Gojo Kaigetsu frowned slightly, observing the wavering minor clan leaders. While the Hokage held veto power in major decisions, the First Konoha Clan Representatives Assembly was largely procedural, meant to encourage all clans to take a more active interest in Konoha's development.

However, the problem remained.

Overuse of veto power diminished its absolute authority. Misalignment between leadership and subordinates would eventually lead to serious issues.

This was why it was so difficult to shift the military dimension of Konoha's prosperity.

Despite his extraordinary wisdom, Gojo Kaigetsu was still officially recognized as only a Chunin in Konoha. In terms of the feudal lord's structure, he represented the "civil official group."

From the perspective of the shinobi world, only individuals of absolute strength could alter Konoha's military system. Even someone as powerful as Tsunade had her medical corps reforms rejected by the Third Hokage.

'Damn Danzo.'

"I'll just say this-"

Gojo Kaigetsu spoke again, silencing the chaotic Konoha assembly hall.

"Even the highest Konoha military spending is less than war reparations!" Gojo Kaigetsu leaned forward imposingly, his hands braced on the table, his gaze sweeping over the assembled clan heads.

"Since the outbreak of the Second Shinobi World War, Kumogakure has been eyeing Konoha, never abandoning their ambition to usurp our position in the shinobi world."

"Their recent establishment of a base in Yugaokure further demonstrates their vast ambitions."

"True peace has never truly arrived!"

"Instead of letting our ninja way erode in this false peace, we should take the initiative and suppress the entire shinobi world with absolute power!"

"If Konoha were to be defeated one day, the war reparations would far exceed a mere five hundred million ryō!"

The clan representatives' eyes flickered, their thoughts unreadable.

Gojo Kaigetsu pressed his advantage. "Furthermore, when I speak of war reparations, I don't mean Konoha won't have to pay if we win. War reparations aren't just about handing over cash as a village."

"If, during peace negotiations, Kekkei Genkai become bargaining chips, can your clans guarantee the safety of your bloodline limits?"

"Kumogakure demands a pair of Byakugan from the Hyuga main family, Kirigakure demands the Yamanaka Clan's Mind Transfer Jutsu, Iwagakure demands the Aburame Clan's insects… Refuse, and the fighting continues, until Konoha itself crumbles."

"At that point, any talk of increasing military spending becomes impossible."

Each shinobi clan possessed secret techniques.

If these techniques were leaked, the clans' superior status would instantly collapse. This was a matter more important than individual life or death.

If the secret techniques passed down through generations were to be lost in their hands, they would have no face to meet their resurrected ancestors.

They knew that the current peace was a facade, and another Shinobi World War could erupt at any moment.

Konoha, the victor of three Shinobi World Wars, had found each victory increasingly difficult, and the village's military strength was visibly declining.

Could Konoha win the next war? If not, if they were truly forced to surrender their Kekkei Genkai as a peace offering, what would become of their clans?

If the village and other clans didn't support them, would they be forced to hand over their secret techniques due to political pressure? Even with support, wouldn't there still be the risk of invasion, clan annihilation, and the ultimate loss of their Kekkei Genkai and secret techniques?

The expressions of the clan representatives shifted, finally understanding the gravity of the situation.

Gojo's words, "Even the highest military spending is less than war reparations," had struck a nerve, challenging their desire for a false peace.

As a staunch supporter of Gojo and Minato, Fugaku Uchiha was the first to speak up. "I believe… Advisor Gojo is right!"

"Until a figure like the First Hokage emerges, increasing the military budget is the only path to peace!"

"True peace only exists within the blast radius of an explosive tag! False peace is meaningless!"

"On behalf of the Uchiha clan, I pledge two hundred million ryō in cash for military purposes."

The Uchiha clan never feared war; in fact, their warmongering tendencies were arguably the strongest in the entire shinobi world. Fugaku, as the clan head, had even brought his three-year-old son, Itachi, to experience the Third Shinobi World War.

If the village announced an increase in military spending, the Uchiha clan, at the very least, would erupt in celebration.

The elders would grumble about the "insufficient military budget," while the younger generation would clamor to repay Gojo's kindness… The entire clan would unconditionally support Konoha's shift towards militarization.

With the Uchiha clan, a leading force, taking the first step, the Hyuga clan also pledged one million ryō in cash for military purposes. While the amount was smaller, their political stance was clear.

Danzo's eyes reddened as he watched the clans pledge their contributions.

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If these funds were allocated to Root's development and experimental research, he couldn't imagine the leaps and bounds Root's strength would make.

'Foolish! Gojo Kaigetsu is nothing but a war-mongering madman!'

'These clan representatives are insane to believe the words of that lunatic.'

"This is pure delusion! The moment those lunatics in Kirigakure learn about Konoha's increased military spending, they'll retaliate!"

Homura Mitokado fumed but was powerless to change the situation.

His and Danzo's influence seemed to have waned after the Uchiha's situation improved, leading to this disastrous predicament.

Danzo's face darkened, speechless.

He seemed to shrink into the corner of the assembly hall, becoming a true embodiment of darkness.

This time, his anger was profound. It wasn't solely about his personal feud with Gojo Kaigetsu. While his earlier words were meant to suppress Gojo, they were nonetheless true.

Setting aside the incident where he led Root ninjas to abduct Kirigakure's Kekkei Genkai users…

'A bunch of desperate lunatics. If you use the blood you stole from them to make explosive tags and threaten them…'

The increased military spending would undoubtedly provoke the Blood Mist fanatics of Kirigakure, leading to a reckless retaliation against Konoha.

Then there were the warmongering lunatics of Kumogakure, who had been far too active in the shinobi world recently. They wouldn't miss any opportunity to gain strength by exploiting others.

According to Danzo's intelligence, the number of ninjas and refugees Kumogakure had recently accepted even surpassed Konoha's.

Initially… if nothing were done, Kirigakure would most likely retaliate against Kumogakure since they had stolen the intel first and benefited the most.

But now, with Konoha's military spending significantly increased under Gojo Kaigetsu's influence, it would undoubtedly trigger the sensitive and fragile egos of the Kirigakure fanatics…

Whether for revenge, diverting internal conflicts, or proclaiming to the world that Kirigakure was still the powerful and brutal force it once was… Konoha would be taking the brunt of Kirigakure's fury in Kumogakure's place.

This was the worst-case scenario!

He no longer cared about Kirigakure's Kekkei Genkai. If mishandled, this could be the catalyst for Konoha's decline.

He, Danzo, would become a sinner!

'If anyone want to harm Konoha, I…'

Assassinate Gojo Kaigetsu!

This audacious thought formed in Danzo's mind.

Danzo regretted not eliminating Gojo Kaigetsu before his rise.

Perhaps it wasn't too late… Danzo closed his eyes, calculating the feasibility of having Root assassins eliminate Gojo Kaigetsu after leaving the assembly hall and then framing Kirigakure for the deed.

Gojo Kaigetsu was essentially the Fourth Hokage's brain. If he were gone… with careful persuasion, the Fourth Hokage might listen to reason.

The long conference table served as a dividing line, the clamoring clan representatives forming a wall that separated Gojo Kaigetsu and Danzo.

People could never truly understand each other.

Gojo Kaigetsu cheerfully collected the money, accepting all contributions. His good brother Fugaku had truly delivered, not only being the first to voice his support but also contributing the most funds.

The other minor clans had only offered token amounts.

The perpetually neutral Ino-Shika-Cho trio remained unmoved in their seats.

As if sensing Danzo's malicious gaze, Gojo Kaigetsu looked up and offered a benevolent smile. "Danzo-eldest, care for a wager?"

"Hmph… a wager? I have no such vulgar interests."

Danzo flatly refused. Only three things in this world could pique his interest: the Hokage position, the village beneath his feet, and his old friend Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Gojo Kaigetsu ignored his refusal and continued, "If I win~ the two 'special' children that Danzo-eldest brought back from Kirigakure belong to me."

'He knows?!' Danzo's pupils constricted, detecting the hidden meaning in Gojo Kaigetsu's words.

But… that was impossible! Only his Root ninjas should know about this.

Even the Fourth Hokage, who had witnessed their arrival, didn't know the power those two children possessed.

So, how did Gojo Kaigetsu know?! Was it his own intelligence network, the one that had secretly stolen Kirigakure's intel?!

A cold sweat broke out on Danzo's back. He asked calmly, "And if you lose?"

"If I lose… I'll voluntarily resign from my position as Hokage advisor. What do you say?"

"Agreed! Deal!"

"What?! Preposterous!"

"This is unacceptable!"

Minato, Fugaku, and Danzo exclaimed simultaneously.

Danzo had been racking his brains on how to assassinate Gojo Kaigetsu. Now that he was offering his resignation as a wager… a bloodless solution was ideal, avoiding any future trouble from the Fourth Hokage or Sarutobi.

Some things, no matter how well hidden, could be traced back to a suspect through careful analysis of the chain of beneficiaries.

Fugaku was also panicked. He was counting on Gojo to remain in his advisor position, allowing the Uchiha clan to continuously accumulate goodwill. If Gojo lost the wager and resigned… he couldn't imagine the Uchiha returning to their previous state.

Minato's feelings were complex, like being betrayed by a lover. To wager the symbol of their friendship… Even if he agreed, Kushina would never allow it!

"I know you're all anxious, but hold on."

Gojo Kaigetsu raised his index finger. "Let's first focus on what I intend to wager on."

"Danzo, you just said… that Kirigakure would retaliate against Konoha, correct?"

Danzo nodded slightly.

"I disagree with that assessment, nine, perhaps even ten out of ten. I believe that Kirigakure will not only refrain from retaliating but will also send us a generous gift~"

A gift?

Danzo's expression shifted from surprise to something akin to winning a championship after years of struggle.

He wanted to laugh, but he had to maintain his composure and grace.

Danzo mentally berated himself for underestimating Gojo Kaigetsu.

Foolish child, what made him think that the Blood Mist fanatics, led by the Mizukage and Yagura, would offer Konoha a gift?

It was pure madness.

"Advisor, are you serious?" Danzo asked gravely.

Gojo Kaigetsu gestured reassuringly to Minato and Fugaku, conveying his confidence. "An advisor's word is… well, let's just say it carries weight!"

"Very well, I accept this wager." Unable to contain his glee, Danzo rose from his seat. He looked around. "I ask all the clan representatives present to bear witness to the wager between Advisor Gojo and myself."

With that, Danzo beckoned to Homura and swept out of the hall.

A long-forgotten urge to visit the pleasure district arose within Danzo. Finally, the greatest threat would be eliminated. It was time for some well-deserved relaxation.

Minato and Fugaku exchanged glances, their eyes reflecting mutual helplessness.

Gojo Kaigetsu… always managed to pull off the unexpected, leaving his allies on the same side bewildered.

No one knew better than Minato Namikaze how Gojo Kaigetsu had obtained the intel about the impending rebellion in Kirigakure. It had been stolen from the Cloud spy!

Now, that kunoichi had supposedly gone to the Red Light District and hadn't returned yet.

Why was he so confident?

After the clan representatives departed, only the three members of the Fourth Hokage's faction remained in the now empty assembly hall.

Before his two comrades could speak, Gojo Kaigetsu preempted them.

"Ahem."

"I can see that you've misunderstood. Before you say anything, let me clarify. The nature of my wager with Danzo is not what you imagine. From my perspective, he is the one destined to lose."

"Let the kunai fly for a while."