The Daimyo Mansion had always been the heart of every nation.
Only Konoha Hidden Village was an exception. In just a few short years, it had developed into a vibrant new heart.
This newly consolidated force had filled the nobles and powerful families of every nation with deep-rooted fear.
The ninja, who had always been controlled by money, had gone out of control.
"General!"
Inside the luxurious residence, the richly dressed man clenched the newspaper in his hand and spoke in a resentful, low voice to the figure standing beside the wooden railing.
When he received no response, his tone grew urgent. "The Tailed Beast auction has already surpassed ten billion ryo! If that money falls into the hands of Konoha's ninja, I don't even dare imagine what might happen in the future."
The man's gaze passed through the layers of mist within Daimyo City and settled on the faintly visible Tenshukaku, like a realm of immortals.
This elegantly colored building symbolized supreme authority in the eyes of the world, yet to him, it was a silent shrine.
"Look at yourself. Do you resemble the vice-captain of the Daimyo's personal guard in the slightest?" He turned around and lightly rebuked his flustered subordinate.
"But the Land of Water is too far from Konoha, and the date on this newspaper was already two days ago."
"..."
The general gave him a rather troubled look. He had not expected young nobles nowadays to learn about Konoha's situation through newspapers.
Still, he could not blame him. The various reports published in the Konoha Daily were simply too detailed and accurate.
Once people accustomed to fine clothes and lavish food grew used to such an intelligence service, it was difficult for them to change.
"Even if Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara were joining forces