174. The Fear Of The Daimyo

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The atmosphere in Konoha has been a bit tense recently. Most of the villagers are talking about one thing: the assassination attempt on Hokage-sama.

Many people witnessed the incident that day. Even though it was suppressed by the final day of the joint Chūnin exams, it resurfaced in discussions afterward.

The villagers are eager to know how Hokage-sama will respond, especially after learning the reason behind the assassination. The revelation has left the villagers furious.

There's one main reason: the person who attempted to assassinate Hokage-sama was sent by the daimyo. This implies that the daimyo holds a negative view of Konoha and has even taken action against it, which is unacceptable to the people of Konoha.

After all, under Hokage-sama's leadership, Konoha has transformed significantly over the years.

The villagers' quality of life has improved, and Konoha has prospered visibly.

Not to mention that Hokage-sama is still young.

If he continues to serve as Hokage, it's evident that Konoha will continue to flourish.

Attempting to assassinate the Hokage is an attack on Konoha's prosperity. This threatens everyone's interests, making it easy to stir emotions.

As a result, while not an outright public outcry, it's natural for the villagers to hold a negative view of the daimyo.

Seeing this, many with ulterior motives know how to act.

"Do you really intend to take action against the daimyo?"

At Ishigami Hara's residence, Tsunade asked solemnly.

Ishigami Hara was taking a rare rest today. Tsunade had come to find him early in the morning. Clearly, the village's recent atmosphere had alerted her to something, and it was easy for her to connect it to Ishigami Hara.

"Of course, you don't think I'd stand by idly, do you?"

Ishigami Hara didn't hide it. Tsunade was his lover and one of the village's top officials. There was no need to conceal such things from her.

Tsunade frowned, clearly weighing the pros and cons.

Ishigami Hara patted her shoulder and said, "Are you worried about me? Or are you just eager to marry me?"

Tsunade blushed and punched him instinctively, but Ishigami Hara gently caught her hand, pulling her close into his embrace.

"Haha, you came early. Don't worry; I know your intentions. I said we'd get married after the joint Chūnin exams. Now, it seems we'll have to wait until the action against the daimyo is over."

He lifted her by the waist and walked into the inner room.

"But before that, we can do other things we love."

Since the last incident, Tsunade had intentionally reduced her meetings with Ishigami Hara—not for any reason other than a woman's modesty.

Although Tsunade is older than Ishigami Hara, she is still a woman after all and needs to consider many things.

Ishigami Hara, naturally, didn't rush her, but whenever they met, he would flirt with her, which made Tsunade feel both irritated and amused, just like now.

"You b*****d, it's still daytime; ya... yamete"

Tsunade's voice softened.

Ishigami Hara didn't waste words and instead provided her with some psychological reassurance.

Their relationship was unique, particularly due to the age difference. Ishigami Hara was strong in every aspect, and with his handsome appearance, he possessed a charm that could easily affect any woman, including Tsunade.

Otherwise, given Tsunade's status and reputation, she could have easily refused.

But Tsunade didn't refuse; in fact, she tacitly accepted their relationship.

Ishigami Hara would not disappoint her. If there weren't pressing matters to attend to, he would have indulged in the warmth of her companionship.

The news that Konoha was planning to take action against the daimyo spread across the ninja world in a very short time.

The spread of this information was remarkably smooth—almost suspiciously so. Konoha had made no effort to keep it confidential, deliberately spreading it instead.

As for the reason, it was largely to introduce some changes to the ninja world and to make a significant impact.

In the Fire City, the daimyo was naturally informed of this.

He felt a mixture of fear and anger, but more than anything, he was shocked and furious. The daimyo likely never anticipated that Konoha would react in such a manner.

"Damn it, damn it, damn you Konoha!!!"

In the daimyo's mansion, the daimyo angrily smashed a cup, his face flushed, his anger laced with fear.

"Damn Kazuta! Didn't he say he could assassinate that kid Ishigami Hara? How could he fail? And why was he captured alive?"

No one could answer his question, and the gathered nobles didn't know what to say.

If the daimyo were overthrown, would the Hokage spare the nobles who supported him?

The answer was obvious: no.

"Sir, we can't afford to hesitate. We must retaliate against Ishigami Hara's plan immediately. Lets cut off all financial support to Konoha right away!"

Someone retorted, "Idiot, Konoha has long since stopped relying on our financial support. What impact will it have even if we completely cut it off?"

He quickly added, "Sir, our top priority should be recruiting support as soon as possible. We can issue tasks to other ninja villages and have them send ninjas to resist Konoha's attack!"

"Yes, sir, we must act swiftly. Konoha is now openly opposing you. We can't allow them to succeed."

Someone else chimed in, "I can contact Amegakure in the Land of Rain."

"I'll reach out to Sunagakure."

"Yes, yes, I'll connect with Kumogakure—I have contacts there."

"And Kirigakure. They're in need of money; they'll fight for pay."

"Iwagakure should also be contacted. Who has connections there?"

"I do. Leave it to me."

Everyone spoke at once, and it was clear that the news from Konoha had frightened them.

None of them could believe the Hokage would actually take action against the daimyo. They initially thought it was fake news, but it had become clear this was not a rumor.

The daimyo's face trembled. He now had one thought: should he abdicate and let his son take over?

But as he glanced at the assembled nobles, he dismissed the idea. These people would surely oppose it.

"Then act quickly and get those ninjas here soon!"

Having made up his mind, the daimyo wasted no time and gave the order.

In his view, shinobi were tools to protect his safety. Whether they were from Konoha or other villages made no difference—they simply required payment.