Three days.
It had taken just three days for Konoha's first issue of Special Bonds to go from a published draft to fully raised funds.
The target had been one billion ryo. Total subscriptions had exceeded 1.2 billion.
In the Hokage's Office, Logistics Minister Morita had finished reporting the final figure, but the excitement on his face had yet to fade. He looked at Baishi, seated behind the desk, as though he were looking at a god walking among mortals.
A financial crisis that could have brought Konoha's war machine to a complete halt had been resolved.
No, resolved wasn't the right word.
By a cleverer, more decisive means, the crisis had been turned into an opportunity.
"Good."
Baishi's reaction was subdued. He merely nodded, then turned to Chief of General Staff Shikaku Nara.
"Shikaku, take charge of the bond repayments, with the Finance Department assisting you. Keep the accounts clear and the process transparent. There can't be the slightest stain on Konoha's credit."
"Yes, Lord Hokage," Shikaku Nara replied.
As he looked at Baishi, his initial shock settled into a deeper appraisal.
The young Hokage had not only solved the money problem. More importantly, he had used that money to bind the Uchiha, the Hyuga, and every faction in the village, large and small, firmly to his cause.
From now on, Konoha's fortunes would be their fortunes.
Baishi's triumphs and disgrace would be theirs as well.
It was a move made in plain sight, one everyone understood yet had little choice but to follow.
"The Defense Department can issue the back pay now. Tell the people under you that Konoha won't shortchange a single ninja who bleeds for the village." Baishi turned to Defense Minister Takahashi.
"Yes!" Takahashi nodded hard, his voice ringing out.
The ministers took their orders