Kazekage Ninja: The Rise of the Hidden Sand

"Let's put the assassination plan on hold for now. We're not at that stage yet."

Hiruzen Sarutobi gently closed the folder containing Danzō's proposal, his tone calm and measured.

Surprisingly, Danzō didn't argue. He simply nodded. "Assassination is only a last resort. I believe we should focus on the economic front. According to ANBU intel, ever since the riot at Sumu Iron Mine, Amegakure hasn't sold a single ton of iron ore—they're just burning through their reserves. I think it's time to ramp up the pressure. It won't be long before we force them to yield."

"No objections here. I've always advocated for bloodless victories. To subdue the enemy without fighting—that's the highest art of war. You've made real progress in this area, and I'm genuinely pleased."

Hiruzen Sarutobi adopted the air of a teacher instructing a student, but Danzō didn't seem to mind in the slightest. He simply bowed in acknowledgment.

"Thank you for your praise. But to seize this opportunity, I'll need your support."

"We're both working for the village. There's no need to talk about favors. Just say what you need—if it's within my power, I'll do everything I can to help."

Hiruzen Sarutobi was visibly pleased with Danzō's respectful attitude, responding with unusual magnanimity.

"The iron ore market is enormous. With our current investment, we can't fully control the board. The slightest disturbance could make us lose our grip, and all our efforts would go to waste."

Ah, so that's why he's so agreeable today—he's here for money. Hiruzen Sarutobi immediately saw through Danzō's intentions. Still, he'd already spoken, and Amegakure's strategic position was indeed critical. If it took some cash, so be it.

"Alright, tell me what you need."

"I need access to all of Konoha's iron ore reserves—and at least three billion ryō in cash."

Whoa, now! You've got some nerve, Danzō—three billion! With that kind of money, I could motivate our troops to conquer Amegakure twice over.

Hiruzen Sarutobi was stunned internally, but his face remained composed.

"The iron ore reserves are fine. Aside from the 500,000 tons we keep in storage, you can use the rest. But as for cash—you know the situation on the Fire-Lightning border is tense, and we need a huge military budget. The village simply can't spare that much. One billion—that's the absolute limit of Konoha's finances right now."

Even if we had more, I wouldn't let you squander it. Three billion? That's two World Ninja Tournaments' worth of revenue. With that much, are you planning to take Amegakure or take over Konoha itself?

"I understand the village's finances are tight, but one billion just isn't enough. I hope you'll introduce me to the Fire Eight Pillars Merchant Association. With their financial muscle, there won't be a problem."

"Oh, I see…"

Hiruzen Sarutobi fell silent, thinking.

The Fire Eight Pillars Merchant Association was a commercial alliance formed by eight of the Fire Country's wealthiest merchant families. They monopolized the eight pillar industries—silk, salt, ironware, cotton, grain, tobacco, tea, and transport. Each family was rich enough to rival nations. Any one of them could have matched Hirai Kangsaburo ten years ago; even now, four of them together could stand toe-to-toe with him.

As the Fire Country's largest military force, Konoha naturally had close ties with the Fire Eight Pillars. If Hiruzen Sarutobi made the request, the merchant lords would surely oblige. Three billion was pocket change to them.

But… was it worth it?

Using my Hokage reputation to boost Danzō's standing?

"If you can make this happen, Hokage-sama, the credit is yours and the benefit is for the village," Danzō said, bowing deeply.

Huh? Has he finally figured things out?

Danzō almost never called Hiruzen Sarutobi "Hokage-sama," whether in public or private. He always relied on being his peer, keeping a cold face and acting high and mighty. But today, his attitude and words hinted at real deference.

Alright, just for today's change of heart, I'll do you this favor.

"Fine. Tomorrow, I'll introduce you to the heads of the Fire Eight Pillars…"

————————————————

A true man bends and stretches as needed. If I can use this chance to take down Amegakure and connect with the Fire Eight Pillars, what's a little bowing? When I have both people and money, who knows who'll really be calling the shots in Konoha?

Danzō encouraged himself quietly as he made his way back to his ANBU office.

"Sir, there's been a development!"

A masked ANBU with a bird-head mask reported to Danzō.

"What is it?" Danzō asked.

"All the iron ore we released to the market has been snapped up."

"…Hmm?"

Danzō froze for a moment.

"What's the current market price for iron ore?"

"It's stabilized at around 315 ryō per ton, with signs it might rebound."

"Can you trace who's buying?"

"It's scattered—buyers from every nation."

"Who's the biggest buyer?"

"The Hirai Kang merchant house from the Wind Country."

Danzō pondered for a moment.

"No surprise there. Everyone knows Hirai Kangsaburo is close with Third Kazekage Jinghang. Sunagakure is gearing up for war—their demand for iron is sky-high. Looks like every country needs iron ore. Trying to control this market won't be easy."

"Exactly, sir. We've nearly exhausted our own inventory. What now? Do we keep crashing the market?"

"Of course! Here, take this."

Danzō pulled a piece of paper from his cloak—Hiruzen Sarutobi's written order.

The ANBU took it respectfully and read:

Authorization for ANBU Commander Shimura Danzō to utilize all of Konoha's iron ore reserves. All relevant personnel are to cooperate fully.

Signed,

Hiruzen Sarutobi

"Over the next thirty days, sell off all remaining reserves. I refuse to believe we can't force the price down," Danzō ordered.

"Yes, sir! And after thirty days?"

"After that, new players will join the game."

"Yes!"

"Arrange everything. Tomorrow I'm meeting with the eight heads of the Fire Eight Pillars Merchant Association. Make sure the venue is elegant and high-end. ANBU will cover the expenses—don't be stingy."

"Understood. I'll handle it right away."

The ANBU turned and left.

Danzō stroked his chin.

"I've still got a billion in Konoha's funds. Why not take this chance to make a little extra? Pad my own pockets while I'm at it…"

—————————————————

"If my advisors' calculations are right, Konoha's about to launch a second round of market crashes," Hirai Kangsaburo said, his tone serious.

"When?" Jinghang asked.

"In about a month—two at most."

"Where's the bottom?"

"Hard to say. Depends on the Fire Eight Pillars' stance. If they don't join in, Konoha can't pull it off."

"So when do we make our move?"

"No rush. Buying tree tips is all about waiting for your opponent to play their hand. We'll wait until they've laid all their cards on the table. For now, stop all purchases and bide our time."

Hirai Kangsaburo's expression was grave, like a general commanding an army of thousands.

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