In recent days, although the Third Hokage had sealed the news as tightly as possible, quite a few of Konoha's major clans had still caught wind of certain developments.
After all, there were no walls in this world that did not leak.
And with Shimura Danzō barging into the Hokage's office every other day to kick up a fuss, the matter was impossible to keep perfectly contained. His constant pestering had already begun to wear on Sarutobi Hiruzen's patience with his old comrade.
This is my money.What are you sticking your nose in for?When Kanzuki was building the business from scratch, you didn't contribute a single ryō.And now you've got the nerve to demand a share?
Unfortunately, Danzō did not believe in restraint. He even dragged the two senior advisors—Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu—into the fray to "advise" the Hokage together.
Under mounting pressure, Hiruzen had no choice but to grit his teeth and redivide the profits: thirty percent to Danzō and his faction, twenty percent left for himself.
Even so… it still wasn't enough.
With Shimizu Kanzuki's enterprise in motion, Konoha was finally somewhat better off—but only somewhat. After the Third Shinobi World War, the village had spent years tightening its belt. Recovery was slow, and expenses were endless.
When Danzō received his cut, he was thoroughly satisfied.
But one sight began to irritate him—
The Ino–Shika–Chō alliance.
Kanzuki's share was unquestionable; in fact, if anything, he was taking less than he deserved.
But the Nara, Yamanaka, and Akimichi clans?
What right did they have?
"What? You protected the merchant caravans?" Danzō sneered. "My Shimura clan couldn't have done that?"
Because Ino–Shika–Chō had publicly argued their case, the matter spread in limited circles. It became widely understood who the true financial pillar behind the operation was.
Shimizu Kanzuki.
What a talent…
If only they had entered the game earlier.
With the first wave of dividends secured, the Third Hokage beamed every time he saw the young man. His aged face practically split from smiling.
Then, in subtle and not-so-subtle ways, he would probe:
"Kanzuki, you're sharp—a real talent. But how long can the clothing industry last?"
"Oh? Indefinitely?"
"Good, good! I knew you were a fine young man!"
"Kanzuki, you see how poor Konoha still is… any other ideas to make some more?"
"Too much expansion too fast would be risky?"
"No matter! I have faith in you! If you come up with anything, you must tell me! I, Sarutobi Hiruzen, give you my word—whatever business you wish to pursue, I will fully support it!"
Danzō, rare for him, echoed similar sentiments.
Because Shimizu Kanzuki understood the game.
If there was money to be made, he brought the leadership along. He was nothing like those fools who prattled about ideals without grasping the Will of Fire's practical realities.
Thus Danzō made a promise: so long as Kanzuki remained in Konoha, no one would dare touch him.
Touching him meant touching their profits.
The entire village had finally sprouted a sapling capable of growing into a towering money tree. Who would allow it to be plucked prematurely?
Kanzuki's status rose visibly.
First came his appointment. From an ordinary ANBU operative, he was elevated to Director of Konoha Hospital.
Anyone with eyes could see it—
He was the higher-ups' new favorite. A rising power.
After assuming office, however, Kanzuki did not immediately assert authority with grand reforms. Instead, wearing a troubled expression, he sought out the Third Hokage.
He claimed he was stretched too thin, unable to balance hospital administration with overseeing the clothing enterprise.
Danzō's eyes lit up at once.
Good.
The boy truly possessed the Will of Fire.
If Kanzuki himself was offering up control, then Danzō would naturally accept. This was not seizing power—it was voluntary dedication.
Hiruzen, smiling, waved a hand in agreement.
Thus Danzō enthusiastically began soliciting capital from various interest groups.
"Remember my words!" he proclaimed. "The more you invest, the more you earn! The more you earn, the more you invest! What are you waiting for?"
Danzō's prestige still carried weight. Combined with his fervent rhetoric, several factions were swept up in the excitement.
Invest!
All of it!
The profits were visible—what was there to fear?
But a month later, when the Third Hokage received the revenue report, his face darkened instantly.
"What is this?"
Only a few million?
Not even enough to cover costs!
They were hemorrhaging money.
He summoned Danzō at once, expression icy, and slapped the report into his face.
"Look at what you've done!"
Danzō scanned the figures, his complexion turning deathly pale.
Impossible…
Where was the money?
Where was his money?
How could they be losing money?
"Go bring Kanzuki back immediately!"
Shimizu Kanzuki entered the Hokage's office looking thoroughly bewildered.
Under Hiruzen's strained smile, he accepted the report.
"This…"
Frowning, he cast a doubtful glance at Danzō.
"Hokage-sama, this can't be right. Based on my projections, following the previous model should have guaranteed steady monthly profit."
The words reopened an old fear in both Hiruzen and Danzō:
The iron law of Konoha commerce—inevitable losses.
"My Will of Fire…" Hiruzen muttered internally. "Surely we haven't destroyed a perfectly good enterprise?"
It was clear now. Without Kanzuki at the helm, the elders simply couldn't manage it. If this continued, they might lose even their undergarments.
"Kanzuki," Hiruzen said gravely, "it seems we must trouble you to shoulder this responsibility once more."
"Hokage-sama… I'm honored by your trust, but I—"
Hiruzen coughed and clapped him on the shoulder.
The earlier handover had been an unspoken understanding. Their present dependence was equally unspoken.
We know you're loyal. There's no need for modesty.
"Very well. Since Hokage-sama places his trust in me, I will manage it on behalf of you all."
That sounded much better.
But urgent matters came first.
While Danzō anxiously awaited recovery, the three clans of Ino–Shika–Chō arrived, faces dark and aggrieved.
They had opposed removing Kanzuki from the beginning.
Now look!
Their households were nearly unable to put food on the table.
Because he was in the wrong, Danzō endured their fury daily.
The clan heads practically blockaded his home.
The moment he stepped outside, Akimichi Chōza would roar at him—
"You damned Danzō! Return our blood-earned money!"
"I know you're in there! Even if this goes to the Third Hokage, we're in the right!"
"You've got the guts to lose money—have the guts to open the door!"
"Kanzuki, get back here already!"
Inside, Danzō braced his back against the door as it shook violently from pounding fists, feeling the tremors like crashing waves.
For the first time in a long while, he shed tears of regret.
I was blinded by greed…Never again will I meddle in business.
Outside, Yamanaka Inoichi's eyes were bloodshot.
"You damned Danzō! I know you're home!"
Their clans had poured nearly everything into the investment.
Now they could barely afford meals. The numb expressions of their clan members haunted him.
"Open the door! Danzō, open the door!"
In short—
Give us back our hard-earned money!