Flexible Moral Bottom Line!

The night.

The palace was brightly lit, and delicious dishes were laid out before Uchiha Nan. The table was full, and there was another table as well.

The main focus was on extravagance.

Of course, there were also considerations for the Daimyo's safety. The Daimyo was an ordinary person, not a ninja. He only took one or two bites of each dish. Even if a ninja from an enemy village poisoned a dish, the Daimyo might not eat it unless he was extremely unlucky.

"Let the music play!"

A plump attendant clapped his hands, and the orchestra surrounding them began to play music. It was unclear what tune they were playing, but it sounded alright.

As the music and dancing began, rows of young girls in revealing outfits entered the palace. It was truly a scene of revelry and peace, as if nothing was wrong in the world.

If this were ancient times, a Daimyo who indulged in such decadence would either be the ruler of a fallen kingdom or close to it.

Huh? Huh? Huh?

Daimyo, why are you dancing along!

After getting tired from dancing, the Daimyo, who had become quite animated, skillfully embraced two beauties and sat back down in his chair.

"H

"Hokage, you jest."

The Daimyo forced a smile, his face stretched taut, and waved his hand.

The noisy music immediately ceased. Everyone else, a motley crew, wisely withdrew. The two important figures were about to discuss serious matters.

"Do you know that Konoha's budget is the largest in the entire Shinobi world? The Land of Fire has had a difficult time these past few years, with constant natural and man-made disasters, making it harder to collect taxes each year."

"Do you know why Sunagakure has been so well-behaved for so long after being defeated by Konoha?"

Uchiha Nan shook his head. During the First Shinobi World War, Sunagakure was the first to withdraw. Uchiha Nan hadn't really cared about the specific reasons; back then, he was focused on improving his strength and busy killing people on the battlefield.

"The Daimyo of the Land of Wind cut Sunagakure's budget by more than half."

Uchiha Nan was taken aback. He hadn't expected the Daimyo of the Land of Wind to be so ruthless, daring to withhold so much of a ninja village's funds.

Although the entire Shinobi world promoted the Ninja Tool Theory, stating that ninja were people who had to learn to endure, ninja were still human, after all.

They were flesh-and-blood individuals, not to mention that each of these ninja were skilled killers.

"This is just asking for troub—"

Uchiha Nan didn't continue. Following the Daimyo of the Land of Wind was truly terrible luck, to the point of cutting the very money that bought ninja their lives.

Uchiha Nan knew exactly how much it cost to become an excellent ninja; he had spent a lot of money on himself.

His own ninja sword alone cost hundreds of thousands of Ryo, not to mention the secret medicines for training, ninja tools, and various other expenses.

For ordinary ninja, every bit of funding spent on them would translate into combat power.

"But what does that matter? The Land of Wind is so poor that all it has left is sand. If they don't cut Sunagakure's budget, even ordinary people won't be able to survive."

"If there are no ordinary people there to sacrifice themselves, who will support you ninja?"

The Daimyo picked up where Uchiha Nan left off, sneering repeatedly. He had made his stance clear regarding Uchiha Nan's exorbitant demands.

Sunagakure's budget had already been cut, while Konoha's budget had actually increased compared to previous years. They should be content.

Still want more money?

Sorry, not a single Ryo!

"35 Billion Ryo!"

Uchiha Nan decided to compromise. After all, the person in front of him was Konoha's major benefactor, the client. He had to show some respect.

The Daimyo remained silent. With no other option, Uchiha Nan continued to lower his offer.

"34 Billion Ryo!"

"33 Billion Ryo!"

"32 Billion Ryo!"

After three consecutive attempts, Uchiha Nan's expression had soured considerably. I'm giving you face, and you're not giving me face?

Then I'm going to lose my temper and start killing!