But this was between Jingyi and Pakura. Shikaku Nara would not meddle.
After Jingyi roughly explained what had happened last night, Shikaku Nara wore an expression that said he was utterly convinced.
Deeply shocked, he silently raised a hand and gave Jingyi a thumbs-up.
It had to be you.
You had the Hokage completely pinned down.
A dilemma like this would probably keep the Hokage awake for several nights.
Was this deliberately causing trouble, or was it genuinely a suggestion?
Shikaku Nara felt it was both.
Jingyi's suggestion seemed deceptively underhanded, with a hint of setting people up, but if it was carried out properly, it really could solve Konoha's problem.
Why did the Daimyo's Court give Konoha so much money every year for development?
Wasn't it to strengthen Konoha so it could protect the Land of Fire?
If Konoha reduced the village's ninja because of money and pulled some ninja back from the Border Camp, those areas would effectively lose their protection. Enemies could infiltrate at any time and target the prosperous Land of Fire.
The daimyo, whose lands had been plundered by Sunagakure just two years ago, absolutely would not want such a thing to happen within the Land of Fire again.
As long as he was afraid, he would have to stop Konoha from reducing its number of ninja.
Short on money?
I'll provide it immediately!!
No more delays, guaranteed!!
Even if the daimyo ground his teeth in hatred, he would still obediently offer up the money.
At that point, even if the daimyo was cursing his heart out, he would have to smile and persuade the Third Hokage to abandon the idea of reducing the number of ninja.
This idea was too dangerous. It could not be allowed!!
If Konoha grew weaker, how could it protect