Crimson Winds Of Konoha

That night, Danzo was so furious he couldn't sleep. He stormed aggressively to the Hokage's office to confront Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"Hiruzen, I strongly suggest canceling the Konoha Newspaper. Its existence seriously endangers the interests of countless merchants in the village!"

Hiruzen, calm and composed, smiled faintly. He suspected that the recent advertising success had finally gotten under Danzo's skin.

"Danzo, I don't quite understand what you mean," Hiruzen said lightly.

Danzo snorted coldly. "I just received a report that Uchiha Fenghuo—some brat—is using the newspaper's advertisements as a pretext to extort merchants. He's nothing but a ninja scoundrel! As long as this paper exists, merchants will be blackmailed daily. If this continues, soon there won't be a single honest merchant left in the village."

Hiruzen puffed on his pipe, inwardly amused. Jealous of the advertising fees, no doubt. He thought, So shameless. How did I not realize this before?

"If extortion is truly happening, it should be handled by the police force," Hiruzen said with a smirk. "Danzo, you're being too harsh. Besides, from what I hear, merchants voluntarily gather to purchase advertisements. That suggests it's mutually beneficial—how could that be extortion?"

Without letting Danzo reply, Hiruzen continued, "The newspaper office is very important to the villagers. Almost every issue sells out within a day—that shows people still value the newspaper greatly."

Danzo clenched his teeth, scowling. "If it's so important, then put the newspaper office under the Ministry of Finance, and have all advertising revenue paid directly to the Finance Department!"

"That's unacceptable. The newspaper is private. What's the difference between that and outright robbery? If we start doing that, will every successful business be handed over to the Ministry of Finance? Danzo, remember—it was you who insisted the newspaper be privatized," Hiruzen said earnestly before softening his tone.

Danzo's face flushed a strange mix of colors—blue, white, green, then black.

Hiruzen, watching him through the haze of pipe smoke and moonlight, found the expression quite entertaining.

Through gritted teeth, Danzo said, "Then, for the sake of the village, I propose increasing the newspaper's tax rate! Hiruzen, this benefits all ninjas—you won't refuse, will you?"

Hiruzen smiled. "Only the newspaper? Would that be fair? From what I understand, several gambling dens in the village earn many times more than the newspaper. Shouldn't their tax rates be raised as well?"

Danzo's excitement grew.

No matter the era, those who can afford to run gambling dens are connected to the upper class. The powers-that-be tolerate them for a reason. In fact, some of the gambling dens in Konoha have ties to Danzo himself. Wealthy families like the Hyuga and Uchiha have shares in these establishments. Raising their taxes would be a direct challenge to several powerful clans simultaneously. Danzo was eager to see the outcome but wary of rumors that he was behind it.

"So, Hiruzen, it seems you've made your decision," Danzo said with a deep breath, relieved.

Hiruzen puffed on his pipe and smiled.

His original intention for the newspaper was to control public opinion in the village and prevent it from being manipulated by sinister forces. But he never expected it would become such a lucrative enterprise.

Beautiful.

After Danzo left, representatives from the Ino, Inuzuka, and Yamanaka clans approached Hiruzen. They hoped to convert their loans to the newspaper into shares, freeing them from repayment while securing dividends.

Hiruzen considered this. The initial investment in the newspaper wasn't as large as that of these clans. If they received dividends, Hiruzen himself would get the lion's share.

However, he had to be cautious of Shikamaru Nara, who was president of the newspaper. And Fenghuo… he was still young. If he took too much, it might jeopardize his future. Maybe it was better to save some profits for him.

Hiruzen worried as he took a few thoughtful puffs from his pipe.

Later that night, Hiruzen summoned Sakumo Hatake, who rarely missed work, and together they visited the Konoha News office.

The newspaper office, located beside the Ninja Academy, was a spacious two-story building.

Inside, several editors were finalizing the layout. When they saw the Hokage arrive in person, they eagerly gathered to flatter him.

Fenghuo's nose twitched with anger at their obvious eagerness for profit.

Hiruzen chatted with the editors for a moment before taking Fenghuo's hand and leading him to his office.

"Fenghuo, the advertising business is doing remarkably well!" Hiruzen praised warmly.

Fenghuo chuckled dryly.

Sakumo, having learned Fenghuo's advertising budget this month, asked bluntly, "Fenghuo, how much did you spend on this advertising auction?"

Fenghuo's face twisted in mock despair. "Oh, it's a tragedy! The world's gone downhill. People are crossing rivers and burning bridges, all for profit. Ungrateful!"

Hiruzen's smile froze instantly.

"Ahem, calm down, don't talk nonsense," Sakumo said, embarrassed.

Hiruzen thought, This kid's no fool. He cleared his throat and then explained the requests of the Ino, Yamanaka, and other families—their demands were reasonable, and their contributions to the newspaper significant.

Selfless, he thought sarcastically. Selfless? Then why expect anything in return?

But Fenghuo knew such compromises were inevitable. As part of the Hokage family's interests, it was safer to empower the major clans supporting the Hokage.

Besides, Fenghuo was alone. All his debts had been paid with public funds, so he had little reason to complain.

After final negotiations, it was agreed that the Ino, Yamanaka, and Inuzuka clans each would hold 10% shares of the newspaper. The remaining profits would cover operational costs.

Content, Hiruzen left with Sakumo.

Fenghuo lingered in a dark corner of the office, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. He resolved to be more cautious with public funds going forward.

Back home—at course, Xihi's house—Fenghuo found Yuhihong waiting with her lips pursed.

"Fenghuo, you're back," she said, running over with a sweet smile like a wife welcoming her husband.

"Yeah. What's up? Are you still awake?" Fenghuo asked, noting how their relationship seemed to grow more intense by the day.

Yuhihong pouted. "Tomorrow is the graduation exam."

Fenghuo blinked. He had been so busy managing the newspaper for over a month, he'd completely forgotten.

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