Minister Asano unfurled the scroll and read aloud.
"By decree of the Daimyo!"
"South Street in the Land of Fire boasts flourishing commerce and abundant prosperity. It is hereby designated an exclusive Royal Trade Zone under the Daimyo's Residence!"
"Effective today, all taxation, commercial planning, and entry to and exit from South Street shall be administered by the Daimyo's Internal Affairs Ministry!"
"The Second Squad of the Konoha Military Police Force is hereby entrusted with full responsibility for security and protection within the Royal Trade Zone!"
"The Daimyo's Residence personally grants this royal operating charter. Apart from the Konoha Military Police Force, no other Konoha department may interfere with the zone's operations!"
"Thus decreed!"
His voice fell silent.
All of South Street plunged into dead silence.
The Anbu ninja exchanged looks, unsure what to do with the blades in their hands.
The merchants and residents on either side of the street stood stunned for a moment, then erupted into deafening cheers.
"The Royal Trade Zone!"
"Directly under the Daimyo's Residence!"
"With the police protecting us, no one can just raise our taxes anymore!"
The merchants beamed with delight, their applause filling the street.
Hiruzen Sarutobi remained bent at the waist, a fine sheen of sweat forming on his forehead.
He slowly straightened and looked at the golden scroll in Minister Asano's hands, his expression utterly grim.
A royal operating charter!
Full authority for the police!
No interference from any other department!
With those rules imposed, the Hokage Building had not only failed to reclaim South Street-the Daimyo's Residence had effectively turned it into an independent kingdom!
And with every legal right to do so!
Danzo finally recovered from his shock. He stepped forward and pointed at Chikage, his voice sharp with anger.
"Lord Asano!"
"This violates procedure!"
"South Street is