Marvel: Trading with Worlds

"What's going on here? If you don't give me a reasonable explanation, the Daimyo Mansion will reconsider its financial support for Konoha!"

The Fire Nation daimyo snapped his fan shut, his expression a picture of anger. Normally, he would use the fan to cover his face, but now, with it closed, his anger was fully visible.

 It was clear just how furious he was.

In addition to slowly controlling the Fire Country's Daimyo, black magic could also amplify the emotions in his heart.

"This matter will be thoroughly investigated by Anbu and the interrogation team. Please rest assured, Daimyo-sama, the Ministry of Finance, including the consultant, will not overlook a single detail."

This was about funding and the daimyo's support. Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't want any more incidents. Although he was known as the "Ninja," he lacked the boldness of the Second Hokage. 

If it were Senju Tobirama in his place, he would never be intimidated by the Daimyo. At worst, he would sever ties on the spot, allowing the daimyo to be killed by bandits when leaving the village.

But Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn't do that.

He valued his reputation, dared not openly fall out with the daimyo, and didn't want to cut off the financial support from the daimyo's government to Konoha. 

So, he could only quickly apologize and try to move past the situation.

"How can I trust Konoha again after something like this?"

The Fire Nation daimyo was still furious, clearly dissatisfied with Sarutobi Hiruzen's explanation. The few discrepancies Kain had uncovered—hundreds of millions of ryo—made it seem as if the daimyo's mansion had been taken advantage of.

What started as a personal issue for Sarutobi Hiruzen had now turned into a matter between Konoha and the Land of Fire. 

Anyone hearing that hundreds of millions of ryo had been stolen would find it hard to stay indifferent, especially if the one cheated was a daimyo of a country.

Nara shikaku racked his brain for a solution, but no matter how he thought, he couldn't come up with a good plan. 

As the patriarch of the Nara clan, his status meant nothing in front of the Fire Country daimyo. He hadn't even become the leader of the Jōnin class yet.

"Let's choose a new Hokage!"

The daimyo's words hit like thunder on a clear day, striking everyone in the room. Some of the Jōnin on the outskirts, who had been unaware that things had escalated to this point, were stunned. 

Kakashi, who had been disengaged, couldn't help but look up after hearing the daimyo's words. This meant that the Third Hokage had lost the trust of the daimyo.

Despite Konoha's short history, the cooperation with the Fire Nation had always been close. It was evident from past wars that the Fire Nation's support for the ninja village had always been the strongest among the five great ninja villages. 

But now, the daimyo was talking about re-electing the Hokage.

For a moment, the room fell silent, and most of the Jōnin looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen with disappointed expressions. His actions had completely backfired.

There were only two choices now: either take a step back and let Hokage go, or stand firm against the Fire Country daimyo and restore Konoha Village's dignity.

The latter would sharply sever the relationship between Konoha and the Fire Nation, and some ninjas might not approve of Sarutobi Hiruzen's approach, such as the guardian ninja, Hatake Sakumo.

"Hiruzen didn't make a big mistake during his tenure. On the contrary, he has earned a lot of credit. To change Hokage just because of others' mistakes? Konoha will never agree to such an absurd thing!"

Danzo stepped forward on his crutches, his only remaining eye glowing coldly as he fixed his gaze on the daimyo of the Land of Fire, warning him.

However, when Danzo saw Kain, who was smiling to the side, the hatred in his heart flared. It was this person who had caused him to become what he was today, contributing to his downfall.

Kushina, sitting behind Tsunade, could feel Danzo's malice toward Kain. She clenched her fist and muttered under her breath, "Old bastard, sooner or later, I'll beat you into the ground."

Facing Danzo's threat, the Fire Nation daimyo was completely unfazed. Under the influence of black magic, the fear that would normally have gripped his heart had been suppressed to the lowest level. 

"No matter what you say, unless a new Hokage is elected, the Daimyo's government will no longer support Konoha. Financial aid and mission assignments will be suspended."

Upon hearing the daimyo's words, not only Nara Shikaku but also Tsunade and the other Jōnin couldn't remain still. 

Without financial support and task distribution, Konoha's very survival could be at risk.

Danzo's voice was cold as he asked, "Are you threatening Konoha?"

"I know you, Danzo, a disciple of the Second Hokage. This is not a threat, but an ultimatum from the Daimyo House," the Fire Nation daimyo retorted.

After speaking, the daimyo closed his eyes, waiting for Sarutobi Hiruzen's response.

The room was so quiet that even the sound of breathing could be heard.

Sarutobi Hiruzen had wanted to kill this reckless daimyo several times, but he lacked the courage and authority of the Second Hokage. 

Even if he did kill the daimyo of the Fire Nation, he knew he couldn't silence everyone afterward.

….

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