"No, why a reduction?"

"Isn't a reduction an adjustment?" Gojo Kaigetsu's expression darkened.

"I'm a kind-hearted person. Not only will salaries be reduced, but our fellow workers must receive every penny owed to them. You, Koyama-kun, will be responsible for managing the funds."

Koyama Ichiro's face grew even darker. Not giving him money, and now expecting him to pay the firewood workers?

He suppressed his anger. "Then, what about awarding bonuses to outstanding workers…?"

"That's a valid point."

Gojo Kaigetsu nodded again. "Each exemplary printing worker will be rewarded with a house in Konoha, or they can choose to receive one million ryō in cash."

"Oh?!"

Koyama Ichiro's expression did a complete 180. Upon hearing Gojo Kaigetsu's decision, a wide smile bloomed on his face.

Misunderstanding resolved!

So, it was all a misunderstanding~ The benefits were waiting here all along.

However, to be safe, Koyama Ichiro cautiously inquired, "Will every exemplary worker receive this reward?"

"We have so many outstanding workers in our publishing house. Rewarding every single one wouldn't be feasible. So, let's add a few prerequisites-"

"Age: 24 years old. Height: 1.9 meters. Hair color: white."

"Those who meet these criteria can report to the finance department to claim their reward. Oh, and Koyama-kun, you'll be responsible for managing these bonuses as well. We need every ryō of our 70% profit share from Konoha~"

24 years old? 1.9 meters tall? And white hair?!

Koyama Ichiro's mind seemed to short-circuit momentarily.

As he processed the information, his anger surged, overcoming his fear of Gojo Kaigetsu. "Gojo Kaigetsu, you've gone too far!"

"Is there no law in this village?! Do you think Konoha is your personal dictatorship?!"

"Just you wait! I'll go to Elder Danzo and Elder Homura to impeach you!"

*Bang-*

Koyama Ichiro stormed out, leaving only the echo of his furious voice in Gojo Kaigetsu's office.

[You protected Konoha's interests. Prosperity +3]

"Hmph, how ignorant."

Gojo Kaigetsu relaxed back in his chair, completely disregarding Koyama Ichiro's threat.

A sly smile played on his lips. Koyama Ichiro's outburst had inadvertently sparked inspiration within him.

The content for the next issue of "Iki" began to take shape in Gojo Kaigetsu's mind.

The plan to invade the Four Great Nations was multi-faceted.

Stolen novel; please report.

Attracting foreign merchants to invest in Konoha was just one aspect.

Another was to ignite the "rebellious" and "ambitious" spirit within the worker and ninja classes of the Four Great Nations.

To make them understand that they were free!

Ultimately, it could be summarized in one phrase: "Stir things up."

"The more chaotic, the better."

Gojo Kaigetsu grabbed a pen and paper, quickly jotting down his inspired thoughts.

This issue of "Iki" would also feature fictional stories, but with a specific name appearing within them-

His own, Gojo Kaigetsu!

*Swish, swish, swish,* the pen danced across the paper, leaving sharp, impactful words in its wake:

[Adaptability Essential for Life in the Shinobi World]

[In Konohagakure of the Land of Fire, there is a unique ninja named Gojo Kaigetsu.]

[Gojo Kaigetsu possesses a proactive and challenging spirit. He never takes a day off, working over eighteen hours a day, double that of other ninjas.]

[This allowed him to become a professional Genin at 14, a Chunin working in the Hokage Tower at 16, and a Hokage Advisor of Konohagakure at the young age of 24. He is also the youngest and weakest Hokage Advisor in the history of Konohagakure.]

[Gojo Kaigetsu has become a "legend of the shinobi world," being the only one to achieve the position of Hokage Advisor as a Chunin.]

[Today, we'll delve into the story of Gojo Kaigetsu. Not about his magnificent battles between ninjas, but about his pursuit of "freedom" before becoming a Hokage Advisor.]

[Gojo Kaigetsu was not a complacent ninja. During and after the Third Shinobi World War, he not only cared about the hardships faced by his friends' families but also about the significant political issues plaguing the village.]

[In the 50th year of Konoha, during the peace talks between Konoha and Kirigakure, Konoha did not demand any compensation for Kirigakure's past transgressions and hastily sought to normalize relations with Kirigakure.]

[The villagers of Konoha were enraged, with protests and demonstrations escalating. As a leader among Chunin, Gojo Kaigetsu was always at the forefront of these demonstrations, eventually being arrested and imprisoned by Konoha's "secret police."]

[One day in the 50th year of Konoha, Gojo Kaigetsu heard that his friend, Minato Namikaze, had come to visit him in prison. His heart filled with anxiety. He prepared himself for his friend's criticism, knowing how hard he had worked to become a Chunin, only to now be "causing trouble" and ending up in prison. Minato would surely be heartbroken and disappointed.]

[However, that wasn't the case. Upon seeing Gojo Kaigetsu, Minato first observed him carefully, then quickly rushed forward, grabbing his hand. A long silence followed… After a while, Minato spoke with a resolute tone, "Kaigetsu, I believe you're right. Do what you think is right!"]

[With that, Minato released his hand and hurried back to his own battlefield.]

[In those twenty minutes, Minato only said those few words, words of comfort for Gojo Kaigetsu.]

[But those words were enough for Gojo Kaigetsu to understand that Minato acknowledged his free will.]

[Later, Minato Namikaze became the Fourth Hokage of Konohagakure. And Gojo Kaigetsu became his Hokage Advisor.]

[Regarding this, a minister who wished to remain anonymous commented, "It is precisely because Chunin Gojo Kaigetsu possesses the courage to pursue freedom of speech and Fourth Hokage Minato Namikaze's open-mindedness that Konohagakure has become the powerful hidden village that the Land of Fire is proud of. If a village chooses to suppress its ninjas' pursuit of freedom, it is undoubtedly a failed village."]

["Moreover, if such a situation were to arise again, I would not hesitate to stand with Gojo Kaigetsu. I would encourage him in spirit and even allow him to use his ninja skills and force to fight for his right to pursue free will!"]

*Slap-*

Several hours passed, and the sun began to set.

Gojo Kaigetsu loosened his grip on the pen, holding the manuscript with both hands. He reread it from top to bottom with a satisfied nod.

"That's right, a shinobi village needs freedom of speech!"

Gojo Kaigetsu stroked his chin, unsure of what exactly was happening in Kumogakure.

But if…

Considering Raikage A's explosive temper, would he punish those ninjas who read the forbidden books?

And if those punished ninjas, after reading his article advocating for freedom of speech in "Iki," were to ignite a spark of rebellion?

Gojo Kaigetsu daydreamed about a glorious future.

*Knock-*

The familiar white-haired, masked ninja, Kakashi, appeared behind him once again, bearing bad news-

"Gojo-sama, the Fourth Hokage requests your presence at the Hokage Tower immediately."

"Elder Danzo has brought a special investigator to impeach you."