The Strongest Artist in Naruto

Danzo looked up and relaxed slightly when he saw it was Shimura Kiyoto.

"Kiyoto, what do you want to say?"

"Hokage-sama, I have a way to secure a large amount of funding," Kiyoto replied confidently.

"What is your plan?" Danzo asked, his brow furrowing.

"Given Konoha's current crisis, I believe the villagers and the major ninja clans should contribute their fair share," Kiyoto said tactfully.

Though he spoke in vague terms, his meaning was crystal clear.

Hearing someone finally propose this idea, Danzo and the others subtly sighed in relief. It wasn't as if no one had thought of such a straightforward solution before. However, no one wanted to be the first to bring it up, wary of tarnishing their reputation.

Danzo, back in the day, wouldn't have hesitated to suggest such a thing. But now that he was Hokage, maintaining his public image was crucial. Without the people's approval, his position as Hokage wouldn't last long.

What he needed now was someone to play the role he used to—someone willing to handle the dirty work and shoulder the blame.

Kiyoto! You're impressive—just like I once was, willing to bear the burden for the greater good!

"Very well, I'll entrust this task to you. Can you handle it, Kiyoto?" Danzo asked.

"Of course, Hokage-sama!" Kiyoto answered loudly, full of conviction.

"One more thing," Danzo added.

"Lower the graduation age of the Ninja Academy to ten. Konoha needs fresh blood more than ever."

As Kiyoto left the Hokage's office, his heart raced with excitement.

This time, his actions weren't directed by Deidara. In fact, it had been a while since Deidara had issued any instructions to the three operatives in Konoha.

This was entirely Shimura Kiyoto's initiative. And why?

Because he'd tasted the intoxicating flavor of power and found himself unable to stop. Being the head of a minor department was no longer enough. He wanted more—he wanted to rise higher, to see those who once looked down on him bowing at his feet.

"Head Kiyoto."

As he walked into the newly rebuilt Security Division headquarters, agents respectfully greeted him along the way.

Kiyoto pushed open the door to his office, settling into a luxurious sofa worth millions. He lit a limited-edition cigar and glanced at his voluptuous secretary nearby.

From head to toe, he felt an overwhelming sense of satisfaction.

Running missions all those years? What a waste of time. This—this was living!

"Kiyoto-sama~!" The secretary coyly perched herself on his lap, her voice dripping with flirtation.

Kiyoto laughed, giving her a playful slap on the rear.

"Gather everyone. We've got a big operation today."

Before long, all the Security Division agents were assembled. Though their numbers had dwindled to around thirty, their presence still carried weight.

"Kiyoto-sama, what's the order this time?" one agent asked, grinning. His demeanor and expression screamed street thug—a trait shared by most of the current Security Division.

Kiyoto had chosen them for one simple reason: they would do anything for money.

"The village is in tough times, so we'll be collecting a war tax from everyone," Kiyoto announced.

"But don't mention Hokage-sama. Understand?"

"Understood!"

Though thuggish, these agents were sharp enough to catch Kiyoto's drift instantly. They scattered, targeting the village's civilians.

"Captain, why aren't we collecting from that family?" one of the more naive agents asked.

The captain kicked him without hesitation. "Idiot! The Noda family has ninja members who haven't been sent to the front lines yet. Do you want trouble when they return?"

The agent quickly laughed nervously. "Ah, I see! You're so wise, Captain."

"Still, it feels like a missed opportunity. The Noda family looks well-off," the agent muttered.

"Idiot!" Another kick. "Follow me to the next house. The Koyama family just received compensation for a fallen relative. We'll make up for it there."

"Captain, you're brilliant!"

Chaos quickly spread throughout Konoha as the Security Division ran rampant.

Meanwhile, Kiyoto himself led a team to visit the major clans.

For powerful clans like the Hyuga and the Ino-Shika-Cho, he was all smiles and politeness. These clans, understanding the situation, offered modest contributions.

But when it came to the Inuzuka and Aburame clans, he didn't hold back, extorting hefty sums.

The worst, however, were Konoha's micro-clans. With little influence or power, these families were easy prey for Kiyoto's schemes.

At the Gekko Clan's compound, Kiyoto sat at the head of the room, lounging arrogantly. Below him, the clan leader and elders fidgeted nervously.

"Kiyoto-sama, thirty million ryō is too much! We simply can't afford it," the clan leader said, his face filled with worry. The Gekko Clan had only a few dozen members, with fewer than ten ninja. There was no way they could gather such a sum.

"What's this? Are you disrespecting me, Shimura Kiyoto?" Kiyoto asked, his tone icy.

"Kiyoto-sama, please don't joke like that! We wouldn't dare," the clan leader stammered. "But we really don't have that much money!"

As the clan leader and elders wrung their hands in desperation, Gekko Rin walked in.

"What are you doing here?" Rin asked coldly, her disdain for Kiyoto evident. She had no patience for the man who lorded over Konoha like a tyrant.

Kiyoto's expression darkened when he saw her.

Who are you to act high and mighty? Aren't you a spy, too?

Still, he didn't dare push too far. He could tell that both Hyuga Kazuto and Gekko Rin held more sway with Deidara than he ever would.

"How about this," Kiyoto finally said, his tone sly. "If the Gekko Clan provides two members to join the Security Division under my command, I'll reduce the war tax from thirty million to ten million. Deal?"

The clan leader's face fell, but there was no choice. They couldn't possibly pay the full amount.

"Fine."

"You can't agree to that! Get out of here!" Rin snapped, her voice sharp.

"Rin, don't be rude to Kiyoto-sama!" The clan leader quickly grabbed her, bowing repeatedly in apology.

Kiyoto smirked, pleased with himself. "What can you do about it, Gekko Rin? This is Konoha."

...

In the Hokage's office. 

Danzo sat at his new desk, speaking softly.

"How much did Kiyoto collect this time?"

"Four hundred million ryō was handed over to us. He probably kept a hundred million for himself, and his subordinates likely embezzled tens of millions," replied his deputy, Aburame Ryoma.

Danzo nodded. "Allocate half to the Root—that's our foundation."

"Also, from today, increase the tax rate and cut welfare benefits."

"But this will only amplify the villagers' discontent," Ryoma said hesitantly.

Danzo's gaze was resolute. "It's all for Konoha."

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I just released a new fanfic featuring a transmigrator in Danzo, and it's looking really promising. I'm leaning towards the title "Hidden Danzo"—but feel free to check it out on my profile and see what you think!

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