Izuna * Systems

Hashirama succinctly reiterated the difficulties encountered in the previous discussion.

They yearn to transcend the old master-servant or employer-employee relationship and seek a new cooperative model that is more beneficial to both the Land of Fire and Konohagakure, and more sustainable and stable in the long run. However, due to the lack of precedent, a specific form has been difficult to develop.

After listening, Uchiha Izuna blinked and tilted his head as if confused.

He blurted it out almost without thinking.

"Huh? Isn't that simple? Special Administrative Region, or 'One Country, Two Systems' would also work?"

The young Daimyo was stunned.

Special Administrative Region? One Country, Two Systems? He recognized each character individually, but the meaning of these two words together was completely beyond his comprehension.

Not to mention his Daimyo, even Hashirama and Madara, who were standing nearby, cast questioning glances at him.

Izuna looked at the three blank faces and then realized that he had blurted out some knowledge from the corner of his past life's memories.

He stroked his chin, organized his thoughts, and decided to explain in a way that people of this era could understand.

"Ahem." He cleared his throat, leaned forward slightly, and began his impromptu speech, which combined his rudimentary knowledge of history and politics with the realities of the Ninja world.

"You see, Your Daimyo. The Land of Fire is a country under your rule, with clearly defined borders and a complete political, legal, tax, and military system. This is 'one country'."

"As for Konoha, we are essentially a highly autonomous, Ninja -centric special organization. We have our own internal management system, our own cultural heritage, and our own unique way of life and military protection. We are not entirely equivalent to your ordinary citizens or army, right?"

Daimyo nodded thoughtfully.

"Therefore, 'two systems' means that within the larger framework of the Land of Fire, Konoha is allowed to retain a high degree of autonomy over its own 'Ninja system.' Our internal affairs, such as Ninja promotions, mission assignments, adjudication of internal disputes, and the research and inheritance of Ninjutsu, will, in principle, not be interfered with as long as they do not harm the overall interests of the Land of Fire. We will manage them ourselves, which is equivalent to 'Konoha governing Konoha.'"

"And what about the 'Special Administrative Region'?" Daimyo pressed.

"Oh, so this is about implementing the 'two systems' principle on the ground," Izuna explained more specifically. "You can formally issue a decree designating our Konoha and a certain area of surrounding forest as the 'Konoha Special Administrative Region of the Land of Fire.'"

"Within this region, Konoha enjoys a high degree of autonomy, including administrative, legislative, judicial, and even certain tax autonomy. However, this autonomy and the rules it establishes must not conflict with the fundamental laws of the Land of Fire and its major national interests."

"Externally, the Konoha Special Administrative Region is an inseparable part of the Land of Fire, accepts your rule, and acknowledges you as its sovereign. We recognize and abide by the Land of Fire's sovereign rights in foreign affairs, defense, and other matters."

"When the Land of Fire faces major crises such as foreign invasion, Konoha, as Special Administrative Region, has an obligation to send troops to assist in its defense. This can be written into the cooperation agreement as the price and responsibility for our enjoyment of autonomy."

"At the same time, the Land of Fire's government retains necessary powers over the Konoha Special Administrative Region, such as supreme supervisory power and the final decision-making power over major matters involving national security."

"The 'Kage' of Konoha, as the highest-ranking official in the administrative district, can be elected internally, but formally requires your approval or appointment to demonstrate your authority and the legitimacy of the district."

As Izuna spoke, he became more and more fluent, almost recounting some of his superficial impressions of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region from his previous life's cramming-style education.

"In this way," he concluded, "Konoha is no longer an isolated and uncontrollable armed group for you, but a special territory formally incorporated into the national system and under your control."

"You have gained legal dominance, strong military support in critical moments, and a vibrant special zone that may bring new tax revenue and technological and cultural influence."

"For Konoha, we have gained the long-desired legitimate status and stable living space, with external security partially borne by the great tree of the Land of Fire. We can maintain the independence of the Ninja tradition and internal vitality to the greatest extent possible, developing and nurturing future generations in our own way."

"At the same time, this 'special zone' status is also a form of protection, preventing complete assimilation or becoming a mere tool. Our relationship with other regions of the Land of Fire is one of 'co-development under different systems,' not simply annexation or being annexed."

He concluded with a crucial statement. "The key to this model lies in 'seeking common ground while reserving differences, and achieving mutual benefit and win-win results.' We acknowledge a unified Land of Fire, but under this unity, Konoha is allowed to maintain its 'differences.'"

"As long as this 'difference' does not harm the 'sameness,' it can exist, and may even become an asset to the Land of Fire, rather than a threat, because of its uniqueness."

After Izuna finished speaking, the Reception Room fell into a deathly silence.

Although Hashirama was still a bit confused, seeing Izuna speaking so confidently reassured him. He felt that everything Izuna said must be beneficial to Konoha.

Madara glanced sideways, his eyes thoughtful as he looked at Izuna.

He was more perceptive than Hashirama in recognizing the independence implied in his brother's suggestion, but he remained silent and chose to observe the situation.

The astonishment on the young Daimyo's face slowly faded, replaced by solemnity and deep doubt.

As the core of the ruling class, he inherently possessed the aristocratic instinct to uphold order and centralized power.

Despite being presented with novel terms like "one country" and "Special Administrative Region," Izuna's words still made him uneasy.

Autonomous administration? Legislation? Judiciary?

Overall, it sounds somewhat similar to the previous loose employer-employee or subservient relationships, but isn't this a disguised "state within a state"?

The Daimyo spoke slowly, his tone cautious and his words as tactful as possible, after all, the other party had just delivered an unparalleled performance and was now an important collaborator.

"Izuna, I understand your and the people of Konoha's desire to preserve their uniqueness. Completely incorporating a powerful and culturally distinct group like Konoha into the existing political system will certainly encounter many obstacles, and I am also considering more flexible approaches."

He paused, his brow furrowing slightly. "However, 'autonomous legislative power'... Please forgive my bluntness, but this touches upon the very foundation of governance. The law is the cornerstone of a nation. If a region can enact its own laws, and these laws coexist with or even conflict with national laws, this could lead to disaster in the long run."

"What is the essential difference between this and enfeoffing feudal lords? History is replete with examples of powerful figures becoming too influential to control, even turning against the central government."

His concerns are reasonable, and one could even say they reflect the vigilance expected of a competent ruler.

Upon hearing this, Izuna did not immediately refute. Instead, she pursed her lips slightly, her delicate eyebrows arching in a slightly troubled manner, her fingertips gently tracing the rim of the teacup, as if she were seriously considering the question raised by the Daimyo.

However, he only had a short time to think.

Almost exactly a few seconds after Daimyo finished speaking, he suddenly raised his head, his business smile vanished, replaced by an almost naive frankness, his eyes clear yet inexplicably intimidating.

"Um... to be honest, Your Daimyo..."

He spoke in a calm tone, as if discussing the weather, but what he said was earth-shattering.

"As someone who hopes everyone can have a better life, I initially thought about simply becoming a 'king' myself."

"???"

The composure on Daimyo's face shattered instantly, and his pupils dilated in shock.

His attendant also drew his sword immediately. Although he knew he couldn't win, he knew that if the attendant wanted to threaten the Daimyo, he would have to step over the attendant's dead body first!

"!!!"

Hashirama and Madara also turned their heads sharply to look at Izuna, their faces filled with disbelief.

Hashirama nearly jumped out of his seat, while Madara tensed instantly, his Sharingan almost uncontrollably surfacing.

Brother, do you know what you're saying?! Telling the Daimyo of the Land of Fire that you want to be king?! Is that something you can say?!

The air in the Reception Room was still; you could hear a pin drop. Only the faint sounds of the theater din fading away outside the window reminded everyone of the passage of time.

Izuna, however, seemed oblivious to the three's intense reactions and continued speaking to himself, his tone still relaxed, even tinged with a hint of complaint.

"You see, governing a village, especially a Ninja village like ours, is actually quite troublesome. We have to feed everyone, balance the interests of each family, raise the next generation, develop new technologies, and guard against external enemies... It's not much different from governing a small country."

"So I thought, since it's already so troublesome, why not just be legitimate? I can be the 'king' myself, set my own rules, guard my own territory, and nobody can interfere. How peaceful would that be?"

He shrugged, giving off a "that idea makes perfect sense" look.

Daimyo's face had turned somewhat pale, and his hands unconsciously gripped the armrests of his seat.

Hashirama was sweating profusely, wanting to speak up to smooth things over but unsure what to say.

Madara's gaze was fixed on Izuna, both shocked and confused. He couldn't believe his brother would be so reckless, but these words...

"But then," Izuna abruptly changed his tone, his expression returning to its shrewd, mischievous look, "After thinking about it carefully, I realized that being a 'king' is too unfair and too tiring."

"Huh?" Hashirama uttered a short, abrupt sound instinctively.

Izuna looked at the Daimyo and counted on his fingers. "You see, if you really want to be a 'king,' even the king of a small country, there are so many things to worry about."

"How to collect taxes, how to adjudicate civil disputes, how to conduct diplomacy with other countries, how to deal with natural disasters and man-made calamities... what do we Ninjas know about all this messy politics?"

"Our forte is still fighting, completing missions, and tinkering with gadgets... well, now we might have to add acting to it too."

He curled his lip, looking rather disdainful. "Asking us to manage farming harvests, business disputes, bridge and road construction? That's like forcing ducks onto a perch, it's just adding to the chaos!"

"I reckon public discontent will boil over within two years, and we'll ruin ourselves. It's too exhausting, I'm quitting."

"And."

"Becoming 'king' is too ambitious."

"Today this neighbor doesn't like you, tomorrow that big country feels you're a threat. You're constantly on edge, and you can't even sleep peacefully."

"We Ninjas aren't afraid of fighting, but we don't want to fight Tenten. It's bad if we damage the flowers and plants and frighten the children."

"So I gave up on that unrealistic idea," Izuna concluded, his tone light. "It's better as it is now, with a professional like you, the Daimyo, in charge of those troublesome matters of governance."

"We in Konoha focus on what we do best: protecting our people, taking on missions, researching Ninjutsu, and now we can even act and create art."

"The 'Special Administrative Region' concept we proposed is actually intended to clarify this division of labor and solidify it through regulations."

"We relinquished our unrealistic ambitions as 'kings' and all the power to govern, in exchange for a 'high degree of autonomy' to manage our internal affairs on our own territory in the way we are accustomed to."

"At the same time, we explicitly acknowledge your supreme authority, pledge to fight for you in critical moments, and adhere to the fundamental premise of not jeopardizing the fundamental interests of the Land of Fire."

After saying this, Izuna picked up the half-cooled teacup again and slowly sipped it, as if his previous remarks, which had been enough to stir up a storm, were just casual remarks.

The Reception Room fell into an even deeper silence, the air so thick it seemed almost dripping with moisture.

The young Daimyo's face drained of color, then slowly returned, but the last vestige of his aristocratic air crumbled in his heart.

His expression was one of indescribable complexity.

His previous suspicions were correct; Konoha did indeed have, or rather, once had, the idea of "overthrowing superiors" like the Taira.

Even the Taira needed to rely on the imperial power and the strength of the samurai clans to rise to power, but Konoha... they themselves were a collection of military forces capable of ending an era.

Especially Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha, they were truly human-shaped natural disasters.

Izuna's casual remark about "wanting to be king" was not just empty threats, but likely an option that had actually been considered.

Even now, such voices and forces probably still exist within Konoha.

If he rejects Izuna's "Special Administrative Region" proposal at this moment and refuses to make the maximum concessions, then the "Retired Emperor Go-Shirakawa" on the stage, that tragic monarch who was sidelined by the Taira clan, wavering between the Genpei clans for survival, and ultimately failed to truly control the situation, would probably be a reflection of his own future.

Even worse.

Because what Ninjas possess is a decisive individual power that allows them to disregard certain common sense and rules.

If they are truly determined to rebel, even if there is widespread public resentment in the short term, their terrifying military force will be enough to forcibly suppress all dissenting voices and establish a new order in which Ninjas are revered.

There have been similar examples in history of people becoming powerful through force.

So why is Izuna still sitting here, discussing "Special Administrative Regions " and "One Country, Two Systems" with him in such a reserved manner?

The Daimyo looked at the seemingly harmless Uchiha boy holding a teacup, then glanced at the silent Hashirama and Madara beside him.

The reasons Izuna gave—that "being a king is too tiring," "he doesn't know how to govern," and "he's too ambitious and attracts unwanted attention"—are actually not insurmountable obstacles in the face of absolute power.

With Hashirama and Madara's Strength, who on the continent would dare to easily come and provoke them?

Governing a country is troublesome? You can learn it slowly, or simply continue with the old system and use it only as the highest deterrent.

Public resentment? It may well be gradually quelled by absolute force and the initial impact of the new order.

The only explanation for what they didn't do, besides what Izuna had casually mentioned before—his statement, "I hope everyone can live a better life."

On stage, he used a play to overturn the world's impression of Ninjas as cold and bloodthirsty, giving Ninjas the joys and sorrows and dignity that could be seen.

Offstage, in this Meeting Room where the future would be decided, he seemed to be baring his fangs with unbridled arrogance, yet he always adhered to a bottom line.

That is, they did not truly consider "overthrowing by force" as their first choice.

He maintained the utmost "respect" for the identity of "Daimyo".

It's not about him, but about respect for this representative who embodies order, stability, and the livelihoods of countless ordinary people.

This sober restraint, this sincerity of choosing to sit down and negotiate when one has the power to overturn the table, is more unsettling to the Daimyo than any display of force.

"Besides, the village has been rebuilt, and everyone has finally been able to live in peace. Who really wants to start another war?" Izuna put down his teacup and said helplessly, "War always results in death. Who wants to risk their life when they can live a good life?"

He raised his eyes to look at the silent Daimyo, his gaze clear yet seemingly able to pierce through time. "Besides, who can predict the future?"

His lips curved into a very faint, almost imperceptible smile, and his voice was soft yet carried an indescribable weight.

"Perhaps in the distant future, when the world has truly changed and people's hearts are more open... our descendants of Ninjas, through their own abilities and contributions, might actually be able to rise to a higher position, or even become 'kings' in some way? What do you say, Your Daimyo?"

These words were more meaningful than his previous blunt statement that he "wanted to be king," and even carried a prophetic certainty.

It was as if he had traveled through time and actually witnessed that scene.

It posed no threat, yet it instilled in the Daimyo a chilling sense of destiny more profound than any other threat.

Yes, history moves forward, and the old order is not necessarily eternal. The age of Ninjas is indeed slowly beginning in a way that he cannot stop; the only difference is in what form and when.

The young Daimyo closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and slowly exhaled.

When he opened his eyes again, the complex emotions of surprise, anger, and humiliation had subsided, leaving only a calm acceptance of reality and the decision that a ruler must make.

He understood that he had no other choice.

Izuna may have presented an option, but in reality, from the moment he uttered the phrase "Special Administrative Region," this became the only path forward.

Refusal would mean pushing Konoha to the opposite side completely, and could even immediately trigger an unpredictable disaster.

Accepting the status of Konoha as a "country within a country" requires making huge concessions, but at least it preserves the nominal supreme ruling power, maintains the current peace and integrity of the Land of Fire, and leaves room for future cooperation and mutual shaping.

Uchiha Izuna, what a terrifying person.

The Daimyo sang in his heart once more.

"I understand," the Daimyo replied. "'The Konoha Special Administrative Region of the Land of Fire'... This idea, while unprecedented, upon closer examination, may indeed be the most feasible path for both sides at present. We can use this as a basis for more specific discussions."

He paused, then looked at Izuna with a complex expression. "Izuna, your foresight is truly admirable."

Upon hearing Hashirama, Hashirama breathed a huge sigh of relief, a relieved smile spreading across his face. He patted his chest and exclaimed, "Great! I knew Izuna had a way!"

Ban nodded almost imperceptibly, his tense shoulders relaxing.

However, just when Hashirama and Madara thought they were about to enter a heated discussion phase of detailed negotiations...

"Oh, that's great!"

Izuna suddenly stood up, his face regaining its slightly tired, Dead-Fish Eyes expression. He rubbed his temples and yawned slightly. "The idea is done, the framework is set, the specific details... you can discuss them slowly? Can I go now? I'm exhausted, I need to go back and rest for a while, I have to pack my bags and go back to the village tomorrow."

As he spoke, he actually turned around and started to walk towards the door.

"???"

Daimyo's composure crumbled instantly. Wait, what's going on? He just presented such a groundbreaking idea, completely setting the direction for the negotiations, and you... you're just going to pack up and leave?

Hashirama and Madara were also dumbfounded.

Hashirama quickly called out, "Hey! Izuna! Wait! We haven't finished yet! How exactly do we do it?"

Madara stood up and grabbed his younger brother's arm. "Izuna, explain yourself before you leave."

Izuna was pulled back by Madara, forced to stop, and turned around, his face showing confusion and impatience.

He said matter-of-factly, "No, I'm only good at outlining the big picture and coming up with ideas! As for the specific details, like how to set tax rates, how to demarcate borders, how many supervisory officials to appoint and what their authority is, dispute resolution procedures... how would I know about those things?!"

His tone even carried a hint of grievance and agitation. "Don't ask me about such troublesome and trivial matters! I don't know!"

"This kind of haggling, nitpicking, and bargaining is Tobirama to do! Or at the very least, Hashirama and Big Brother, you can do it yourselves!"

Izuna shook his arm, trying to break free from Madara's grip, but failed. He could only continue to complain, "I'm just an artist! At most, I do some strategic planning on the side! Don't bother me with the execution! I'm going back to sleep! I have to travel tomorrow!"

An eerie silence fell over the Reception Room once again.

Only Izuna's complaints echoed.

The young Daimyo's lips twitched uncontrollably as he watched the scene unfold before him.

He suddenly realized that his previous impression of Uchiha Izuna as a cunning, calculating, and terrifying figure...

That might not be entirely accurate.

That said, are these three guys really high-level decision-makers in Konoha?! One is a mushroom, one is obviously a martial arts enthusiast, and the other is a genius who only talks the talk but doesn't walk the walk.

Tobirama is reliable, but he's the only reliable one, right?!

Hashirama looked at the chaotic scene and chuckled dryly.

"Um... Daimyo Excellency, how about... we sign a letter of intent to Contract general terms first? As for the specific details... let's discuss them internally in Konoha first, and then send someone to coordinate with you?"

Hashirama tried his best to salvage the situation, and he had already decided that when he got back, he would drag Tobirama out of who-knows-where, and gather all the scheming old guys from the various clans for a meeting!

Upon hearing this, Madara released Izuna's hand and nodded. "Then that's settled. Does the Daimyo have any objections?"

Daimyo smiled, "... No."

As soon as Izuna saw Madara let go, he darted to the door like a slippery fish, turned around and waved to the three people inside, his face once again displaying that impeccable business smile.

"That's settled then! Daimyo, Hashirama, and Big Brother, you two take your time chatting! Good luck!"

After saying that, without waiting for anyone to react, he opened the door, and in a flash, disappeared at the end of the corridor.

Only the three people remained in the Reception Room, speechless.