133. Konoha's Confidence

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Ishigami Hara didn't know what was happening at home. At this time, he was holding a routine meeting.

Routine meetings were held once a month to summarize and arrange the next stage of work.

There were many people attending the meeting, but most of them were heads of various departments of Konoha, along with some powerful Jōnin. After Ishigami Hara took office as Hokage, some departments were streamlined, and new departments were added.

For example, Anbu was expanded after Ishigami Hara became Hokage. Now it is not only involved in intelligence gathering and assassination. Some operatives have taken on more public roles, including the defense of Konoha.

In short, Anbu has begun to assume part of the role of an army, but the changes are subtle and gradual due to the fundamental nature of ninja society, requiring careful reform.

Additionally, the Security Department under Uchiha management is now a legitimate police department. With cooperation from the Uchiha clan, although they still control the department, members from other clans have been added.

There was chaos in the early stages, but over time, the new Security Department has stabilized, and Uchiha's reputation in the village has significantly improved.

Similar reforms have occurred, but the most obvious changes have been in the business sector.

After five years of effort, Konoha's commercial prosperity can now be said to be the best in the ninja world.

The Land of Fire occupies some of the best land in the ninja world, and Konoha holds the prime territory within the Land of Fire.

Although not at the center, Konoha is still close to major hubs.

With such favorable geographical conditions, Ishigami Hara believed it was inevitable for Konoha to thrive.

With good infrastructure and easy transportation, Konoha has naturally become a hub for trade across the ninja world. Over time, the village has reaped the benefits.

The result is that in five years, Konoha's commercial tax revenue has increased dramatically, now accounting for 40% of the entire Land of Fire's tax income.

Today's discussion revolved around the commercial taxes, specifically disputes arising from them.

Nara Shikaku picked up a document and reported at the meeting, "The Daimyo has urged us to pay this year's commercial tax again. We should issue a formal response to this matter..."

There were various reactions, with some supporting it and others opposing it. However, the majority were against it, since these taxes were visible benefits. Even though individual families might not directly control the commercial taxes, they could still profit indirectly.

The wealthier Konoha became, the wealthier its clans and individuals would become. Anyone with insight could see this.

Ishigami Hara smiled, put down the document in his hand, and said, "Then formally notify the Daimyo that from now on, Konoha's commercial tax will be used for Konoha's own development and will no longer have any relationship with the Land of Fire."

"As for this matter, just send a letter to the Daimyo. There's no need to report such things in the future."

"Yes, Hokage!"

Everyone could see Ishigami Hara's determination. Clearly, this matter would not be altered, but some people looked worried.

For example, Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, was one of them. He had been invited to attend the meeting. Hearing about the business tax, he said, "Hara, you'd better think this over carefully. Losing the support of the Daimyo could harm Konoha."

Sarutobi Hiruzen did not attend every meeting.

When Ishigami Hara first took office, he would attend similar meetings to help guide Ishigami Hara and identify areas where he might need improvement.

However, as time passed, Ishigami Hara performed so well that even Sarutobi Hiruzen was somewhat shocked. He gradually stopped attending such meetings or appeared much less frequently.

This time was different. The matter was too significant. If not handled carefully, it could impact the relationship between Konoha and the daimyo, potentially altering the balance of power between the village and the Land of Fire. Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn't remain on the sidelines for something this big.

Ishigami Hara smiled and said, "Third Generation, you're mistaken. It's not essential for Konoha to be bound to the daimyo, but it is crucial for Konoha to free itself from the daimyo's restrictions."

Sarutobi Hiruzen's face changed immediately. He frowned and said, "Hara, don't be too extreme. One country and one village was the system established by the First Hokage. It has not been easy to maintain this balance for so long. If you rashly disrupt it, no one in Konoha can predict the consequences."

Ishigami Hara waved his hand and said, "Third Hokage, please be patient. I have something to show you."

He nodded to Nara Shikaku, who handed a document over to Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Sarutobi Hiruzen took it, read it, and raised his eyebrows in surprise. He looked at Ishigami Hara, then back at the document. Finally, he lit his pipe, frowning as he pondered its contents.

"Is this true?" he asked.

Ishigami Hara nodded.

Others present looked curious, eager to know what was in the document.

"Can Konoha's finances really support this?" Sarutobi Hiruzen asked again.

Ishigami Hara nodded confidently, smiling. "Since it's been presented, it has been thoroughly planned. With Konoha's current financial state, supporting this expenditure is not an issue."

Sarutobi Hiruzen exhaled a breath of smoke, put down the document, and shook his head helplessly. He sighed, "It's truly remarkable. Your ambition is impressive, but the daimyo's reaction..."

Ishigami Hara's smile remained unchanged. He then looked around at the others and announced loudly, "From now on, all registered ninjas will receive a basic salary every month. Although it's not much, it will cover daily living expenses."

The document was a proposal for Konoha's salary reform. There were three tiers of compensation: Genin, Chūnin, and Jōnin, with each rank receiving a corresponding monthly salary, independent of mission rewards.

It was hard to imagine that before this, ninjas had no salary. All their expenses were covered by mission rewards, which is why there was a common saying that ninjas were mere tools.

For those from established ninja clans, this wasn't an issue since their clans provided support. But for ordinary ninjas, this salary reform was exactly what they needed.

Sarutobi Hiruzen could already foresee how much this policy would change Konoha, and how many people's loyalty it would win. As a former Hokage, he understood the magnitude of this decision, and that made it even more astounding that Ishigami Hara had achieved so much in just five years. It left Sarutobi Hiruzen with an undeniable feeling of growing old.

The room burst into activity as many people cast astonished looks at Ishigami Hara, clearly shocked by the news.