Hokage's Office.
Sunlight streamed through the large floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the room with a bright and warm glow.
But the atmosphere in the office was at odds with the bright sunlight.
Sarutobi Hiruzen sat at the head of the table, his face expressionless as he watched the Konoha higher-ups below, who were arguing until they were red in the face.
Utatane Koharu, Mitokado Homura, and several heads of the major clans who had distinguished themselves in the war.
There was only one topic on the meeting's agenda—how to distribute the huge sum of war reparations extorted from Kumogakure, an amount that would make any daimyo's heart race.
"I firmly believe that we should prioritize replenishing our war preparations!" Mitokado Homura said, pushing up his glasses, his tone serious. "Although we won this war, it also exposed many problems. Our reserves of ninja tools are seriously insufficient, and the defensive fortifications on the front lines need to be upgraded on a large scale. Kumogakure could tear up the agreement at any time. We must be fully prepared!"
"Homura is right," Utatane Koharu immediately agreed. She had always been a staunch supporter of Mitokado Homura. "The victory in the war was won with the lives of our ninja. We must spend the money where it's most needed! On places that can directly enhance our military strength! For example, expanding the Anbu, and developing more powerful ninjutsu!"
The two advisors' words were met with the approval of most of the clan heads present.
In the eyes of these traditional ninja, the strength of the village was equal to the strength of its military. With money, it was natural to buy better weapons and recruit more soldiers.
However, just then, a somber voice broke the almost one-sided argument.
"I object."
The one who spoke was Shimura Danzo.
Since returning from the front lines, he had been sitting silently in the corner, like an emotionless statue. The moment he spoke, everyone's gaze instantly focused on him.
Even Sarutobi Hiruzen raised his eyebrows in surprise.
He had thought that with Danzo's personality, he would definitely be the most fervent supporter of "military preparedness first."
"Danzo, what is your brilliant idea?" Utatane Koharu's tone was a little displeased.
Danzo was silent for a moment, then stood up.
"Everyone, our vision cannot be limited to the next war."
"A strong village must not only have a sharp sword, but also a thick shield. And what is Konoha's shield?"
He looked around at everyone, then said slowly, "It is every single person who lives in this village."
As soon as these words were spoken, the entire room was in an uproar.
Koharu and Mitokado Homura, in particular, looked at Danzo as if he were an alien.
These words... why did they sound so much like the slogan Hiruzen was always spouting?
Sarutobi Hiruzen also had a strange look on his face. He looked at the Danzo before him and couldn't help but mutter to himself.
"This guy, he wasn't brainwashed by my speech at the northern fortress, was he?"
Danzo ignored everyone's strange looks and continued, "Although we won this war, we also paid a huge price. Many ninja were injured and can no longer carry out missions; many civilians were also affected by the war. What about these people?"
"If we invest all our money in cold weapons and endless war preparations, who will take care of those who have shed blood and worked hard for the village? Who will guarantee their livelihood?"
"A village that cannot even treat its own heroes and people well, no matter how strong its military power, is nothing more than a castle built on sand. It will collapse with a single gust of wind!"
Danzo's words were spoken with conviction.
Koharu and Mitokado Homura opened their mouths to object, but found that they couldn't say a single word.
"Therefore, I propose," a flame called "construction" burned in Danzo's eyes, "that we take a large portion of this compensation and establish a Konoha Construction Team!"
"This team will not be responsible for combat, only for construction!"
"Its mission will be to repair all the houses and public facilities damaged in the war, to reclaim new fields, to build wider roads, and to establish a more complete drainage system!"
"At the same time, we will recruit a large number of retired and disabled ninja from the war. Give them a stable job and a dignified income!"
"We must let everyone see that there are rewards for serving Konoha! As long as you have sweated for the village, the village will never abandon you!"
"This is the true Will of Fire!"
The meeting room was dead silent.
Everyone was stunned by Danzo's astonishing plan.
To engage in public works projects?
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at the impassioned Danzo before him, who seemed to be glowing, and his heart was in a state of turmoil.
"Holy shit... has he had an epiphany?!"
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