Disclaimer: Naruto and all of its character belong to Masashi Kishimoto. I own nothing but the original characters I make.
Chapter 35: Tax
"Raikage-sama, our spy caught wind of this more than a week ago. At first it wasn't confirmed, so we stayed under the radar… but this week they officially opened a new shop," reported the Anbu.
"Shop?" asked the Raikage with a frown.
"Yes. A shop specializing in selling fuinjutsu scrolls," the Anbu explained while placing three items on the table, a Healing Scroll, a Fire Stove Scroll, and a Storage Scroll.
The Third Raikage fell silent, his sharp eyes fixed on the scrolls.
"They're selling these to the public?" he asked, his voice low.
"Yes, Raikage-sama," replied the Anbu.
"Explain to me what these scrolls do," the Raikage ordered, clearly doubtful that such things could benefit Kumogakure.
The Anbu pointing to the first scroll. "We obtained these with great difficulty. The first is a Healing Scroll. There are three levels: Level One heals external injuries such as cuts and burns. Level Two can treat even internal organ damage. And Level Three is on a whole another level… it can heal even those who are heavily wounded. The higher the level, the greater the effect."
The Raikage brows furrowed. "Are you joking with me? Would Konoha truly allow something like this to be sold freely?"
"Our spy was careful. He arranged for a Kumogakure merchant to purchase them. He dared not buy directly," the Anbu explained.
The Raikage's hand clenched into a fist. "Then acquire as many as possible. If Konoha realizes other villages are benefiting from this, they might halt the sales."
"Understood, Raikage-sama," the Anbu replied firmly.
"What about the other two scrolls?" the Raikage asked.
The Anbu picked up the smaller scroll and pressed the strange symbol inscribed on its surface. A soft glow flared, and then a steady blue flame appeared. For a moment, the Raikage thought it was some kind of Fire Style technique.
"This is an alternative to firewood," explained the Anbu.
"Firewood?" The Raikage looked at him, confused.
"Yes, Raikage-sama. This scroll is cheaper than an entire bundle of firewood. By pressing the symbol, it ignites a smokeless, hotter flame. It's extremely popular among housewives since it cooks food faster and leaves no soot. Even shinobi buy them for use during missions," the Anbu elaborated.
The Raikage let out a short grunt. "So… just a firewood replacement scroll?"
"Yes. But according to our reports, its convenience has made it widely sought after, even by ninja," the Anbu confirmed.
The Raikage leaned back in his chair, still processing the implications. "Show me the third one."
The Anbu carefully lifted the final scroll. "The third is a Storage Scroll. It can seal objects within it for easy transport."
---Labor---
Raiken, with the help of the Uchiha Police Force, managed to locate the families who were most heavily affected by the introduction of the Fire Stove Scroll.
The ones he chose to help were families who had no skills or livelihood other than selling firewood. In total, more than three hundred people were gathered and brought to the Uzumaki Workshop, where they were given new jobs to produce a modern paper. This modern paper is thinner, whiter compared to traditional japanese paper.
They no longer needed to sell firewood, because the Uzumaki had already arranged for resources. An Uchiha clansman who had married into the Uzumaki took charge of cutting branches from suitable trees to supply the workshop with material for papermaking.
Raiken made sure that they only harvested branches, never cutting down entire trees. He was careful, for he did not want the Uzumaki to be blamed by Konoha for excessive logging.
As a result, the three hundred civilians who once struggled to survive found themselves living even better than before. Working under the Uzumaki, their wages were three times higher than what they had earned selling firewood.
Overall, thanks to Raiken intervention, the complaints from the common people quickly died down. Only a few wealthy merchants and nobles continued to grumble, but ordinary civilians voiced no opposition.
---Cannot be Taxed---
Since the founding of Konoha by Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara, the village had never paid direct taxes to the Daimyo.
At that time, the Daimyo court was wary and terrified by the overwhelming power of the Senju Clan. They did not dare to force them into taxation when Konoha was established.
Konoha is akin to an army and they did not need to pay for taxes, even in modern times, the same system continued where the army would benefitted from the tax.
Merchants and civilians were obligated to pay taxes, but army were exempted. The army benefited from those collected taxes, using them to fund soldiers, weapons, and supplies.
In this timeline, the principle remained unchanged. Since the Fire Stove Scroll and Healing Scrolls were considered shinobi tools, part of the ninja arsenal, they too were exempt from taxation. Unlike charcoal, which was treated as a taxable commodity, scrolls fell under Konoha protection as weapons.
---The Daimyo Anger---
A month later, the Ministry of Finance submitted a report to the Daimyo.
"Daimyo-sama, the nobles have filed complaints. Because of the Fire Stove Scroll, they have suffered huge losses. Many can no longer afford to pay taxes or tribute to your court," said the Minister.
"What? What has truly happened?" asked the Daimyo, his eyes narrowing.
The minister explained everything on how the Uzumaki had come to Konoha, how they had opened a scroll shop, and how their Healing and Fire Stove Scrolls were spreading rapidly among the people.
"Why is this a problem?" asked Daimyo. "Surely Healing Scrolls are beneficial for the people."
"Daimyo-sama," the minister said cautiously, "even the imperial mines are now at risk of shutting down. With no demand for charcoal, revenue has collapsed. Even the mines under your direct ownership are affected."
The Daimyo slammed his hand on the armrest of his throne, his face contorting with anger. "Bring me the financial report from the imperial mines!"
The minister hurriedly handed over the documents. Daimyo skimmed through them, and the further he read, the deeper his frown grew. His face turned dark, his jaw clenching in fury.
"This cannot continue," he declared coldly. "We must stop this… or at the very least, we must ensure they pay taxes."
"Daimyo-sama, that is impossible," the minister said, bowing low. "According to the Pact of Guardianship signed with Konoha, scrolls are classified as shinobi weapons. As such, they cannot be taxed. This clause cannot be altered without renegotiation."
The Daimyo's eyes widened in disbelief. "You mean to tell me that the Uzumaki are generating immense profits… and they are not required to pay a single coin in tax?"
"Yes, Daimyo-sama," the minister confirmed nervously.
"Can we not change the content from the Pact of Guardianship?" pressed the Daimyo.
"It is… extremely difficult, but not impossible," the minister replied. "To change even a single clause, we would require agreement from three parties: the Hokage, the Senju Patriarch which is lady, and the Uchiha Patriarch."
"Then do it!" snapped Daimyo. He spoke with anger that he forgot that the currenct Senju Patriarch is Lady Mito, which her name is Uzumaki Mito.
The minister, unwilling to incur further wrath. "At once, Daimyo-sama." He quickly withdrew, already planning to send envoys to the Hokage.
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Patriarch - Clan Leader
Pact of Guardianship = Is an agreement between Konoha and Daimyo.
The only way to change the content of it by 4 people must agreed.
(Patriarch of Senju, Patriarch of Uchiha, Hokage and Daimyo)
Author Notes: To read advance chapter you can go to my patreon.
Chapter 59: Hatake Sakumo
Chapter 60: Teleportation
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