool.

"Lord Fenghuo, don't be angry—we're just joking."

Fenghuo smiled innocently. "Thirteen slots, starting at 250,000 ryō each. I'm serious."

The barbecue shop owner hesitated, "But Lord Fenghuo—"

"Starting price is 300,000 ryō!" Fenghuo interrupted, still smiling.

Before the merchant could protest, his colleagues hurriedly gagged him with his own socks.

"Any problems?" Fenghuo blinked innocently.

"No, no problems."

"Then who'll pay 300,000 ryō?"

"I will!"

"Me too!"

Only a few could afford such a price without hesitation. In the end, seven slots sold for a total of 2.1 million ryō.

"Those who have paid may come to the back and discuss their slogans."

Fenghuo was pleased. The profits were impressive.

The remaining merchants watched anxiously, hoping for a price cut.

"Anyone else want to buy? No? Then scram!"

Fenghuo kicked out the remaining merchants one by one—especially the wine shop owner, who got three solid kicks.

The grudge was released.

When the news spread, some families rejoiced while others despaired.

Hiruzen Sarutobi and Sakumo Hatake sighed in relief. The Ikemoto family and others toasted to the success.

But Danzo was beside himself, his fury so intense he felt like his insides were breaking.

"No! This can't go on!"

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