Good evening, Lord Hokage

"So you're planning to give Konoha money?"

Mitokado Homura said sarcastically.

As a ninja who came from Hashirama Senju's era, he was like an old Englishman after World War II, having bathed in the glory of the empire on which the sun never set, yet he could only watch as a new empire rose over his corpse.

Although Konoha wasn't that tragic and remained the undisputed number one ninja village in the ninja world, it was no longer the overlord of the ninja world like when Hashirama was alive, and other ninja villages no longer feared Konoha as they did then.

The huge disparity made elders like Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu unable to accept it, leading to a growing estrangement from the once close Hiruzen Sarutobi, and instead, they became closely associated with the hawk faction, Danzo.

Seeing a Sunagakure spy sitting openly in the Hokage's office drinking tea at this moment, it would be a miracle if they felt good.

Only they themselves knew if this hostility was solely directed at Hoshino Maki.

"Of course!"

Hoshino Maki's demeanor, as if it were obvious, left Mitokado Homura momentarily speechless.

"If the cake isn't big enough, we'll make it bigger. Besides the Land of Fire, the wealthiest country is the Land of Lightning. As long as we..."

"Enough!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi, who had been silent until now, suddenly interrupted Hoshino Maki. His gaze, like a sharp sword, fixed on Hoshino Maki, as if he had seen through everything. In his somewhat hoarse, smoky voice, he said, "I know what you're scheming. Konoha will never take any action that could damage the relationship between the two countries. Kid, I know you're a bit clever, but don't treat others as fools, especially Konoha ninjas."

Hoshino Maki lowered his gaze, as if muttering to himself, "I'm curious, Kumogakure has been expanding its military might all these years, constantly plundering ninja tools and secret techniques from other villages. Who are their hypothetical enemies? Is it Kirigakure, trapped in the Blood Mist Village, or Sunagakure in the desert, or perhaps Iwagakure across the vast ocean?"

"If Cloud Ninja were to invade the Land of Rice or the Land of Hot Springs, what would Konoha do? Help or not? If not, is Konoha prepared to be neighbors with the Land of Lightning?"

"Honestly, I have no confidence in Konoha, especially seeing Konoha's current state. The ninjas outside are fighting desperately, while Konoha is like a paradise, lacking any sense of crisis. I'm truly afraid that after Cloud Ninja destroys Konoha, they'll turn around and attack Sunagakure."

Swish--!

A kunai pierced the coffee table in front of Hoshino Maki, interrupting his words.

Although the handle of the kunai was slightly shaking, Hoshino Maki could still clearly see the four characters 'Sword of Ninja Love' inscribed on it.

"Konoha will not be destroyed."

The voice was not loud but firm.

Hoshino Maki's pupils contracted. He hadn't seen the other party's movement just now. When he noticed, the other party still had his arms crossed, as if he had done nothing.

Was this the Fourth Hokage, the Yellow Flash?

Hoshino Maki lowered his eyes, a hint of coldness flashing in his gaze.

Minato's display greatly relieved Hiruzen Sarutobi. He laughed twice and said, "In this village, there are many excellent ninjas willing to dedicate everything to the village. Under the illumination of the Will of Fire, they can overthrow any enemy who provokes Konoha. Konoha's history will surely continue. Do you understand, Hoshino Maki? This is Konoha's foundation."

Hoshino Maki didn't reply immediately. Instead, he silently drew the Sword of Ninja Love stuck in the table in front of him and examined it carefully. After a long while, he said softly, "I don't deny the excellence of Konoha ninjas, but excellent people often need more space and resources. May I ask, Lord Hokage, how will you allocate them to satisfy everyone?"

"After all, there's only one Hokage position~"

The air seemed to freeze with Hoshino Maki's words.

The Third Kazekage was old, and the selection of the Fourth Kazekage was expected within these few years. This was common knowledge within Konoha.

But Jiraiya and Tsunade both avoided the position of Hokage like the plague. Orochimaru was interested, but Hiruzen Sarutobi favored Jiraiya's disciple, Minato Namikaze, more.

However, Hiruzen Sarutobi's favor alone was not enough to guarantee Minato Namikaze's succession without a doubt. Who wouldn't want to contend for the Hokage's throne if possible?

Except for the Ino-Shika-Cho clan, which was deeply tied to the Sarutobi family, the clan heads of other families, and powerful elite jonin, everyone wanted to try. If they succeeded, they would soar to the heavens!

Hiruzen's gaze swept over Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, who were looking down in silence, and Danzo, who had a poker face. He sighed inwardly.

Even someone from Sunagakure knew about this?

Hiruzen steadied himself. Internal village matters could be discussed later; the external interference needed to be eliminated first.

"Hoshino Maki, you've been in Konoha for quite some time. You should return tomorrow."

"Yes, Lord Hokage. Thank you for your care."

Hoshino Maki didn't say much more. He leisurely got up, bowed slowly to the Third Kazekage, and then opened the gate. A ninja from the Inuzuka Family was already waiting outside.

Only a few of them remained in the room. Koharu suddenly spoke, "Hiruzen, I think we could have listened to him finish."

"Koharu, I know what you want to say, but the land beneath our feet is the best among all ninja villages. Our ninjas are full of geniuses. Although there are some frictions among the great clans, they can all exercise restraint. Everything is developing in a good direction. We don't need to fight desperately like them. As long as we protect this land, the children in the village can have a bright and stable future."

"Those who feel their lives aren't good enough should go and see the surrounding ninja villages. They'll know what happiness is."

"Koharu, Homura, Danzo, we've all experienced two Ninja World Wars. Once war breaks out, anything is possible. The village that Lord Tobirama entrusted to us must not be ruined in our hands."

"Do you understand?"

Hiruzen's words silenced Koharu like a machine gun. Koharu's expression was grim, but she didn't say much more, only got up and took her leave.

Watching the backs of the three former close companions and trusted aides, who now felt incredibly distant, Hiruzen sighed softly.

"Minato, why don't they understand my good intentions?"

"I heard..." Minato hesitated, then continued, "I heard Elder Koharu's grandson lost a lot of money in gambling, and Elder Homura's family had a batch of important goods seized in the Land of Lightning."

Hiruzen remained silent for a moment, but said nothing.

The moon is benevolent; it does not begrudge its moonlight because Sunagakure is poor, nor does it shine brighter than daylight because Konoha is rich.

Tonight, dark clouds gathered.

Root's base had also disappeared into the darkness at this time, just as intended. As Konoha's shadow, it was deeply embedded in the darkness.

Only one small room was lit by a faint candlelight. It had no luxurious decorations, no different from an ordinary ninja's home. Who would have thought this was the office of Danzo, the controller of Root?

Danzo was alone in the room, quietly watching the candlelight, motionless like a stone Buddha.

"Lord, the person has been brought."

The door was pushed open, and Hoshino Maki bowed to Danzo with a smile.

"Good evening, Lord Hokage."