As soon as Nara Shikaku finished speaking, the scene became a bit chaotic for a moment, since hearing that the Daimyo's residence actually backstabbed them…
All the clan heads present carried no small amount of resentment.
"Stop, everyone."
"This matter affects us greatly. The reason for today's meeting is precisely to discuss a reasonable solution."
"And also, regarding the Daimyo's residence inviting us to dispatch shinobi, what does everyone think?"
Minato Namikaze also had a headache over this.
The external village problem wasn't even resolved yet, and now even the internal affairs of the Land of Fire were starting to show issues.
This was making the newly appointed Hokage feel like his claws were going numb.
Akimichi Chōza of the Akimichi clan stood up. Being from the same batch as Gekko Chizan, Akimichi Chōza had also taken over the former clan head Torifu's position and begun managing the Akimichi clan.
He spoke in his loud, rough voice:
"Hokage-sama, just like Shikaku said, the current situation is that the Daimyo's residence wants to suppress us."
"Not to mention, the Daimyo even formed his own troops."
"This clearly shows he's wary of us."
"Shikaku, wouldn't you say so?"
Although among the Ino–Shika–Cho, the Nara clan always served as the brain, that didn't mean the Akimichi clan couldn't think.
Anyone able to become a clan head—who among them would truly be dumb?
The other clan heads followed in agreement.
Minato raised a hand to signal silence, then spoke slowly:
"Everyone, I understand your thoughts."
"But our Konoha Village ultimately belongs to the Land of Fire, and therefore belongs to the Daimyo's residence."
"Given the current situation, I believe we must resolve the funding issue as soon as possible."
"At the same time, regarding the Daimyo's residence forming a shinobi force, we also need to investigate it."
While speaking, Minato intentionally or unintentionally glanced toward Gekko Chizan.
This made Gekko Chizan's hair stand on end.
At this moment, the Uchiha clan head, Uchiha Fugaku, said:
"Hokage-sama, perhaps we can first pretend to agree to send a small number of shinobi, and secretly investigate the purpose behind the Daimyo's actions."
"After all, we cannot openly refuse the Daimyo's request."
"Since that is the case, then we can only go along with the Daimyo's wishes."
Uchiha Fugaku had long noticed the direction of Minato's gaze. When he saw Minato look toward Gekko Chizan, he immediately understood Minato's intention.
Extremely quick to react, Fugaku immediately offered Minato a ladder to climb down.
After hearing this, Minato nodded slightly.
These two villains cooperated with each other perfectly, immediately directing the spearhead toward a certain someone.
"Clan Head Fugaku is correct. Under the present circumstances, we must find a way to survive, while also determining the Daimyo's movements."
Then he turned his gaze again to Gekko Chizan.
"Chizan-kun, you previously visited the Daimyo's residence and have some understanding of the Daimyo. I hope you can take on this mission."
Gekko Chizan's mouth twitched—he knew nothing good was coming.
Minato Namikaze, Uchiha Fugaku—you two bastards are teaming up to set me up!
As he noticed everyone's eyes falling on him, Gekko Chizan felt himself being placed right on the grill.
"I'm going alone?"
"Hokage-sama, I don't think I alone can represent our village."
"Shouldn't you assign me some people?"
"Someone as weak as me—if I go to the Daimyo's residence and get assassinated, what then?"
Weak? Assassinated?
Everyone's mouths began twitching.
If even the Ghost of Konoha was considered weak, then who in the world still counted as strong?
And assassinated? Who would assassinate whom?
With both Transparent Release and Flying Thunder God as guarantees, it would already be good fortune if he didn't assassinate others!
Minato lightly cleared his throat.
"Chizan-kun, everyone knows your abilities. This mission must be carried out by you."
"As for the personnel who will accompany you, I'll consider it. After all, shinobi who can keep up with your pace are difficult to find."
What level was Gekko Chizan?
Normal shinobi couldn't even stand beside him—let alone keep up with his speed.
So selecting personnel was indeed difficult.
Gekko Chizan leaned back in his chair, feeling deeply annoyed.
This guy—he had only rested a short while, and now he was being assigned to another mission.
"For this companion, I have a recommendation."
"In my Uchiha clan there is a genius named Uchiha Shisui."
"His trademark ability is the Body Flicker Technique."
"I believe the two of them will definitely work well together."
Uchiha Shisui?
Upon hearing this name, Gekko Chizan's eyes lit up.
By calculation, Uchiha Shisui should currently be around seven years old—quite a bit younger than Kakashi's generation.
But his strength was indeed impressive.
"I think that works. I've heard of Uchiha Shisui as well."
"Although he's still young, he's already been to the battlefield, hasn't he?"
Uchiha Fugaku nodded.
"He has been on the battlefield—in the Land of Rivers."
"But since Uchiha Shisui is still too young, he will need Clan Head Chizan to look after him."
Uchiha Fugaku's extremely serious expression made the others nod repeatedly.
Only Minato and Gekko Chizan clearly saw the faint smile hidden in Fugaku's eyes.
Minato: This guy wants to use Chizan to train his clan's youth…
Chizan: This bastard wants to use me as an incubator! He even dragged the clan head title into it!!!
"Since that's the case, we'll tentatively decide it this way."
"As for how to obtain more financial resources for the village—that matter is also important."
"Does anyone have ideas?"
Minato rubbed his forehead and began the second topic.
After all, the budget crisis was urgent.
Although the village's reserves could temporarily support them, they would eventually run out.
"This is simple."
"What's so hard about it?"
Suddenly, Gekko Chizan spoke again, attracting everyone's gaze.
Gekko Chizan smiled faintly—though no one knew why this smile looked a bit strange.
Then he opened his mouth, and sure enough—it was pure retaliatory behavior.
"As everyone knows, the major clans of Konoha each have unique talents."
"For example, the Akimichi clan loves eating and has a high passion for gourmet food. The barbecue shop they run is famous everywhere."
"Then the Nara clan enjoys raising deer—antlers, fur, countless products."
"Then the Aburame clan, raising insects—tsk, tsk."
"The Inuzuka clan's dogs—if they went to the Land of Frost as sled dogs, that'd be a huge profit."
"All excellent paths to wealth."
"In such a time of crisis, shouldn't everyone contribute together?"
Sure enough! This bastard's smile never meant anything good!
If he had to jump into the water, he was determined to drag everyone along!
Bastard!
Nara Shikaku covered his face, Akimichi Chōza stopped eating, and the expressions of the others became extremely complicated.